Mazda BT-50 J97M (2006-2011)

Bad fuel economy – I bought the redesign MY18 4x4 Diesel XTR duelcab with the new front and 8” Alpine navigation. It’s 4 months old and I just hit 6000km. The new front is a big improvement on the old model and the new head unit is excellent with the maps easily updatable. The road noise on the highway is quite low and overall comfort is good for a ute, however the… Read more

suspension is rough so don’t expect an suv driving experience. The auto gear box is very average with low speed clunking between first and second, something you would not expect in a $50k vehicle. The throttle delay on takeoff is down right dangerous on the diesel and adding an iDrive helped but didn’t really fix the issue. The worst thing is the fuel economy, round town it’s averages 13 l/100km and on the highway the best I can get is 10.5 l/100km and that’s driving very smoothly at 100kmh with no load. I hate to think what its like towing with a full load. The vehicle is also very long making it extremely difficult to park and do upturns and as a result I would not recommend this ute as a city vehicle. The inside is fairly basic with plastic touch surfaces everywhere including the center armrest, the placement of the trip meter button on the dash is just stupid and the ramaining dash functionality is difficult to access while driving. There is also no indicator light warning you that cruise control is on. Overall I would rate the BT50 as very average and definitely not worth the $50k I paid. Knowing what I know now, would I have bought the vehicle...no I don’t think so.

Good vehicle – Purchased 2nd hand BT50 Auto in 2008 with 30k on the clock. Have towed trailer constantly with it. Tandem with a ditch witch digger on it. Recently towed a veteran vehicle to WA from Victoria. The load of car and additional parts would have been close to the rated towing capacity of 2500 kgs. Maintained a speed between 80-95km/hour and down to 20l… Read more

/ 100 into head winds and hill climbing. Usually 12-14 dragging a loaded trailer. On a December, 42 degrees C day with a hot head wind performed poorly towing a loaded trailer. But that was expected due to the very hot and windy conditions. Currently on 180k. with 10k oil changes with very little other issues. Only add oil at oil changes. Not put a spanner on it apart from the timing belt change at 150k. When the bull bar was fitted, cranked up the torsion bar suspension to lift the front up due to the extra weight at the front. Fitted a set of half helper springs to assist the rear springs. I don't think it would support a tonne pay load and would use a trailer and spread the weight. It has been a good vehicle. On reading the reviews on the new release of the 3.2l BTs i think i will stick to this for a bit longer.

BT-50 Freestyle 2008 – Have used vehicle since new in my business. Travelled 215K so far. Original Michelin tyres changed out at 161K and naturally fitted Michelins again. Due to change brake linings for first time at 220K. Engine hasn't missed a beat - no maintenance other than regular servicing. Three years life per battery. Have changed a few headlight globes.… Read more ·  3

Nothing else at all.

Recent economy check over 1,800 kms of 8.8 litres/100kms in city driving.

25-05-2015 - 232k travelled, replaced EGR valve (which I was told feeds exhaust gases into turbocharger) after warning light came on - made a noticeable difference to power. New Michelins have now done 70k and minimal wear.

Air conditioning belt needed replacement.

I purchased BT-50 because I wanted a diesel - my logic was that Mazda only has diesel motors in the BT-50 model - Mazda were clearly committed to their diesel engines.

1-09-2015 245k traveled, have made 3 X 1500km country trips since last review in May. During last trip started to notice a slight vibration - mechanic took for a drive 500kms later but of course no vibration when he drove. Identified as a universal joint after 500km further travel. Replaced all universals in tailshaft plus tines which were most likely damaged by vibration. Total cost $910. Michelins still going well with 84k so far from second set. Confident this set will last 160k like the first set. Note I only changed 4 tyres at 161k because the spare had very little wear.

31-12-2015 258k traveled. Due to change out front shock absorbers at 260k service. Replaced off side front wheel bearing at 240k service. No other issues with vehicle.

Excellent solid dual cab 4x4 – We bought our 2009 model (manual) with 104,000 ks on it in 2013. We've since done another 170,000 ks without incident. It came loaded with everything we wanted (canopy, bullbar, hd roofrack, cruise control, drawers) and we've added plenty of weight with tools, spares, second battery and solar panel and we consistently get under 10lt per 100 ks… Read more

highway use.

We add Chemtech Diesel additive every fill. This helps keep the fuel system clean and we've had zero issues with injectors/pumps etc. Pays for itself in extra milage too.

We've towed a fairly heavy camper trailer around Oz and with it behind we average 12lt per 100 ks. That's across all road surfaces (and some non-road).

