Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Appreciate the thought. Think of me while popping and ice cold Mich Light, too.
Please let me know how well the truck performs for you. I have made a few more stops at the gas station since I'm now just over 800 miles. Does that mean I'm all broke in and can drive like a mad woman now?
Foreign cars have a tendency to be vandalized if you are parked in the wrong place around here. With all the people that work for the BIG 3, and their relatives who get discounts . . .
I find it funny that when an American company buys part of a foreign company and now the discount applies to the foreign car as well, how many more foreign cars show up on the lots of the plants. I guess that makes it "okay" when Ford owns a piece of Jag or Volvo. Seems to me that some of the auto workers would really like to drive an import but can't because their vehicle would be damaged and they are cutting their own throats if they do. How depressing.
Have fun on the trails and maybe blazing new ones.
L
I have an issue with Little Red. (I named it--the truck, okay.) I rolled over a grand today. Last tank was 18.3 mpg. Not too shabby. Here's the issue (I do not want to call it a problem.) Shortly before shifting from 3rd to 4th, there is a knocking or tapping noise in the engine. It started a couple days ago. Usually when it's cold. I do let it warm up for a minute or two before driving. I never just turn the key and drive. Once it shifts, the noise is gone. I haven't noticed it yet in any other gear. Have you heard this at all? Or heard of this?
I'm beginning to miss my 30 mpg. Especially since gas jumped another dime last night. Up to $1.77. My husband's GTP does better. He can't believe it.
I'm taking Little Red off road on Mother's Day so I'll see what it does.
I didn't even look at the tach, but it's probably around there. Maybe I'm not letting it warm up enough before driving since I only notice it in the morning.
It's been getting hot here. I'm afraid to use the AC because I will kill my great mileage. Turned the fan on cold today and it was like having the AC on. Usually they just blow hot air. Thought that was a nice feature. May not need much AC this summer.
Send me an e-mail malt.
Lisbey, I hope -- really, I do -- that your little problem gets worked out. I had a 1994 B2300SE that I babied like you wouldn't believe, and I had nothing but engine problem after engine problem (oh, and a continually leaking 5-speed transmission too). All related to poor intake design, from what Mazda's own Mid-Atlantic service rep told me in person. (I couldn't believe he actually said that.) Before he admitted that, my dealership actually had most of my engine out of my truck at least twice, replacing everything from throttle position sensors to exhaust manifolds and cylinder heads. Hell, they kept it once for two weeks -- with me in a loaner car -- while the chief service guy drove it home to the country every night to "study" the problem. And then it happened -- I met ANOTHER owner of a B2300SE on the Internet who was experiencing the EXACT same problems on the other side of the country!
My Haynes "Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series" manual was so worn it looked like a high school textbook. Now that your problems have started (maybe; I know I'm being pessimistic), keep documents of EVERYTHING done so you can pursue your state's lemon law if it gets that bad. I hope it won't. Mine did though, starting at the ripe old age of 3 months off the dealer's lot.
I'm now driving a 2000 Mazda Protege (er, built in JAPAN, not Ohio) and loving it. Good luck with the truck. I just wish Ford could build the engines as well as Mazda builds the exteriors.
Meade
Every car company sells lemons. It would be impossible not to. I have never been a huge fan of Ford, but there are encouraging things on the horizon. For example the new 2.3L that replaced the one in your truck is a hot little engine. It was designed by Mazda and currently is built by Ford. Mazda will probably be using the same motor (but Japanese built) in the near future.
I used to think that there were near perfect vehicles out there, but working close to the industry tells me otherwise.
P.S. no offense taken, I post on here my own opinions and not those of any company/organization.
