2014 ranger 4wd

[AAXR8]

Hi, I am looking to buy a 2014 Ford Ranger. I think they are a nice 4wd &
If any one owns a 2014 model, Could any one give me the Pros & Cons. I found out today that they are made in Thailand and that the Mazda 4wd I think the BT50 is exactly the same. Same Chassis, Motor the only thing that is different was the Front and Back bumper bars! And different Spring Ratings but they are the same car just with different Badges. I thought Ford made there OWN Cars & 4wd's. So hearing that news can any one please tell me what they are like?? Towing a Caravan and all round Suspension is what I mainly want it for plus comfort. Any Information would be Fantastic!!
Also the problems! What mainly goes wrong! And how long have these two major Company's join forces?
Thanks Guys

[BLOHSV]

Originally Posted by AAXR8

Hi, I am looking to buy a 2014 Ford Ranger. I think they are a nice 4wd &
If any one owns a 2014 model, Could any one give me the Pros & Cons. I found out today that they are made in Thailand and that the Mazda 4wd I think the BT50 is exactly the same. Same Chassis, Motor the only thing that is different was the Front and Back bumper bars! And different Spring Ratings but they are the same car just with different Badges. I thought Ford made there OWN Cars & 4wd's. So hearing that news can any one please tell me what they are like?? Towing a Caravan and all round Suspension is what I mainly want it for plus comfort. Any Information would be Fantastic!!
Also the problems! What mainly goes wrong! And how long have these two major Company's join forces?
Thanks Guys

I own one and they are a great 4x4 it doesn't feel like your driving a truck it feels like a passenger car and plenty of grunt too
Only downside is battery goes flat as I rarely drive it after 2 weeks battery is dead but apart from that it's a great unit

[AAXR8]

That's a Beautiful 4x4! So is that the XLS Model? So what comes with that car? Obviously those rims must be Custom, They look Amazing! Now I will ask you a question, Did you know that Ranger is Exactly the same as the Mazda BT50 when you bought it? Same motor, Chassis etc?
But is there Any thing you would change if you had the chance?
Does it bounce around on a rough road or don't even feel it because there is a difference in the Springs from the Mazda & I am just curious if you can feel the road as a Smoother ride or not because I will tell you the better one's if you like! As I said and I am still in shock that Ford and Mazda are made together in the same plant in Thailand.
Thanks for your help!! BLOHSV

[BLOHSV]

Originally Posted by AAXR8

That's a Beautiful 4x4! So is that the XLS Model? So what comes with that car? Obviously those rims must be Custom, They look Amazing! Now I will ask you a question, Did you know that Ranger is Exactly the same as the Mazda BT50 when you bought it? Same motor, Chassis etc?
But is there Any thing you would change if you had the chance?
Does it bounce around on a rough road or don't even feel it because there is a difference in the Springs from the Mazda & I am just curious if you can feel the road as a Smoother ride or not because I will tell you the better one's if you like! As I said and I am still in shock that Ford and Mazda are made together in the same plant in Thailand.
Thanks for your help!! BLOHSV

Thanks mate mine is the XLT model it's a very smooth ride even on rough road I do realise it has the same chassis and running gear as the BT50 I went with the ford because I simply don't like the look of the BT50

[AAXR8]

Originally Posted by BLOHSV

Thanks mate mine is the XLT model it's a very smooth ride even on rough road I do realise it has the same chassis and running gear as the BT50 I went with the ford because I simply don't like the look of the BT50

Thanks, I'm the same i love the look at the ford! After seeing the BT50 for the first on the photo below. As I said my father said to look at the Ranger first in the 4wd's because of there Towing benefits etc because he has a Dual Cab 2006 Hilux and is not happy! Hilux have a good name & your right about the back seat. He said with the Grand kids they get restless because it must be uncomfortable after a long trip. Luckily I was in the front and they just felt like more of a Work 4wd then a Highway Cruiser ( MY OPINION ONLY) The main reason is you can't tow over 2 tone with the Hilux and when you have a van to pull he said your better off with more towing rate etc He is also buying a Ranger Also.
I don't want to take up anyone's time but I am asking everyone these questions because sometimes a dealer needs to clear stock. But I love the look of the XLT The Ford dealer told me to get the XLS, do you know what the difference is? Do all the models have the same motor?
I live in the Country and the 2014 XLS was $46,999 Drive away, But I think it was $4000 extra for the Tub not the Tray, but there was other extra's but I can't remember Because it was the first time speaking to any one about it, you don't know everything to ask & that's why the Ford Forums are Great because you can make sure you avoid any problems that you get by asking everyone that's had the experience with buying one. I didn't get a price on the XLT but I will now.

