Used Ford Ranger for sale: everything you need to know
The Ford Ranger has been around in its latest iteration since 2011, with a significant update in 2022. It’s been among the best selling, and among the best pickups on sale during this time, offering just about everything those after a practical working vehicle could ask for.
Since the 2022 facelift especially it’s a good-looking truck too, with more than a hint of the styling of Ford’s larger trucks sold elsewhere in the world, and the availability of an entertaining Ranger Raptor means the Ranger doesn’t need to be confined to the building site either. Trucks like the Ranger are no longer cheap, even if you can claim back the VAT, but buying used is a great way to save you and your business some money.
Should you buy a Ford Ranger?
Japanese models like the Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux used to dominate the pickup market in the UK, but in recent years it’s the Ford Ranger that has become the best-selling pickup. This in turn makes them easy to find on the used market too, and a wide range of engines and trim levels makes it easier to find one that fits your needs.
It’s not just the Ford badge that makes the Ranger popular, but the Ranger’s also a talented truck. They’re tough and practical and it seems Ford can’t help making all of its vehicles drive well, as the Ranger’s most satisfying to drive than most other trucks in the class too, with neat steering and controlled handling.
More recent models use several variations of a 2-litre turbodiesel engine, with either manual or 10-speed automatic gearboxes depending on which model you find. Alternatively, there’s the powerful Ranger Raptor, though this is more of a recreational vehicle than a working one. XL models are a little basic but generally all Rangers are well specified and some are quite frugal, making them easy to use every day as well as just for work.
The aforementioned Hilux and L200 are two alternative trucks to the Ranger, and while it’s getting on a bit, the Nissan Navara is another option. Depending on the age of Ranger you’re looking at, even Fiat and Mercedes-Benz sold pickups - the Fullback and X-Class respectively - while the Volkswagen Amarok is well worth a look too - 2022-on models are actually based on the Ranger.
What’s the best used Ford Ranger model to buy?
Throw caution (and your wallet) to the wind and the money-no-object choice has to be the Raptor, which is a hoot to drive and amusingly quick. However, the changes that turn it into a performance vehicle somewhat detract from its utility - it has a lower load rating than other Rangers for instance, and that changes its commercial vehicle status so you can’t claim back VAT when you buy one.
The rest of the range is a little more sensible. As a working vehicle a single-cab, XL-spec, 130PS model will do the job, but as an all-rounder you can use for both work and leisure, the pick of the lineup is probably a double-cab with one of the more powerful diesel engines, ideally post-2019 when the old six-speed automatic was replaced with a better 10-speed unit, and in at least XLT trim.
Used Ford Ranger fuel economy and performance
- Ford Ranger 2.0L Ecoblue 130PS: The Ranger lineup kicks off with a 130PS 2-litre turbodiesel, attached to a six-speed manual gearbox and standard four-wheel drive. The combination gets you from 0-62mph in 11.1 seconds, and can return up to 40.9mpg.
- Ford Ranger 2.0L Ecoblue 170PS: With 170PS from the same 2-litre engine, Ford quotes the same acceleration but a higher top speed, and there’s no difference in economy either. A 10-speed automatic gearbox is optional.
- Ford Ranger 2.0L Ecoblue 213PS: The most powerful diesel makes 213PS, again from a 2-litre engine, and covers 0-62mph in 9.0 seconds with the standard 10-speed auto. Ford also quotes 36.7mpg.
- Ford Ranger 3.0L Ecoboost 286PS: Offered only in the Ranger Raptor, the twin-turbocharged 3-litre V6 makes 286PS (though that’s less than the 397PS in some international markets), for a 7.9-second 0-62mph time and a thirsty 20.5mpg.
What used Ford Ranger trim levels are available?
Reflecting the model’s popularity and scope, the Ranger comes in everything from a basic working vehicle configuration to a full high-performance off-road Raptor model, essentially to pickup trucks as a GT3 RS is to Porsche 911s. XL models are fairly basic but the more expensive variants could easily serve as your main transportation, with the kind of features you’d find on most regular SUVs.
- The Ford Ranger XL is where the range starts, getting steel wheels and manual air conditioning. It comes in Single Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab formats, with the 130PS and 170PS engine options.
- The Ford Ranger XLT gets a higher specification and is aimed more at those likely to use the Ranger as much as a family car as a work vehicle. It comes in Single and Double Cab forms, and only with the 170PS engine.
- The Ford Ranger Limited has a luxury feel and is Super Cab or Double Cab only, with standard kit including Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system.
- The Ford Ranger Wildtrak gets a more off-road oriented look, and comes with a titanium-effect grille, aluminium roof rails, part-leather seats, and ambient lighting. It comes only in Double Cab form with the 213PS diesel.
- The Ford Ranger Raptor is a high-performance range-topper, offered with a 2-litre turbodiesel and a 3-litre twin-turbo petrol V6. It gets different wheels, tyres, and suspension from the rest of the range, plus Raptor-specific body styling and interior fixtures.
Used Ford Ranger dimensions and boot size
The Ford Ranger’s dimensions are:
- Length: 5,282-5,363mm
- Width: 1,977-2,028mm
- Height: 1,800-2,028mm
- Ground clearance: 230mm
The Ford Ranger’s load box depth/width/height are:
- Single Cab: 2,317/1,560/511mm
- Super Cab: 1,847/1,560/511mm
- Double Cab: 1,613/1,560/511mm
Used Ford Ranger road tax
The Ranger is taxed as a commercial vehicle, and that means for the 2024/2025 tax year, you’ll pay £335 per year, or £175.88 if you pay in six-monthly instalments by Direct Debit. Even though the Raptor isn’t classed as a commercial vehicle in terms of payload, it still gets the same tax rating.
How much is it to insure a Ford Ranger?
As pickups like the Ranger tend to live a hard life it’s no surprise that insurance will cost you a bit more than for a conventional SUV. The range starts in group 37 (out of 50), while you’ll find the Wildtrack in group 42. The Raptor, surprisingly, is only a little higher in group 43.
