# Taking a look at a ranger/mazda truck.

**URL:** <https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taking-a-look-at-a-ranger-mazda-truck/69110>\
**Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\
**Created:** [June 13, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taking-a-look-at-a-ranger-mazda-truck/69110 "2009-06-13T13:34:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JustinH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9fc29f/32.png) [@JustinH](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JustinH)\
**Post date:** [June 13, 2009, 1:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taking-a-look-at-a-ranger-mazda-truck/69110/1 "2009-06-13T13:34:31Z")

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I’m looking to get a pickup truck.

I have about 7-8 grand to spend on it, I want to pay cash and not take out any loan.

I don’t really haul anything, but I do get lumber/appliances once in a while, and do some camping.

I’m looking at a 2002+ Ford Ranger/Mazda B Series with 2wd and the 4 cylinder duratech motor. I would get one with an automatic trans, I’m tired of driving a stick. Also I would try to get one that is a little more loaded up than the standard work trucks that are totally stripped.

Does anybody have one of these things or know about the reliability of them?

A buddy of mine was telling me that they are good for 30mpg if you drive it real easy…

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**Author:** ![BrockwayMT](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/brockwaymt/32/5060_2.png) [@BrockwayMT](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/BrockwayMT)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2009, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taking-a-look-at-a-ranger-mazda-truck/69110/2 "2009-06-17T09:47:15Z")

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Avoid 98-01 they suck. You might get 30 with the duratec. My 96 with the pinto engine would get 29 @ 63 on the highway when it had 35000 miles on it.

I’d shy away from the auto. Shift points aren’t well placed for a 4 cyl, it will be rather doggish. Auto in a 2wd truck is a hassle in snow too. Snow tires on rear and ballast will be a requisite if you are going to drive it in snow.

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**Author:** ![turbod\_ss](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/turbod_ss/32/5352_2.png) [@turbod\_ss](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/turbod_ss)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2009, 11:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taking-a-look-at-a-ranger-mazda-truck/69110/3 "2009-06-17T11:41:01Z")

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i hav a 94 mazda b3000 that is a stick 2wd and i drive it in the snow with o prob. i put about 4 or 5 sand bags in the bed n ur good to go!!

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**Author:** ![AfXtc777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@AfXtc777](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/AfXtc777)\
**Post date:** [June 17, 2009, 6:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taking-a-look-at-a-ranger-mazda-truck/69110/4 "2009-06-17T18:50:56Z")

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I had an 02 lifted quad cab on 33’s with the 6 so I can’t comment on the 4’s. I BEAT THE SHIT out of the truck, towed the boat I had at the time(16 ft flats boat) and I never had any issues with it. I remember looking at 4’s and when I mentioned towing everyone I talked to said don’t bother.