18th Mar 2007, 06:58

I have owned my Mazda B2200 Xcab for about 12 years now. It had at least 253,000 miles on it, (odometer broken) when I bought it from my little brother. He worked it hard, loaded with heavy pool service and repair equipment, i.e. gallons of chlorine, acid and other chems. often with swimming pool pumps, filters, and heaters on board, in the hills of Los Angeles for over two years, at well over 100 miles per day. When he let me have it all it needed was a battery and it ran perfect, except it would not pass smog.

Where I registered the truck (no smog was required),I have worked the truck for over 12 years (same business) with only minor repairs. I just finished rebuilding "Peppy" at well over one million rough road miles, only because there was slight smoke, and it bothered me. Peppy is running great, has a little more H.P. (about 390) and I will always have this truck.Mark

12th Apr 2007, 15:28

I bought an ’87 B2200 X-Cab last fall and just completed doing an engine rebuild myself which was necessitated by the abuse of the previous owner. Have to say though that for 20 year old technology, I was very impressed with the engine design.

Just got her on the road this past weekend and have to agree with previous comments about the great ride and handling, not at all what I expected from an import pick-up truck. Not sure what to think about the power (or apparent lack of it) since Im still breaking the engine in, it does seem a little slow off the line with the manual 5 speed, but since I'm never in that much of a hurry, its not a very big concern to me.

Anyway Im looking forward to driving this baby for many miles yet, which if Ive done my rebuild properly, shouldnt be much of a problem at all.

5th Jan 2008, 06:14

I bought my 87 b2200 for $1300 and got it in the butt. Rebuilt the motor twice, still leaks oil and only ran for a year. Not a good track record for me.

Had a 79 Toyota 20 re that would stomp this 87 2200. Not good in my eyes.

Would like to know why I can't get full throttle out of this P.O.S. It seems to puke out gas rather than suck it in like it's not advancing right. EGR, vac advance seem fine.

I'm not a newbie, I've tried cleaning out the EGR, vac advance. What else, it runs to 3/4 throttle.

Next step, no smog weber and pace setter header.

9th Jun 2009, 19:49

I bought my 1988 B2200 Cab Plus used with 58K on it in 1990. Paid $5500 for it then with a 5 speed tranny, 2 barrel carb, 2WD and a small cap that came with it.

At 85K I took it to have a new timing belt installed.

At 110K I replaced the main oil pan gasket.

At 165K I replaced the timing belt again. I also replaced part of the tailpipe that was leaking and would not pass the California SMOG test with the hole in the pipe. Then it passed.

New radiator at 170K, it was not leaking, but it just started to run hotter and hotter so I replaced the radiator.

At 189K I had to replace the clutch.

It now has 202,700 miles on it and still runs like a watch. I have never taken it to a Mazda dealer. I do my own tune ups and oil changes. I have not babied it at all.

I used to own a vending business, and my route required me to load it with 700-800 pounds of soda in the back and then drive my route that was filled with hills. I no longer have the vending route, but I go way off in the boonies on rough dirt roads in Northern California with a dirt bike in the back and it never complains at all.

I get good gas mileage, which never seems to vary much at all. 18 to 25 mpg even today.

Original tranny, rear end, wheel bearings, electrical system and steering mechanicals. Easy to work on and just a good hearted vehicle. It has never failed to start and run... not once! I just love it, best vehicle and most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Regrettably when it finally comes time to replace it, Ford has influenced Mazda so much that it is no longer the same vehicle that it was in 1988. I may have to go over to Toyota.

Larry O.

Oakland, Ca.

1st Feb 2011, 19:00

I have a B2200 cab 1987 over 200,0000 miles. I got it in 1988 with 2000 miles on it. It has been, and still is, a great truck.

I have done all the upkeep myself, all the repairs are as follows:

5 set of tires.

2 clutches.

2 PVC valves.

Valve cover gasket.

2 brake jobs.

Replaced tail pipes.

Changed oil and filters, air cleaner at 3500 miles.

Clean and flush radiator every year.

17th Aug 2011, 10:47

I purchased my Mazda SE-5 longbed pick-up truck in October 1987. It currently has 11,800 original miles. Only drive during the summer months at our summer home, and is always garage kept. It is a two wheel drive, 5-speed transmission compact and still has original Bridgestone raised lettered tires. Believe me, the tires are not dry rotted, and the donut spare tire is like new.

The only repair has been a new slave cylinder for the hydraulic clutch. I change the oil only using Mobil One. The beige paint is original with decals in perfect condition. I always polish this truck at least once a year. No dents or door dings, and the paint is showroom.

This truck probably the best original in the country. This past weekend at a car show I took best of class in stock condition. It's museum quality from what I've been told at this car show. Fun to drive, and this compact gets 25 mpg.

1st Feb 2014, 05:05

I recently traded my little Geo Metro for a 1988 Mazda B2200 SE5 2.2L. When I got the truck, it had no bumper or lights, and the front clip was gone as well. Plus the clutch was out. My 92 Geo was a darn good car and was convertible. Ran and drove perfect. But I wanted a truck badly and didn't have the money to buy one. I drove my Geo and met the lady with the truck. I actually drove the rolling pile of junk home, clutch slipping the whole way. I didn't think I would make it, but I did.

I lucked out and got a clutch kit for 20 bucks on eBay. Then I went to the junk yard. I bought absolutely everything I needed; bumpers, lights, grille and all the little other things I needed, and a few extra things, all for only $95.

All my colors match and the truck looks great. I just put my new clutch kit in 2 days ago and cleaned the carb really good. The truck drives amazing. Everyone frowned at the little piece of truck I limped home, and I do miss my little 3 cylinder Metro, but I love this truck.

1st Sep 2014, 06:39

I'm on my second Mazda B2200. The first one I had was a nice decked out truck till winter came, then it was a crumpled up can, but it still ran good. I got this new one for 300$ with 212k original miles. All it needed was an oil change, battery, and the brakes bled. The body is in almost mint condition except for the little spot of rust on the bed.

I also have a 90 Nissan D21 Hardbody with 122k original miles. Both trucks run like new. These old imports are really reliable.

28th Jul 2015, 03:01

Hi everyone! I have a 87 B2200 with 280k miles. I've recently had some trouble though. If anyone could help out, it'd be great. It idles fine, but when I go to drive it, it spits, sputters, backfires, and doesn't want to run at all. It'll get a good wind under it and take off real good, but then starts acting up again. Any ideas? I've taken it to a mechanic and he can't find anything wrong. Please help!

11th Oct 2015, 22:41

I have a 92 B2200 coming up on 300,000 miles, and still running excellent.