Ranger wildtrak opinions and what to look for

[jacobl741]

Decided on going for a 15(ish) ranger wildtrak, what are people’s experiences what shall I look for? Also what are they like on fuel? Thanks

 

[Cowabunga]

Generally a bit thirsty. Manual transmission notchy. Watch for the usual rusty chassis, emission warning lights on the dash, general condition and a service history that indicates oil and filter changes at about half the officially recommended maximum interval, ideally no further apart than 12,000 miles but every 10,000 better.
If automatic, even though there is no official oil change interval, it really should have a change at between 60,000 and 70,000 if used for towing, then every 30k to 40k miles. The rear axle oil should be changed at around the same mileage as well, although I like an initial axle oil change at no more than the first 5000 miles, again when used for towing particularly.

Generally check that everything works as it should.
No service history... no buy.

 

[Sheepykid]

I had a 64 reg. Was fine for first 3 year’s then it started falling apart. New gearbox, new transfer box, new dpf filter in the following 12 months. Only at 55k miles to. Also in laws have a 13 plate. They put new air con pump and new engine in at 80k miles. The oil pump failed I think then seized engine on motorway I think from memory. Not something I would recommend really. But maybe we both were just unlucky.

 

[Cowabunga]

I had a 64 reg. Was fine for first 3 year’s then it started falling apart. New gearbox, new transfer box, new dpf filter in the following 12 months. Only at 55k miles to. Also in laws have a 13 plate. They put new air con pump and new engine in at 80k miles. The oil pump failed I think then seized engine on motorway I think from memory. Not something I would recommend really. But maybe we both were just unlucky.

Not sure why you had so much trouble your inlaws were certainly just unlucky with the aircon but not so much with the oil pump, which is a known and recognised potential failure point. I'm thinking of changing my oil pump for a new modified one at its next service at around 60,000 miles.
The only problems I've had with mine, which is hard but respectfully driven and well serviced, in 60,000 miles, has been one EGR valve, changed for the latest modified type, and a DPF 'evaporator' [the fifth injector on my four cylinder model] which was replaced by an aftermarket cheaper alternative which has been fine the last 25,000 miles. Nothing else so far.

 

[Farmer Roy]

 

[Cowabunga]

Forgot that it has broken one rear leaf spring. My previous Ranger had broken both rear springs by this age. Funny thing is that leaf springs tend to fail when not loaded rather than when really loaded with either cargo or axle twisting. That's my experience so far anyhow.

 

[Drillman]

I had a 2015 spec wildtrak auto. It was great apart from constant flat batteries and egr issues.
swapped it for a 2018 wildtrak auto that so far has been good as gold.

there brilliant for towing and not too bad as a long distance motorway mile eater. 3.2 engine is a big lazy lump that although not rocket ship fast can get a wriggle on if needed and seems to have that relentless shove iykwim

never driven a manual one but really can’t see the point as the auto does everything better.

only real downside is the dealer network which even on a good day isn’t the best for after sales support.

edit- there still a pickup though even if it’s a posh one. Handling with 200hp going through a leaf sprung rear axle with no load in the bed can be a touch erratic on wet twisty roads. And unless you drive it like a nun it will eat rear tyres especially when towing.

oh one more thing, that 3.2 5cyl motor does produce quite a pleasing growl when it’s nailed on

 

[badger nadgers]

Forgot that it has broken one rear leaf spring. My previous Ranger had broken both rear springs by this age. Funny thing is that leaf springs tend to fail when not loaded rather than when really loaded with either cargo or axle twisting. That's my experience so far anyhow.

56 Ranger here, had a couple of set of leaf springs replaced so yes check those. Mine likes to break the nearside one.