Need buying advice for most reliable B series

I'm selling my ultra reliable 92 F150, searching for an equally reliable truck with better gas mileage. My F150 is at 253K miles with the same 5.0 engine and EO6 automatic tranny. I used to say I would drive this truck till it dies but it just won't die. I'm tired of the poor gas mileage, so I'm ready to move on. Which is the most reliable Mazda truck? Seems to be 4 cylinder stickshift from what I have read so far. I'm buying used and only have around 3,000 to spend. Leaning toward a five speed B2500, but sure hate to go back to a stickshift. How long will an automatic Mazda tranny last? Seems like a lot of them go out around 140K. Any certain model year to try for, or to avoid? What do I check for on a used one other than the usual things on any used truck??

Keep in mind that Mazda trucks beginning with 1994 years are essentially exactly the same mechanically as Ford Rangers.

1986-1993 Mazda trucks were made in Japan, very good trucks. But mileage typically is 22 mpg at best. For reliability, from what I read here on on similar boards, the fuel injected B2200 is best, but many of the B2200 are carbureted and have been updated to a Weber, which is reliable, depends on your state's smog rules. Also, these engines tend to start smoking and burning oil at about 150K miles.

Myself, I've driven a 1988 B2200 Cab Plus (191K) for last 18 years, great truck despite the carb and smoking issues which I've addressed.

I also have a 1998 Frontier 4-cylinder (178K), and that gets better mileage and is about 50% more hp, like the B2600i has.

my 91 2600i sees around 24 city, 28 highway...