New to truck shopping

Hello, I am totally new to autos. I am looking for my first vehicle for daily driving as well as a cross country tip. I think a truck is ideal because I plan to convert the bed into a camper and save costs, I don't mind a lack of luxury. I wanted good MPG, inexpensive price (being a college student) and something with few frills. I found a 2004 Mazda B2300 with no apparent rust in the images and 112,000 miles on it for $4,500. KBB says its a fair price, but wondering what you mazda experts have to say for my purposes and such. Thanks!

Get reviews also for 2003 Ford Ranger, it's the same truck. The B2300 is the smallest and simplest of the three available engines.

Mazda trucks up including the 1993 model year were made in Japan, since 1994 model year they were clones of Ford Rangers.

Are you just wanting a vehicle you can sleep in over night? Mazda B2300s are good but you may be better off with a car.

The B2300 is identical to the Ford Ranger 2.3L, so it is a common vehicle, and they are many around. As long as it looks mechanically sound (good idea to take it to a mechanic shop for inspection before buying) it should give you lots of service.

MY dad owns a 1994 Ranger with the 2.3, and it is much quieter than my B2200, but it was a lot more gutless, even though it was rated at almost 20HP more, his was the 5 speed. But since they used the same 5-speed gearing and final drive gearing as the V6 models, he got awesome fuel mileage.

Thanks all, I am a pretty tall kid, and don't think I can be very comfortable sleeping in the car for the summer. The 6foot bed may just barely be big enough, and have plans to build a bed and such. Is anyone aware of the ranger camper shell compatibility on a mazda b2300? I am finding mixed results, some say they fit others say they don't.

A member built this for himself...



I think a truck is probably the best for something like this - over a car that is. A van or mini bus would be best.

Thanks all, I am headed to the dealership tomorrow. I am trying really hard not to get too excited but I can already tell that I am in love. Compact trucks are fantastic. Maybe I will have a new truck with images and the process of camper conversion to post soon!

The outer bed skins are different but I believe a camper shell for a non flareside Ranger bed will fit. I can tell you the inside of the bed is exactly the same.

Just who ever you find the shell from, see if they will let you test fit it first.