itxpurts

Good – I like the Ranger /BT-50 ( it's really a Mazda) Despite the lack of cruse and some other features, it really is not a bad option, its quite a good one. The Ford Ranger is a…

capable vehicle, whist basic in nature even in the XLT crew cab, the Ranger is a workhorse that is a true 4WD. The truck has great power despite the limited power plant options with only a diesel 3.0 turbo on offer in the 4WD models. It has heaps of torque right across the rev range and makes short work of the journey to 100kms. It is fun to drive and can get you almost anywhere in style. It is not the easiest of vehicles to live with. The side steps are too high to be useful and get in the road when you want to get out. The visibility out the back is not the best. Options missing are the much needed parking assist and cruse control or at least speed alarm.

OK – FP have built a solid reputation on building appliances that live the life of the warranty and not much more. The DD's are a classic example of that design whilst innovative, they…

are susceptible to failures that ultimately will leave the owner bitter with their purchase.

In the case of the DD's as opposed to their fridges and washers, they are also capable of being repaired whilst still operating. I would buy these units again however they are not for everyone. I have owned the FP DD for several years and have had my share or experiences. Our units have had multiple failures and cost us a small fortune in repair costs however we are now learning to live with our twins and they are starting to grow up.

One of the neat features is that if you do have a unit fail, generally there is a spare one within arms reach, not many others can claim such redundancy in design.

The units are good at what they do and a small load is quickly dealt with. They are great for large loads as well with the twins working on different types of loads eg at a party, one can be doing a big dirty load of plates and the other giving glasses a quick light wash. The DD is very susceptible to poor washes due to debris being trapped in the impeller. This can be either food such as corn, egg shells or small pieces of plastic. I have even found small stones, presumably from lettuce preparation.

If you do not load the unit correctly, it is easy to jam the wash arm and you end up with a load of washed dirty plates. This is the most common problem with the DD's as it is nearly impossible to spin the arm once the unit is loaded as it is under the wire shelf at the bottom of the draw.