Competition
Since January 1st, the selling price has become quite interesting: the base B2300 costs only $14,995, a price unseen since 1998. My B4000 SE tester ($21,995) included the automatic transmission ($1,400) and the SE+ package ($1,815), for a grand total of $25,210. Here's a look at the competition:
Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab LT 4WD with L5 engine and options, $30,915;
Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST 4x4 with options, $31,230;
Ford Ranger SuperCab 4WD FX4 Off-Road with options, $24,829;
GMC Canyon Extended Cab SLE 4WD with L5 engine and options, $32,310;
Honda Ridgeline LX, $35,600;
Nissan Frontier King Cab SE 4x4, $31,048;
Toyota Tacoma Access Cab V6 4x4 with SR5 package, $33,350.
So, the only one that can match the B4000's price is the Ranger, which is normal since they're twins separated at birth. But for the same level of equipment, the other pickups are at least $5,000 more expensive. And with 0% purchase financing for 60 months, the monthly payments are about the same as the ones on a subcompact.
Conclusion
I have to say, I don't really feel like I'm driving a brand-new vehicle when I'm behind the wheel of the B-Series. But despite the B4000's geriatric state, there are two reasons for buying one: the price, and the fact that it still satisfies its owners' needs, even if it's smaller and older then its competitors.
Nobody seems to know just when the B-Series and Ranger will be redesigned, but for now, they are profitable for Mazda and Ford. The retirement home still seems far away.
Very low price, Good old transfer case
Since January 1st, the selling price has become quite interesting: the base B2300 costs only $14,995, a price unseen since 1998. My B4000 SE tester ($21,995) included the automatic transmission ($1,400) and the SE+ package ($1,815), for a grand total of $25,210. Here's a look at the competition:
Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab LT 4WD with L5 engine and options, $30,915;
Dodge Dakota Club Cab ST 4x4 with options, $31,230;
Ford Ranger SuperCab 4WD FX4 Off-Road with options, $24,829;
GMC Canyon Extended Cab SLE 4WD with L5 engine and options, $32,310;
Honda Ridgeline LX, $35,600;
Nissan Frontier King Cab SE 4x4, $31,048;
Toyota Tacoma Access Cab V6 4x4 with SR5 package, $33,350.
So, the only one that can match the B4000's price is the Ranger, which is normal since they're twins separated at birth. But for the same level of equipment, the other pickups are at least $5,000 more expensive. And with 0% purchase financing for 60 months, the monthly payments are about the same as the ones on a subcompact.
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| The 207-hp 4.0L V6 is adequate power-wise but has a deep thirst for fuel. |
Conclusion
I have to say, I don't really feel like I'm driving a brand-new vehicle when I'm behind the wheel of the B-Series. But despite the B4000's geriatric state, there are two reasons for buying one: the price, and the fact that it still satisfies its owners' needs, even if it's smaller and older then its competitors.
Nobody seems to know just when the B-Series and Ranger will be redesigned, but for now, they are profitable for Mazda and Ford. The retirement home still seems far away.
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= Fuel consumption, Bouncy ride
- Misaligned dashboard panels, What? Jump seats?