Buying a new pickup: Ford Wildtrak 2016 vs Mazda BT-50 2016

[Pink7]

I just got my thai licence and going to buy a new pickup. I like both Ford Wildtrak 2016 and Mazda BT-50 2016.. And want to get some feedback from others on this cars. Im looking for a AT, 2.2, 2wd. What i like about the ford is more airbags.. Mazda have better prices.. and i like the look of Mazda too.. I have not success to get a good deal on a ford yet ( zero discount where i asked) Im located in Korat.. but im open to buy from dealers in Bangkok or other places to if the deal is good. Mazda do give some discount, then navigator is another 25k..Please share your thoughts about this cars..i want a car easy to drive and i want a good deal on a car i can keep for many years. Please also share any good offers or good dealers..

Pink

[JaseTheBass]

I have the 2.2 2WD Manual Wildtrak. The Rangers are different now the the BT-50 since the recent facelifts and the Rangers have improved more than the Mazdas, with the WT the best truck available in Thailand if you want a family truck as opposed to a rice hauler.

If I had to suffer an auto transmission I'd go for the 3.2 or you might feel it's a little slow for you (depending on expectations).

[Pink7]

Yes im want a family truck with good comfort and security.. Any idea where to get the best deals on a Ford Wiltrak? ( better deals in Bangkok?)

Pink

[JAS21]

Yes im want a family truck with good comfort and security.. Any idea where to get the best deals on a Ford Wiltrak? ( better deals in Bangkok?)

Pink

PM sent

[ignis]

Changed my BT50 last week Monday..

Always change at or around 400,000 km, the late 2011 BT50 was nice to drive + trouble free, before the Mazda always had the D-Max, the 2008 D-Max had many problems and changed that at 300,000 km. the BT50 was a joy to drive..

Taken over 2 months thinking and re looking at both the New Mazda and the New Ranger.. in the end went for the Ford, so far with only 782 km done is nice, the reason the Ford just better inside, nicer layout and is the new model, the Mazda in a new face lift only.

So managed to get 70,000 discount on the Mazda, but only 60,000 baht discount on the Ranger + loads of Freebies.. made my mind up on Wednesday the week before and took delivery on Monday.

now await the white plates, [told before end of this month] so can then add the canopy to use as a work horse.

[hoffy66]

Changed my BT50 last week Monday..

Always change at or around 400,000 km, the late 2011 BT50 was nice to drive + trouble free, before the Mazda always had the D-Max, the 2008 D-Max had many problems and changed that at 300,000 km. the BT50 was a joy to drive..

Taken over 2 months thinking and re looking at both the New Mazda and the New Ranger.. in the end went for the Ford, so far with only 782 km done is nice, the reason the Ford just better inside, nicer layout and is the new model, the Mazda in a new face lift only.

So managed to get 70,000 discount on the Mazda, but only 60,000 baht discount on the Ranger + loads of Freebies.. made my mind up on Wednesday the week before and took delivery on Monday.

now await the white plates, [told before end of this month] so can then add the canopy to use as a work horse.

So what was your buying price [if you don't mind me asking ?] and where did you pick it up from, what motor and tranny, also what extras. sorry for being a bit curious but i am not sure if i spend the extra for a new one or keep looking for a good second hand one,

[DavisH]

Nissan navara is not a bad ride too. Lacks full airbags which is a major drawback though.

[IMHO]

Get a Thai reader to help you search for "ranger club" on Google/Facebook. There are sellers there offering all normal freebies + 20K Baht discount up front on the WT (70K for XLT model) - and thats before you negotiate anything....

[JaseTheBass]

I'm still trying to work out what freebies you can get for the WT. Unless you want to put a load of shiny plastic crap on it, it comes fully loaded.

[ignis]

Changed my BT50 last week Monday..

Always change at or around 400,000 km, the late 2011 BT50 was nice to drive + trouble free, before the Mazda always had the D-Max, the 2008 D-Max had many problems and changed that at 300,000 km. the BT50 was a joy to drive..

