I'm looking to replace our aging Ford Ranger with something newer. We live in the sticks, it's a 2nd car and will be used off road and towing duties multiple times a week.
Only criteria are that it has to have heated leather, a rear canopy and a manual box. Looking at spending around £15k for the right vehicle, ideally sub 70k miles/2017 onwards.
The short list is currently a Navara, L200 or another Ranger (in that order). Anyone willing to risk the pitchforks and share their experiences with any of them?
Also to save time... Yes, we do need a pickup. No, a van/4x4 wouldn't be a better option. I don't care if you think they're driven by whoppers. 😘
cybertruck lol
and on a more serious note,
I've had quite a few over the years, primarily for work. To be fair most of them are pretty decent at what they do, these days it comes down to which one I prefer the way of. Nissan was probably the favourite - cue stories of chassis snapping etc... Personally, I looked after mine and it looked after me.
That's good to know, we've had a load of trucks over the years but good to hear some feedback on the newer models.
Our current Ranger (2009/160k miles) has been a great work horse, had it for 7 years and put 100k on it with very few issues - I don't really want to replace it with something less reliable.
I think the older D40 Nissan was prone to snapping - sounds like the new model has sorted this... hopefully.
My mates Navarra with the 4 pot diesel has been a massive ball-ache because of short journeys screwing dpf's and EGR valves and it also had to be replaced as it went pop (cant remember the exact problem). Cant help but feel, that when it comes to specific use cases, there is a good argument to de-cat, de-dpf, de-EGR as they are otherwise not fit for "your" purpose. other than that its actually quite good.
I regularly drive a new Hilux. Its 2.8lt auto, Invincible X model. Cracking motor, loads of power, very capable off road and very civilised on road as well. A few toys in the cab, recommended.
I think the pitchforks have been put down after theartist's thread yesterday. How dare someone need that type of vehicle and enjoy using it for it's purpose!?
Still, at least you haven't suggested getting a dog...
My Son's previous company Ranger threw it's gearbox at 50k, just under 2 years old.
Luckily within warranty, fixed and a year later he got a new one (all the gizmo's, same as his old one) - he likes them.
Before anyone asks, he does need something to carry around a load of gear, but the company don't like vans - so it's either a pickup or a big estate. And pickup's are far cheaper on PAYE.
I had a Navarra for 4 years and 130 - odd thousand miles. It was faultless. It's only the previous model which had a tendency to snap, I think. A friend who is a farmer has had one for a few years and that has also been reliable. I test drove them all at the time apart from the VW and the Nissan was the most car-like.
L200 here, although ours is slightly older and leggier than ones you're considering. Comparing like-for-like it was hard (read: impossible) for us to justify the Hilux tax at the time. Drives near enough like a 'normal' car, comfy enough for some pretty long hauls, decent off road, hard not to like really.
You're looking at the sort of vehicles that are leaving our company currently.
L200 are capable and manoeuvrable with center diff and slightly shorter wheel base than the competition. Issues have been head gaskets and DPF.
Navaras are mostly getting scrapped due to having been continual money pits for all sorts. EGR is pricey. My 2016 50k one was binned off after £3k of repairs only got rid of half the dash lights and it still randomly cut out. When they work they are relatively fuel efficient and comfortable.
Rangers, generally well liked as pleasant to be in. Wheel alignment takes a few goes. Stepping away from these due to wet belt and auto box issues on newer ones.
Amaroks people hang onto, 4 motion means it engages 4wd as needed and they are pretty swift. Slightly worse wear on suspension and steering parts as well as electrical niggles.
Can't say much about Hilux of that age but they are what all the new pick ups coming in are. Don't expect to have the same issues of the above but don't have any of the highlights of them either.
Used to have Land Rover 130's, would love to still have one. Worth considering if you wanted to keep long term as they hold value.
L200 here, although ours is slightly older and leggier than ones you're considering. Comparing like-for-like it was hard (read: impossible) for us to justify the Hilux tax at the time. Drives near enough like a 'normal' car, comfy enough for some pretty long hauls, decent off road, hard not to like really.