We love the car and look after it properly.

My daily – Use it for work mostly. But some off-road 4x4 as well. Handles well stock but lift is needed because of low clearance.I would recommend getting a good set of MT/AT for off-road conditions, lesson I learnt. I've had it serviced its whole life and up to 330000k still going strong  Show details

Well built and cheaper than competitors – It was a tough decision selecting a 4wd. I went with the BT-50 because it was cheaper than Hilux's/Rangers etc. and I'm very happy with my decision. Haven't had the dreaded problems of other utes. Pros - Powerful engine Cabin (electronics, speakers, cup holders, upholstery etc. more like an SUV than a ute IFS - very comfortable ride … Read more

Paintwork

Cons -

Exhaust. Had to upgrade,

Fuel economy - 10.2L/100k - could be better

Get my pants caught on the seat adjuster getting out

a work car that only works for 7 years – We bought this car as a work vehicle, and for 6 years it worked however we have now spent the equivelent of its value getting it back on the road, The head cracked and had to be replaced, according to our mechanic a common occurance in 6 year old BT 50's, now we have to have the fuel pump replaced another common fault, we purched the car in 2012… Read more

and thought that it would last a lot longer before it needed any major work its done 240,000 KM this should not be a lot for a diesel motor of this age, would never buy another Mazda.

Unacceptable Disappointed Never again – BT50 where do I start!!! Purchased 2013 brand new BT50 diesel dual 4x4 Ute. Hose on water pump let go dumping coolant on engine. Cooking the motor. $23k repair bill quoted to Mazda Australia. Mazda not coming to the party outside of warranty. Case terminated by warranty. What the!!! What car manufacturer uses plastic hose clips yep Mazda of… Read more

course. Words escape me. This car has done no hard work. Regularly serviced. Serviced by Mazda dealership up until 100km then at approved dealer every 10k kms. Am considering my legal option in view of ACL. The sad part is we have purchased another BT50 last year. Loyalty!! What’s that Mazda. Similar to your customer service. Unfortunately I will NEVER recommend Mazda.

Mazdas Were Crap In The 80's & 90's... Nothing Has Changed – The vehicle was looked after perfectly and changed all oils even when wasn't due... ended up doing 92 ks, in total until thankfully a 200 series cruiser hit me from behind and bent the chassis... Turbo Gone 80000ks clutch gone 75000ks gearbox 3 and 5th gear gone What a bucket of mazda crap.... how they sell cars is beyond me....… Read more

pathetic at best.

In my experience i cannot stress enough to buy something else, a great wall is probably going to do you better.

Shame mazda ...Shame ... Everyone jokes about mazdas being crapboxs in the 80s .... You have just fooled people with styling... But I know its the same crapbox quality of the 80s just with better looks.

Help plz – Goes into limp mode 08 bt50 tryed everything nothing turns up on code machien after 20 to 50 km going into limp mode i cant find problem at all chages intermitaly no speedo no over 80 km front let wheel locks im lost help changed speep sencer and other sencers in real trouble help plz Show details

Just a work horse – Picked up one for a steal it rough as previous owner used it for a plumbing buisness fleet car so imagine the working part where looked after engine seems strong at 295000ks I am towing a bobcat and heavy load in the tray most days going to throw everything at it to see how long it last with regular services ill re write a review in the next few months Show details

Very Good Ute – Let me first say that I din't much like Utes .. I prefer a van. However, I was persuaded that we should get one ... and we bought the Mazda BT-50 Diesel manual with a special back we had built - for $8K! We have just sold it, 7 years later. Very solid performance, surprisingly easy and comfortable to drive, hardy, reliable (except for new gearbox and clutch required two years ago). However, I recommend - Get an automatic!  Show details

2008 bt50 best ute ever – I bout this ute for a steal @ 240k on the clock the only prob I have had is the oil seal on the oil cooler now it's got 270k on it blown radiator not a prob expected after 10 years did some upgrades detroit diff locker in the rear diff stronger rear springs rear drive shaft snorkel 3" exhaust now it's a real power house pulls a 3ton trailer and a 1 ton pay load off the line like there is nothing on or behind it can't be happier  Show details

Love the car, never had a problem, drives like a dream – The car is surprisingly fuel efficient for a 3 tonne ute, and is so easy and comfortable to drive. The manual gearbox is nice and smooth even after 120,000klms. The engine is powerful and strong and can just pull for days. The interior is clean, neat and tidy and the seats are quite comfortable too. All in all i love this car  Show details

