Likes
- Showing very good reliability.
- One of the better value for money options in the category.
- Plenty of configurations and trim specs to choose from.
- Isuzu platform proving to be resilient and very capable.
Used Mazda BT-50 (TF) review
2020 - Current
Dislikes
- Concerns with exterior, interior issues.
- Build quality can be hit and miss.
- Bump steer issues well documented.
- Many used models have been poorly modified and abused.
Stuff you should know
- The 2020 to current third-generation Mazda BT-50, unlike its predecessors which were based on the Ford Ranger, now shares most of its components with the Isuzu D-Max. This partnership means that the BT-50 retains Mazda’s unique exterior design while incorporating the reliable underpinnings of the D-Max.
- Primarily, the BT-50 is equipped with a robust 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine, which is a common choice in the used market. Most of these vehicles are fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers power to all four wheels, making it a reliable choice for various terrains.
- However, the BT-50 lineup is more complex than it may initially seem. Mazda offers the BT-50 in over 25 different configurations and variants. In addition to the 3.0-liter turbo diesel, a 1.9-liter engine was introduced to the range in 2021. Lower trim levels offer 4×2 models, and from mid-range trims down to the entry-level models, buyers can choose between single, Freestyle, or Dual cabs. These configurations come with either a pickup or cab chassis to handle loading duties.
- Higher trim levels are exclusively available as 4×4 dual cab pickups. Mazda offers seven trim levels, which can be overwhelming and confusing. Simplifying the trim levels to just three could have made the selection process easier for consumers.
- Additionally, many used BT-50s on the market come with a variety of aftermarket accessories, ensuring that there is likely a BT-50 to suit everyone’s needs. However, this variety also exists among competitors such as the Triton, Ranger, HiLux, Navara, and Amarok, which offer a wide range of configurations and price points. Some competitors may offer better value for money than others.
- Despite its reliable Isuzu platform, the BT-50 is not without its drawbacks. Potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle’s idiosyncrasies and the risk of encountering poorly modified or abused units in the used market. Thorough research and careful inspection are essential before committing to a purchase.
What goes wrong
Exterior
- The exterior of the Australian-delivered Mazda BT-50 (TF) has received mixed reviews from owners. Many have reported that the paint quality is subpar, with the vehicle being prone to scratches and other paint issues, which is concerning for a vehicle designed for off-roading. Owners’ groups frequently mention that small stone chips can cause the paint to peel, and sections of paint can ripple and raise up to the size of a tennis ball. Even excessive bug splatter can lead to paint damage.
- Ceramic coatings do not seem to mitigate these issues effectively. Many owners suggest investing in actual paint protection film for better durability. There is extensive advice available in owners’ groups regarding the best paint protection options.
- Another common complaint is the poor performance of the lights, even on high beam. Some owners also experience frustration with the auto-locking and unlocking functionality, which varies by model and can sometimes be resolved by dealer adjustments.
- Aftermarket accessories are another area of concern. If a BT-50 has any accessories fitted, it’s crucial to ensure they are quality components, professionally installed, and functional.
Interior
- The interior quality of the BT-50 can be inconsistent. While some owners report faultless experiences, others have had issues such as leather seat upholstery coming loose or delaminating, and poorly fitted or rattling plastics and trim pieces. As a utility vehicle, the BT-50 is expected to be resilient, so these issues are disappointing.
- Wear and tear will vary depending on how each BT-50 has been treated. There are also numerous complaints about the cup holders being too deep, making it difficult to retrieve smaller coffee cups. Owners’ groups suggest purchasing 3D-printed inserts to resolve this issue. Unlike the Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 does not have cup holders hidden in the dash, only those in the center console.
- Additionally, some owners have found the front seats to be too tight for larger-framed individuals.
Mechanically
- Mechanically, the BT-50 is generally reliable. However, there are occasional complaints about turbo issues and timing chain complications, such as rattling on start-up, though actual failures are rare. It’s recommended to replace the gasket and handle the plastic fittings on the top of the injectors carefully when checking valve clearances at 45,000 km.
- Bump steer and premature tire wear are common issues. Bump steer causes the front wheels to steer themselves after hitting a bump, leading to uneven tire wear. Aligning the wheels extensively can help, but the root cause is poor design, exacerbated by lifting the vehicle. Changing the upper control arm might help, but to fix it, aftermarket uprights (or knuckles) are necessary. Mazda revised the steering and wheel alignment specs in 2023 to address
Exterior
- The exterior of the Australian-delivered Mazda BT-50 (TF) has received mixed reviews from owners. Many have reported that the paint quality is subpar, with the vehicle being prone to scratches and other paint issues, which is concerning for a vehicle designed for off-roading. Owners’ groups frequently mention that small stone chips can cause the paint to peel, and sections of paint can ripple and raise up to the size of a tennis ball. Even excessive bug splatter can lead to paint damage.
