Faults:

Major repairs:

Transmission failed at 74k miles; dealer fixed.

Clutch is failing; lasted 144k miles.

Differential & engine leak.

Timing belt broke at 70k miles. causing oil to leak thru the valve seals.

Major engine work at 155k miles: rings, valve job.

Oddest repair: frame break from rust caused by road salt. Welded frame for $180 in 2001.

General Comments:

Bought new in 1985 - Mazda skipped the 1985 model year because of a major redesign.

It was the best riding small truck on the market at the time.

It's a long bed - about 7 feet (2+ meters) - and gets about 30 mpg!

I have driven it cross-country, and all up and down the East coast. It also spent 5 snowy winters in the mountains of NC, which caused dramatic rust.

It now had 218,000 miles and is driven daily.

Was my as a daily driver for 10+ years. I gave it to my parents when I moved away; I'm about to get it back because I need a truck.

The air conditioning still works!

My 97 Ford is probably more reliable, but nobody makes a long bed mini-truck, so it's a keeper.

Faults:

I have owned this truck for two years. I replaced the clutch (pressure plate, throw out bearing etc...) when I first purchased the pickup. It turns out, I only needed a pilot bearing. Replaced clutch slave as well.

Replaced battery, new tires, new shocks, master cylinder. This pickup smokes a little, but is very dependable and fun to drive. I drive the vehicle around town and hunting. I have gotten more than the $1200 I have invested in the pickup out of it already. I will not put any more money in to it, but will drive it for a long time.

I just missed a deal on a 1987 B2000 with 77,000 actual miles for $1000 (What a bargain!!!). I am saving my money and will purchase another B2000 (Japanese built only) as soon as I find a low mileage one in good shape.

General Comments:

I purchased this vehicle well used, 158,000 miles.

It has been very dependable and well worth the money.

Faults:

At 135,000 I replaced the Alternator, and at 195,000 I replaced the timing belt. I have had only 3 sets of tires on the vehicle the whole time I have owned it.

120,000 I replaced the ERG Valve.

General Comments:

I bought this truck brand new for 5795.00 and I got every penny out of it. I took it on several long trips and never experienced any problems with it. I have over exceeded its weight capacity on several occasions, and it always came through. I have driven over 200,000 miles on the original clutch. My Mazda was built in Japan, and all the stickers under the hood are in Japanese. My only regret is that I wish I had enough money back in 1986 to buy two and put one away, I love this truck.