[EandM]

A Ranger 3 would be my choice as the extra power and torque, better ride and deeper load bed over mine are much appreciated. The super cab bed is 9 inches longer than the double cab but with little difference to rear legroom. The suicide doors are a work of genius and make putting the kids in the back much easier as you have no central door frames to get in the way. I've noticed that the 2006 onward Rangers seem to be more prone to rust than my Mk2 but you should be able to find a good one then just waxoyl it. DMF's can be problem and are not cheap + some owners have complained about the gearing being too tall and cooking clutches.
Hilux is really nice too so that's probably not much help 

[TomCrowther]

Thanks for that EandM, what's a DMF by the way? I was amazed at two Rangers I saw last week re the rusting? One 2008 and one 2009, both pretty rusty in many places. I want to get something that will last me a while.

[EandM]

Around about 2000 when the switch to common rail diesel engines started the original solid flywheel (indestructible and lasts the life of the vehicle) was thought to be too rough (heavy) so was replaced by a new, damped version held together with springs. The idea is it smooths the engine out making it more petrol like. Idea is good but first generation DMFs (2000-2005) met with various levels of reliability. Mondeo TDCI dmf could fail at anything over 40,000 miles and cost about £800 to replace. Failure to do so could result in the engine digesting bits of shrapnel if the dmf disintegrated resulting in a bill of ££££s. I know of a Transit tdci that had three replaced in the first 100,000 miles. Many were substituted with solid replacements which can cause different problems. Early Ranger (1&2) don't have them but standard from 2006. It's not just Ford pretty much everyone uses them now and the second generation are better but still can't help thinking they are a solution to a problem that nobody knew existed.

[Mike #1]

I know a guy with a 2010 for ranger and it had to go back to ford to sort out rust issues ,

Tom it depends on your budget as well mate but the Hilux sounds good but they can be heavy on fuel . If i was to decide between the two i would go for the hilux just because it has less mileage ,

But if it has been used as a works motor it could have more wear and tear issues get it a good check over .

If you come across a truck that just been used like a car and never been off road or used for work it could be a better option also , check how it drives in 4wd as some folk have hardly ever used 4wd ,

I put mine in 4wd every 3 months so it gets a work out if you like to make sure everything is working as it should . MIKe

[birdymiller]

I used a l200 warrior for 2 years no problems, great truck. Hilux is top of the class but very thirsty. Vw amorak do a 2 litre version not as much power but much more economical.

[EandM]

I know a guy with a 2010 for ranger and it had to go back to ford to sort out rust issues ,

Tom it depends on your budget as well mate but the Hilux sounds good but they can be heavy on fuel . If i was to decide between the two i would go for the hilux just because it has less mileage ,

But if it has been used as a works motor it could have more wear and tear issues get it a good check over .

If you come across a truck that just been used like a car and never been off road or used for work it could be a better option also , check how it drives in 4wd as some folk have hardly ever used 4wd ,

I put mine in 4wd every 3 months so it gets a work out if you like to make sure everything is working as it should . MIKe

A local builder has an '06 Ranger in white that's rusting along the ladder bar, tie down rails and inside edge of the tailgate. While those are bits that are easily swapped out they shouldn't be rusting in the first place. Could be down to legislation and the type of paint used because looking at the construction of mine it's made of girders!
Not good enough though.

[a900]

So what decision did you come to?

[AuRavelling79]

Just a thought - how about a crew cab van?

[Spruce]

I'd look for 1 that hasn't been abused. Some works managers get 4 x 4's as part of their job and use it mainly as a round about visiting various sites. They never carry any heavy equipment and if they are well cared for then they are a consideration.
Franchise dealers are more likely to have these and will fetch premium prices.

Everything else out there will be thrashed and trashed by a variety of drivers.

[TomCrowther]

I have bailed on the ranger/pick up for a while and bought a 06 vivaro which already has a 650 system fitted. I will go for a pick up when I have grown a bit more and will give the van to staff and use the pick up for first cleans and the other jobs {gutters/pressure wash etc}. Thanks for all the advice though, much appreciated.