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The Ford Everest is a popular large SUV in Australia, known for its comfortable interior, spacious cabin and ability to handle family trips and off-road adventures. It shares much of its engineering with the Ford Ranger, making it a practical choice for families who need extra space and four-wheel-drive capability. The latest-generation Everest arrived in Australia in 2022 and received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which applies to all variants of this generation [1]. So, what makes the 2025 Ford Everest a popular used vehicle, and what should you check before you buy one [6]?
What are the benefits of buying a used Ford Everest?
Save money: Buying a used Ford Everest can help you avoid some of the depreciation that comes with buying a new SUV. You may also be able to buy a higher-spec model for less money than a new one. However, compare prices carefully and check the vehicle’s condition before making a decision.
Space and comfort: The Everest is designed for families and people who need extra room. Depending on the model, it offers five or seven seats, making it useful for school runs, family holidays and long road trips. The rear seats can also be folded down to create more luggage space [2].
Towing ability: The Ford Everest can tow up to 3,500kg when properly equipped [2]. This makes it useful for towing caravans, boats and trailers. However, you should check the exact vehicle’s towing limits, payload and gross combination mass before towing heavy loads.
Off-road driving: Selected Everest models have four-wheel-drive systems and driving modes designed for different road conditions. These features can help when travelling on dirt roads, sand and other challenging surfaces. However, check the condition of the underbody and drivetrain if the vehicle has been used regularly off-road.
Technology and safety: The Everest offers modern safety and driver-assistance features, depending on the model and equipment fitted. These may include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and a reversing camera [1]. Check that all these features work correctly before buying.
Choice of models: The 2025 Everest is available in different grades, including Ambiente, Trend, Sport, Platinum and Tremor, depending on the model year and Australian specification. Buyers can choose between different equipment levels, engines and drivetrains to suit their needs.
What should I look for when buying a Ford Everest?
A vehicle history report will give you important information about the Ford Everest you are interested in.
In general, look for a used Everest with a good service history, reasonable kilometres and a condition that matches its age. Ask the seller how the vehicle has been used and whether it has had any major repairs.
An Everest used mainly for family trips may have had an easier life than one regularly used for towing, off-road driving or carrying heavy loads.
When purchasing a used 2025 Ford Everest, pay close attention to the following areas.
Engine
The 2025 Everest is available with turbo-diesel engine options, including a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, depending on the variant [2].
Start the engine when it is cold and listen for unusual noises. Check that it starts easily and runs smoothly.
Look under the bonnet for oil or coolant leaks. Also check for excessive exhaust smoke, warning lights or unusual engine noises.
Ask the seller when the vehicle was last serviced and request the service records. Regular servicing is important, especially if the vehicle has been used for towing or heavy work.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
The diesel Everest uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to help reduce harmful emissions.
Ask the seller whether the vehicle has had any DPF warning lights, repairs or other exhaust-system problems. Vehicles that mainly travel short distances may have difficulty completing the normal DPF regeneration process.
Look for warning messages, reduced engine power or signs of repeated DPF problems. If you have any concerns, have the vehicle checked by a qualified diesel mechanic before buying.
Transmission
The 2025 Ford Everest uses a 10-speed automatic transmission [2].
During your test drive, check that the transmission changes gears smoothly. Look for delayed gear changes, shuddering, jerking or unusual noises.
Test the vehicle in different driving conditions, including slow traffic and normal road speeds. If the vehicle has been used for heavy towing, ask the seller about its towing history and have the transmission inspected if necessary.
Four-wheel-drive system
If you are buying a four-wheel-drive Everest, check that the drivetrain operates correctly.
Ask the seller whether the vehicle has regularly been driven off-road. Inspect the underbody for dents, scratches, fluid leaks and signs of heavy use.
Check the available driving modes according to the owner’s manual. If the vehicle has a locking rear differential, check that the system operates correctly where fitted.
If you are unsure how to test the four-wheel-drive system safely, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect it.
Suspension and steering
The suspension can experience extra wear if the Everest has been driven on rough roads or used for towing.
During your test drive, listen for knocking sounds and check for excessive bouncing, steering vibration or pulling to one side.
Inspect the shock absorbers, suspension components and steering for signs of damage or wear. Also check whether the vehicle has been fitted with a suspension lift or other aftermarket modifications.
Brakes
Check that the brakes work smoothly and do not make unusual noises.
Look for brake vibration, pulling to one side or a soft brake pedal. Inspect the brake discs and pads for excessive wear.
If the vehicle has regularly towed a caravan or trailer, pay particular attention to the condition of the braking system.
