1989 Mazda B2200 extra cab review from North America

The prior owner of this truck abused it severely. This included the lack of any preventative maintenance whatsoever. All of these problems were related.

I had a recurring problem with the clutch slave cylinder blowing out, twice now. This was in part due to the replacement of the clutch and the pressure difference. Replaced now for the second time and now doesn't seems to be a problem.

The shocks were blown when I bought the truck, and I replaced those. It now handles well.

The head gasket blew. I replaced that, very easy job.

The drivers seat has more or less fallen apart. This seems to be a problem with these trucks, as I am having problems finding a new one, even from wreckers.

When I bought it, the steering was extremely stiff, to the point that my wife couldn't drive it. I replaced the tires and it helped, but it was still inconvenient. I replaced the tires this week with new ones, and now it is much better.

My biggest problem and only real beef with this truck has been a stuttering on cold or wet days. I don't mean anywhere close to freezing temperatures, but even a little chilly wind with rain it will do it. I can't figure this out. Since I replaced the head gasket, the problem has considerably reduced, but it is still there. Where it used to just shut down, now it only stutters and loses power. Any suggestions for a fix?

This has been an incredible truck. Extremely reliable, fairly fuel efficient, and it drives like a car. I especially like the comfort level and the space that the extra cab offers. The maintenance that I have had to do on it is minimal for the mechanical condition that it was in when I bought it.