Before Buying Used Ford Ranger

Before Buying Used Ford Ranger 

The Ford Ranger has officially dethroned the Toyota HiLux as Australia’s best-selling vehicle. Whether it's the school run or a remote outback trek, the "Next-Gen" (RA) and the previous "PX" models are the most searched utes on the second-hand market.

At Auto Buyers Guide, we know that when you buy used Ford Ranger, you are making a massive investment. While these utes are built "Ford Tough," they aren't without their quirks. Before you sign a contract, you need to know if you are buying a reliable workhorse or a vehicle with hidden mechanical baggage.

A Short History of the Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger name has been around for decades, but the version that changed the game in Australia arrived in 2011—the Australian-designed PX Ranger. It was wider, taller, and more "car-like" than any ute before it.

The PX series saw two major facelifts: the PXII (2015), which introduced electric power steering and the "tough" F-150 style front end, and the PXIII (2018), which brought the 2.0L Bi-Turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic. Finally, the Next-Gen Ranger (RA) launched in 2022, introducing the high-tech V6 diesel and a massive vertical touchscreen, cementing the Ranger as the most advanced ute in its class.

Buying Used: Ford Ranger – Quick Checklist

 Don't get blinded by a shiny bullbar and all-terrain tyres. Use this Auto Buyers Guide checklist on your test drive:

• [ ] Service History (Non-Negotiable): Modern Ranger engines (especially the 2.0L Bi-Turbo and 3.0L V6) are extremely sensitive to oil quality. A single missed service is a major red flag.
• [ ] Transmission "Hunting": On the 10-speed automatic models, feel for "shunting" or "clunking" between 1st and 3rd gear when the engine is cold.
• [ ] The "Red Dust" Test: Look behind the glovebox and under the chassis for fine red dust. This indicates the car has spent significant time in the Outback, which accelerates wear on all bushings.
• [ ] Tow Bar Wear: Check the paint inside the hitch. If it's worn down to the bare metal, the vehicle has done heavy towing, which puts extra stress on the cooling system.
• [ ] Tailgate Operation: On Next-Gen (2022+) models, check that the damped tailgate drops smoothly and doesn't "crash" down.

Ford Ranger - Overview of Updates, Engines and Equipment

Understanding Ford Ranger problems by year starts with knowing which engine and transmission combination you are looking at:

Are Ford Rangers Reliable?

One of the most frequent questions we get is: are Ford Rangers reliable? The short answer is: Yes, but they are maintenance-intensive. Unlike an old-school diesel that could handle a bit of neglect, the Ranger is a highly sophisticated piece of machinery. The 3.2L 5-Cylinder is generally bulletproof if you avoid the "oil pump priming" issue during services. The 2.0L Bi-Turbo has proven its reliability over millions of kilometers, provided you don't skip the fuel filter changes. If you are buying a 2024/2025 V6 model, ensure the Camshaft Sprocket Recall has been performed by a Ford dealer.

Is the Ford Ranger a Good Choice for Families?

For the typical Australian family, the Ranger has replaced the Holden Commodore as the "National Car."

• Safety: It holds a 5-star ANCAP rating with one of the best Lane Keeping Assist systems in the segment.
• Rear Space: The dual-cab offers enough room for two child seats and a decent amount of legroom, though the backrest is more upright than a traditional SUV.
• The "Wait" Factor: With the 360-degree camera and electric steering, the Next-Gen Ranger is surprisingly easy to park at a busy shopping centre.

Ford Ranger – What to Check When Buying Used

1. The "10-Minute" Oil Rule (PX Models)

Ask the seller who services the car. In the 3.2L engine, the oil pump can "drain down" if the oil is left out for more than 10 minutes during a change. If a mechanic doesn't know this, they can seize the engine on the first start.

2. Turbo Hose Condition

Open the bonnet and check the thick rubber hoses leading to the turbo. If they look oily or have "weeping" cracks, they are prone to splitting, which will put the car into "Limp Mode" under heavy load.

3. Transmission Fluid (The Secret)

Ford claims the 6-speed and 10-speed gearboxes are "sealed for life." Our advice? Ignore that. If the car has over 80,000km and hasn't had a transmission flush, factor that cost into your negotiation.

The Ford Ranger is Australia's top ute for a reason—it drives more like a luxury SUV than a truck. While there are some Ford Ranger problems by year to keep in mind, a well-serviced example is a fantastic investment that holds its resale value better than almost anything else on the road.

Ready to find your Ranger?