Tyres and wheels
Check all four tyres for uneven wear, damage and sufficient tread.
Uneven tyre wear may point to wheel alignment or suspension problems. Inspect the wheels for dents and scratches, particularly if the Everest has been driven off-road.
If the vehicle has larger aftermarket tyres, check that they are suitable for the vehicle and comply with applicable road rules.
Interior and electronics
The Everest has a range of electronic systems, so check that everything works correctly.
Inspect the touchscreen, reversing camera, air conditioning, windows, lights, parking sensors and central locking.
Also check that the driver-assistance systems operate correctly and that no warning messages appear on the dashboard.
Look for damaged seats, worn interior trim and signs of water entering the cabin. If the vehicle has seven seats, fold the third row up and down to check that the mechanism works properly.
Body and accident damage
Inspect the body panels for dents, scratches, mismatched paint and signs of previous repairs.
Check the doors, bonnet, tailgate, bumpers, windscreen and underbody. Look for rust or damage, especially if the vehicle has been driven on rough roads or used for off-road trips.
Also check the roof, roof rails and towing equipment if fitted.
A clean appearance does not guarantee that a vehicle has never been in an accident, so check its history as well.
Ford Everest recalls in Australia
Some Ford Everest vehicles have been subject to safety recalls in Australia.
For example, a recall published on 30 April 2025 affected certain 2022–2025 Ford Ranger and Everest vehicles fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. A manufacturing defect could cause the left-hand engine camshaft sprocket to fracture, potentially leading to the engine stalling while driving [3].
Not every 2025 Everest is affected by this recall. The exact vehicles covered depend on the VIN and other identifying details.
Before buying, check the VIN using Ford Australia’s recall and service-action lookup [4]. Ask the seller whether all required recall work has been completed, and confirm the status with an authorised Ford dealer if necessary.
Check the warranty
A used 2025 Ford Everest may still have a significant amount of its original factory warranty remaining.
Ford Australia’s standard new-vehicle warranty for the 2025 Everest is five years with unlimited kilometres, subject to the applicable warranty terms and conditions [5].
Ask the seller for the original delivery date and service records. Check whether the vehicle has been serviced on time and whether any warranty repairs have been completed.
Do not assume that every used Everest has the same warranty coverage. Confirm the remaining warranty with Ford before buying.
What else should I check before buying a used Ford Everest?
Before handing over your money, check:
- VIN and registration
- Odometer reading
- Service history
- Finance owing
- Written-off status
- Stolen status
- Accident history
- Engine and transmission
- DPF condition
- Four-wheel-drive system, if fitted
- Suspension and steering
- Tyres and brakes
- Lights and air conditioning
- Touchscreen and reversing camera
- Driver-assistance features
- Third-row seats and folding mechanisms
- Towbar and towing equipment
- Aftermarket modifications
- Recall status
- Remaining warranty
- Number of keys supplied
It is also a good idea to have the Everest inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy it.
How can I check the history of a used Ford Everest?
Buying a used Ford Everest is not just about checking the engine, tyres and interior. A physical inspection can identify some mechanical problems, but it cannot tell you everything about the vehicle’s past.
A vehicle history report can help identify important information, including whether the vehicle has been reported as written off or stolen, whether finance is owing and whether its recorded history matches the seller’s claims.
A PPSR check, formly known as REVS search, is particularly important when buying a used vehicle in Australia. It can help identify whether a security interest has been registered against the vehicle.
Before you buy, check the Everest’s history, take it for a test drive and arrange an independent inspection if needed.
Do your checks before you buy. Knowing the Ford Everest’s history and condition can help you avoid unexpected costs and give you greater peace of mind.
Related article: Pre-purchase checklist on Isuzu D-MAX
References
1. ANCAP, Ford Everest Safety Rating. The current-generation Ford Everest received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, applying to all variants introduced from August 2022. Read the ANCAP safety report
2. Ford Australia, Ford Everest Specifications. Official information about available engines, seating, towing capacity, drivetrains and equipment. View Ford Everest specifications
3. Australian Government, Ford Ranger and Everest Recall — REC-006341. Recall published on 30 April 2025 concerning certain 3.0-litre V6 diesel vehicles from the 2022–2025 model years. Read the recall notice
4. Ford Australia, Recalls and Service Actions. Check whether a vehicle has outstanding recalls using its 17-digit VIN. Check Ford recalls
5. Ford Australia, Vehicle Warranties. Information about new-vehicle warranty coverage and applicable terms. Read Ford warranty information
6. NSW Government, Buying a Used Vehicle. Guidance on vehicle history, registration, odometer readings, recalls and finance checks before purchase. Read the used-car buying guide