- Ceramic coatings do not seem to mitigate these issues effectively. Many owners suggest investing in actual paint protection film for better durability. There is extensive advice available in owners’ groups regarding the best paint protection options.
- Another common complaint is the poor performance of the lights, even on high beam. Some owners also experience frustration with the auto-locking and unlocking functionality, which varies by model and can sometimes be resolved by dealer adjustments.
- Aftermarket accessories are another area of concern. If a BT-50 has any accessories fitted, it’s crucial to ensure they are quality components, professionally installed, and functional.
Interior
- The interior quality of the BT-50 can be inconsistent. While some owners report faultless experiences, others have had issues such as leather seat upholstery coming loose or delaminating, and poorly fitted or rattling plastics and trim pieces. As a utility vehicle, the BT-50 is expected to be resilient, so these issues are disappointing.
- Wear and tear will vary depending on how each BT-50 has been treated. There are also numerous complaints about the cup holders being too deep, making it difficult to retrieve smaller coffee cups. Owners’ groups suggest purchasing 3D-printed inserts to resolve this issue. Unlike the Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 does not have cup holders hidden in the dash, only those in the center console.
- Additionally, some owners have found the front seats to be too tight for larger-framed individuals.
Mechanically
- Mechanically, the BT-50 is generally reliable. However, there are occasional complaints about turbo issues and timing chain complications, such as rattling on start-up, though actual failures are rare. It’s recommended to replace the gasket and handle the plastic fittings on the top of the injectors carefully when checking valve clearances at 45,000 km.
- Bump steer and premature tire wear are common issues. Bump steer causes the front wheels to steer themselves after hitting a bump, leading to uneven tire wear. Aligning the wheels extensively can help, but the root cause is poor design, exacerbated by lifting the vehicle. Changing the upper control arm might help, but to fix it, aftermarket uprights (or knuckles) are necessary. Mazda revised the steering and wheel alignment specs in 2023 to address these issues.
- Front differential failures have also been reported, with some covered under warranty and others not. It is crucial to be cautious of poor modifications, especially electrical ones, and to ensure a complete service history before purchasing.
Driving and Ownership
- Starting issues can be a significant problem with the BT-50. If the vehicle hasn’t been driven for 24 hours, it may struggle to start, often requiring multiple attempts. This issue is likely related to the battery or fuel system, but some dealerships may be reluctant to fix it under warranty, attributing it to Mazda Australia.
- Many owners find the numerous safety-related beeps and bongs distracting and annoying. The lane-keeping assist technology is often criticized for being too aggressive, with some owners feeling it makes the car try to turn into oncoming traffic. This issue worsens when towing, and the autonomous braking technology is also overly sensitive, potentially causing accidents.
- Fortunately, Mazda has addressed many of these complaints by updating the safety systems’ calibrations in 2022 for improved functionality. However, ride quality remains a common complaint. Balancing a comfortable ride with the BT-50’s capability to handle heavy loads and off-road conditions is challenging. Improving the suspension for better on-road comfort could compromise its off-road and load-carrying capabilities, while high-quality suspension would increase the vehicle’s price, leading to complaints about cost.
Exterior
- The exterior of the Australian-delivered Mazda BT-50 (TF) has received mixed reviews from owners. Many have reported that the paint quality is subpar, with the vehicle being prone to scratches and other paint issues, which is concerning for a vehicle designed for off-roading. Owners’ groups frequently mention that small stone chips can cause the paint to peel, and sections of paint can ripple and raise up to the size of a tennis ball. Even excessive bug splatter can lead to paint damage.
- Ceramic coatings do not seem to mitigate these issues effectively. Many owners suggest investing in actual paint protection film for better durability. There is extensive advice available in owners’ groups regarding the best paint protection options.
- Another common complaint is the poor performance of the lights, even on high beam. Some owners also experience frustration with the auto-locking and unlocking functionality, which varies by model and can sometimes be resolved by dealer adjustments.
- Aftermarket accessories are another area of concern. If a BT-50 has any accessories fitted, it’s crucial to ensure they are quality components, professionally installed, and functional.
Interior
- The interior quality of the BT-50 can be inconsistent. While some owners report faultless experiences, others have had issues such as leather seat upholstery coming loose or delaminating, and poorly fitted or rattling plastics and trim pieces. As a utility vehicle, the BT-50 is expected to be resilient, so these issues are disappointing.