Taken over 2 months thinking and re looking at both the New Mazda and the New Ranger.. in the end went for the Ford, so far with only 782 km done is nice, the reason the Ford just better inside, nicer layout and is the new model, the Mazda in a new face lift only.

So managed to get 70,000 discount on the Mazda, but only 60,000 baht discount on the Ranger + loads of Freebies.. made my mind up on Wednesday the week before and took delivery on Monday.

now await the white plates, [told before end of this month] so can then add the canopy to use as a work horse.

So what was your buying price [if you don't mind me asking ?] and where did you pick it up from, what motor and tranny, also what extras. sorry for being a bit curious but i am not sure if i spend the extra for a new one or keep looking for a good second hand one,

XLT Hi-Rider list price 741,000 baht.. 2.2 manual, Extra's: Liner, mats, cam, window film, 1st class Insurance, umbrella, Free servicing to 60,000 km, bought from a customer and friends dealership in Bangkok.. sadly will have BKK number plates, will have to see how that works

in 2011 the Mazda was bought from a customer and friends dealership way down south, so never got stopped at police Check points.. always appeared the BKK plates were stopped.

[Pink7]

Changed my BT50 last week Monday..

Always change at or around 400,000 km, the late 2011 BT50 was nice to drive + trouble free, before the Mazda always had the D-Max, the 2008 D-Max had many problems and changed that at 300,000 km. the BT50 was a joy to drive..

Taken over 2 months thinking and re looking at both the New Mazda and the New Ranger.. in the end went for the Ford, so far with only 782 km done is nice, the reason the Ford just better inside, nicer layout and is the new model, the Mazda in a new face lift only.

So managed to get 70,000 discount on the Mazda, but only 60,000 baht discount on the Ranger + loads of Freebies.. made my mind up on Wednesday the week before and took delivery on Monday.

now await the white plates, [told before end of this month] so can then add the canopy to use as a work horse.

Where you got B70.000 discount on Mazda? I was offered just 50k discount in Korat and told that was max possible discount.

Pink

[jinners]

Yes im want a family truck with good comfort and security.. Any idea where to get the best deals on a Ford Wiltrak? ( better deals in Bangkok?)

Pink

I was looking for the WT. Too expensive, no discounts, Decided to check out the Mazda, better price, same truck basically, slightly different appearance but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wouldn't get a manual or you'll struggle selling in the future. Go to BKK better offers, more competition. I love the BT 50. Before buying I researched and found it has better reviews than the Ford for comfort and handling. I don't intend using it in the field so that was an important factor for me. At the end of the day, your money, but you'll get more for it with the Mazda.

[Pomthai]

We've got an Auto 4x4 3.2 BT50 124,000km so far. Still very very happy with it. Motor runs better now than when we got it.

There are a few hose issues on both the earlier (2013/2013) Ford and Mazdas which should have been worked out by the factories by now but worth being aware of. Inter-cooler hoses splitting and Auto transmission hoses splitting - covered by warranty and a recall item depending of where and what your read.

Great trucks - the Ford spec wise wins at the moment but its offset by the price of the cheaper Mazda of course. As a poster above mentioned, they share the same engine, drive train and chassis. The ECU tunes are slightly different and read somewhere that the current face-lifted Ford variant has different injectors as well.

[ignis]

Changed my BT50 last week Monday..

Always change at or around 400,000 km, the late 2011 BT50 was nice to drive + trouble free, before the Mazda always had the D-Max, the 2008 D-Max had many problems and changed that at 300,000 km. the BT50 was a joy to drive..

Taken over 2 months thinking and re looking at both the New Mazda and the New Ranger.. in the end went for the Ford, so far with only 782 km done is nice, the reason the Ford just better inside, nicer layout and is the new model, the Mazda in a new face lift only.

So managed to get 70,000 discount on the Mazda, but only 60,000 baht discount on the Ranger + loads of Freebies.. made my mind up on Wednesday the week before and took delivery on Monday.

now await the white plates, [told before end of this month] so can then add the canopy to use as a work horse.