Actually, this weekend I didn't notice the noise at all. What I did notice was a strange feeling in the transmission while driving about 40 mph. It almost felt like a shift at the wrong time or a slip. Hope I imagined it since I'm trying to be so tuned in to this truck for fear of anything going wrong. I've owned 11 different vehicles. Seven of those were Chrysler products of which 3 were imported Mitsubishis. One was a Pontiac Fiero. Two were Mercs. The ONLY cards I didn't have problems with were the Chryslers. Which is quite hard to believe since they have had quality problems for 30 years. Maybe I should have bought the Dakota. That V-8 is pretty fast.
-Chad
http://www.mazdastuff.com/Store/dir.cfm?CategoryID=35
They sell the hood deflector for $60, while most dealers are around $80.
With a lease you don't have to use OEM accessories, but wherever you drill a hole, you may be responsible for it. Check your contract to be sure.
Anyway, I'm looking to see if there is anybody in the Los Angeles area who has 16" Troy Lee wheels available for sale. Let me know.....
I agree with the top speed issue. It is a little strange, but when do really need to go that fast? I think Ford does it for liability so they can put cheap, low speed rated tires on the truck.
I just bought my B3000 Dual Sport this Saturday, I really like this truck, its my first Mazda, But for the price how can you beat it?
Any other Dual Sporters out there, and if so give me an update on how your trucks are running...Thanks, Mike
Did a little off-roading on Sunday just to make sure everything worked. Be careful. Those mud flaps might not be there when you get back. Two of them were almost tore off. Since I was taking it in the next day anyway, I pointed out my hanging mud flaps. Of course I did not mention how it happened. They ordered me two new ones and are putting them on this week. That was pretty cool. So far so good.
I got my DS less then two weeks ago, I too like this truck.
I also have the Wilderness AT tires and have already contacted Mazda about their replacement plans, I was told that we would be recieveing letters soon and that they too were going to get the older tires off the road first. From the imformation I have found the tires seem to be ok on the B series and Ranger pickups and the recall is more precautionary. It may be awhile before we get new rubber.
see ya, Mike
I got my DS less then two weeks ago, I too like this truck.
I also have the Wilderness AT tires and have already contacted Mazda about their replacement plans, I was told that we would be recieveing letters soon and that they too were going to get the older tires off the road first. From the imformation I have found the tires seem to be ok on the B series and Ranger pickups and the recall is more precautionary. It may be awhile before we get new rubber.
see ya, Mike
Now we just get to wait to replace our tires. I wouldn't worry to much the explorers have been having roll over (tire problems?) since 92 to my direct knowledge. If ranger models had been having the same problems on the firestones it would have come out as well by now.
Enjoy the truck.
Also, I noticed that the factory gas sees much better mileage than the lousy evirowacko re-formulated gas.
Of course 3200 RPM in 4th gear is exceeding the speed limit and if you want to maintain the speed limit in 3rd you are closer to 4000 RPM. I speed so not a big factor for me. I make the Sacramento to Tahoe run maintaining 65-80 depending on corners without problem.
As for mileage my B3000 did terrible till around 1500 miles then I started pegging the EPA ratings. A combination of me getting used to the motor performance and break-in I suspect.
Thanks for the info.
I haven't noticed a problem with horsepower, but I am moving from a 89 Honda Accord coupe with the tiny four cylinder to my first truck, I also live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland whick is flat as a pancake. Power seems fine for the type of driving I do.
On my last fill-up I averaged 20.5 mpg, which I thought was great considering I have only 800 mile on my truck and the highway average is stated at 21 mpg.
I too am gonna wait awhile before replacing the tires...get some free miles out of them.
The truck is nice looking and a real pleasure to drive. For 14 and change, this was a great purchase.
Does anyone have any good info I can take with me to the dealer that might convince them to fix it.. Thanks: TERRY
Terry, is it a pinging or a knocking/tapping sound? I get a noise during acceleration between 3rd and 4th. I have it on pretty good authority that my problem could be the timing chain. Just an idea.
Take care everybody and ZOOM ZOOM!
Lisa
Have your dealer look at service bulletin # 01-017/00. It specifically applies to B3000s built before 2/21/00. Good Luck.
