2000 B3000 4x4 questions.

[BagoXCAlum99]

Hey all,
Found a 2000 B3000 4x4 that I'm considering and had a few questions. I'm no stranger to RBV's, but I've never had a Mazda. Any issues to look out for? I guess a little info on the truck would help. Its a 2000 B3000 with the 3.0 (duh), auto trans., 4x4, regular cab, short bed. Also has the towing package (sweet!). Has just over 100,000 miles on the clock. Should the mileage scare me away? How reliable are the 3.0's? Also, are the bedsides on the Mazda's composite, fiberglass, or steel?

Thanks guys!
Matt

 

[adsm08]

The Mazda would be the same as a Ranger of that year and option set. Same strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn't be scared off just because it has 100K.

As for the bed sides, that depends on the bed. Is it fleet side or step side?

 

[BagoXCAlum99]

The bedsides appear to be kind of a cross between a fleetside and a stepside. How reliable are the 3.0's?

Matt

 

[RonD]

The Vulcan 3.0l is a good reliable engine overall.
Good info here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/3_0performance.html

It's one common weakness was the Cam position sensor, it can fail, which in some cases will result in the oil pump stopping, which of course is a very bad thing
So plan on changing that, usually under $50.

Read here about how to change it:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/camshaft_position_sensor.html