Hey all, been lurking on the P5 section of Mazdas247 for over a year now. My girlfriend picked up an 05 Kia Spectra5 back in 2013 and I really liked it, but it was a Kia...(no) so after looking at some budget wagons I found out that the Spectra5 is basically Kia's copy of the Protege5. So I spent over a year trying to find the right one that met my criteria: 5 speed, 02.5+ (I really wanted sidemarkers lol), under 150k miles and kept unmodded as possible. On May 21, 2015 I picked up my new ride. An 02.5 5 speed with 122,000 miles with only mods being Alpine head unit and wired for subs. Has some small issues, but I got it for $3000 so I'm a happy camper. I had to drive to Knightdale, NC to pick it up (a 3 hour trip each way), but it was def worth it. Never had a hiccup on the way home either. Also allowed me to get a feel for how road tripping with it would be. I'm in college currently and in the process of moving out, so I will not be able to drop tons on the P5 right away, but I should still be able to do some modding fairly often On to the pictures!
When I picked it up:
A couple of the issues: a medium sized rust bubble on the hood, a golf ball size dent in the rear bumper that broke two mounting tabs under the hatch resulting in a saggy bumper, a super worn out/sticky steering wheel (sun damage?), loose alternator belt, dirty as mess engine bay (looks like I need to replace the valve cover gasket), faded paint on the hatch spoiler, super hazy headlights, peeling paint on the wheels, keyless entry remote doesn't work, and the dome light doesn't come on unless key is in ignition? Pretty easy stuff really, once I can find some wiring diagrams. I am a Honda PACT graduate so I will be doing almost everything myself, unless I do not/cannot find the tools required, e.g. a welder.
Plans to start with: Maintenance. Everything basically. I have ordered new plugs, wires, coils, air filter, belts, VC gasket, PCV valve, oil+filter change, coolant flush, brake flush, clutch fluid flush, tranny fluid flush, and any other small maintenance things I can find. I used to have a 94 Accord and my current DD is a 2000 Accord so I know what durability is like and plan to keep on top of the P5 to ensure it lives a long life Since it was from NC it never had a front plate so win for no bumper holes, but VA requires a plate so it currently is zip tied to the bumper grille. I will be fabricating some brackets to hold it better on the grille.
Sorry for the hella long wordy post Thank you for those who read it all! Any mod recommendations and/or critique is welcomed as well.
Rust bubble:
Rear bumper dent:
Steering wheel:
Spoiler:
Wheel:
When I picked it up:
A couple of the issues: a medium sized rust bubble on the hood, a golf ball size dent in the rear bumper that broke two mounting tabs under the hatch resulting in a saggy bumper, a super worn out/sticky steering wheel (sun damage?), loose alternator belt, dirty as mess engine bay (looks like I need to replace the valve cover gasket), faded paint on the hatch spoiler, super hazy headlights, peeling paint on the wheels, keyless entry remote doesn't work, and the dome light doesn't come on unless key is in ignition? Pretty easy stuff really, once I can find some wiring diagrams. I am a Honda PACT graduate so I will be doing almost everything myself, unless I do not/cannot find the tools required, e.g. a welder.
Plans to start with: Maintenance. Everything basically. I have ordered new plugs, wires, coils, air filter, belts, VC gasket, PCV valve, oil+filter change, coolant flush, brake flush, clutch fluid flush, tranny fluid flush, and any other small maintenance things I can find. I used to have a 94 Accord and my current DD is a 2000 Accord so I know what durability is like and plan to keep on top of the P5 to ensure it lives a long life Since it was from NC it never had a front plate so win for no bumper holes, but VA requires a plate so it currently is zip tied to the bumper grille. I will be fabricating some brackets to hold it better on the grille.
Sorry for the hella long wordy post Thank you for those who read it all! Any mod recommendations and/or critique is welcomed as well.
Rust bubble:
Rear bumper dent:
Steering wheel:
Spoiler:
Wheel: