Should you buy a used Ford Ranger?

The used ute market in Australia is not short of choice, yet one name continues to sit at the top of the list. In 2025, the Ford Ranger was the most purchased used vehicle in the country, recording 92,197 sales and claiming a 4.0 per cent market share, according to the Australian Automotive Dealer Association. That represented an 11.8 per cent increase year-on-year, a notable result in a stabilising used-car market.

Those figures are not just statistical noise. They reflect sustained consumer confidence in the Ford Ranger as both a commercial tool and a family-capable dual-cab. In practical terms, high transaction volume means liquidity. If you buy a used Ford Ranger, history suggests you are unlikely to struggle finding a buyer when it is time to move it on.

But volume alone does not equal value.

The short answer?

Yes, a used Ford Ranger 4×4 ute is definitely worth considering if you need strong towing capacity, practical cabin space and broad availability across different price points.

However, you should not purchase without checking the recall history, service records and overall condition. Running costs and depreciation are factors to consider, particularly compared to some Japanese rivals.

What are you getting with the Ford Ranger?

The good stuff

The Ford Ranger’s appeal continues to centre on capability. Most diesel 4×4 variants offer a 3,500 kg braked towing capacity, positioning the model squarely within Australia’s caravan, boating and trade-focused culture. Importantly, this rating spans multiple generations, widening the viable used-market pool.

Interior quality has evolved noticeably over time. The 2015 Ford Ranger PX II update introduced improved refinement and infotainment usability, while the 2022-onwards next-generation Ford Ranger adopted a vertically oriented touchscreen and more contemporary dashboard layout. The shift moved the Ranger closer to an SUV-like presentation, broadening its suitability for family buyers.

Safety credentials have also progressed. Current-generation models carry a five-star rating from ANCAP, while later Ford Ranger PX-series variants introduced advanced driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring in higher trims.

So, yes, the Ranger’s capability profile is well established and not limited to the newest examples.

The not-so-good stuff

Framing the Ford Ranger as an “investment” requires looking beyond features. Depreciation patterns and resale liquidity are more relevant metrics.

While competitors such as the Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max are often cited for slightly stronger percentage-based resale retention, the Ford Ranger’s consistently high demand supports turnover stability. Strong buyer activity typically reduces average time-to-sell, which can materially affect real-world ownership cost.

In practical terms, a widely traded model with sustained demand may offer more predictable resale outcomes than a lower-volume alternative, even if percentage retention margins vary slightly between brands.

What to check before committing?

Popularity does not remove the need for due diligence. Certain 2022–2025 V6 diesel variants were subject to recall due to a camshaft sprocket defect. Any prospective buyer should verify recall completion directly with Ford Australia using the vehicle identification number.

Running costs are broadly in line with segment norms. Real-world fuel consumption for four-cylinder diesel variants typically ranges between 8–10L/100km in mixed driving, with higher figures under towing loads. Larger wheels, premium trims and performance-oriented variants can increase tyre and servicing expenditure.

The Ford Ranger’s physical size is also worth considering. Its footprint benefits regional touring and towing stability, but may be less convenient in dense urban environments.

Read more: Ford issues recall for 2022–2025 Ranger and Everest diesel V6 models in Australia. 

Final advice

A used Ford Ranger remains one of the more secure propositions in Australia’s dual-cab ute market. Its 2025 sales performance underscores widespread acceptance, while its towing capacity, evolving cabin quality and strong demand underpin its resale liquidity.

However, investment logic still depends on condition, service history and recall verification. Buy based on documented maintenance and mechanical integrity rather than the trim badge alone. When chosen carefully, the Ford Ranger can function as both a capable work platform and a practical family vehicle, with resale confidence supporting the ownership equation.

Buy with your head, and let the ute do the heavy lifting.