I am looking for some feedback on the Ford Ranger or the Isuzu D-max both space cabs, as a tug, I have herd the Isuzu is a bit sluggish but will go for ever and the ranger has some issues around getting stuck in four wheel drive but this is not indicated on the instrument panel. I will not be looking at a new vehicle but from about 2009. Can I put air bags on these vehicles, I have them on my ute and they re great, improve the ride and handy when I tow the camper to raise the rear end.
Thanks in advance
Martin
-- Edited by Martin_QLD on Friday 3rd of March 2017 07:58:54 AM
Hi Martin
I have a 2012 Isuzu D-max, single cab and love it. Not at all sluggish, I was thinking of putting a 3 inch exhaust on and a chip but after a couple of trips away with my 17' van attached decided it would be a waste of money. Returned about 10 to the 100. I'm sure you could but air bags on but maybe you should hook up your camper and go for run to see if it is needed. Mate of mine tows a 24' van loaded to the hilt. His 2011 D-max does it easy and he can see no reason to put air bags on.
There will be many who will vouch for the Ford Ranger even though they have some issues but research on the D-max will turn up very few problems or issues. They are so popular with their owners that is hard to find second hand units.
A lot of the parts, including engine and transm, running gear come from same trucks.
The Fords, Like Toyota an Amarok.
Ar car designed. By CAR Mfg's. Plenty of Comfort, Flash, etc.
But the D'max are detuned Truck running gear.
Basic inside. But don't stop...
RELIABILITY..
Them and THAT series MAZDA. would be the pick in my eyes.
I have a 2010 D-Max. with chip, snorkel and 3 in exh.
Mate has same yr Mazda. std.
Runs rings round me. and been just as reliable.
With more interior comfort\size.
Look at either of those.
Remember that yr Ford has the 4. NOT 5 cyl engine\Transm.
BUT.
No matter which you get.
Buy NONE. without full service history from new.
I've always run my cars from new with full synthetic oils.
and can show you every rec't for EVERYTHING I've ever put into my cars for last 50 yrs.
First looker always buy my cars with no quibbling.
The last Patrol buyer said you not asking enough.
What's your acc't no.
I even keep record of wiper blade and windscreen changes. Tyre rotations
LOOK for one of those. Full History.
they worth the wait...
If you get a good Ford. It'll be a good car.
but Isuzu more so every time.
Enjoy the looking.
Mine came from a Brisbane council 3 yrs 3 months old.
Plumbing Managers wheels.Still had plastic on rear seats.
really was AS new, inside and out. with 67k on clock. Dual cab. Canopy on tray.
retail was $41 k. I paid $23.5k. Well worth the plane flight\taxi fare from a dealer.
12 mth wty.
They are around. DEALERS normally carry that stock after fleet trade in.
You may have just missed the latest one.
If near Brissie. Check with Q. Ford.
The basic models are the same under bonnet. Buyers looking for more upmarket models
normally.
Another vote for the Dmax, have had two a 2009 and now a 2012(new shape) nil issues. Be aware that a 3.0 Ltr 2009 Ranger is a lot different to the current model 3.2 Ltr Ranger.
There is precious little in acceleration time to 100kmph between them and in fact the Dmax is a tad quicker in the older models.
The current crop of 4x4 dual cab utes are pretty much similar to each other, pick a brand & be loyal to it because you've forked out your hard earned cash for it.
They seem to be leap frogging each other with added features to impress prospective buyers. Ho hum.
__________________
Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
If I was looking at a 3 to 5 year old tug I most likely would go the D max a new tug we have just ordered a ranger as it crossed all the T's for us. Cheers
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Our Rig
VAN December 2019 Goldstar 21ft
TUG 2017 Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Life Was Ment To Be Easy If You Have The Ability To Adapt
Unfortunately. a lot of my family work on the mines still. Mainly QLD.
The wksps aren't giving good reports on the new Rangers.
Lots of hard plastic. and Typical Ford. (as much as I hate to say it)
They like the old Triumph and Ducati Motorbikes.
Leave a trail of bits behind them on site. (Bikes mark their paces with oil hey)
Remember Trumpy's and their oil trails and Dukes with their own tool boxes behind them?
Ahhhh the old days and my Guzzi 600 Yessssss.
Sweet as.
But for touring distances.
NOTHING beats a Suzi 4 stroke 600ish Dirt bike, or similar.
Upright, loooong soft travel and handle like a witch.
Guzzi sump stuck out under and in front of the donk\frame.
Ugh if you hit anything high and hard.
The old DAKARS (I had 2) Ride for 11hrs at 130ish and get up out of your arm chair.
They were that good.
130\132km was their tick over speed in top. with a slight change in sprockets.
Ran on fresh air.