[turbo4]

Originally Posted by AAXR8

As I said and I am still in shock that Ford and Mazda are made together in the same plant in Thailand.

Ford owns a percentage of Mazda (13% I think, was a controlling share of over 30% before GFC I believe) and that Ford and Mazda have shared vehicles and platforms for years, though to a lesser extent now.
On that subject, many car companies share development and platforms these days to reduce costs.

[wranger]

Great to drive for a ute, handles better than a fair few cars that I've driven. Manual 3.2 takes off very quickly for a 4wd, quicker to 60 or 70 than quite a few reasonably sporty sedans.

If you're looking now I'd give it a few months so the details for next years major update are released. Big interior changes, new front and probably a fair few mechanical changes.

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by AAXR8

Hi, I am looking to buy a 2014 Ford Ranger. I think they are a nice 4wd &
If any one owns a 2014 model, Could any one give me the Pros & Cons. I found out today that they are made in Thailand and that the Mazda 4wd I think the BT50 is exactly the same. Same Chassis, Motor the only thing that is different was the Front and Back bumper bars! And different Spring Ratings but they are the same car just with different Badges. I thought Ford made there OWN Cars & 4wd's. So hearing that news can any one please tell me what they are like?? Towing a Caravan and all round Suspension is what I mainly want it for plus comfort. Any Information would be Fantastic!!
Also the problems! What mainly goes wrong! And how long have these two major Company's join forces?
Thanks Guys

The Ranger is 100% a Ford product.

Mazda have played a less extensive part in its development and have piggy backed off the Ford program to derive the BT50.

BT50 also has different fenders, hood, etc also.

BLOHSV your Ranger looks the goods, I love the color and Rims !!!!

[BFXR8]

My father has the wildtrack fantastic car very smooth and nice to drive he went for the auto as it seem to suit the car better then the manual but that's a personal thing. Good power it handles well doesn't roll much around corners but on some bumps you can feel the rear stiffness a little but you need to remember that it is still a ute designed to carry loads . A good mate of mine had a hilux until I gave him a drive of the wildtrack he loved it that much he went out and got one for him self . I think my next car will either be the new fh if I like it life otherwise ill be getting a ranger myself .

[CyberWasp]

What size wheels and tyres best suit the Ranger to fill out the guards without rubbing and sticking out?

[BLOHSV]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

What size wheels and tyres best suit the Ranger to fill out the guards without rubbing and sticking out?

I'm running 265/70/17 instead of the standard 265/65/17

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by AAXR8

Hi, I am looking to buy a 2014 Ford Ranger. I think they are a nice 4wd &
If any one owns a 2014 model, Could any one give me the Pros & Cons. I found out today that they are made in Thailand and that the Mazda 4wd I think the BT50 is exactly the same. Same Chassis, Motor the only thing that is different was the Front and Back bumper bars! And different Spring Ratings but they are the same car just with different Badges. I thought Ford made there OWN Cars & 4wd's. So hearing that news can any one please tell me what they are like?? Towing a Caravan and all round Suspension is what I mainly want it for plus comfort. Any Information would be Fantastic!!
Also the problems! What mainly goes wrong! And how long have these two major Company's join forces?
Thanks Guys

Ford Australia developed the PX Ranger from scratch. Not Mazda, not Ford in America or anywhere else, Ford Australia. And they are now working on the Ranger facelift and the wagon/SUV spinoff of it.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Ford Australia developed the PX Ranger from scratch. Not Mazda, not Ford in America or anywhere else, Ford Australia. And they are now working on the Ranger facelift and the wagon/SUV spinoff of it.

I think it was a joint effort to some degree.
Something like Mazda did the chassis and the electrics?