We had a 2012 diesel model for years. Bought it at 65,000km, sold it at ~200,000km. Dealer service at fixed price. Every time I picked it up I expected something would need doing, but no. Not even brakes. Tyres were the only thing.
Biggest selling vehicle in Oz is now the Ranger. HiLux is second I think. Father-in-law has a recent model. It's ok but is much worse on fuel than anything else.
If you have LDV options there, apparently they're pretty good VFM.
I've had
'07 2.5l MK2 Ford Ranger manual - was decent
'11 2.5l Navara D400 manual - good enough to make me move onto the next one
'13 3l V6 auto D400 - great truck. Neither of the D400's snapped
Have no experience of manuals from this point onwards
'16 Ford Ranger 3.2 5cyl - the truck was ok to be in, but that engine is a dog
A Disco 4 and Disco 5 commercial - both great. Obviously not pick ups but served the same purpose for me
And now the new Ranger 3l V6 - obviously being new things have moved on, but the drive and tech are leaps and bounds ahead of what I've had in pick ups of old.
No real experience of any others, but been in a Hilux and it was nice enough. The one that stands out for me as really not liking though is the L200. The seats are akin to car seats and you feel like you're sat on the floor, rather than the commanding upright position of all the competition
you're sat on the floor, rather than the commanding upright position of all the competition
Like a transit van ? Sounds awful. Car like seating sounds good to me.
Like a transit van ?
No, nothing like a Transit 🤣
Think more Range Rover etc
Honestly, feels weird sitting so low in a big pick up
I think new Ranger and Amarok are the same vehicle just one has a round head badge and the other is oval.
I think new Ranger and Amarok are the same vehicle just one has a round head badge and the other is oval.
Same base vehicle, different interiors and exterior styling
Nissan and it's counterpart Mercedes have ceased production of their trucks
Just a note on the newer Navara's - if you intend to carry or tow any weight, they drag their arse on the floor. They put coils on (rather than leafs) for a comfier ride, but they were too soft/light. They may have stiffened them up on the very later models (or I could have just made that up) and you could also get uprated spring kits for them
3 Rangers since 2000. All did over 110k without serious issues. First one did blow a dif but that was fine after it was fixed.
the new one does have the Auto 4x4 option to select which wheels are driving. Great in slippery roads, snow and ice. As it doesn’t lock any difs. Not sure previous models had that.
HiLux always feels like you are sat low and very straight with feet’s out in front a long way. Prefer to sit more upright.
Merc always seemed a bit Chintzy inside for my taste.
I have always had the 2.5, 2.2 and now 2l biturbo. Never had the bigger engines as I don’t tow heavy stuff all the time. Comparing mpg with customers it’s about the same as the bigger engines anyway.
My Son's previous company Ranger threw it's gearbox at 50k, just under 2 years old.
My new one has a gearbox temp gauge and oil temp gauge in addition to the usual just water. The oil and gearbox take a fair bit longer to get up to temp - I try not to give it any beans until they are all nicely warmed up, hopefully this will prolong it's life
"Invincible X"
I climbed into one of these the other day in the showroom. Whilst looking at a Yaris.
The thing was a monster, not the Yaris.
I love the nutter names they have :-).
Invincible, Warrior, Barbarian, RedThunder 😉 All lame, must appeal to some.
I want a Yaris Godzilla or Honda Jazzoauraus.
😉
"Invincible X"
I love the nutter names they have :-).
Invincible, Warrior, Barbarian, RedThunder 😉 All lame, must appeal to some.
I always though they were the names of "specialist" Condoms.
"Trojan" being the main one.
Whats good? Vans.
("used off road and towing duties multiple times a week" - fair enough)
Mate of mine has a 2016 Amarok. Keeps thinking of changing it but since it never goes wrong he can't bring himself to. He had a Navara before that, the one with the snappy chassis. much prefers the VW.
Another lad at work had a newer Navara and thought it was ace. Changed it for a brand new HiLux and regrets it as he reckons the Nissan is a much nicer vehicle overall.
Based on my experience Dodge Ram Big Horn 1500 with the 5.7L Hemi engine is more fun than the Ford F150 XLT I have also driven but the F150 is more spacious.
