Ford Ranger vs the Mazda B-Series B-3000

I'm trying to find an older cheap and small pickup truck just to kick around in and haul brush to the burn pile and only want to spend $2000 to $3000.

I'v found quite a few in this price range that really look good and even some with fairly low miles on them.

Mechanical dependability is my main concern like the drive train and engine for example. I don't really care about the quality of trim packages or anything like that.

I've been studying the on-line consumer guide sites until my head is spinning with all the data.

As far as the dependability ratings go, I have found that the Ford Ranger to be among the best rated and so is the Mazda B-series trucks and to me it seems to be a toss up between the two.

If you had a choice between the Ranger and the B-3000 Mazdaz which would you choose? I am kind of partial to the Japanese engines because they seem to be bullet proof.
Or, should I consider other makes and models?


Thanks for your advice.

The Ranger and the B3000 are the same truck with a different badge on them.