Used compact pickups are riding high in value, even as the overall market cools. Despite its age, the pre-2012 Ford Ranger is still very popular among drivers looking for smaller, affordable trucks. It’s often discussed in forums, classifieds, and Reddit threads as a go-to budget option. It shows strong demand in regional marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist.

But the days of easily finding a “viable” older Ranger under $10,000 are largely gone. In many markets, even halfway decent examples push well over $12,000. Let’s rediscover a truck that flew under the radar for years: the Mazda B-Series.

If you’ve never looked twice at one, here’s the key detail that matters: From 1994 to 2009, the Mazda B-Series was a Ford Ranger

Ford built both models side by side at its Twin Cities Assembly Plant in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both trucks used the same frame, engines, transmissions, suspension, and body structure. Mazda simply added a different grille, badges, and occasionally some trim tweaks. That’s it.

The specs tell the full story

The B2300 came with Ford’s 2.3-liter inline-four, making around 112 hp in earlier models and up to 143 hp in the later 2001 to 2009 generation.

The B3000 got a 3.0-liter Vulcan V6, the same pushrod engine found in mid-tier Rangers, while the B4000 featured the 4.0-liter Cologne V6, topping out around 207 hp in the final years.

Transmissions were shared too, including the Ford M5OD-R1 5-speed manual and the 5R55E 5-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive was standard, and many models came with Ford’s part-time 4WD system.

In practical terms, owning a B-Series is the same as owning a Ranger

They tow the same. They rust in the same places. And parts interchange without issue. Brakes, filters, tie rods, shocks, interior trim…you name it. Mechanics won’t even blink when you pull into the shop with one. They’ll just start looking up Ranger parts.

The biggest difference is what you pay

According to Classic.com, like the Ranger clean B-Series trucks are indeed getting harder to find under $10,000, but they’re still often listed for less than equivalent Rangers.

That price gap has started to shrink as more people catch on, but depending on your local market, a B-Series can still be a shortcut to a solid, affordable compact truck.

It’s also a little less likely to be thrashed

Many Rangers ended up in fleets or off-road duty. The B-Series, thanks to its lower profile, was more often a commuter or light-duty hauler. That makes it worth digging through local classifieds and regional listings, especially on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Bring a Trailer.

Of course, you’ll still need to do your homework

These trucks are old. Many have north of 150,000 miles. The timing chain on the 4.0-liter V6 can be a weak point in high-mileage examples. And like all older Fords, rust around the cab corners and frame rails is common, especially in states with road salt. 

But if you can find one with a clean body and decent service history, you’re getting a compact truck that was overbuilt and easy to maintain.

The B-Series won’t turn heads. Mazda hasn’t sold a truck in the U.S. since 2009, and it doesn’t have the cultural following of a Tacoma or the sheer numbers of a Ranger. But if you’re searching for a reliable, under-the-radar small pickup and you’re priced out of the Ranger market, the B-Series might be the same truck you wanted in the first place.