Ford Ranger 2009 Problems

You could drive it on the beach, but it depends on the condition of the sand. If it’s hard packed you shouldn’t have any trouble, but if it’s soft you’re almost certain to get bogged. Best talk to the locals and get their opinion.

Without knowing how many kays you have done in it I would guess the clutch is on the way out. Clutches in the one-tonners that have become so popular are typically marginal and some require replacement at quite mileage. Check the clutch, and if worn to the point of needing replacement look at installing a heavy-duty clutch.

It would seem something has gone wrong, perhaps at the service, as you seem to suggest. It's most likely a fuel supply problem, so I would suggest you have a diesel engine specialist check it.

We have had reports of clutch troubles with the Ranger and the clutch in yours I would suggest has probably warped. They overheat quite quickly if you slip the clutch even just a little, like when you take off while the vehicles is loaded or towing a trailer, and once that happens the clutch warps and will forever shudder until it's replaced. I think Ford is clutching at straws on that one.

My information is that the 4x2 Rangers have a 63-litre tank and the 4x4 models have a 70-litre tank. It would seem odd, even unbelievable, that Ford would have the same part number for both tanks. If you read the small print contained in the brochures Ford, and other companies, issue you will find they include a disclaimer that says the company retains the right to discontinue or change the features, designs, colours, materials and other specifications of its products at its discretion. What that means is that the buyer should check the specifications before buying a vehicle. At least you now know the distance you can travel before needing to refill with fuel.

The Mazda dealer is having a lend of you. The differences are mostly cosmetic and the engines are the same. Both come from Thailand, both were designed by Mazda. As for the dealer I would normally say avoid the Ford dealer because Ford's treatment of its customers, at dealer level and at company level, is appalling, but to say that would be unfair to those Ford dealers who do try to look after customers, and there are some out there. Clearly the Ford dealer is a better option for you so I would check with people who have dealt with that dealer and make your decision based on what they tell you.