I am not pleased - I almost think it is a scam to make people front the money and time and work to get it done. They are claiming they can't find any replacements. C'mon be serious! Don't you think a dealership could get a car part faster than an individual??
To people think of buying mazda Bseries over ford - think twice - ford owes mazda and apparently they come first. I wish I bought a toyota - I have had b4000 3 years, Service sucks, problems with the DOOR SWITCH AND DRIVE SHAFT ABOUND!
"As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of our customers, Ford Motor Company is recalling all 15", 16" and 17" Firestone Wilderness AT tires on our vehicles. This decision affects models from Ford, Mercury and Mazda."
I guess we can't trust a word Ford Motors says, aye?
Also, from everything I have read, this is a Customer Satisfaction Campaign, not a recall. Therefore, none of it is mandatory, so don't look the gift horse in the mouth.
"As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of our customers, Ford Motor Company is recalling all 15", 16" and 17" Firestone Wilderness AT tires on our vehicles. This decision affects models from Ford, Mercury and Mazda."
I guess we can't trust a word Ford Motors says, aye?
"don't look the gift horse?" what? I wish I nver heard of this damn 'customer satisfaction campaing' did nothing but waste more of my time which mazda service seems to have made an art.. My final decision: It ain't worth the wait (or my life or someone elses) I will go find bf goodrichs or goodyear and pay for myself to replace last 2 ATs on the truck. I think I was stupid for not replacing them all over a year ago (with only about 18k - carefully maintained and rotated).
*By the way if you want to have mazda replace they make the decision on which tires to put on, and if you do go get them on your own (which they want you to do so they don't have to pay for the labor) you have to bring your old ones back and show them your new ones.. none of which was explained until you read the fine print on any of the various remimbursement forms I have seen.
In my opinion the Mazda service can't put up what ford motor companies PR compaign suggests which is the statement above.
Matlb - I have had this truck and Mazda service for 3 years now - how long have you had yours? Maybe you will get better service because of cranky bastards like me..
Have you had a problem with your ATs?
(1) loss of pressure
(2) then if you keep driving at about 10psi or so like mine got down to, they will get extremely hot from all the slop and eventually out comes the radial.
Also I am trying to find some fender flares for my Mazda and I have looked everywhere in magazines (JC whitney,etc) and on the internet. Anyone know where i can locate some? I have 17000 miles so far and NO problems to speak of. The truck could use a bit more power, however I average 24-26 MPG at every stop since about 10000 miles and this is with a extended cab truck! I love my mazda, even though i wish i bought black instead of red. One other thing, my paint has messed up some with little "acid rain" outlines in it. I had it buffed but it still has the same problem. Anyone else seeing this? Bye for now, thanks guys!
www.mazdastuff.com
You can get the OEM stuff cheaper than most dealers will sell it although Mazda's tonneau covers are pricey to start with.
You are all getting a bit snippy about these tires. Cool off guys!
At about 13,000 miles I noticed the front tires were cupped. Went down, had the front tires moved to the back, got an alignment(way out)and went on.
At 27,000, front tires are once again goobered up and at hwy speeds, it's shaking like a dog passing a peach pit.
Went down, bought new tires, had another alignment(again, way out) and went on. Asked the shop to look the suspension over for any damage or malfunction, bent rims and the like. None was found. After this I noticed immediately that the shaking was less, but still noticeable. Went back, they did another alignment and it felt much better.
Now, I've got about a thousand miles on the new tires and I'm starting to notice that the steering wheel is shaking slightly.
My questions are: Has any one else had this recurring problem with alignment? If so, did you find something wrong and how did you get it fixed.
Thanks.
Have been looking in catalogs, but finding zero in the way of helper springs and / or blocks.
Ford products don't cover this year either.
Any one else run into this? I am thinking of ordering a set of 1"blocks that are pretty much universal.
Any ideas would be welcome!