Mazda BT-50

caseyv · Member

Mazda BT-50

Baz421 · Guru

caseyv wrote:
Hi all
i am looking for a new car and the Mazda BT-50 looks very interesting
i am going to tow a 1800kg camper van i can use off track, is there anyone that use this car?
love to hear about your experience.
Casey

Hi Casey have you given up on the 5th wheeler all together.

caseyv · Member

yes i think so. i didn't like the sound of a 5th wheeler getting stuck on top of a dune. i am now looking at a Conqueror trailer EUV490 or the Commander S.

another one is a JTC-X-C15, like they say they are like a Swiss army knife they got every thing and set up time in not to bad and hopefully good enough to tow with a BT 50,the specs on this one look OK. but just like to hear from some one traveling in one and tow a van or camper trailer

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Assuming when you say Camper Van you mean Camper Trailer, the BT50 will breeze it in.

I don't have a BT50 but did test drive and research in detail approx this time last year. Nice tug for sure but I eventually decided on the Colorado.

Good luck with you decisions.

iana · Guru

Hi caseyv, We own a1214 BT50 Freestyle. It has the 5 cyl. motor 3.2lt. 4 w/drive and auto.I think it was a special build, as you could not buy a free style in auto, and that's what I got. It has no external markings what so ever to say what it is. And I had a time trying to convince RAC it was an auto. ended up having words with the head of department.
I got it as it had the biggest motor in its class. I drive 66km a day and it ticks over quite nicely. Hardly notice turbo lag, drives more like a car than a diesel. Plenty of power and go.
Some things I would change but they are minor. Havn't done any serious towing with it yet.

gandk · Senior Member

Hi Casey

My husband and I purchased our BT50 in 2013. We both love it. Its as comfortable as a car but has no problems towing. We first towed a Jayco Sterling 16.6' and didn't even know it was behind us. We now have a Goldstream off roader 16.6' (heavier) but still has no problems sitting on 100ks with no problems with hills. Ours unfortunately had the inadequate springs and we had to replace them, but I think Mazda has sorted that now( I would make sure). But yes I enjoy driving her even with a van on the back.

Kim

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Sorry to digress a little here Casey but....

....Iana, I know why it was a special build, it was built in 1214 mate smile

That must have been around the time of the Flintstones smile

chris & terry · Senior Member

Hi Casey, like Kim I also have a BT 50, run out 2014 model bough in Jan '15. It is a single cab/ chas and had to replace the rear springs almost straight of, replaced with OME.

Other than that I have installed a second fuel filter (had water in the fuel with only my third tank), good insurance and I would recommend this addition as a first investment. I have had no problems since, but I have greater peace of mind.

No other problems, tows well, more than adequate power, and is very comfortable. A happy buy so far.

Terry

caseyv · Member

Thank you all for the information, i am a little bit better prepared now

GROMET · Member

We have a 2014 4xx4 dual cab auto towing a Paramount 24' weighing close to 3 100kg iin the back two draws drop down fridge slide 80lt fuel tank two 90 amp batteries plus our other junk

Tows it with out a problem We used to tow with a 3lt Ranger but with the BT50 it feels like we lost 2000 kg of weight from the van egg on the same hill the Ranger was flat out at 55kph Mazda 85 kph

Boss N Me · Member

If the budget allows, the BT50 or Ford Ranger (almost the same thing) are great options for towing.

We pulled back on the budget a bit and went for the Isuzu DMax and are very happy. We put a Tunit Diesel Chip in it which made it even better. Just towed our 5th wheeler from Melbourne thru Sydney up to Kingscliff and back. Averaged 13L/100km and we sit around 95km/hr.

iana · Guru

Dougwe for your information. Still on topic Ha Ha

-- Edited by iana on Sunday 28th of June 2015 08:43:39 PM

caseyv · Member

Had a look at some videos of the Colorado not bad at all thank for mention it

Phil C · Guru

Hi, we got the Ford Ranger XL diesel which I am told is the BT50s little brother. We tow a 2600KG caravan with ease and at reasonable mileage (14L per 100KMs) We did look at the BT50 but decided the Ford was the same vehicle but a little cheaper, perhaps not so many bells and whistles.

Happy hunting.

Phil C · Guru

iana wrote:
Dougwe for your information. Still on topic Ha Ha

-- Edited by iana on Sunday 28th of June 2015 08:43:39 PM

Isnt that the new model collarado? I know.... naughty corner, empty fridge.. lol