With all the hype surrounding the new model and if you can't wait and open to the used car market, Myk Belmonte gives you a suggestion by trying out the previous generation model.
2006-2011 Ford Ranger CRDi
History
The idea of badge engineering is that a car manufacturer does not need to spend more on research and development costs, and in fact, one can fulfill the need for a luxury segment vehicle while using the mainstream market vehicle as the base. The main differences could only be traced with the engines, trim lines, standard accessories, and importantly, the price. Ford Motor Company has a lot of history when it comes to badge engineering tracing from the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans to the featured vehicle in these pages, the Ford Ranger and the Mazda B Series pick-up trucks.
Both the Ranger and the B Series have two versions, one catering the American market while the other one is offered for the rest of the world. Let's talk about the worldwide model in which the Philippine market (and the whole South East Asia) receives. This generation seen in these pages was introduced in late 2006 and saw improvements aesthetically and mechanically. Focusing on the latter part, the engine already includes a Common Rail Diesel technology and the availability of a 5-speed automatic. A minor change happened in 2009 and was discontinued in 2011 to make way for the newer model. Interestingly enough, the Ranger in North America was given the axe.
This Ford pick-up arrived in Philippine shores in November of 2006, with the Mazda BT-50 twin arriving two years later. If the Hilux focused on being an all-around model while the Strada proclaims a strength in passenger comfort, the Ranger highlights its off-road and cargo carrying capabilities. 2009 saw a midlife refresh and sales ceased in 2011 to make way for the new generation model. Available variants include the XL (the popular choice among fleet buyers), the Trekker, the Wildtrack, and the 3.0 XLT.
Value and Costs
Finding a tough pick-up truck for your daily excursions in the city at a lower price? Then a pre-owned Ranger is the one, especially you can get one for just between P560,000-P900,000. If possible, try scouting for a 2010 and recent model in which the remainder of the warranty is still there.
They say that maintaining a Ford is expensive, I say it is not. Cost of owning one is similar to other pick-up trucks with the CRDi technology and mid-sized SUV's based on them. It is surely tough especially if the unit you are checking had its previous owner being careful. Parts acquisition is easy and prices are on the affordable side.
Exterior and Interior
Staying true to its "Built Tough" branding, the 2006-2011 Ranger looks, well, tough while retaining its Americano looks. If we were to tackle about the facelift of 2009, there are some design bits that do not contemplate the truck. Loading several items in the bed is fine, especially that there is a thermoplastic-lining which ensures that no damage would be done to the sheet metal itself.
Going inside, controls are easy to manipulate and the gauges are legibly seen and clear. While the steering wheel and the manual shifter are a joy to handle, the volume knob of the stereo system is something configured for the Right Hand Drive market and thus, requires you to reach it further. Interior space is a mixed bag especially it can get cramped for some, but comfortable for others.
Engine
Three engines can be ordered for your Ranger when it was brand new. First is a MZR-CD 2,499cc WLT (read: no turbo) that is fitted in XL variants which has 117hp at 3,500rpm and 280Nm at 2,000rpm. The next one which is fitted to Trekker and Wildtrack models is still the same engine but with common rail technology that power figures is bumped to 143hp at 3,500rpm and torque numbers is 330Nm at 1,800rpm. 3.0 XLT models have a 3.0 MZR-CD 2,953cc that has 156hp at 3,200rpm and 380Nm at 1,800rpm. Unless you're buying for business purposes, let's skip on discussing the 2.5 WLT model. Both CRDi equipped MZR-CD 2.5 and 3.0 are no slouch, period.
Driving Impressions
Whenever you are on the pavement or the dirt roads to your hacienda, the Ranger does not compromise anything. If you plan to drive it off-road, please to know that the computer box is water proof (it is located in the highest side of the passenger compartment). Since it has tons of torque, overtaking is not a problem while changing lanes must be done with caution especially steering is very sharp.
Verdict
Whether the duty calls you to carry home construction items, ferrying the clan to the family farm, or needing a high clearance vehicle for the city, the Ranger is the one vehicle. Speed junkie? This is for you but be careful when steering. Overall, this is one solid pick-up truck for your daily needs.
The Good:
2006-2011 Ford Ranger CRDi
History
The idea of badge engineering is that a car manufacturer does not need to spend more on research and development costs, and in fact, one can fulfill the need for a luxury segment vehicle while using the mainstream market vehicle as the base. The main differences could only be traced with the engines, trim lines, standard accessories, and importantly, the price. Ford Motor Company has a lot of history when it comes to badge engineering tracing from the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans to the featured vehicle in these pages, the Ford Ranger and the Mazda B Series pick-up trucks.
Both the Ranger and the B Series have two versions, one catering the American market while the other one is offered for the rest of the world. Let's talk about the worldwide model in which the Philippine market (and the whole South East Asia) receives. This generation seen in these pages was introduced in late 2006 and saw improvements aesthetically and mechanically. Focusing on the latter part, the engine already includes a Common Rail Diesel technology and the availability of a 5-speed automatic. A minor change happened in 2009 and was discontinued in 2011 to make way for the newer model. Interestingly enough, the Ranger in North America was given the axe.
