1989 Mazda B2200 2.2 from North America

Summary:

I wouldn't own another one

Faults:

Blew the original motor 4 cylinder 2.2. Got a replacement motor from the junk yard, did well for a while, then found out the head was warped, so had it milled, and new valve guides and springs, etc.. installed, put it back on.

Did good for about 5 months, now it smokes blue smoke very badly till the engine warms up, and let me say this is a 5 speed manual, and now it has no power at all. It's all I can do to either stay in 3rd gear or try for fourth if driving on a flat road. Oil is leaking out from where the exhaust manifold bolts to the head, but have no water in oil. So my best guess is it is time to have the engine overhauled, replace mains, bearings, and all rings, and even hon the bore holes.

Anyways, I had to get rid of the California Emissions after putting the new engine in due to the one I got from junk yard was slightly different with the emissions and vacuum hoses, so now I'm stuck looking for some GOOD advice to what I should do to save this baby.

Overall I do like this little truck, and it does well on fuel as long as it runs right, which hasn't been all winter.

Well I am looking for some advice. If you folks have the same B2200 2.2 4 cylinder 1989 Mazda as I do, please send me an E-mail to give me some advice on what to do to save the little work horse, thank you, Sincerely, TONY adcar1970@yahoo.com

General Comments:

This is an overall good truck, but needs a lot of help, and can cost a lot of your wallet for parts..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th March, 2010

1989 Mazda B2200 from North America

Summary:

Too much past to give up my truck!

Faults:

Cigarette lighter failed after 5K.

Ticking on the valves.

Failed smog check after 20K.

General Comments:

Bought the car new in 1990; my first new car/truck. Spent my youth in it, and it and never had any real problems with it. In 2004 I stopped driving it when I got married.

For my 40th B-day present to myself, I had my mechanic take it on as a overhaul project. My fault lack of PM.

I will never sell the Grey Ghost, I love her too much! Though, taking bids on my Wife.

Just kidding, she was into it all the way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th April, 2009

1989 Mazda B2200 SE-5 2.2 L4 from North America

Summary:

This truck is part of my family

Faults:

Rear axle seals at 35,000 miles.

Brake master cylinder at 110,000.

Ran truck hot at 175,000 miles and blew the head gasket. Replaced engine due to high mileage.

Re-manufactured engine had a defective cylinder head and had to be replaced at 218,000.

Truck was repainted in 2000.

General Comments:

Truck has been great. I took my drivers test in this truck 12 years ago and drove it throughout high school. It still has the original alternator, starter, A/C compressor and just about all the factory parts. The automatic transmission has been serviced regularly and has never missed a beat. I recently upgraded to a weber carburetor and plan on driving the truck another 12 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2006

1st Apr 2006, 21:47

Gilbert apparently has the only '89 Mazda B2200 in Houston.

And he won't sell it, not even for $1000.

16th Apr 2007, 01:02

Gilbert wouldn't sell it for 10,000 times book value, so he wouldn't take $1000, ha ha ha!

Seriously, these look like pretty good trucks, I'm a little put off by them being designed/sold as Ford's also, but I think they're made in Japan from these years, so what the heck, I might buy an extended cab for $700 or $800 canadian, 241K km, rebuilt motor at 200K km, sounds ok, eh?

6th Jun 2009, 17:48

I am happy that these gentlemen had a good laugh about my truck. Here is another statement. I would not let my truck go even if I won the 155 million mega bucks. GT.

13th May 2010, 21:46

I totally agree with this gentleman. We have had one in our family for 15 years, it is part of the family. It might not be a Toyota, but it has a soul and personality; that's why many will not sell this great machine.