Where you got B70.000 discount on Mazda? I was offered just 50k discount in Korat and told that was max possible discount.

Pink

Shop around, but if they are the only dealership in your area your a bit stuck... Depends on each dealership how much profit they make on each sale.

70,000 baht discount was at a Mazda dealership just north of Bang Yai, about 45 km North West of Bangkok.. would not mind changing my car old Audi A6 for the CX-3, but will wait and see the updated version of the EcoSport when they come out in April in Thailand.

[dotpoom]

When I first read the OP's headline I thought to myself...So why are you telling us?. Then a joke I heard a long time ago popped into my head.

An old lady wanders into a police station one day and reports that she has been sexually assaulted..."When did this happen" the policeman asked her....".Fifty three years ago" the old lady replied."........"So why are you reporting it now" asked the policeman........She answered.....

" 'Cause I likes talking about it"..

Sorry OP, no harm meant...good luck and safe driving with whatever one you choose..

[bark]

I own the Ford and my next door neighbor owns the Mazda. Both trucks suck the big one. We are both trading are trucks in this year.

We will both buy the new Toyota Truck,

Signed Mr. Khun Porn, Toyota Dealer on Sukhumvit road, Bangkok.

[Pink7]

When I first read the OP's headline I thought to myself...So why are you telling us?. Then a joke I heard a long time ago popped into my head.

An old lady wanders into a police station one day and reports that she has been sexually assaulted..."When did this happen" the policeman asked her....".Fifty three years ago" the old lady replied."........"So why are you reporting it now" asked the policeman........She answered.....

" 'Cause I likes talking about it"..

Sorry OP, no harm meant...good luck and safe driving with whatever one you choose..

I just moved to thailand...i just got licence...not much experience on cars, or driving or thailand... So i tried to provide the best info for my what i looking for..and what i found until now myself. I belive its wourth getting advices from other who want to share experience and knowledge.. Im a scandinavian so my english a little limited..

Pink

[DavisH]

When I first read the OP's headline I thought to myself...So why are you telling us?. Then a joke I heard a long time ago popped into my head.

An old lady wanders into a police station one day and reports that she has been sexually assaulted..."When did this happen" the policeman asked her....".Fifty three years ago" the old lady replied."........"So why are you reporting it now" asked the policeman........She answered.....

" 'Cause I likes talking about it"..

Sorry OP, no harm meant...good luck and safe driving with whatever one you choose..

I just moved to thailand...i just got licence...not much experience on cars, or driving or thailand... So i tried to provide the best info for my what i looking for..and what i found until now myself. I belive its wourth getting advices from other who want to share experience and knowledge.. Im a scandinavian so my english a little limited..

Pink

Why in particular do you need a pickup? They are very big and difficult to drive in cities with lots of people and lots of traffic. Will you drive large distances? Where will you live? Many cars now come with 6 airbags and a host of other safety features. For a new driver here I'd think they would be easier to drive on the roads here. I'd only consider a truck if I was driving long distances between cities. Even then a suv would be more comfortable.

[giddyup]

When I first read the OP's headline I thought to myself...So why are you telling us?. Then a joke I heard a long time ago popped into my head.

An old lady wanders into a police station one day and reports that she has been sexually assaulted..."When did this happen" the policeman asked her....".Fifty three years ago" the old lady replied."........"So why are you reporting it now" asked the policeman........She answered.....

" 'Cause I likes talking about it"..

Sorry OP, no harm meant...good luck and safe driving with whatever one you choose..

I just moved to thailand...i just got licence...not much experience on cars, or driving or thailand... So i tried to provide the best info for my what i looking for..and what i found until now myself. I belive its wourth getting advices from other who want to share experience and knowledge.. Im a scandinavian so my english a little limited..

Pink

Why in particular do you need a pickup? They are very big and difficult to drive in cities with lots of people and lots of traffic. Will you drive large distances? Where will you live? Many cars now come with 6 airbags and a host of other safety features. For a new driver here I'd think they would be easier to drive on the roads here. I'd only consider a truck if I was driving long distances between cities. Even then a suv would be more comfortable.

