Used Ford Ranger 2025: Pre-purchase checklist

Get Your Vehicle History Report Now

Don’t Risk It — Get your report now and buy your next car with confidence.

The Ford Ranger is one of Australia’s most popular utes and is a common choice for tradies, families and people who enjoy touring and four-wheel driving. The latest-generation Ranger was introduced in Australia in 2022 and comes in a wide range of models, engines and equipment [1]. So, what makes the 2025 Ford Ranger a popular used vehicle, and what should you check before you buy one?

What are the benefits of buying a used Ford Ranger?

Save money: A new Ford Ranger can be expensive, particularly in higher-spec models such as the Wildtrak and Platinum. Buying a used Ranger can help you avoid some of the depreciation that occurs after a new vehicle is purchased.

Practicality: The Ranger is designed to work hard. Its large load area makes it useful for carrying tools, equipment and other items. Depending on the model and equipment fitted, the Ranger can also tow up to 3,500kg braked [2].

Choice of models: The 2025 Ranger is available in several models, including XL, XLS, XLT, Sport, Wildtrak and Platinum, with different engines and drivetrains. There is also a Ranger Raptor for buyers looking for a high-performance off-road ute.

Comfort and technology: The latest Ranger has a modern interior with a large central touchscreen, smartphone connectivity and a range of driver-assistance features. Selected models have features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping technology, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera [2].

Safety: The current-generation Ford Ranger has a five-star ANCAP safety rating for most variants. The rating applies to Ranger variants other than the Raptor [1].

What should I look for when buying a Ford Ranger?

A vehicle history report will give you important information about the Ford Ranger you are interested in.

In general, you should look for a used Ranger that has been properly serviced, has a clear history and has been well cared for. You should also consider how the previous owner used the vehicle.

A Ranger used mainly as a family vehicle may have had an easier life than one regularly used for towing, off-road driving or heavy work.

When purchasing a used 2025 Ford Ranger, pay close attention to the following areas:

Engine

Start the vehicle from cold and listen for unusual noises.

Check that the engine starts easily and runs smoothly. Look for warning lights on the dashboard and check underneath the vehicle for signs of oil or coolant leaks.

Ask the seller when the vehicle was last serviced and request the service records.

Transmission

During your test drive, make sure the transmission changes gears smoothly.

Look for:

Delayed gear changes
Shuddering
Unusual noises
Jerking when changing gears
Problems selecting reverse or drive

If the Ranger has been used for towing or heavy work, pay particular attention to how the transmission behaves under load.

4WD system

If you are buying a four-wheel-drive Ranger, check that the 4WD system operates correctly.

Test the available driving modes and ask the seller whether the vehicle has regularly been used off-road.

Look underneath the vehicle for signs of damage, mud build-up or leaks. Heavy off-road use can place additional stress on the suspension, underbody and drivetrain.

Suspension and steering

Check the suspension carefully, particularly if the Ranger has been used for work or off-road driving.

During your test drive, listen for:

Knocking sounds
Squeaking
Excessive bouncing
Steering vibration
Pulling to one side

Also inspect the shock absorbers, suspension components and steering for signs of damage or wear.

Tyres and wheels

Check all four tyres for even wear, damage and sufficient tread.

Uneven tyre wear may indicate an alignment, suspension or steering problem.

Also inspect the wheels for scratches, dents or cracks, particularly if the Ranger has been driven off-road.

Tub and towing equipment

The Ranger is often purchased as a work vehicle, so inspect the rear load area carefully.

Look for:

Scratches and dents in the tub
Damage to the tailgate
Damaged tub liners
Signs of heavy loads
Aftermarket accessories
Towbar damage
Trailer wiring problems
Electric brake controller installation

If the vehicle has been used regularly for towing, ask the seller what type and size of loads it has normally towed.

Check the Ford Ranger’s history

A 2025 Ranger is still a relatively new vehicle, but this does not mean that every used example has had an easy life.

Check the vehicle’s history before buying and look for evidence of previous accidents, repairs, written-off status or stolen status.

You should also check the odometer reading against the service history and previous records.

If the Ranger has very low kilometres but shows heavy wear inside the cabin, steering wheel, pedals or load area, ask the seller why.

Ford Ranger recalls in Australia

Like other modern vehicles, the Ford Ranger has been subject to safety recalls and service actions.

Ford Australia provides a recall and service-action lookup that allows owners to check a vehicle using its 17-digit VIN. Ford recommends checking the VIN to identify any open recalls before buying [3].

When buying a used Ranger, ask the seller whether all recall work has been completed.

It is particularly important to check the exact vehicle because recalls can apply to specific build periods, models or equipment.

Check the warranty

A 2025 Ford Ranger may still have a significant amount of its original factory warranty remaining.

Ford Australia’s warranty information states that Ranger vehicles with a warranty commencement date from 1 August 2023 and before 1 September 2026 are covered by the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty, subject to the applicable warranty conditions [4].

Ford has also introduced a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for eligible new and demonstrator vehicles delivered from 1 September 2026, provided servicing requirements are met [5].

Because a 2025 Ranger falls under the earlier warranty arrangements, check the exact warranty commencement date and remaining coverage for the vehicle you are buying.

Ask the seller for the original warranty and service information and confirm the vehicle’s warranty status with Ford if necessary.

What else should I check before buying a used Ford Ranger?

Before handing over your money, check:

VIN
Registration
Odometer reading
Service history
Finance owing
Written-off status
Stolen status
Accident history
Engine
Transmission
4WD system
Suspension
Steering
Tyres
Brakes
Lights
Air conditioning
Infotainment system
Reversing camera
Driver-assistance features
Towbar and trailer wiring
Tub and tailgate
Underbody
Recalls
Remaining warranty

It is also a good idea to have the Ranger inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy it.

How can I check the history of a used Ford Ranger?

Buying a used Ford Ranger is not just about taking it for a test drive and checking its appearance.

A physical inspection can identify some mechanical and body problems, but it cannot tell you everything about the vehicle’s past.

A vehicle history report can help you find important information about the Ranger, including whether it has been reported as written off or stolen, whether there is finance owing and whether the recorded history matches what the seller has told you.

A PPSR search, formarly known as, REVS check, is also an important step when buying a used vehicle in Australia. It can help identify whether a security interest has been registered against the vehicle.

A history check, combined with a careful inspection and test drive, can help you make a more informed decision before buying a used 2025 Ford Ranger.

Do your checks before you buy. Knowing the Ranger’s history and condition can help you avoid unexpected problems and give you greater peace of mind.

References

ANCAP, Ford Ranger Safety Rating. The current-generation Ford Ranger received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, applying to all variants except Ranger Raptor.
Ford Australia, Ford Ranger Specifications. Ranger specifications include available safety, technology, towing and equipment features across different variants.
Ford Australia, Can I check for safety recalls before buying a new Ford? Ford provides a VIN-based recall and service-action lookup for vehicles in Australia.
Ford Australia, Ford Warranties. Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty arrangements apply according to the vehicle’s warranty commencement date and applicable conditions.
Ford Australia, 7 Year Warranty. Eligible new and demonstrator vehicles delivered from 1 September 2026 can receive seven years of unlimited-kilometre warranty coverage when servicing requirements are met.