Mazda Bt50...

[Thai Chi]

The local Mazda dealer in Buriram is doing a "promotion" on the BT50. I think to keep up with the Mitsu / Ford /Chev dealers, who are doing the same.

All the usual extras (tray liner, tint, cd player, bonnet protector, side steps etc etc) as well as "free" rego and 1st class insurance. And 40K off the sticker price.

I like the look of the BT50 (high vision model) and the price is ok. I realize the Ford has the same running gear. This is the commonrail 16V dohc turbocharged model.

Has anybody got one (or the Ford) and would like to comment on the good, bad and the ugly.

Many thanks

[geoffphuket]

Thought you might be interested in this link from 'ThaiDriver'

http://www.thaidriver.com/PDF_files/no_81/..._mazda_bt50.pdf

It's in Thai only, so you might need someone to translate it

Geoffphuket

[nakhonsi sean]

I was in the market for a pickup 5 months ago and looked at all the four door models, 2 wheel drive 2.5 litres. Found the BT50/Ranger by far the nicest drive and had the best quality and most car like interior of all. After trying the 2.5 I can't think of why anyone would opt for the 3.0 litre version. Power and torq are very close to the other companies 3.0 litre models. Only down side is a bit less interior space. If you are taking four big farang around might get a bit tight in the back. For me it would have not been a problem, only the wife, baby and myself. But remember the new Nissan Navara is comming out soon, said to be the best of the lot.

[geoffphuket]

I was in the market for a pickup 5 months ago and looked at all the four door models, 2 wheel drive 2.5 litres. Found the BT50/Ranger by far the nicest drive and had the best quality and most car like interior of all. After trying the 2.5 I can't think of why anyone would opt for the 3.0 litre version. Power and torq are very close to the other companies 3.0 litre models. Only down side is a bit less interior space. If you are taking four big farang around might get a bit tight in the back. For me it would have not been a problem, only the wife, baby and myself. But remember the new Nissan Navara is comming out soon, said to be the best of the lot.

Isn't the Nissan Navara an old Autralian model ?

[nakhonsi sean]

Isn't the Nissan Navara an old Autralian model ?

No, they have brought out an all new model in Europe and Australia. Will be built and launched in Thailand in the next few months. Reviews in European press look very good (With the exception of Jeramy Clarkson, but then he doesn't like anything that won't break the sound barrier!). Six speed manual/5 speed auto, 2.5 litres - 175hp. Big thing though, bigger than Vigo or Triton.

[MaiChai]

BT50 is technically good, but let down by bland looks and cramped cabin in the back if you go for the extra cab, or whatever its called. Triton and Vigo are better (well look at what ppl are buying; more of these on the roads than the BT50). I almost bought one, but went for the Triton 4 door instead.

[MaiChai]

New Nissan here: http://www.nissan.co.uk/home/vehicles/lcv/D40V/index.html

If you are in the market for a new pickup, might be worth waiting for it? Then you will have three excellent choices (Vigo, Triton, Nissan).

[Thai Chi]

Thought you might be interested in this link from 'ThaiDriver'

http://www.thaidriver.com/PDF_files/no_81/..._mazda_bt50.pdf

It's in Thai only, so you might need someone to translate it

Geoffphuket

Thanks Geoff. Good site. No problems with the Thai translation, I read Thai just as good as I speak it. The Pictures of the BT50 are good

Wife translating now

[Thai Chi]

I was in the market for a pickup 5 months ago and looked at all the four door models, 2 wheel drive 2.5 litres. Found the BT50/Ranger by far the nicest drive and had the best quality and most car like interior of all. After trying the 2.5 I can't think of why anyone would opt for the 3.0 litre version. Power and torq are very close to the other companies 3.0 litre models. Only down side is a bit less interior space. If you are taking four big farang around might get a bit tight in the back. For me it would have not been a problem, only the wife, baby and myself. But remember the new Nissan Navara is comming out soon, said to be the best of the lot.

Same same here sean. Wife and one baby, at this stage. Everyone else....get in the back!!!

I had a test drive today and agree with your assesment re: power and torque. Quite quick for a 2.5. Comfort levels better than the Chev/Isuzu 3 ltr that I am driving at the moment.

MaiChi. I agree that the "standard" Mazda looks very bland. The 2 tone paint job looks even worse Luckily everything is changeable, so with a few modifications, you can end up with a reasonably good looking vehicle.

Many thanks for all the info. Will post pics of whatever we end up with

[Thai Chi]

Overdue update.

Well the Mazda BT 50 deal went from great to good, to not so good

The initial information given about the "free" add-ons was incorrect. What I was led to beleive by the salesperson, was later refuted by the general manager

It was still a reasonably good deal, and I was still intrested. Until they tried to sway me away from the colour I had made my mind up about. Andaman Blue. Firstly, long wait for that colour, followed by, the factory is having problems with that colour and you might not like what they send Yeah, right !!!

I told them I would get back to them after I had a re-think about the options they where offering They didn't quite understand this. In fact the whole transaction was laborious due to the language difference (even with my wife translating when necessary)

Anyway, to cut a long story very short, we stopped in at the Ford dealer on the way home. And bought a Ford Ranger. I paid slightly more (7000Bht) for the slightly less optioned (no keyless entry) 2.5 Ltr DuraTorq XLS open cab (4 doors, the back 2 opening rearward) Hi-Rider version

2 days for delivery in the Andaman Blue colour I wanted, and a long list of "freebies" The big bonus was that the Marketing Director, spoke fluent, conversational English and was able to answer all of my questions and queries. That alone (IMHO) was worth the extra money

Actually, I like the "blocky" straight lines of the the Ford Ranger. The one colour interior is also a better match to the body colour than the Mazdas 2 colour (charcol greyish /light tan ???) interior.

Ford advertise 18. something Klm / Ltr for the the new Ranger. So far, I have only managed 14 Klm /Ltr. Maybe when its done a few more K's I will see an improvement

Its only early days, but so far I am quite happy / impressed with the new pick up. Not a bad buy for just a tad over 600K Bht

[importford]

The local Mazda dealer in Buriram is doing a "promotion" on the BT50. I think to keep up with the Mitsu / Ford /Chev dealers, who are doing the same.

All the usual extras (tray liner, tint, cd player, bonnet protector, side steps etc etc) as well as "free" rego and 1st class insurance. And 40K off the sticker price.

I like the look of the BT50 (high vision model) and the price is ok. I realize the Ford has the same running gear. This is the commonrail 16V dohc turbocharged model.

Has anybody got one (or the Ford) and would like to comment on the good, bad and the ugly.

Many thanks

How old is this BT-50 from Mazda.

Is it possible that they will bring in the near future a new model of pick up,

just like the Strada pick up was changed by the Triton?

[Plus]

Launched in March, 2006, all new replacement for old Mazda Fighter. That's the best they can do, nothing to wait for anymore.

[Gary A]

My Nissan diesel mileage peaked at 30,000 kilometers. It must have taken that long to loosen up everything. ??

[dvk1951]

The relationship of Ford/Mazda is very similar to that of the Chev/Isuzu marriage. In another words, their trucks are the same platforms/powertrains with different hair colors and nail polish.

FYI..... Ford has extended their 0% finance charge to the end of Nov06. Several differently structured packages are available, the min. down seems to be 15%. Overall that can add up to lots of bahts staying in your pocket.

Anyone heard when the BT50/Ranger 5 speed auto tran. will be out, last I heard from Ford was 'before the end of the year', about as definitive as 'how long is a piece of string'.