When I was in Canada last year I had serious Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner envy on a daily basis. Oh and there was this Ram 2500 with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel, the noise that made!
UK Trucks? They all seem a bit small to me...
I think I need to have a lie down...
Cheers for all the replies, some genuinely useful feedback. I'm keen on a Navara, Mrs FTS the L200 and still unsure on the reliability of the Ranger. Will go find some to test drive over the weekend.
Key 2 takeaways:
1. A Unimog has been suggested and vetoed. 😭
2. I really want a Honda Jazzasaurus.
Nephew is selling my old 63 plate Ranger with 140k (Limited Spec) 2.2Tdi, no wet belt or DPF issues. Water pump recently done.
My GF has a Merc X-Class. Generally regarded by reviewers as a Navara with a three pointed star slapped on it. In reality Mercedes did do some worthwhile tweaks to it including improving the rear multi-link suspension with progressive rate springs and such along with widening the track. The suspension seems very well behaved loaded or empty although it’s never been loaded up to capacity.
At the time the then current Navara’s still had drum brakes in the back whereas the Merc had discs all round.
I think Nissan took onboard some of these changes onboard and there was a revision ~2020
The Merc is quite a nice place to be in and comfy although could do with better storage/ drink holders.
it’s got plenty of tech too like 360 degree cameras, LiDAR , autonomous braking etc.
Merc had a dip in the parts bin and you get an interior reminiscent of the car range but with utilitarian wipe clean hard plastic in places. Seats are nice, electric 8 way adjustable - heated. It has an electric sliding rear cab window too which you don’t see on many other trucks.
it’s due to be replaced sometime this year but she’s said she’d actually quite like to keep it.
I'm curious why no auto?
Given the general direction that vehicle transmissions are heading in this seems to be a potential limiting factor.
I can't comment on the vehicles but with modern autos there aren't really many drawbacks.
I'm curious why no auto?
I'd be hard pushed to ever want a manual ever again after years of driving autos. Maybe a purist sports car, but that's it.
In other news pick ups have always felt like pick ups inside, however much effort they've made with the interior. The game has been upped recently.
One of my other vehicles is a Discovery 5. List price for the spec is circa £90k (I paid nothing like that second hand). The Ranger I've just got isn't quite as premium, but it's not that far off and pretty much as much of a nice place to sit. Apart from the usual crashy ride (that's also improved from trucks of old though), you wouldn't know you weren't in a top end SUV
Re: auto boxes though. The 10sp in the Ranger isn't the best auto box I've had by a mile tbh
I was at 4x4 driver training on Friday in a Hilux. I’ve driven defenders off road for years, this was the first time I’ve been trained on the Hilux. It was outstanding and far superior in nearly every respect when off-road
The trainer does it full time, is leading within BORDA and knows his stuff.
He drives a L200 and also has a Grenadier, but only because they practically gave it to him with a deal he couldn’t refuse. He is strong advocate for ability of pickups, especially the L200 and Hilux. He also says that autos are better choice for off road in all circumstances.
He has sold his defender and is very much enjoying all of the extra time he has at weekends from not having to work on the vehicle.
Auto vs manual...
The truck is mainly for MrsFTS - she likes a manual box for towing, I don't get why but that's what she wants and she's far better at towing and will drive it more than myself so, manual it is.
My 335d is the 1st car I've had with an auto box/flappy paddles, I like it for a daily driver but do prefer a good manual if theres the option.
Update: Put a deposit on a tidy, low miles Navara. Good spec, everything we need plus a few nice extras we didn't. Never had a tow bar fitted so that's the 1st job after we pick it up.
Anyone want to buy a slightly leggy but super reliable Ford Ranger?
Thanks for the help - hope it's a good one. 🤞
Update: Put a deposit on a tidy, low miles Navara. Good spec, everything we need plus a few nice extras we didn't. Never had a tow bar fitted so that's the 1st job after we pick it up.
Anyone want to buy a slightly leggy but super reliable Ford Ranger?
Thanks for the help - hope it's a good one. 🤞
I'd be interested in that Ranger - could do with a load lugger... (seriously, PM me details please 🙂 )
