Protege 5 versus newer cars

[whatthefunk]

Since I don't believe in buying new cars, I've been shopping for a used car for the wife (kiddo safety first concern, gas mileage a close second, driving and eventual modding fun for dad a pitiful third) and I had the short list down to the 2007 Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed 3, and the 2007 Civic SI and Civic EX. Love the MS3's speed, the M3's styling, but not it's price. Love the SI's high-revving powerplant and the EX's smooth ride and efficiency, but they're both relatively expensive and offer only average MPG, and Honda has (surprisingly) some recurring build quality issues. Regardless, I'm mustering up the courage to take the $14-19 K hit, when suddenly - while transporting the family about town - a pretty little P5 glides by at a traffic light and shakes her ass for my benefit. I had forgotten how appealing the P5 design is. On the one hand I'm thinking "older car, more miles, less warranty - look away!", but the other half of me is saying "damn, I like the lines on that car as much or more than any of the newer cars I've been considering, and an '02 or '03 P5 would certainly cost less." So I find this joint and - understandable bias noted - I read posts by folks raving about their P5s. So...my question is this: For those of you driving latter model P5s ('02-'03), how would you rank their reliability, fuel efficiency, mod-ability and overall joy to drive against the more modern vehicles I listed above? Is this poster deluding himself in thinking that he's found a more economical, attractive and reliable option - assuming I can find a P5 in good shape with relatively low miles (which may be a tall task, as well)?

Hey, not asking for you to make the decision it falls on me to make. Just asking for some perspective from folks who own the car that recently caught my attention. Please put bias aside, and let me know why - or if - you think is a good option to the aforementioned (and more modern) rides.

Appreciate any and all feedback.

 

[jamesk]

i find proteges have a very nice feel to the road. the manual tranny is so smooth and the handling is great. for 130 hp, the car feels quite fast for what it is, due to the fact of the short rods and having 135 ft pounds of torque.

interior is nice and so is the exterior. i find the p5 great quality and the reliability is deff. up there.

id buy it lol

 

[808MP5]

I love my P5... me and her been through so much together. I would never leave her

 

[bazooka joe]

02 116K miles, no issues...i love the car for what it is and what it cost me....best compact car i ever bought (my b210 was pretty good too!)

 

[kura808]

i love my p5. shes sexy and gets people's attention haha...especially wit my exhaust. anyways i get pretty good gas mileage..i dont need to fill up often. the car is pretty peppy for a 130hp engine and feels fast even tho ur not going really fast. i mean i have to look at the speedo cause it feels like i'm not going fast but i am...lol...the handling is awesome. i found an article about our cars. it was a C&D one i think. the p5 was able to keep up in the twisties wit a corvette TT. from what i heard, intake, exhaust, header will really liven up ur car. our cars are not really mod happy. for alot of money, u only get so much hp. but i love my car and i cant stop looking at it either haha...

 

[magnumP5]

I won't lie, the 'moddability' is horrible and the gas mileage is average for it's type. Aside from those two short comings I will agree with what others have said. The P5 looks and drives great and feels a lot faster than it really is (though you'll learn it's true nature very quickly). It has great carrying space and if you nab one with ABS and side airbages it's quite safe as well. Are you looking for a automatic or a 5-speed? I ask because halfway through 2002 Mazda revised the manual transmission and they also started offering a tiptronic automatic at the same point. After 2002 they also got factory rear subwoofers at the expense of some cargo space. Any other things you'd like to know? Other options, colors, standard mods?

 

[MTV]

They drive well and they're nice...

The only thing is problems, my car has too many. That's the newer car's advantage....

 

[NCZ13]

i love my p5.

the way it looks, sounds, drives, and handles.

the styling is modern (i still get the "is that a new car?") the interior is nicer than any 02-05 similar class car than ive seen, and i feel its alot nicer than modern domestic compacts.

its true it feels faster than it is, but you dont think about that while driving it. the only time i felt the slowness of my car is when trying to keep up with a car thats actually faster than my car...

im never getting rid of my p5. the next car i buy will be from the money i save... and not using my p5 as the down payment.

 

[bazooka joe]

I won't lie, the 'moddability' is horrible and the gas mileage is average for it's type. Aside from those two short comings I will agree with what others have said. The P5 looks and drives great and feels a lot faster than it really is (though you'll learn it's true nature very quickly). It has great carrying space and if you nab one with ABS and side airbages it's quite safe as well. Are you looking for a automatic or a 5-speed? I ask because halfway through 2002 Mazda revised the manual transmission and they also started offering a tiptronic automatic at the same point. After 2002 they also got factory rear subwoofers at the expense of some cargo space. Any other things you'd like to know? Other options, colors, standard mods?

funny, my car is modded to the max, i mean i'm not sure what more i could do to have upgraded most of the car from suspension, tranny, engine...added a turbo kit 3 yrs ago...the car has been nothing but awesome in that regard, weird? the only problem i ever had was a bad egr, replaced under warrenty (car had a CAI, RB cat back, lowered and the dealer still took care of me), anyway...i've had good luck so far!