This Ford pick-up arrived in Philippine shores in November of 2006, with the Mazda BT-50 twin arriving two years later. If the Hilux focused on being an all-around model while the Strada proclaims a strength in passenger comfort, the Ranger highlights its off-road and cargo carrying capabilities. 2009 saw a midlife refresh and sales ceased in 2011 to make way for the new generation model. Available variants include the XL (the popular choice among fleet buyers), the Trekker, the Wildtrack, and the 3.0 XLT.
Value and Costs
Finding a tough pick-up truck for your daily excursions in the city at a lower price? Then a pre-owned Ranger is the one, especially you can get one for just between P560,000-P900,000. If possible, try scouting for a 2010 and recent model in which the remainder of the warranty is still there.
They say that maintaining a Ford is expensive, I say it is not. Cost of owning one is similar to other pick-up trucks with the CRDi technology and mid-sized SUV's based on them. It is surely tough especially if the unit you are checking had its previous owner being careful. Parts acquisition is easy and prices are on the affordable side.
Exterior and Interior
Staying true to its "Built Tough" branding, the 2006-2011 Ranger looks, well, tough while retaining its Americano looks. If we were to tackle about the facelift of 2009, there are some design bits that do not contemplate the truck. Loading several items in the bed is fine, especially that there is a thermoplastic-lining which ensures that no damage would be done to the sheet metal itself.
Going inside, controls are easy to manipulate and the gauges are legibly seen and clear. While the steering wheel and the manual shifter are a joy to handle, the volume knob of the stereo system is something configured for the Right Hand Drive market and thus, requires you to reach it further. Interior space is a mixed bag especially it can get cramped for some, but comfortable for others.
Engine
Three engines can be ordered for your Ranger when it was brand new. First is a MZR-CD 2,499cc WLT (read: no turbo) that is fitted in XL variants which has 117hp at 3,500rpm and 280Nm at 2,000rpm. The next one which is fitted to Trekker and Wildtrack models is still the same engine but with common rail technology that power figures is bumped to 143hp at 3,500rpm and torque numbers is 330Nm at 1,800rpm. 3.0 XLT models have a 3.0 MZR-CD 2,953cc that has 156hp at 3,200rpm and 380Nm at 1,800rpm. Unless you're buying for business purposes, let's skip on discussing the 2.5 WLT model. Both CRDi equipped MZR-CD 2.5 and 3.0 are no slouch, period.
Driving Impressions
Whenever you are on the pavement or the dirt roads to your hacienda, the Ranger does not compromise anything. If you plan to drive it off-road, please to know that the computer box is water proof (it is located in the highest side of the passenger compartment). Since it has tons of torque, overtaking is not a problem while changing lanes must be done with caution especially steering is very sharp.
Verdict
Whether the duty calls you to carry home construction items, ferrying the clan to the family farm, or needing a high clearance vehicle for the city, the Ranger is the one vehicle. Speed junkie? This is for you but be careful when steering. Overall, this is one solid pick-up truck for your daily needs.
The Good:
- Off-roading is king
- Powerful CRDi engines
- Cargo carrying capacity is tops
The Bad:
- Lacks interior space
- Not-so-macho looking facelift
- Plasticky interior
The Pick: The Wildtrack is more practical
THE SPECS
Engines: 2,499cc MZR-CD WLT and CRDi and 2,953cc MZR-CD CRDi I4 diesel
Power: 117hp @ 3,500rpm (XL variants), 143hp @ 3,500rpm (2.5), 156hp @ 3,200rpm (3.0)
Torque: 280Nm @ 2,000rpm (XL variants), 330Nm @ 1,800rpm (2.5), 380Nm @ 1,800rpm (3.0)
Fuel Consumption: 7-10km/L (city), 9-12km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Suspension: Front independent double wishbone, rear rigid axle semi-elliptic springs
MORE INFO
Price (New): P785,000-P1,438,000 (range from 2006-2011)
Price (Now): P560,000-P900,000
Rivals: Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Hilux
On Sale: 2006-2011
Resources:
http://www.fordclubph.com/
http://www.ranger-forums.com/
Contacts:
Ford Libis - (02) 637-2044
Ford EDSA - (02) 744-2222
Ford Quezon Avenue - (02) 361-9503
Photos from http://quezoncity.olx.com.ph/2011-ford-ranger-wildtruck-mt-iid-461894625
MORE INFO
Price (New): P785,000-P1,438,000 (range from 2006-2011)
Price (Now): P560,000-P900,000
Rivals: Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Strada, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Hilux
On Sale: 2006-2011
Resources:
http://www.fordclubph.com/
http://www.ranger-forums.com/
Contacts:
Ford Libis - (02) 637-2044
Ford EDSA - (02) 744-2222
Ford Quezon Avenue - (02) 361-9503
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