First post here after reading around for about a couple weeks. So I am selling my Honda Prelude and I really want to get a Protege5 (I know you guys will enjoy the fact that a Honda man is switching to Mazda). I really just need a car that is a little bigger for cargo and people and something that can carry my bikes. I didn't want an SUV for gas reasons and it seems like the Protege5 is the only and perfect answer to my needs. I seems sporty yet very practical. Most important, being a Honda man, it seems to be a reliable vehicle. Since I have been reading the rust thread, I am getting turned away from buying a Protege5. I really really want to buy one because I have had my heart set on one for a while and it seems like the perfect size but it seems ridiculous that such a new car can have such bad rust problems. Is this a problem with the majority of PR5s? Like the title says, please convince me that I still should get a PR5...
Please convince me...
- Thread starter erzipper
- Start date
fishdonotbounce
Registered Zombie
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- 08.5 CWP Speed3
I dunno about anyone else but the only place that I ever got rust was on this little scratch that I have where the paint was scratched off. I can actually sand off the rust so it's only surface rust. I have one of the older 02 models too AND I live in Ohio where we have moderate winters with a moderate amount of salt on the roads. Buy one. You won't be dissapointed.
I have a 02 with a 115,xxx and havent had anything go out on me so far (knock on wood) just routine mant. and I have like no rust at all....and well the trunk is very small for a hatchback but is very practical. I love the roof racks, I use my car for the same s***, bikes, moving stuff, and all sorts of junk...only thing is im not sure your a big one on it but, power is horrible, going up hills to a biking spot or something you will feel like you dropped the soap in jail, *****, its terrible, slowest car ive driven before, but you can fix that 
and a other thing, it lacks is AWD....honestly if you could I would say get a subaru but if you cant or rather not then I would say this is a very good choice
and a other thing, it lacks is AWD....honestly if you could I would say get a subaru but if you cant or rather not then I would say this is a very good choicespeedracer
Member
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- '03.5 MSP
I had a 03 model and didn't have a rust problem, and I live
in MI where they just drop salt BLOCKS on the dam road
and let the cars run them over to disperse the salt over the road!! J/K
Besides if you are a Honda man then rust is something you should be used to!!!
And that should not sway your decision. If you like the way they look ... then
go drive one. If you like the way they drive and handle ( and you will )
Then buy it!!!
in MI where they just drop salt BLOCKS on the dam road
and let the cars run them over to disperse the salt over the road!! J/K
Besides if you are a Honda man then rust is something you should be used to!!!
And that should not sway your decision. If you like the way they look ... then
go drive one. If you like the way they drive and handle ( and you will )
Then buy it!!!
The only place I have rust on where the chips are on the hood and by my fog lights. I just have been to lazy to do any touch up on it. Thjs is the first car that I bought myself and I have had it for a year, I'm still finding out new things about it and still love driving it! Even more so now that I have started doing little things to her like stubby attenna, took the side moldings off and painted the wheels (since I have no cash). And being a girl I can't wait to see what else I can learn to do without a guy's help!
All you will need to do is drive it and you to will be hooked!
All you will need to do is drive it and you to will be hooked!
enderwaves
Member
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- 2003 Protege 5
I just bought mine a couple of weeks ago for the same reasons you listed. I got scared about the rust, but I gave it a thorough inspection on the lot, and mine is super clean. The previous owner lived in MI, and it has about 70k on it I figure if it were gonna rust, it would've done it there.
MazdaSpeeder
Member
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- Protege5 (5-spd)
Rust alone is not a good enough reason to not consider this car. Mine has 73k miles and it grew up in Michigan and Indiana. I have one dime-sized rust bubble under the paint on the edge of my fender...it's not even visible. Drive one and see what you think...I have never driven a car this cheap that's this much fun to drive. Sure there's not a lot of power, but brakes and handling are superb, the car's comfy, and if you get a manual it's peppy enough that you don't notice it only has 130hp. Check it over well for rust and if you love it, buy it...you won't regret it!
i too wanted a P5 for the reasons of hauling stuff. the rust issue is not a bother like that. but like stated before, wash and wax and your problems will be absent. i have a few spots but like pen point spots from chips and such and a spot on the roof from some acid bird sh^t or something. but if you get one definitely in stick like MazdaSpeeder said. it doesn't make it much quicker but you wont notice really with the stick. feels good on takeoffs and great on corners!!!
03 P5 with 100K and no rust problems yet
and its got no rust problems so far.
but i live in texas, they dont put salt like in the northern states, instead its sand?...i dont know y but yea sand to melt or sumthing with the ice on the road..people slide and get in accidents all the time but no rust.
and its got no rust problems so far.
but i live in texas, they dont put salt like in the northern states, instead its sand?...i dont know y but yea sand to melt or sumthing with the ice on the road..people slide and get in accidents all the time but no rust.
lol yellows a great color. and nvm dont kno anything bout the car market there...was gonna say I see quite a few in CA for sale
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- 92 & 16 Meyatas
i don't think you're going to have to worry about any rust...i live in the rust belt east (NE) and i have a little rust on the bottom of the drivers door after 7 yrs, 6 "wintas" and 117K miles...so the one you're looking at...any rust on it???
rednecks_r_us
Member
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- 2003 Laser Blue Protege5
I am rust free on my P5
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- 03.5 YLW MSP
I am rust free as well! As far as realiability goes just check my sig. I need to update it just slightly.
