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Mazda

BT-50

UR· 2011-2020 ute Top pick
Price (AUD)
$18-35k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Australia
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Twin of the Ford Ranger PX with identical mechanicals — same 3.2L P5AT Duratorq, same ZF 6R80 6-speed auto, same EGR cooler issues. The polarising "smiley" front end on the early UR hurt resale and kept used prices well below the equivalent Ranger. Less popular = less worn = potentially better-condition examples for the money if you can live with the styling. Slightly nicer interior trim than the contemporary Ranger.

Engines & variants

3.2L P5AT (5-cylinder Duratorq turbo diesel)

Engine
Ford-shared
Config
I5 turbo
Displacement
3.2L
Power
147kW
Torque
470Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.4s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 6AT (ZF 6R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km

Pros

  • Identical mechanicals to Ranger PX - cheaper
  • Slightly nicer interior trim
  • Same parts supply
  • Less popular = less worn examples

Cons

  • Same Ford 3.2 faults as Ranger
  • Polarising "smiley" grille on early UR
  • Weaker resale than Ranger

Known problems

high
EGR cooler internal coolant leak
Identical to Ranger PX. EGR cooler will fail.
Fix: EGR cooler replacement or bypass.
From 80-150k km · ~$1500-2800
high
6-speed auto torque converter shudder
Same ZF 6R80 issues. Transmission overheating when towing without aux cooler.
Fix: Mandatory external trans cooler. Fresh fluid every 60k.
From 100k+ km, towing · ~$2500-5000
medium
Turbo VGT vane sticking
Same as Ranger.
Fix: VGT clean or replacement.
From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3500