- Wear and tear will vary depending on how each BT-50 has been treated. There are also numerous complaints about the cup holders being too deep, making it difficult to retrieve smaller coffee cups. Owners’ groups suggest purchasing 3D-printed inserts to resolve this issue. Unlike the Isuzu D-Max, the BT-50 does not have cup holders hidden in the dash, only those in the center console.
- Additionally, some owners have found the front seats to be too tight for larger-framed individuals.
Mechanically
- Mechanically, the BT-50 is generally reliable. However, there are occasional complaints about turbo issues and timing chain complications, such as rattling on start-up, though actual failures are rare. It’s recommended to replace the gasket and handle the plastic fittings on the top of the injectors carefully when checking valve clearances at 45,000 km.
- Bump steer and premature tire wear are common issues. Bump steer causes the front wheels to steer themselves after hitting a bump, leading to uneven tire wear. Aligning the wheels extensively can help, but the root cause is poor design, exacerbated by lifting the vehicle. Changing the upper control arm might help, but to fix it, aftermarket uprights (or knuckles) are necessary. Mazda revised the steering and wheel alignment specs in 2023 to address these issues.
- Front differential failures have also been reported, with some covered under warranty and others not. It is crucial to be cautious of poor modifications, especially electrical ones, and to ensure a complete service history before purchasing.
Driving and Ownership
- Starting issues can be a significant problem with the BT-50. If the vehicle hasn’t been driven for 24 hours, it may struggle to start, often requiring multiple attempts. This issue is likely related to the battery or fuel system, but some dealerships may be reluctant to fix it under warranty, attributing it to Mazda Australia.
- Many owners find the numerous safety-related beeps and bongs distracting and annoying. The lane-keeping assist technology is often criticized for being too aggressive, with some owners feeling it makes the car try to turn into oncoming traffic. This issue worsens when towing, and the autonomous braking technology is also overly sensitive, potentially causing accidents.
- Fortunately, Mazda has addressed many of these complaints by updating the safety systems’ calibrations in 2022 for improved functionality. However, ride quality remains a common complaint. Balancing a comfortable ride with the BT-50’s capability to handle heavy loads and off-road conditions is challenging. Improving the suspension for better on-road comfort could compromise its off-road and load-carrying capabilities, while high-quality suspension would increase the vehicle’s price, leading to complaints about cost.
Should you buy it?
Before recommending whether to buy a BT-50, it’s crucial to understand that every ute in this class has its strengths and weaknesses. There isn’t one that is objectively the best, as the ideal choice depends on your specific requirements.
When it comes to the BT-50, it does have its quirks, and some models are clearly better built than others. Despite this, the vast majority of owners seem to adore their BT-50s. With a few intelligent modifications, the BT-50 can excel in most scenarios.
Even though many used examples are still covered under full factory warranties, the inconsistent quality can be mirrored in the dealership experience. Some owners have reported disappointing experiences with warranty claims and customer service, while others have had no issues at all.
Overall, if a BT-50 meets your needs and the example you’re considering passes all critical pre-purchase inspections, it’s a solid choice. It’s not dramatically better or worse than the competition, but it can be a superb vehicle with the right modifications and care.
Before recommending whether to buy a BT-50, it’s crucial to understand that every ute in this class has its strengths and weaknesses. There isn’t one that is objectively the best, as the ideal choice depends on your specific requirements.
When it comes to the BT-50, it does have its quirks, and some models are clearly better built than others. Despite this, the vast majority of owners seem to adore their BT-50s. With a few intelligent modifications, the BT-50 can excel in most scenarios.
Even though many used examples are still covered under full factory warranties, the inconsistent quality can be mirrored in the dealership experience. Some owners have reported disappointing experiences with warranty claims and customer service, while others have had no issues at all.
Overall, if a BT-50 meets your needs and the example you’re considering passes all critical pre-purchase inspections, it’s a solid choice. It’s not dramatically better or worse than the competition, but it can be a superb vehicle with the right modifications and care.
Should you buy it?
Before recommending whether to buy a BT-50, it’s crucial to understand that every ute in this class has its strengths and weaknesses. There isn’t one that is objectively the best, as the ideal choice depends on your specific requirements.
When it comes to the BT-50, it does have its quirks, and some models are clearly better built than others. Despite this, the vast majority of owners seem to adore their BT-50s. With a few intelligent modifications, the BT-50 can excel in most scenarios.
Even though many used examples are still covered under full factory warranties, the inconsistent quality can be mirrored in the dealership experience. Some owners have reported disappointing experiences with warranty claims and customer service, while others have had no issues at all.
Overall, if a BT-50 meets your needs and the example you’re considering passes all critical pre-purchase inspections, it’s a solid choice. It’s not dramatically better or worse than the competition, but it can be a superb vehicle with the right modifications and care.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Jul 21, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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