Pickups offer pretty good value, can handle floods and bad roads a lot better, plenty of carry space as well as room for 5 passengers. Most popular SUV's are considerably more expensive than pickups.

[shaurene]

I have a BT-50 I bought new in Khon Kaen 4 yrs ago have never had 1 single problem only new battery 1 yr ago. Mine is not the BT-50 PRO. I have the previous model 2.5 Turbo. Tons of power. I am 74 had plenty cars over the years and I must say this is the very best vehicle I have ever had. I had a Toyots wagon before this and the Mazda knocks it for spots.

My son is a car dealer for many years he came over from New Zealand with family for 2 week holiday I let him use it for the full time he went all over the place and he said it was one of the best he has ever driven.

[Pink7]

Im living on some farmland outside korat city.. Pickup seems practically...and i like the high ride...And bigger cars seems to get some more respect in the traffic than the smaller cars..so pickup is the budget friendly high ride

Pink

[davidst01]

the ford is too chunky. mazda looks ugly. go for Isuzu dmax vcross prestige with brown leather seats. its all class and a great truck

[donmuang37]

I have a 2014 Ford Wildtrak 3.2L 4x4. Both my Thai wife, who drives it a lot, and I love it. It handles much better than our prior Toyota Vigo, and the brakes are much, much better, too. You get a lot of neat stuff with the Wildtrak 3.2, including 6 airbags. Given that Thailand has one of the highest accident rates in the world, 'nuff said. Mazda doesn't offer that.

The engine and automatic transmission are well matched and smooth with plenty of power. So I love the performance; it's much quicker than my Vigo. Fuel economy has been consistently a little better than my Vigo 3.0 around town, and 1 or 2 liters/100 km on trips. I record/check it at every fill up. That's OK by me, given the performance improvement.

We drove it from BKK to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Mae Hong Son at New Year. It was amazing in the mountains. Mine has dual zone climate control WITH HEATER. So when it got cold in the mountains, the heater kicked in and warmed the cab. Nice. Not sure if the new models have a heater or not.

Mazda is OK, but sort of a down market version for folks who can't afford the Wildtrak. As for getting a "deal", not likely. Why sell cheap to you when there is a guy behind you waiting to pay full price. Just negotiate for the most accessories that you can get: tinted windows, floor mats, etc.

If you want to play, you have to pay! :-) Good luck with whichever model you buy!!

[exppenang]

Hi Pink,

This is a good question and one I wondered about three years ago.

The BT-50 back then (not sure if now is exactly the same) had/has the same chassis and drive train as the Ranger and was made at the same factory. The differences were in the body styling and features.

I wanted a 3.2 Wildtrak but had to wait 14 months to get one. The first dealer I went to took a small deposit (which I got back in the end), but never got the pickup. After over a year and no pickup, I went to another dealer a few provinces over, and paid another deposit. Again, I was told I would be put on a waiting list. But this guy came through a month later, and I got my truck. Definitely no discount.

If you want extra features like; more airbags, traction control, styling, premium sound etc., then the Wildtrak is for you. The six speed auto transmission felt funny at first, but after I learned how to drive it, I now love it. Add the 3.2, and you've got it all.

If you like the Ranger, but want more of a utility vehicle, you can save some money on the XLT. Still a great truck with lots of guts. It will save you some money over the Wildtrak.

If you like the BT-50 styling and features, and want all the guts of the Ranger, get the Mazda. It will save you even more.

[JaseTheBass]

the ford is too chunky. mazda looks ugly. go for Isuzu dmax vcross prestige with brown leather seats. its all class and a great truck

Indeed. Why settle for the best when you can have mediocrity!

[Pink7]

Hi Pink,

This is a good question and one I wondered about three years ago.

The BT-50 back then (not sure if now is exactly the same) had/has the same chassis and drive train as the Ranger and was made at the same factory. The differences were in the body styling and features.

