New Guy Looking For Advice

[Luken10]

Hey everyone. been lurking on the forum for about a month now, figured it was time to ask some questions! I am in the market for a new (used) car and the Protege 5 seems to fit all my criteria. I have been on the prowl for a couple months now and have noticed that these cars generally don't go too cheap. Anything under a 100,000 miles is generally asking 9 grand or more. My budget is around 5 grand. (College student excuse) This means basically anything in that price range is over 100,000 miles. My question to you guys is, will the car become a money pit? I read 100,000 mile thread which gives me hope, but when buying used the owner doesn't have the knowledge or records of their car like everyone on here would.

I understand that the coil packs generally need to be replaced, timing belt, wheel bearings, egr, ect. How much money would I end up spending replacing things that generally need to be replaced past 100,000 miles? I plan on doing most of the work on my own for pleasure and to keep the costs down. However, say if something like the head gasket blows, I would not feel comfortable tearing apart the motor and would take it to a mechanic. How often do the more critical/expensive/advanced to work on parts break or become damaged?

I am hoping this car will be nice and reliable so that I can go to the mountains and go on road trips at a moments notice. But, before I take the plunge I definitely want everyone's expert advice!

Appreciate the help!

 

[tweety2300]

9,000? Geez I just saw one at a local dealership sell for 6500 with 85k.

Don't get one in your area take a road trip if needed.

Timing belt done at a shop can run 600-1500 depending on labor rate, but you can do it yourself in a few hours.

 

[Luken10]

It must be a Southern California thing, everything is more expensive down here. Although as a plus, I never have to worry about rust! I would love to make a road trip out of buying a car, but it scares me to buy a car that I cant go physically inspect.

 

[Mookhaasa]

I would say keep looking. In close by areas that are car heavy. LA for instance. Know what you are buying and you will be fine. If you see one you like in public, leave a number and tell them you want to buy the car, even though its not for sale or that if they consider selling it to call you first and to keep the number in the glove box. Never know when someone is thinking of getting into something else.

 

[Luken10]

Definitely will keep that in mind, although for some reason it is rare to see them driving around. It's also a shame that most of the ones in the classifieds are autos. I have decided I cant be too picky about color, but I am sticking to my guns about the gear box.

 

[Mookhaasa]

That was pretty much my only requirement, stock manual.

 

[br289165]

Not known for head gasket problems, easy cars to work on.

 

[tweety2300]

Actually a lot of people have had head gasket issues...

 

[br289165]

Really?

Actually a lot of people have had head gasket issues...

 

[tweety2300]

Not a lot but it seems to be happening more and more

 

[br289165]

The only head gasket problems I've seen is on over boosted turbo FSDE-T's

Not a lot but it seems to be happening more and more

 

[Luken10]

Not a lot but it seems to be happening more and more

Do you know what kind of mileage these cars were at, and if there was some type of aftermarket or maintenance problem?

I found a P5, close to three hours away, but seems like a good car. 132,000 miles, but is black (which i desperately want), manual, and has leather (which I also would love to have). The front end seems to be a bit faded due to small rock chips, and the tint is bubbling in the rear. I need to talk to the guy, but I figured I would ask you guys about price first. Lets just say hypothetically the car is sound mechanically, what would you pay for it? Also, what would you replace knowing that it has 132,000 miles?

I would just like to be as serious and informed a buyer as I can be before inquiring about the car. All in all, I just want to be part of the P5 community ASAP! (2thumbs)

 

[tweety2300]

If it was my area and the interior is in decent shape and the timing belt has been done I would say 4-6k

 

[balilewis]

This one is boosted and its selling for $6000
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/3405792113.html

 

[Luken10]

Thanks for looking balilewis, but I am looking to get one with stock parts. However, I think this brings up a good point. He is selling a heavily tuned/turbo car for only 6000 dollars. Most other P5's in the area going for that much are over 100,000 miles and stock. Seems like he may just need the money, or something is a little iffy with the car. My first thought was rear end damage, because of the replaced hatch door and bumper. But I know alot of people on here just like changing colors, modifying things and just swapping parts.

So far I have just been compiling a list of everything that seems to start going out after 100,000 miles. That way I can see how much it would cost for me to replace all those parts, and I can base my offers on that.

Also what classifieds websites does everyone like to use? Right now I am looking on Ebay, Craigslist, AutoTrader and Cars.com. Anything else I am missing that may help me find a car?

 

[pcb]

Come to Canada to get one
They range from $700 to $6,795 on kijiji for a 5 speed P5 there is 206 to pick from (or 208 automatics,... I guess we like our stick shifts)
You gotta like rust though but our lights are always on.

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/f-cars-veh...dZ174QQPageZ10QQSortZ3QQisProvinceSearchZtrue

 

[Tamn]

Wow, 9 is very steep, I paid 6200 at a dealer with 108k miles and I thought I got had.
The p5's in my area are very sought after and get very large prices.
(no rust, and nothing ever broke so I guess it was a good buy after all)

But I wouldn't pay anything more than 5 if I did it again.

 

[pcb]

I paid $6,500 for mine 3 1/2 years ago with 142,000 km (88,000 miles) which was a fair price at the time around here. Now it's only worth $2,500 to $3,000 in the shape it's in. (no visible rust but lots if you flip it over) I think that's pretty steep devaluation for a car that was already 8 years old. I just didn't want another $1000 ten year old car again but I could have gone through three of those and still be better off. I'm glad I really like the car.

 

[Luken10]

Canada is most likely a bit out of my reach for a used car, and honestly rust is the last thing I want to deal with. But hey, i'll take any advice I can get! I have decided to keep the sale figure at under 5 grand, once I pay tax, registration, ect. I am looking at close to another 1000 on top of that. Got to keep things realistic here. Hopefully I can find a car that is just a hair over 100,000 miles, well taken care of, and in my price range. Seems like as long as basic maintenance was consistently performed these cars can go a long way.

Looking to jump on on within the next couple weeks so I can work on it throughout my winter break.

 

[pcb]

I was being sarcastic actually but I thought some more price info might help your choice.

But if you wanted to fly to Canada I could pick you up at the airport to show you some different cars.

My dog sled team is ready to go.

Just bring some winter clothing it's getting cold up here.

Then you could enjoy your new ride all the way home.

(wrc)