2009 Ford Ranger reviews

Ford Ranger Single cab 2WD 2009

Bought last of old model Oct 09 using Uncle Gordons £2000 trade-in. Traded ex AA Brava 2.5TD 250K miles Total paid £10,000. Better spec than Maxda 250 clone. Quite good performance; initially slid a lot, exiting r’abouts. Poor fuel 32/3 mpg; (previously 37 on Brava). Ford dealer ’Wait until run in’. 12.500 (first) service at 13,500 - no change. Perhaps I should give it another 12,500 at poor economy and expense to let it improve? Re fixtures and fittings - not bad for a base model. Two ommissions; 1) heated door mirrors even though they get a mention in the ’handbook’ (a very poor publication, flimsier binding than Readers Digest and poor layout - like deciphering the Rosetta stone) Does the current model have heated door mirrors if so is it possible to substitute those? And can they be fed off the heated screen fuse? 2) Rear bumper; good for (spares) sales of tailgates and lights; fitted L/Rover front bumper utilising tow bar fixings - not Ford. More personal gripe; at 1.9m tall suffer usual problems with sigle cab - seat does not go back far enough for legroom. I have two M/Benz seats in a King cab L/Rover 130Fo so intend to steal one and substitute as this will give better thigh support (deeper seat squabs) and, whilst creating new seat frame, will raise to utilise 4" head clearance. Is the electrical control for the airbag under the drivers seat as this may be a problem? Still on height. Can anyone see the bonnet and fuel release catches? Thought it was exclusive to ’tallies’ but as ’shorties’ will have the seat further forward they can not see them either. One more for me - will be extending bonnet stay by 5 or 6" to keep sharp bonnet corner out of my scalp. What a pitiful volume is available for screen washing. I really could........ but musn’t brag and it could be tricky with the window! There is a large empty space on the opposite side of the engine bay which will soon be sporting a 5 litre water container when I can get the existing wiring out of the way It is irritating when you have to remake something bought new!! Thinking costs nothing at the design stage bur repairing, renovating and redesigning poor design and installation does cost! There, that’s said it all. Overall reasonable value for money (even at list price) and you only get what you pay for.