I wanted a 3.2 Wildtrak but had to wait 14 months to get one. The first dealer I went to took a small deposit (which I got back in the end), but never got the pickup. After over a year and no pickup, I went to another dealer a few provinces over, and paid another deposit. Again, I was told I would be put on a waiting list. But this guy came through a month later, and I got my truck. Definitely no discount.

If you want extra features like; more airbags, traction control, styling, premium sound etc., then the Wildtrak is for you. The six speed auto transmission felt funny at first, but after I learned how to drive it, I now love it. Add the 3.2, and you've got it all.

If you like the Ranger, but want more of a utility vehicle, you can save some money on the XLT. Still a great truck with lots of guts. It will save you some money over the Wildtrak.

If you like the BT-50 styling and features, and want all the guts of the Ranger, get the Mazda. It will save you even more.

Hows the 3.2 on diesel economy? What year is your WT from? You have automatic? 2 wd or 4wd?

Pink

[teambum]

The new Mitsubishi looks good, in Australia $10,000 cheaper 250,000 baht made in Thailand may be worth a look at.

[thpon]

I have bought the wildtrak 3.2 and it is a very good machine. did the usual and put the obligatory wider wheel and bodykit on it (The wife wanted them honest) and it looks a mean machine.....so worth a good look

As for the 2.2, i have never driven one but friends who have or have had them tell me they are seriously under powered.

The truck is mostly driven by the wife, but when home i do drive it and even driven from Nakon Sawan to Pattaya in it with no fatigue (from driving) what so ever.

I got a deal when i bought it as i paid cash (200,000 off list). Dont like Nissan, Mazda or Mitsu so the only others i have had are Izuzu,and Toyota but i would rate this as good if not slightly better but time will tell as it ages - for reliability.

I change my vehicles every 2 years and depending on the time i spend at home they could have driven 9 to 15 thousand kms (we also have cars) as the wife only uses it to go from home to her office most of the time which is 4-5 kms.

Thais tend to think the Fords lose money when you come to sell it, maybe true for older models but this one seems quite popular.

Even my wife likes this one and she is thai, she was surprised how well equipped and comfortable it was

Fuel economy is reasonable (never recorded figures) but nakon sawan - pattaya-nakon sawan cost me about 3000 baht with fuel left.

Rumour is that Ford Thailand is going to stop production of the 3.2 but i have been hearing that for over a year now so we will see.

Good luck

[jerome2]

2nd hand less than 100.000 does not means automatiicaly you have brand garantee

marks on the engine attest it has been tempered by others

[thailoht]

I have bought the wildtrak 3.2 and it is a very good machine. did the usual and put the obligatory wider wheel and body kit on it (The wife wanted them honest) and it looks a mean machine.....so worth a good look

As for the 2.2, i have never driven one but friends who have or have had them tell me they are seriously under powered ........

+1 ... I agree wholeheartedly!

Hi Pink,

This is a good question and one I wondered about three years ago.

The BT-50 back then (not sure if now is exactly the same) had/has the same chassis and drive train as the Ranger and was made at the same factory. The differences were in the body styling and features.

I wanted a 3.2 Wildtrak but had to wait 14 months to get one. The first dealer I went to took a small deposit (which I got back in the end), but never got the pickup. After over a year and no pickup, I went to another dealer a few provinces over, and paid another deposit. Again, I was told I would be put on a waiting list. But this guy came through a month later, and I got my truck. Definitely no discount.

If you want extra features like; more airbags, traction control, styling, premium sound etc., then the Wildtrak is for you. The six speed auto transmission felt funny at first, but after I learned how to drive it, I now love it. Add the 3.2, and you've got it all.

If you like the Ranger, but want more of a utility vehicle, you can save some money on the XLT. Still a great truck with lots of guts. It will save you some money over the Wildtrak.

If you like the BT-50 styling and features, and want all the guts of the Ranger, get the Mazda. It will save you even more.

Thanks for the good model distinctions .... Could you explain more of your initial experience with driving a six-speed transmission to help the rest of us understand what it's like?