Are Used Ford Rangers Reliable?

The Ford Ranger is a popular pick-up truck that has been around since 1983. It has become one of the most popular vehicles in Australia thanks to its ruggedness and powerful engine options. The Ranger is available as both a two- or four-door model, depending on the year you are looking at.

Ford Rangers in the Australian Market

Ford brought out its first T6-based Ranger in 2011, designed and produced by the company's Australian branch. This mid-size pickup truck was well received, and as a result, the North American-market Ranger was discontinued, leaving the T6 platform-based Ranger as the only version available worldwide.

The Ford Ranger also became the top choice among new car buyers in Australia in the third quarter of 2022 as the popularity of light commercial vehicles continued to soar, accounting for a massive 80% of all recent car sales. Despite worries about rising fuel costs, Australians remain drawn to the versatility and practicality of these vehicles, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' monthly VFACTS report.

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Reliability of Ford Rangers

Ford Rangers have a reputation for being reliable vehicles. In fact, according to several studies, the Ford Ranger is one of the most reliable cars on the market in terms of long-term ownership costs. The average cost to keep a Ford Ranger running over its lifetime is significantly lower than that of other popular pickups, such as the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara.

Owners have expressed pleasant surprise at the lack of significant mechanical issues they experience with their Rangers. The vehicle's exceptional reliability is due to a few factors:

• Ford's use of high-quality parts throughout the vehicle 
• Proper maintenance and regular servicing
• The advanced electronics found in newer models, which help prevent breakdowns and other mechanical issues before they occur.

Check Out The Ford Ranger vs Toyota Hilux Comparison

Common Reported Problems

Despite the Ranger’s reliability, some owners do experience issues. The most frequently reported problems include: 

• Leaking oil due to a faulty gasket or worn valve cover seal 
• Issues with the vehicle’s electrical system, such as short circuits or malfunctioning sensors 
• Excessive noise from the engine when accelerating or decelerating 
• Issues related to the transmission and its components, such as slipping clutches and overdrive solenoids that may need to be replaced periodically  
• Fuel injection problems, leading to poor performance (hesitation and stalling)

Read The Full Review Of The Ford Ranger

Final Thoughts on Ford Rangers

The Ford Ranger offers reliable performance and good fuel economy, making it an excellent option for those who need a dependable vehicle at an affordable price. If you are looking to buy a used Ford Ranger, your best bet may be to look for one from 2011 or later, as these models have been well-received by owners and tend to provide fewer mechanical issues than earlier generations.

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