Bt50 3000 td 4x4 single cab tray back – Pulls like a train , I purchased this vehicle with 270000kms and it drives like brand new , gearbox is tight , clutch is good , it is a pleasure to drive , rides well on rough roads etc .what annoys me is product review making me write more than I want to .  Show details

Noise from gearbox? – Hey guys I have a bt50 2011 manual when I take off at about 1200rpm and above it has a sort of rattle sound comming from under neath does in all gears if road noise isn't to louder here it. Almost sounds like it's in the gearbox stops when ingauge the clutch? Any one herd anything about this ?  Show details

Wild steering wheel shaking – Had wild steering wheel shaking with my 2007 BT 50 . Did it with the standard wheels and tyres if you cornered a bit hard. When i put aftermarket wheels on it , problem became severe after some tyre wear. Directional type tyres were the problem here , since using a non directional tyre or assymetrical tyre the problem has vanishished. Otherwise havent had a single issue except a set of uni joints at 200,000k  Show details

wearing coolant hose then crack head gasket – So disappointed in my my BT50. 6 mths after purchasing it over heated only to find mazda said it was a know fact in that model,that the lower heating hose was rubbing on other parts and perishing. yes repaired for nothing . Now 5 months later it has been diagnosed with a cracked head gasket, mechanics say its due to the over heating when heater… Read more

hosed perished. has only done 60,000 kms. Oh and has also had glow plugs replaced. Has been serviced regularly. What a lemon.

Good vehicle. Look after it. 27/5/15 – Just brought a 2011 BT 50 SDX (old shape). Had a few minor problems for the dealership to sort, other than that, it's an awesome multi-purpose vehicle. People need to remember that maintaining your vehicle is key. Your only going to blow your gaskets and things if you don't do regular checks. I.e tightening your rocket cover or cleaning your… Read more ·  1

filters. Most trucks/utes these days will work hard for you if you put the effort in.

Also remember that new vehicles tend to have as many teething problems as old crustys, it's called breaking them in.

Oh and the gears are a little clunky. But from what I hear, that is just a BT-50 for you, I find that changing gears at 2k rpm (not lower than) prevents this "clunky feeling" in the lower gears.

Edit: 27/5/15

If you find that the steering is creaking/screatching when turning sharply in and out of culverts/driveways etc...

Try this:

Check the steering stop bolts. Essentially, they may be too far out due to becoming loose over time, or they may have been adjusted for larger wheels in the past. This caused the rubber caps to wear down on mine and the bolt heads to rub on the steering stop, leading to that creak/squeal when turning tight in and out if my driveway/culverts. After slightly adjusting them (just enough to prevent any damage or rubbing) the squeaking stopped. Boom! Not a CV joint, buggered bush or shock absorber. Best of all - it cost me nothing to fix! Hope this helps someone out, had me scratching my head for a while.

6 years later – I purchased this ute as a run about to do those trips to the dump and to carry my motorcycles. Engine performance is great on the highway and you need to keep an eye on the speedo around town as the thing really gets along quietly. Fuel tank can be difficult to fill, likes to be filled slowly. Still going strong with 55000kms on the clock, about… Read more

to add a slide on camper in 2015. Hope it makes the ride more comfortable. No mechanical problems as yet, still on original tyres but I have replaced the rear shock absorbers as one started to leak. Price was thousands less than Hilux diesel. Good performance once turbo wakes up at just over 1000rpm. Air con is very good as is the stereo. Alloy wheels are good looking and tool box and water tank are handy extras. This is a 2wd basic ute a bit like K Rudds mobile office. Very limited space in cab. Needs a couple of sand bags in the tray to make the ride comfortable. Cleaning rear widow is difficulty because tray back is in the way.

Coolant lose – The Mazda BT-50 temp gauge does not read the right temp. When the needle is half way your temp is at 110˚C. Mine reads this. Have put a manual gauge in and it reads the same temp as the temperature sensor when hook up to a computer. Buy the gauge in the car says the temperature is half way ok. Which is bull. When you needle goes two thickness over… Read more

the gauge your car is boiling. Have 2 blown heads to prove it. Ps just put a 2011 engine in mine 2007 and look not 70,000km on it and away we go again and this engine as not run over 80˚C temperature sense been put in. So no more Mazdas for me.