They drive well and they're nice...

The only thing is problems, my car has too many. That's the newer car's advantage....

see above...i know a lot of friends with newer/better$$$ rides and they have just as many issues as anybody else...buddy of mine has an 02 diamante and he's gone through 3 sets of brakes/lines at 60k, the car's suspension is shot and it has all sorts of minor issues/noises that they just can't track down!

 

[P-Funk!]

From what you described in the OP - yes, it would be a good car. Save the money (vs new acquisition) for some tasteful mods. If you want to mod a little - the car has to be out of warranty anyhoo...

Still teh s#x after all these years... it is a nice looking/riding car with no fatal flaws. It does have the 'new childseat restraints' hookups.

Go for it!

 

[KZsigBZ]

I was in the same boat as you 6 months ago minus the family part. I can definitely tell you that I have no regrets buying my 03 p5 over a newer car. Gas mileage is average compared to my brothers Civic EX. As far as mods go I'm not sure as mine is completely stock, that and I'm waiting for my warranty to terminate.

As stated before reliability will not be on par compared to a new car, but that really depends on the previous owner. With that said make sure you look at the cars history!

Like some have said even though the P5 is older I still get comments on how clean and elegant it looks.

I would say if you can find one in good condition go for it, but don't rush into things and keep your options open.

Happy car hunting!!! (cheers2)

 

[fkmp5]

I won't lie, the 'moddability' is horrible and the gas mileage is average for it's type.

the mileage really depends on how you drive. I get around 27 mpg on my protege5 w/mods. my wife has been driving it back and forth to work (about 70 miles round-trip) in stop-and-go highway traffic and she is getting 32 mpg (31 mpg with the AC on). same car, different driving habits. she shifts a lot quicker than I do.

first i was surprised when she started getting 32 mpg.. then i was surprised she only lost 1 mpg when she started to use the AC!!

the protege5 is a great car, just don't expect it to be fast.

 

[magnumP5]

funny, my car is modded to the max, i mean i'm not sure what more i could do to have upgraded most of the car from suspension, tranny, engine...added a turbo kit 3 yrs ago...the car has been nothing but awesome in that regard, weird? the only problem i ever had was a bad egr, replaced under warrenty (car had a CAI, RB cat back, lowered and the dealer still took care of me), anyway...i've had good luck so far!

Oh, the car's reliability has been great for me. The only things that have broken or gone wrong are direct results of something I've done and probably would not have happened if I left the car stock. My comment about the mod-ability was mainly directed at the fact that there is little aftermarket for these cars when compared to most other import cars of it's type.

the mileage really depends on how you drive. I get around 27 mpg on my protege5 w/mods. my wife has been driving it back and forth to work (about 70 miles round-trip) in stop-and-go highway traffic and she is getting 32 mpg (31 mpg with the AC on). same car, different driving habits. she shifts a lot quicker than I do.

first i was surprised when she started getting 32 mpg.. then i was surprised she only lost 1 mpg when she started to use the AC!!

the protege5 is a great car, just don't expect it to be fast.

Yeah mileage definitely depends. Back when I wasn't turbocharged I got anywhere between 22 and 32 mpg but saw about 27 average. With the turbocharger I've gotten anywhere between 18 and 32 mpg with about 25 average. Not bad, but not the best.

 

[jjac28]

Great car, very reliable and fun to drive...did I mention great looking?
After 5 years it still puts a smile on my face

 

[shane02pro5]

There are only a few little common problems that arise with the P5 or any other protege for that matter.

1. EGR valve (causing unsteady idle some clean some replace and some are fine) Easy fix!
2. A/C control unit (certain fan settings the a/c cuts off due to a faulty circuit on the board) Replaced mine for $35 from a salvage yard out of an 03 and good as new!

Do not buy this car expecting to get ginormous power from it without sinking well over $10k!

I've have had mine for almost 6years and it has been the best car I've owned!

Also plenty of room for me and my two boys and all their stuff!

 

[Nomad]

I have a Protege5 and recently added a Mazda3s hatch. After looking at all the current market options I settled on these for our daily cars. I like to buy used, I like to do my own maintenance and I like the 4 door hatch platform for versatility and family (have a two year old now).
Here's my opinion based on your situation.

A) IF you value lower initial price, a little wrenching and maybe a little modding to make it "unique/special" and you only have young kids then go for the P5. Look for ABS brakes and side airbags (hard to find) for higher safety and family peace of mind. This is the only regret I have with mine as I wanted those options. Gas mileage is from 26 to 30, engine parts are cheap and available, hatch can haul a good bit. Car is simple and straight-forward to work on for most things. Mods can be had and deals on these forums can be found. The car looks good and while down on power it feels better than any others in its class (when the struts and bushings are good). You could make it last a good bit but it will require some maintenance being used and it's smaller inside than today's cars.

