RANGER v HILUX v D-MAX

[ruger77]

I am a independent 4x4 specialist mainly Landrover but also cater other makes I would stay clear of the Ford ranger they have a list of problems from lost oil pressure faulty injectors from 2017 on auto box losing drive rear light faults the list goes on . VW amarok so far the only issues we’ve had have been dpf blocked with ash to be fair it had covered 150,000 . Toyota Hilux the only problem we’ve come across were chassis corrosion on 12 plate . Izuzu seem popular at the moment problems rear suspension springs are week and sag drivers window regulator fails window drops .please be aware most of the vehicles I repair are used on shoot and have a fairly hard life

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

I am a independent 4x4 specialist mainly Landrover but also cater other makes I would stay clear of the Ford ranger they have a list of problems from lost oil pressure faulty injectors from 2017 on auto box losing drive rear light faults the list goes on . VW amarok so far the only issues we’ve had have been dpf blocked with ash to be fair it had covered 150,000 . Toyota Hilux the only problem we’ve come across were chassis corrosion on 12 plate . Izuzu seem popular at the moment problems rear suspension springs are week and sag drivers window regulator fails window drops .please be aware most of the vehicles I repair are used on shoot and have a fairly hard life

Out of interest, where are you located in Yorkshire?

 

[L1A1]

I have had 3 Rangers 2002, 2010 and 2015. The only problem I had was a cracked cylinder head on the 2002 ranger. This was the result of it being returned to me from a dealer, after some work, with no water in the cooling system.

 

[sikamalc]

All trucks have their faults. But I have always had Isuzu trucks, and am still on the third one on a 12 plate. 3ltr engine, well built vehicles. Had no major issues with any of them. My main moan is they eat front tyres.
Ford are great looking vehicles, but they get a lot of engine problems, or so it seems. Toyota are also good vehicles, my friend had one, but had some serious brake issues with it. But in general I think you need to decide between Isuzu and Toyota. Isuzu have a very good warranty on them from new. Not sure about the Toyota?

 

[Uncle f]

I think it depends on what you want from the truck. I need 3 1/2 towing range. Mitsubishi have pulled out of the European market altogether. VW have stopped producing the Amorok. Merc have stopped there rebadged navara

so really we’re left with four Ranger, d-max, navara, and hilux. Ford sell more rangers into the Uk than all the other three put together. You could argue law of averages suggests more trucks more number of faults??? Commented on. However the ranger certainly has its issues it seems and it’s critics. For me I’ve never had an issue. With a navara I did multiple times.
I’ve not owned a d max or hilux.
it is noted all four of these new trucks from 20 plate on tow the max 3 1/2 now that was not always the case. Consider the service and back up of the company your dealing with Ford service is ok ish. Isuzu I would suggest wins here as they have a good warranty but less dealers in number across the Uk.
I think to conclude the theres good and bad in all of them just pick the one you like best I guess

 

[Shabz]

Isuzu have a very good warranty on them from new. Not sure about the Toyota?

Toyota has a five year, 100,000mile warranty. Interestingly, the paintwork is only under warranty for two or three years.

A mate of mine had an Isuzu that got to about 250,000 miles before the clocks stopped working. He must’ve done another 100k before it died completely. Awesome truck but it was an old one before the days of DPFs and adblue.

 

[dartmoordog]

I am following this thread with interest as I will be looking at getting a new truck in around a years time. We run two cars at the moment, a VW SUV and an old shooting truck, 2005 Ford Ranger Mk2, so will be dropping the SUV and just having a pick up. I do not function without a pick up!

I have had my old Ranger for exactly five years now, and it is the best £4.5K I have ever spent, in fact I road tested a two year old L200, I have had two in the past, between lockdowns, and both my wife and I commented how much better the ride is in my 16 year old Ranger. On another occasion talking to a Ford sales chap, I mentioned I have a Mk2 Ranger, he actually said, and I quote “You have a Real Ranger” strongly hinting that they are not the car they used to be. So the Ranger is now off my list, as is the L200.

We have an Isuzu dealer on the edge of the Moor near where I live, and with a very highly rated, all new, D Max arriving soon, that will be my first choice, second will be the Hilux.

Can someone tell me if Isuzu discounts are included on the BASC scheme, currently NGO, but I am very fickle!

Edit: On the subject of Addblue, my VW uses it, and when I first found that out I was really pi**ed about it. But honestly, it is no big deal, and I would certainly not be put off buying a truck that needs it.

 

[Rory]

so really we’re left with four Ranger, d-max, navara, and hilux. Ford sell more rangers into the Uk than all the other three put together. You could argue law of averages suggests more trucks more number of faults??? Commented on. However the ranger certainly has its issues it seems and it’s critics. For me I’ve never had an issue. With a navara I did multiple times.
move not owned a d max or hilux.
it is noted all four of these new trucks from 20 plate on row the max 3 1/2 now that was not always the case. Consider the service and back of the company your dealing with Ford service is ok ish. Isuzu I would suggest wins here as they have a good warranty but less dealers in number across the Uk.
I think to conclude the tree s good and bad in all of them just pick the one you like best I guess

I think there is also something to be said for marketing and advertising and 'fleet deals'. Toyota really seems to rest on their laurels (although they have had a few publicly visible Hilux advertising billboards knocking about) with marketing and advertising. Isuzu does bettet and have secured some good sponsorship of prominent teams and groups. Ford has gone for the commercial success route - very very good fleet deals, which mean they have a high number being put through. Get a problem and you're a fleet owner? No problem, get it sorted quickly and then in 3 yrs time you're revamping the fleet anyway. This gives a skewed perspective that they use (I don't blame Ford for this, why wouldn't you?) in their favour - most popular pickup, loaded with features etc.
But in the long term the Hilux and the Isuzu are better buys. The Hilux is routinely 'underpowered' but that means the engines aren't screaming to attain the power with low emissions (a la Isuzu) but it means they're not too attractive for the user who wants an aggressive 'car' like truck.
I know it's fairly obvious whose camp I'm biased to, but I really feel that Hilux is like a Casio G Shock.

