We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2002 Mazda B-Series Truck Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Updates as of July 2014 by oldspice

Member5639

0

Sign in or join to like this review.

Introduction

So I last reported a leaking radiator. Well, it has since been replaced with a new radiator purchased from the local auto parts dealer. No leaks are evident so far - thank you, Jesus! The entire job went very quickly (I did it myself) and required the removal of only a handful of items. Yes, you can replace a radiator by yourself. Yes, you can do it. The truck has continued to be a pleasure to own. MPG numbers have not changed and remain around 20 MPG depending on how the truck is being driven. I might be burning a bit of oil as I'm finding that as I get closer the 5,000 mile mark I tend to had a 1/2 quart or so, but an amount that little causes me no concern whatsoever.

Reviewed: 2002 Mazda B-Series Truck

2dr Extended Cab 6ft bed 147-horsepower 3.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD

Why the 2002 Mazda B-Series Truck?

Fuel economy

A quick comment about motor oil: Castrol GTX Extended Mileage improved my observed MPG by 2! I have always run Castrol GTX, the non-synthetic, cheapest bottle, "dino" oil. It has always performed well as far as I could tell, but I saw a $15 jug at Wal*Mart intended/designed for the 75,000+ engines out there. On a whim I tried it, and instead of my mileage averaging 19-21, I actually got a run of 22.9. The 22.9 MPG was on a strictly highway cruising trip of 4 hours total, but I was completed surprised. I switched back to the normal GTX at the next oil change, and my mileage dropped back to 19-21 MPG. I always change oil around 4-5,000 miles. I always use high quality filters like Mobil 1.

Reliability & durability

My 2002 B3000 Dual Sport recently rolled over 184,000 miles, and it has been flawless so far. I have replaced a thermostat. The radiator has a leak somewhere on the side, so it won't hold more than a 1/2 fill, if you judge by looking down the throat of the radiator filling cap. So far so good! My 1997 Chevy S-10 had 193,000 miles before I sold it, and I had replaced lots of things: two AC compressors, alternator, water pump, starter, and batteries. This truck, my B3000, has been very good to me. My S-10's MPG was around 25 though, so the B3000's 3.0L V6 is costing me a bit more there. Lord willing, the truck will keep driving. I originally got the truck at 77,000 miles, in case you're curious. Replaced: spark plugs battery fluids (oil when appropriate, brake fluid, rear diff, radiator, etc.) brake pads air filter

Past personal experience

I take this truck on hunting trips, and despite its being 2WD only, I have found it to be avery competent 2WD truck when it comes to mild off-roading. It is the B3000 Dual Sport version, so it has good tires and decent clearance for the infrequent times which I need to go through sand, mud, water, etc.

Why Not the 2002 Mazda B-Series Truck?

Front seat room

I am 6'5", and my head hits the roof. As a result, I have to recline my seat to keep my head off the roof.

Return to top

Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Pickups
See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models.