Mazda B-Series (99-06) - Review

In the back, many used examples will have been fitted with Truckman tops to protect them. While they are worthy additions it means that cargo can’t be piled up above the side panels. Payloads range from 1,085kg to 1,195kg. Load length for the single cab is 2,280mm but this shrinks down to 1,753 for the Freestyle and 1,530mm for the double cab. The more room you get in the front, the less you get in the back. The tailgate can be pulled down to 90 degrees or will fold right down if necessary.

Trucks can be notoriously twitchy on Tarmac roads in the wet and the B series is no exception. It could ideally do with ABS brakes and traction control but neither feature on the spec sheet of workhorse versions. However, on the security front, an alarm, central locking and an immobiliser come as standard.

Mazda offers a lot of metal for the money with the B series. A Truckman top will add to the cost greatly though, along with a lot of the other accessories which can prove rather on the expensive side. The engines are so old that they require servicing every 6,000 miles – so expect an expensive servicing schedule and check that maintenance has not been ignored by previous owners.

How long the B-series lasts depends very much on what use it is put to. We’ve seen examples of these trucks being backed into the sea to launch boats, with the rear ends almost immersed in sea water. Farmers may also wear single cab versions out in an amazingly short space of time. But examples which have done nothing more than bump up the odd kerb or two should be good for many years use.