1990 Mazda B2200 SE-5 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Great truck

Faults:

Bought it from an individual. It was sitting behind a garage for about 5 years. Drove it a little, but then it just got to where it would not start up at all. It made the noise that the starter was bad, which I already knew was going out, so I replaced it and cleaned the carburetor really well. Starter noise went away, but still won’t start up, only cranks.

Still trying to figure out the starting issue. Plugs are covered in gasoline so I’m thinking a carburetor issue and I will be looking further before I buy a new carburetor.

General Comments:

Great truck. Twin to my 1989; they look identical. Same trim package, same color, same everything except two things. This one (the 1990) has air conditioning and no power steering, and my 1989 has no air conditioning but power steering. Kinda strange that one year difference and newer that they would eliminate the power steering, but it still does pretty good especially if you keep it in motion and don’t have to stop to turn.

Also they are hard to find tires for anymore too. But luckily with me being a mechanic, I have access to plenty of tire dealers, so they usually are able to find me something, and of course they have to be white walled or white lettered to fit the truck properly. :)

Also they are hard to get parts for anymore too. Especially parts that you should only get OEM like thermostats and stuff like that. My side mirror busted on mine after the neighbor hit it with a basketball, and so I had to pull the one off the 1990 because no original ones are available anymore.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th August, 2021

31st Aug 2021, 21:10

I think it is electrical/ignition in nature.

If it is getting gas, has compression and a timed spark it should run.

The coil/pack may be bad.

Good luck.

1st Sep 2021, 22:10

How is it that the reviewer "being a mechanic" hasn't figured that out already?

1990 Mazda B2200 Fi 2.2l from North America

Summary:

Best truck ever built

Faults:

Replaced transmission at 190,000 because I changed the fluid and filter. That was because I broke a bolt off on the pan and a friend gave me a transmission from a truck he wrecked.

Brake pads replaced.

Tailgate handle broke and is now on its 4th one.

Headlight bulbs replaced.

One reverse light bulb replaced.

General Comments:

This truck is 2 wheel drive. I work on extremely steep and rough roads and have this truck full of tools or wood every day. In the winter these roads get muddy and full of huge ruts and holes. I have not been easy on this truck and have overloaded it a few times. I drive fast (as fast as she will go anyway) and corner hard. One might even say I abuse this little truck.

It just passed smog with flying colors here in California. The smog tech said it was the cleanest running truck he has seen with this high of mileage. I rarely do any maintenance on it. This abused and over worked truck refuses to die and has never left me stranded on the road in any way ever. None of my friends believe how bad I treat this truck and how good it runs. It's a super freak of trucks.

It still starts with no problem, although it blows a little smoke until it warms up. It handles excellent loaded or unloaded. It still has enough power to pass on the freeway and get me up steep grades. The brakes are average and the ABS still works. The only complaint I have is the handle to the tailgate breaks every couple of years.

I have owned several trucks and cars while still owning my B2200 and none of them lived half of the miles as my B2200. It's become a part of me. When it finally dies it will be missed dearly. It has paid for itself 100 or more times. I love this truck even though I treat it like I hate it. There is no better truck on earth. I think I will be dead in a coffin riding in the bed of this truck doing 70mph down Highway 1.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2019