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

I think it was a joint effort to some degree.
Something like Mazda did the chassis and the electrics?

I don't believe mazda did anything but customise it to suit them this time around.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by AAXR8

Hi, I am looking to buy a 2014 Ford Ranger. I think they are a nice 4wd &
If any one owns a 2014 model, Could any one give me the Pros & Cons. I found out today that they are made in Thailand and that the Mazda 4wd I think the BT50 is exactly the same. Same Chassis, Motor the only thing that is different was the Front and Back bumper bars! And different Spring Ratings but they are the same car just with different Badges. I thought Ford made there OWN Cars & 4wd's. So hearing that news can any one please tell me what they are like?? Towing a Caravan and all round Suspension is what I mainly want it for plus comfort. Any Information would be Fantastic!!
Also the problems! What mainly goes wrong! And how long have these two major Company's join forces?
Thanks Guys

I have the 4x2 Hi Rider 3.2 litre Auto, a great tug that can tow the big vans with ease & drives smooth like a car.
Now get off your but & go test drive one for your self.

PS: The Ranger looks tough compared to that sissy Mazda version.

[CyberWasp]

The bigger wheels look sweet.

What sort of prices can you get an XLT Dual cab for nowadays new from a dealer?
Is Carsales representative of what to expect or can you get better prices seeing there are so many other cheapr brands around?

[mac_man_luke]

285/70R17 (aka 33") fit nicely, even with stock suspension.

[DoreSlamR]

The ranger is great but do shop around, the Amarok is a good capable 4x4 too.

[Golioth]

Had my Ranger for 6 months now with no probs. As you can see I got it to tow my Sea Ray, more so than 4x4ing. Besides my bias I went for the Ranger because it had plenty of room in back seat for kids (looked at Navara and even Hilux back seat was a bench), so comfort is great when combined with smooth drive. The boat, trailer, fuel and gear comes in at approx. 2700kg and the Ranger has no probs pulling and stopping! Only hassle I had was that the tow connection did not like LED lights on the trailer. IMO don't hesitate, buy it!

[CyberWasp]

How do the 285/70R17 go as far as rubbing on the inner guards?
Do they stick out on the sides? Have you got any photos from other angles.

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

How do the 285/70R17 go as far as rubbing on the inner guards?
Do they stick out on the sides? Have you got any photos from other angles.

Stock height they scrubbed slightly on full lock, full compression on the inner plastics but nothing major. After lift no issues.

Mine hang out about 20mm but thats because they are on +20 offset wheels.

Stick closer to stock (+55) and no less than +35 and they will be in the guards.

Ill see if i can find some more photos.

[RANGEREST]

A bit more than bumpers, but you're on the right track
Tailgate,tub,doors,guards,bonnet,grille.
Apparently Mazda have changed to the Ford spec springs and shocks too

[mik]

I wouldnt mind one of these, they aren't a bad looking jigger, also I have seen some blokes giving them the sausage off from the lights and they go alright.

[Squalo]

The five cylinder diesel sounds amazing with a good high flow cat and low restriction muffler.

Just about all of the main dual cab utes are built in Thailand these days.

The Amarok is a good thing but it is substantially larger than all of the other dual cabs - it's bigger than a GU (Y61) Patrol...

[mac_man_luke]

Originally Posted by Squalo

The five cylinder diesel sounds amazing with a good high flow cat and low restriction muffler.

Or a straight pipe

[richo77]

When is the revised model coming out?

[dragons90]

there is a 2.2 turbo diesel avoid that like the plague.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by dragons90

there is a 2.2 turbo diesel avoid that like the plague.

I havnt heard any issues regarding the 2.2?
The 3.2 on the other hand...

[dragons90]

The problem with it is it's slow really slow it was a auto I drove so that May have been the problem.

[simon varley]

Originally Posted by dragons90

The problem with it is it's slow really slow it was a auto I drove so that May have been the problem.

unladen the 2.2 has ample power and torque. It does struggle a little fully laden and highway towing at GTM means you have to shift down on inclines. The auto does have reported pullaway issues but the finger is pointing to the torque converter lockup as the culprit not the engine. Later models should have this improved.