New Ford Ranger

[H2ODunc]

We have the annual or I should say Tri annual festival in town at the moment. Lots of market stalls and lots of good food to be had. It gives me a chance to stock up on the cheap shades as well. Took her indoors down last night and whilst she was trying on more shoes I slipped over to the Ford stall they had set up. They has the new Ranger there. Very impressed. I am looking to get rid of the Sport rider and was looking at the Vigo but now seriously thinking of one of these. the inside is fitted out much better and it has a 2.2 VG turbo motor. The 4 door double cab which is the one I would go for is 799,000 it is also for me anyway a better looking motor. Going back today to organise a test drive and see if it drives as good as it looks.
Does anybody here have one ?
Any feed back ?
Cheers dunc

[ken.p]

Hi Dunc
I’m interested in how your test drive went, I shall soon be in the market for something similar. Have tried the Isuzu also the Toyota, I found them both good Toyota less engine noise in cab. still unsure so any feedback would be great.

Ken

[H2ODunc]

I am going today Ken so will let you know how it goes.

[Babylon]

The chatter on the internet is that this is a very good pick up and a bit of a game changer, but in LOS will it be enough to convince people out of their Toyotas and Izuzus? And therefore hold value in the second hand market? Who knows. I have not driven one and would be happy to hear your comparison.

Of course if you were planning to keep it long term this is less of a consideration.

[H2ODunc]

Right. Some background info. I have a Toyota Sport rider 3.0 Turbo diesel automatic. I like this a lot. Comfortable, seven seats and a good 4X4 system. it also has the overdrive and sports mode for the gearbox.
I am thinking of moving up to Issan to start the house build soon so looking for a pick up. I have driven my friends new manual Hilux Vigo but saw the new ford Ranger the other day and liked the look of it. I chose to test drive the auto as unless I am driving a sporty car I love the one foot, one hand driving the auto,s give you and as I am never in any rush to get anywhere in Thailand so the auto for me is the best.
I much prefer the layout of the ford to the Toyota.Everything is well to hand and the switches are well placed and give that reassuring clunk when used if you know what I mean.
The steering is light yet positive and it drives more like a well built car than a pick up. The model I drove was the 4 door 2 wheel drive though would probably opt for the 4X4. Plenty of room in the back even with the seat right back for me.
The six speed auto box was faultless and also like the sport rider comes with a sports mode which kicks down quicker and holds the gears that little longer but in normal mode it drove fantastic.
For me it beats the Toyota hands down in all respects. Back in the UK I was a long time Ford car lover, especially the RS versions of their brand. The only thing that I will have to check on Is the back up and service. Toyota are probably the biggest dealers in Thailand so have the best back up but if i can be assured I can get the thing serviced throughout Thailand etc then it is the ford for me every time.
I just have to convince Err indoors that we get the Ranger over the Vigo as she is typically Thai when it comes to pick ups and the ranger has no face value evidently.
I'm starting on the softening tonight with a slap up all you can eat 99 baht BBQ

[PeteC]

Here's an article about Ford, Thailand. They are going to open 30 new dealerships this year, among other things. Pete

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busines ... 75364.html

PS: As you'll read, the Ranger has bookings of over 7,000 units already. There may be a wait.

[H2ODunc]

Cheers Pete if that is the case then it will be the ford for me. best get the order in quickly then. just err in doors toy sort. maybe as well as the all you can eat 99 baht BBQ I can throw in a few Baccardi Breezers as well

[Takiap]

Dunc, I think you'll find most Thais go for Toyota and Isuzu because both have a reputation of being virtually indestructible, and both seem to hold their value more, especially Toyota. I know in South Africa, most farmers also mostly go for these two makes, believing them to be good work horses.


I used to like Ford, but now I would rather go for an Isuzu, or else a Toyota. In my opinion, Ford seemed to be making rather poor quality cars for a number of years, but of course things do change. We are actually thinking of getting a pick up, but while I want the Isuzu, Mrs Takiap wants to buy a Vigo instead, and considering she's the one who'll be paying for it, I'm not really in a position to argue....lol.

[H2ODunc]

The build quality of the Ford is second to none and i would say better than the Toyota. the engine is a great engine and the six speed auto box is a delight. I know where you are coming from with the Thai,s going for the Vigo as the Missus is the same. Having a ranger doesn't carry the same face value as having the Vigo. I still will go for the ranger though it is a good job there is a waiting list as it is going to take me that long to talk / bribe the missus to come round to my way of thinking.

[usual suspect]

At the moment I'm driving an '05 Ranger, I must say after hiring Toyotas, & Nissans a few times last year this 6 yr old bus drives real well, and is up there with them comfort-wise.. and on a trip to Issan (with just 1 stop) I get there without feeling achey & tired....so a NEW Ranger must be even better..??
I got my Ranger stuck the other day while checking our sugar-cane crops..4x4 would be the answer if I was up there more. (rear diff spun way to easily for my liking..
The older models like mine were plagued with weak clutches..but I think Ford have sorted this now../
Such is the demand/interest in the new Ranger having many,many gizmos/extras as standard that I've heard Toyota will match this spec on their models for free now..not as optional extras...worth knowing if you are about to buy a Vigo with extra goodies included..??

[Nereus]

Here is a good road test done in Oz with the new Ranger. But what is the connection with the Mazda BT 50? Is it the same base unit, as the Ford?

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/52543/ ... ual-review

http://www.mazda.com.au/Vehicles/BT%2050.aspx#/home

[usual suspect]

As far as I know..yes, Ford and Mazda are still producing the same product when it comes to pick-ups out of their Rayong factory-alliance.
That Aussie road test gave the Ranger a rather good bill-of-health.
Just seen a new Ranger in HH..it was in that bright (F**k-o**) red colour..it was the best looking truck I've seen in a while..the Thais were giving it a second look too..