• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

About to buy...


Southender

Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2011
Messages
5
Vehicle Year
None yet
Transmission
Manual
Hi all,

I'm taking a look at a second hand Mazda B2300 tomorrow, after taking a new Ranger out for a test drive this week. Sadly couldn't afford the new one but this second hand one is promising.

Just wondering if there's anything I should check specifically?

B2300, 1996, regular cab, 140k km (so just under 90,000 miles). Apparently the clutch was changed 11k km ago. It's a manual, obviously!

I'm in Ottawa, though I'm from the UK :)

Oh and a question - how do you do hill starts without a handbrake?!

Cheers, looking forward to becoming "one of you"!

Dave
 
Welcome!

I have not heard about many issues with models in that timeframe. I think earlier B-series (94?) had a few quirks to be aware of . Here's a list of known issues for Ranger-based vehicles in general.

If there are B-specific issues I bet the folks in the B-subforum could point you in the right direction.

Let us know what you decide.
 
Last edited:
Ahh decisions, decisions.

2006 with 140k km - seems in pretty good condition. He has it at $6500 (CAD) but will come down a bit.

Or, 2008 with 30k km at a dealer, looks brand new. Listed at $11000. But again, will probably come down a bit.

The one thing with the 2006 was a slight hiss or gurgle from the transmission in 4th (most noticably; though I could hear it a little in reverse and the other gears too).

If the engines are good til 400k km but the body will only last 15 years or so (?) then.. is it worth spending the extra 4 grand on the newer one?!

Argh!
 
Oh and a question - how do you do hill starts without a handbrake?!

Forgot to address this. There are two methods I am aware of.

The heel and toe
  1. Roll to stop in 1st. Clutch in. Right foot on brake.
  2. wiggle your right foot over until you are only half-covering the brake using the left half of your right foot. With practice you should be able to use the edge/side of your right foot, rotate it a bit clockwise and apply throttle
  3. when light turns green, rotate foot more so you have progressively less brake and more gas
  4. once moving forward, slip foot all the way off the brake and onto the accelerator

I'd practice on flat land first; in the beginning it can result in wild revving or a stall until your ankle is calibrated. :-)


Uphill Octopus
  1. Roll to a stop in neutral. Right foot on brake.
  2. when fully stopped, engage parking brake with left foot and continue to hold brake pedal with right foot.
  3. engage clutch with left foot, put in first gear
  4. watch the light, left hand on the parking brake release
  5. when light turns green, release brake pedal, apply throttle
  6. release parking brake with left hand

If it has a real name I don't know it. I thought Uphill Octopus was funny because all four limbs are working at the same time. And it sounds like a yoga position.
 
Last edited:
Thanks! Seems a slightly dangerous feature but I'm sure I'll get used to it!

I decided not to get that truck - still want one, just the time isn't quite right..
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top