Used Ford Ranger buying guide
The Ford Ranger is one of Australia’s most popular utes. Loved for its powerful capabilities and reliability, the Ranger’s popularity is among strong competition like the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Triton but still manages to stand out from the crowd.
If you’re looking for a ute that’s kitted out for both work and play, a Ford Ranger offers exactly that. When you’re buying a new or used Ford Ranger, you can choose from single or dual cab, pickup or cab-chassis, 4x2 or 4x4, a slew of intelligent features, and so much more.
At a glance
What to look out for when buying a used Ford Ranger
Used Ford Ranger buyers are spoiled for choice with the extensive range in the market. Here’s a breakdown of all the features.
Single or dual cab
Single-cab utes come with two doors and two seats, and a tray in the back for tools and equipment. They’re more commonly used for work, with more customisation options for installing work equipment. You can find the single-cab body style on the Ford Ranger XL and XLT.
Dual-cab utes have four doors and four or five seats, with shorter cargo areas and longer roofs compared to single-cab utes. They’ve grown in popularity not just as commercial vehicles, but also for all kinds of lifestyles. That’s because they're highly practical, and offer a variety of drivetrains and powertrains. All Ranger badges offer dual-cab bodies.
If you’re looking for something in the middle, choose a super cab. It’s best described as a one-and-a-half cab. It has one row of standard passenger seats and doors, then a narrower row for passengers or storage. The smaller second row door opens right out, so you can open both doors like a cupboard, making it more convenient to load goods in and out. Choose a Ranger XLT for a super-cab type.
Cab chassis or pickup
Cab chassis don’t come with a cargo bed like pickups do, so they offer a higher level of customisation. With a cab tray that’s usually larger than standard cargo beds, they can also carry more. If you’re looking for a more work-oriented ute, cab chassis models of used Ranger XL, XLT, or XLS are all fantastic choices. You’ll be able to find used Ford Rangers with the equipment you need already installed, from canopies to tool boxes.
Pickups, on the other hand, provide higher horsepower and towing capabilities. They’re also getting a lot more love from adventurer types, for their 4WD capabilities and ability to add roof racks or camping canopies. Conscious of the fact that pickups are used for all sorts of lifestyles, Ford balances out the comfort and practicality of their pickup Ranger models.
Towing capacity
The Ford Ranger XL has a braked towing capacity of up to 2500 kg. The braked towing capacity of other badges such as the XLT, XLS, Wildtrak, Raptor, and FX4 is 3500 kg. So you can easily tow a camper trailer or speedboat on a fun day out.
Cruise control
Cruise control comes in handy for both safety and reducing driver fatigue. It’s included in most modern utes these days, and all Ford Rangers across the range feature adaptive cruise control.
Fuel economy
If you’re looking for the most fuel efficient Ford Ranger, the 4x2 single cab chassis Ranger XL offers a fuel consumption of 6.5L/100km on its 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine. For 4x4 Rangers, pick the 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine on the double cab chassis Ranger XL that delivers a combined 8.0L/100km fuel economy.
AWD/4WD
Ford Rangers offer both 4x2 and 4x4 drive types. If you’re mostly driving on tarmac or gravel roads, a 4x2 model such as the XL or XLT does the job well. You’re also spending less on the whole with a 4x2, it being a lighter car means lower fuel consumption. For a more commanding driving position and better rough road performance, go for the high-rider versions of the Ranger XL or XLT. You get the all-round practicality of a 4x4, while keeping off the weight of a second drivetrain.
A 4x4 would be an easy choice if you want to go on off-roading adventures. They offer exceptional manoeuvrability and control on difficult terrain, even towing capably across slippery ground or steep inclines. You’ll find the 4x4 drivetrain across the Ford Ranger range.
What safety features do used Ford Rangers have?
Ford Rangers boast an impressive suite of standard safety equipment, including hill launch assist, hill descent control, trailer sway control, and load adaptive control. On models higher up on the range like the Wildtrak, you’ll find features like auto high beam, driver impairment monitor, lane keeping aid, and traffic sign recognition. All models from 2015 and onwards have also received 5-star ANCAP ratings.
What are the benefits of buying a used Ford Ranger?
There’s a whole world of options when you choose to buy a used Ford Ranger. Ford cars are known for their quality builds and smart innovation, and a Ranger definitely doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking for your next work car, upgrading to a tougher workhorse, or a rugged adventurer, there’s one for you. The equipment you need may already be installed on many of the used Ford Rangers in the market.
Ready to explore our range? Start a search to reserve a used Ford Ranger, and speak with our friendly customer service team for more information about the Carma process or car financing.