BT50 – We have a 2010 bt50 that has had a failed egr cooling system (common problem i believe) and now looks like we have a blown gasket or cracked head. Have had radiator, thermostat and egr replaced and now up for a load more dollars for head prob. Have had this car since new,has never towed and doesn't carry weight. Has had every service done and only… Read more

70,000 kms. I have spoken to numerous mechanics and radiator and head specialist who all inform me it is a known problem with bt50 and Rangers. Apparently even though you pull over when overheats it usually still causes the head problem. I am so annoyed that if this is a known weakness why the hell are Mazda still using them, they should be recalled. Mechanics even get warning reports to check these coolers from Mazda so they sure as hell know about it. I am waiting for reports from mechanics to take to Mazda and if no response i am going to the media to see just how big a problem this really is.

Horse ladies take note! – I have a top of the range 2010 bt50, 2nd owner and just wrapped with it! It tows my extended horse float with 2 thoroughbreds beautifully, and still has guts. I love how the gear changes just feel like your in a normal car (pretty similar to my previous 09 ssv ute) and it doesn't feel like your driving a truck. I do have long range fuel tanks, but… Read more

it is a very economical car to drive either towing or city driving. When I upgrade I hope my next bt50 will be just as good!

Dodgy gearbox, dodgy warranty, NOT HAPPY will NEVER buy or recommend them to anyone – Dodgy gearbox, warranty not worth the paper it's written on, NOT HAPPY will NEVER buy or recommend them to anyone. Poor Turning Circle, Seatbelts won't retract properly, taillights flicker and stop working intermittently. Paint job is pathetic, so thin. Bought BT50 4x4 Dual Cab Ute for work, gearbox issues noted in numerous services, dealership… Read more

finally reviewed vehicle properly at a service and said they would replace it as there IS AN ISSUE with THEIR GEARBOXES!! Supposedly replaced gearbox at 70,000kms and less than 3 years old. They only had the vehicle for ONE day, we were unsure this was really long enough, but they had it back to us by that afternoon, it is a work vehicle.

Gearbox jumped out of gear whilst towing a loaded tradesman's trailer down a steep, narrow driveway on a hill (100m + drop off) in bushland. Took it back to Mazda here, they said it is stuffed, but we would have to pay $4000 for a replacement. When we questioned why and informed them it only had 20,000kms on it (the gearbox) they said it wasn't covered under their EXTRA "mechanical" warranty! We were not happy, it was supposedly reviewed by Mazda and again, they have come back with a "WE ARE NOT REPLACING IT" response! Got quotes from local gearbox specialists (who funnily enough stock Mazda gearboxes for this model) and they too want approx. $4000 but they need the car for 3 days, so how did Mazda "supposedly replace" a gearbox in less than a day, and WHAT did they replace it with.

Clutch and fuel system problem – I bought 2007 model duel cab manual had to have new clutch at 70,000km. Had an issue with dirty fuel had 4 new injectors and high pressure fuel pump reconditioned. Problem apparently filter only filters 4 microns and injectors are 2 microns. Go figure thought filter was suppose to protect injectors. Very expensive repair. I have not checked with Mazda regarding filter microns. good work hourse when running fuel filter and clutch Show details

BT 50 Blowing black smoke – I have a 2010 BT 50, it has been a good car. Recently fitted a 2 3/4" exhaust and increased power considerably. It always had a very black exhaust and recently it started blowing a lot of black smoke, soot and missing!! Mechanic put computer on it, everything ok. So he removed the injectors and number 4 was faulty. Replaced it and all good. Just check and make sure your air cleaner is good also, cheers.  Show 2 replies

2010 manual freestyle 2 x 4 – The Mazda ute was with us for 3 years. It joined us on a camping trip to Uluru. The tub has been full of rocks, concrete, sand, topsoil, firewood, as well as the usual bikes, shopping, dogs, camping gear. On its ladder racks it has carted plywood sheets, timber, guttering, and ladders. It has towed broken cars and lots of firewood. It… Read more

accidentally carried 1800kg of sand home when the gravel yard guy got carried away with his bucket. Mostly though it was the second town car although I didn't get to drive the first town car much.

When it came to moving heavy or bulky stuff this car excelled. Well, maybe it excelled at heavy stuff. When loaded the 3 litre engine gave more than I ever needed. Great torque and enough acceleration (with an empty tub) to easily drive highways. Even with 1800kg it the tub I didn't wish for a low range (it was a 2 x 4) although low beam became high beam and high beam lit up the stars.

The motor was the star of this little ute, smooth, torquey, & willing, very easy to live with. There were issues however. Sadly the car was designed & built for hauling and not much else.

- Front and rear suspension are rock solid and will shake the thoughts from your head. Speed humps are to be respected. Washed out gravel roads will hurt you and your passengers.

