Mazda BT 50

Hi Sarah,

I have a ford courier last of before they became ranger,bog standard
canopy-home made,set of roller draws,water tank from cvan,and fuel cell 60lts.

Small fuel tank is the only bug bear.

Done many trips in the time i have had it,the only problem i have come across is
ground hight,so I have to take time and plan boggy sections,due to the independent front suspension.

Have no problems keeping up with the nisans toyotas etc.

Cheers
Ann

Hi Sarah,
I do not own a BT50,but i travel with friends that do.We travel through the goldfields
unsealed roads and bush tracks.The BT50 handles everything realy well.Our friends
have a canopy on there Mazda and it seals realy well.They have two engels and all there gear in it and are very happy with the set up.As with all these type of vechiles
they would like to have had a bigger fuel tank.They have been all over Australia with it and have never regreted their decision.I hope this helps a bit.

G'Day Sarah
I've got a 2008 Ranger (same car re badged)
Cab Chassis with a canopy.
Mine has given me very little trouble in the 2 1/2 years
I've had it.I upgraded the suspension in the rear to
help with the weight it carries
I did a a universal joint go about 4 months ago.
It's done quite a few km's off road out back and gold fields
I think you would be happy if you bought a BT/50
Norm

Gidday

I am another happy Ford Ranger owner. Ute is used as a daily driver and weekend traveller and does the job well. Rides better with a load of camping gear in the back and is as comfortable as any leaf sprung ute can be. Not as well equipped as some of its rivals as it is older basic design but that comes with price advantage. Fuel use around 8.5l/100km, only time it has been in the 9s was when i was running late and travelling a bit above the speed limit.

The Ranger/BT50 will be replaced by new larger models in a few months which means you can wait for the new better one or get a really good deal on the run out. I have read that the new BT50 will be more aimed at the recreation market rather than work horse buyers and will have a bit more bling and maybe only a petrol motor at first.

Cheers

Rocco

Had my Ranger since 2008 and clocked up 70,000K's so far touring WA.
Did the clutch in at 40K ( This seem's to be the only major fault)
Full fitted out and still get a 10.8-11.5 L/100k's per tank (Long range Ironman)
normally put 105/108 L in when the fuel light comes on.
Pic of the Ranger
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/gg316/4_MILLSYs/RANGER/

Cheers
Millsy

Hi Sarah,

I have a 2007 Mazda BT50 freestyle setup as a touring vehicle. We have a tray-top camper (Trayon) on the back when on the road.

The BT50 is very similar to the other extra/dual cab offerings (Hilux, Navara, Triton, etc). We have found the fold-out doors really great for back access, the BT has a great engine/gearbox combination which was also a selling point over the others. It is competitvely priced as well, and there are many aftermarket products available to improve its capabiliites.

Our BT50 has travelled the canning stock route, kimberley region, Victorian high country, and various non-4WD areas such as Kangaroo Island. The few issues we have had were promptly deal with by Mazda, however the main problems I have experienced has been with aftermarket gear (ARB fuel tank, diff lock, compressor) which ARB have been very dissappointing.

After previously owning a Hilux for 15 years, I was keen to get another Hilux. But I couldn't justify the $10,000 extra and the lack of features even at that premium price. In short, have been happy with the BT50. Would I buy another - yes I would (but want to get many more years out of the current one!).

Good luck with your deliberations.

Cheers, Geoff

hi oz tours
you might find these threads of interest
81247 // 82063 // 80381
not trying to be negative but some owners have had quiet a bit of trouble just be aware
cheers barry