B) IF you are ok paying a little more initially for a car that you truly plan to keep for 10 years and that will be able to handle increasing family needs then get the Mazda3s Hatch. I picked up a fully loaded (leather/bose/all airbags etc) '06 last year for $15K out the door. Low mileage, warranty, much more power, great handling, safe, looks nice and is larger inside than the P5. This car (hopefully) will handle all our family needs, trips, baby paraphernalia that we need for many years. Higher initial price but still much lower than buying a comparable car new. Its averaging 30mpg on my wife's daily commute. It's kinda nice to have a car with all the "bells and whistles". Super safe chassis with all the airbags and the 2.3L engine is used on many platforms so it will be around a while.

 

[laz]

It is a very nice car, and after owing it for a few months I like how it drives, however you should let the wife do the driving. The car does have a stiffer suspension than the competition, so she may feel it is too hard.

Also depending on where you are check for rust, and if it is an auto tranny, they are the weak point of the car. I just had a bad sensor replaced on the tanny that was throwing a code. Luckily I have and extended warranty on the car from the previous owner, but it was still a hefty repair. I have also spent some good money on brakes (done myself) and other little things.

The car is running much better now, but it was in need of some TLC. If you are the type that likes and can do your own work, then go for it. If you do not want to be bothered then get a car that is a couple of years old, but that still has at least one year warranty.

I also drive a 07 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. You can get Legacies for cheap due to the depreciation in the first couple of years. 06 would be the best year for that. If you can get a wagon, then that is the best bet. I find the gas consumption to be the same, and you get a hell of a lot more car. It has AWD, front,side,window airbags, and a great safety rating with more space.

I love both cars, but when switching from the P5 to the Legacy is like going from JetBlue coach class, to a luxury first class.

My 2c's

X

 

[justanothermp5]

'02 Protege 5, i love driving it, but if i were you i would keep it stock
once you start modding it, thats were all the problems start, rattles squeaks and all that, but it makes the car more fun to drive, alot more fun haha

look at the mod list in my signature, its not alot but, i have 190K miles and i still get 30 miles per gallon city/rural with no highways in my daily commute

buy it, but make sure its not an automatic PLEASE!!!

 

[FightClubTheory]

I think that the P5 is a great buy, especially for what you're looking for.
I've owned mine for about a month now and couldn't be happier with it. This is coming from someone who has owned a 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS-T, and a 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage (converted to a Evolution 5 without AWD).

Before settling down with the P5 a month ago, I had test driven the new GTi and was about to get another 2.5RS (GTi was too expensive at the time and the Impreza fell through). When it came down to trying the 2002.5 Protege5 out, I was first off impressed with its great handling/response for a hatch/wagon that had - IMO at the time - a bit too long of a body for what it was. It wasn't the fastest thing, but it pulled and accelerated harder than I had initially expected it would. Sure I was a bit disappointed with the aforementioned losses, but the P5 was great looking, sleek, comfortable and more fun than I had anticipated. It is also pretty damn affordable for what you get.

The interior is pretty damn cozy, and I've never had such great cargo room with a car before (especially if you put the rears down for bigger loads). I like to think that it's a car I feel a fellow rally enthusiast built--especially with its body design, foglights, standard front strut tower bar, etc.

As far as your wife goes, my girlfriend (who actually was more heartbroken about not being able to get a GTi or bring my EVO 5 conversion back to life) enjoys the car and I'm sure will be quick to describe it as "cute" and/or "fun." As far as your child, P-Funk mentioned it has child restraints in the rear and again, it's a cozy ride. I've only had it for so long but feel it's reliable--no problems except sharing the common (and small but easily fixable) problem of the AC not blowing cold on 2 or 3 at times. And yes, it is pretty damn good on gas, with most people getting 250-300+ miles to a full tank.

As far as mods go, personally it's been fun for me so far, but as others have mentioned it doesn't reap huge results. I do know of 200 to even 300 HP claims, which is inspiring to say the least. So you might not get the fastest car without some good time, effort and money, but there's always ripping it on the canyons!

[/Long Review]

 

[ghettoracingkid]

What a feel good thread....

So I got a 02 P5 Sunlight Silver Metallic

Ive owned it since new.
about to hit 192K on it tonight when i leave work.

Ill try not to make the same points but.

Fun to drive even when its stock. Im not much of a import tuner but I wanted something that was fun to drive and looked like it wasnt boring and plain. hence the PR5. stock with an awesome suspension, struct brace, sport ground effect styling. couldnt go wrong.

I havent had many problems but I have had a few thigns fixed.

Major:

Shifter fork in tranny went. it iwll kick out of a gear for a while then just break. then the replacement one had problems. but its all good. now

tranny mount (damaged the axel that was changed also)

preventive:

Changed the clutch at like 75K, i had beaten on it alot and it was fine but ohh well

normal maintenance:

Timing belt (175K)
Coils
wires
plugs
brakes
pass rear caliper (frozen)

side mount
O2 sensor

Mods:
Grom Audio - Plays ipod threw headunit


I love the car and replacement parts are becoming cheaper and cheaper as people discover these cars same with avaiablities of mods.

I would love to put on a turbo one day but I dont know if the wife is ready for that yet.