- The rear jump seats are for emergencies. I carried kids in these seats but it was never fun for them. Your head is only a few centimeters from the back window as every new passenger quickly discovered.

- ABS setup was a shocker. If one wheel locked It seemed to release all the wheels. Down hill corrugated gravel corners were simply dangerous as the brakes would stop working.

- And then there is the traction issues... Don't get me wrong I enjoyed most of the 3 years we spent together, but wheel spin was a constant problem. And with only the inside corner wheel spinning it wouldn't step the back out to let you enjoy a slide. Get a wheel of the ground - stuck, wet grass - stuck, corrugated gravel - wheel spin, wet asphalt - wheel spin, 1st, 2nd & sometimes 3rd gear uphill corners on dry asphalt - wheel spin. Fun at first but it got old quickly. If ever a car needed a limited slip diff... Mazda wanted to fit one for $6,000! Really? it should have been a standard item. An air locker transformed the car for 1/3 the price of Mazda's LSD.

- No traction control, again, really?

Installing the locking rear diff transformed the car entirely. It got used for everything (except heavily loaded when traction was never a problem) , and solved most of the above issues. Also installed cruise control, a quality of life feature I can no longer live without

A solid motor and drive-train, sure, but ABS, traction control, and stability management have been around for 20 years. Spread the love a bit Mazda and you'd have had a killer ute on your hands. Excellent motor, loves carrying loads Traction is poor, ride is harsh, ABS is dangerous

2010 Mazda BT-50 Dual Cab 4x4 Diesel Economy – This vehicle so far has delivered better than advertised economy. They advertise it at 9.5 litres per 100 Km and I'm getting 8.8 litres per 100 Km and this is around town as well. With the 3000kg towing capacity it lacks nothing in pulling power as well as comfort. Excellent. Economy and power, comfortable seats, plenty of leg room Wish it had cruise control Show details

2009 BT-50 – Brought a 2009 BT-50 in 2011 with 19,000km in 2011 and was going well until the other day I noticed oil in the radiator took it to the shop and they say it might be the oil cooler seals. Other than that a cracked head it's only just done 60,000km now what a piece of crap if so I will be putting it through a car compactor and putting it on YouTube. So everybody knows not to buy Mazda first and last Mazda I'll ever buy. Unreliable Show details

Excellent – 2007 extra cab 4wd, took some convincing the boss to buy me a BT50 over a Hilux. He had a fleet of over 100 Toyotas, I had found my Hilux extra cab 4wd from a previous job had been nothing but disappointment (gearbox, clutch and wheel bearing problems before 100 000km. This ute has just done 150 000km in 2 and a half years and still feels tight… Read more

like new. Just replaced clutch and front wheel bearings, thats all its had apart from its 10 000km services. The fuel economy runs at around 600- 650km to a tank (55lt). I live on acreage and it tows my trailer with a tonne of firewood from up the back paddock thru creeks with no effort at all. The boss is now a convert with at least a dozen of these now. Extra cab suicide doors perfect for carrying around the kids on the weekend, good fuel economy and power. Great offroad ability, quiet on and off road, good cabin features, thought had gone into where things should be. Plenty of room on the tray for my work commitments. Got 60,000km off factory tyres. Factory suspension, once I loaded up the tray the springs were inverted, had to beef up.

Best car we have bought so far – Looked at a lot of similar cars before we bought this one and have had no problems. We got a tray on the back so it can be used as a ute should be, also bought a sliding canopy for better access to the back. Sold the trailer and have never looked back since buying this car. reliable, fuel efficient. expensive services Show details

Great Ute! – I've had my BT-50 since new (march 09) and have not had a problem with it at any stage. I've clocked up 110,000km since then, about to replace the original tyres and have just had to put new brake pads in... The 3.0 litr diesel has plenty of grunt (it's a work ute so is often towing a trailer), and is economical at the same time... Averaging about… Read more ·  1

10.5 km/l.

I've taken it off road into the alpine regions of Victoria and had no issues keeping up with my mates Prado / Discovery / Patrol etc. At about 40% of the purchase price of these vehicles the minor equipment shortfalls are a small price to pay... But I did purchase the base model dual cab so not disappointed.

Overall I've been really impressed with the capability and the value for money... I'll be looking at a Mazda again when it comes time to replace this one. Power, economy, reliability and comfort

Mazda BT 50 2010 – My BT50 gets services every 5000km. I bought it new in 2010. It's got 65,500km and it's just blown a head gasket. Good on you Mazda.  Show details