Ford Ranger any experience?

[XJSJohn]

I am looking at getting a new truck and am really liking the new Ford Rangers, does anyone run one and what are they like to live with??

Also is the 2.2l engine OK or should I be looking at the extra dosh for the 3.2l?

Alternatively the Mazda BT50 is essentially the same but is there any reason to take one over the other (cosmetic appearance aside)

Hi-Lux, Navara and D-Max are out as the interiors are so dated and agricultural!

[powerstroke]

Transit engine!!! I think I will stick with my agricultural
Hilux maybe worth looking at the V Dub ??? I looked at the ranger seats were horrid somehow otherwise the truck was quite nice , think it depends what you're looking for mine is a work truck and I wanted something that would take a bit of hammer and after a year of mostly road use some towing and a little off road nothing has come loose rattled or needed attention ...

[XJSJohn]

I would have liked the VDub but am in Thailand and as they are not assembled here are prohibitively expensive.

Its going to be more of a daily driver / commuter than a European style puckup workhorse, its just that they are the most suitable vehicles for Thailand roads!

Is the Transit engine bad? I thought that it was supposed to be a strong unit, but I guess that's why I asked!

[skyrover]

Go for the 3.2, ford use it in a huge amount of vehicles globally and is an excellent engine.

It will also provide a much more pleasant driving experience if you do any towing.

2.2 will give better fuel economy, but that's it's only advantage.

Edited by skyrover on Sunday 8th June 08:16

[XJSJohn]

skyrover said:

2.2 will give better fuel economy, but that's it's only advantage.

Edited by skyrover on Sunday 8th June 08:16

at around 50p/litre economy is not one of my bigger concerns ... no plans to drag any sheds, but you never know and anything that improves highway performance is great!

looks like a bit more dosh on the never never ....