 

[Uncle f]

Interesting and intend to agree. I’ve just had a look at the on the road price of a new d max auto double cab with no canopy, tow bar etc and I was shocked to see the price of £49k on the road to include vehicle first reg, vat etc. Clearly there are a few deals to be had. My new ranger although on lease has to show it purchase price on the paperwork for the finance. £38k to include vat, new vehicle reg, canopy and Warne winch fitted

food for thought

 

[sikamalc]

Interesting and intend to agree. I’ve just had a look at the on the road price of a new d max auto double cab with no canopy, tow bar etc and I was shocked to see the price of £49k on the road to include vehicle first reg, vat etc. Clearly there are a few deals to be had. My new ranger although on lease has to show it purchase price on the paperwork for the finance. £38k to include vat, new vehicle reg, canopy and Warne winch fitted

food for thought

Yes the 49k is the very top end of the new model Isuzu I believe. There are cheaper models available.

 

[Uncle f]

Malc that I have no doubt and it wasn’t a scientific test just on Isuzu Uk website. I have no doubt there are deals and cheaper variants available.

 

[Kalahari]

I am following this thread with interest as I will be looking at getting a new truck in around a years time. We run two cars at the moment, a VW SUV and an old shooting truck, 2005 Ford Ranger Mk2, so will be dropping the SUV and just having a pick up. I do not function without a pick up!

I have had my old Ranger for exactly five years now, and it is the best £4.5K I have ever spent, in fact I road tested a two year old L200, I have had two in the past, between lockdowns, and both my wife and I commented how much better the ride is in my 16 year old Ranger. On another occasion talking to a Ford sales chap, I mentioned I have a Mk2 Ranger, he actually said, and I quote “You have a Real Ranger” strongly hinting that they are not the car they used to be. So the Ranger is now off my list, as is the L200.

We have an Isuzu dealer on the edge of the Moor near where I live, and with a very highly rated, all new, D Max arriving soon, that will be my first choice, second will be the Hilux.

Can someone tell me if Isuzu discounts are included on the BASC scheme, currently NGO, but I am very fickle!

Edit: On the subject of Addblue, my VW uses it, and when I first found that out I was really pi**ed about it. But honestly, it is no big deal, and I would certainly not be put off buying a truck that needs it.

Might be worth checking before you decide to swap horses, but I think you have to be a member of BASC for a full calendar year before you get the vehicle discounts.

Best of luck,

David.

 

[sikamalc]

Malc that I have no doubt and it wasn’t a scientific test just on Isuzu Uk website. I have no doubt there are deals and cheaper variants available.

No problem Steve, just pointing out that it was the top of the range super dooper Isuzu. Bit heavy price wise in my opinion. But then most of the top of the range versions of pick ups are becoming very expensive. Personally I wouldnt want to take it off road very much at that price

 

[Pkiernan]

Love my 2017 Navara, especially the 360 camera.
It drives much more comfortably than other pickups.
Heavy on front pads though.
I had the crappy Renault battery die on me which was replaced under warranty.
The Nissan dealer in Ireland (Windsor) have been very good.

 

[ruger77]

Out of interest, where are you located in Yorkshire?

Goole mate

 

[ruger77]

Out of interest, where are you located in Yorkshire?

Goole mate

Out of interest, where are you located in Yorkshire?

goole

 

[ruger77]

All trucks have their faults. But I have always had Isuzu trucks, and am still on the third one on a 12 plate. 3ltr engine, well built vehicles. Had no major issues with any of them. My main moan is they eat front tyres.
Ford are great looking vehicles, but they get a lot of engine problems, or so it seems. Toyota are also good vehicles, my friend had one, but had some serious brake issues with it. But in general I think you need to decide between Isuzu and Toyota. Isuzu have a very good warranty on them from new. Not sure about the Toyota?

If your tyres are warring on the edge wind your torsion bars up

 

[GIMLET61]

Just wondering, do you need a Pick up?
Chap i shoot with, has ordered the new land cruiser commercial.
3-1/2 ton tow capacity, base model with BASC discount, 31k.
Interested to see how it gets on, stick with the Amarok for now.

 

[Pkiernan]

Just wondering, do you need a Pick up?
Chap i shoot with, has ordered the new land cruiser commercial.
3-1/2 ton tow capacity, base model with BASC discount, 31k.
Interested to see how it gets on, stick with the Amarok for now.

I prefer having the cab separately from the bed, especially if I have deer in there.

 

[dartmoordog]

I prefer having the cab separately from the bed, especially if I have deer in there.

Yep, no comparison, pick up for me anyday.