I follow an auction site and they have a 1995 B2300 for auction.I understand that although it is a Mazda, it is basically a rebranded Ford. It has the 2.3L inline 4, the five speed manual, and is a 4x2. The only issue is that there are no keys to the truck. Would this be a smart auction to bid on, and what should I think about leaving as my max bid? I have heard good things about these pickups and there's quite a few in junkyards near me I can pull for parts. I'm not too worried about some of the scratches and dents, and it's being auctioned off by a towing company and the city police, and it does not have the abandoned sticker on it.

 

I love mine. All three have been the 2.3 five speed. One had a bad motor, one a bad trans, so I ended up making two out of three. Getting a new key would be an easy job for a locksmith or even the dealer if you bring the title. These seem to be easy to work on, and seem to live long lives. I paid 500, 800, and 300.

 

I have a question. Do you know if these trucks had transponder keys? Or would it just be as easy as getting a new key made for the locks or switching them out, sorta like a key to a house?

 

No transponder keys, just a simple key. A new ignition cylinder with key is I think $27. I wouldn't pay more than 700 for one at auction, and that's high for me. I've gotten a lot of cars from those auctions for less than $400.