About to buy a used P5

[r.knighter]

Howdy,

First off, I'm sorry if my questions have been covered to death in previous posts and threads, but I am a terrible searcher on forums. If you know of any links that can answer my questions, I'd love to be linked to them (and I understand if that may be a quicker answer than typing the words yourselves).

I'm looking for a 02-03 good-condition used P5 with a stick, a sunroof and with wheels that turn and brakes that work : ). Hopefully with near 100K. I've found two in great shape, no rust, no accident, new brakes, new fluids with 150K, a stick and sunroof, Red and Yellow.

Are there any used P5 quirks and quips that I should be aware of or good things I should hope for (while checking and test driving) specifically about this vehicle?

I don't plan on doing any mods at the moment. But what I would do immediately are tint the windows and install Xenon or HID head lights.

In the future it might be nice (if physically possible) to put newer Mazda3 wheels on it.

Thanks so much everyone.

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

since you are in toronto, rust is a big one (obviously) but almost all the P5's I looked at when buying mine had some serious rust on the passenger side under the hood (top surface rather than in the wheel well) where the strut tower meets the body. (just in front and down the slope a bit). Once you open the hood you will know what i mean. many of them where to the point where im sure they would have to have been replaced within a year.

EDIT: I made you a little picture because im sure that made no sense lol

 

[r.knighter]

Thanks Mason.

The entire panel would need replacing?

 

[P-Funk!]

1. Ask if the engine mounts have been changed.
2. Watch for rough when warm. If rough - negotiate another $500 off for a new EGR.
3. Inspect the tires for bald inside treads.
4. Which one has been servicing and lubing the brake calipers?

 

[r.knighter]

1. Ask if the engine mounts have been changed.
2. Watch for rough when warm. If rough - negotiate another $500 off for a new EGR.
3. Inspect the tires for bald inside treads.
4. Which one has been servicing and lubing the brake calipers?

Thanks!

Rough when warm?

 

[azuelke]

If the car idles low, or struggles to stay on when the car has been running for a bit... usually either an issue with a dirty EGR valve or an intake pipe is cracked. Either way, both are easy to fix.

Also, ask when/if the timing belt has been changed... Mazda recommends around 105,00 miles.

 

[r.knighter]

Thanks Az.

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

Not sure Knighter, never had to do it.

when warm means like driving for at least 30 minutes. (for me at least and my dirty EGR)

 

[canadian357]

Check the intake elbow for cracks (its that accordion looking piece). Not really a big deal, but local dealers charge some stupid price for them. Other option is order it from rockauto at $35. Telltale sign of it being cracked is jerkiness in first and second gear (or it was for me).

As for replacing the panel... I don't think so. I have it pretty bad, the weld is peeling, but I have every intention of just grinding it off and rustblocking/painting it. Maaaaaaybe getting my friend to do a pass over the weld to seal it back up a bit better.

 

[MasonMetcalfe]

ya mine pretty bad as well, I just ground it, painted it and rustproofed the car. through some of the P5 I looked at where almost at the stage to stick my finger through it.

 

[r.knighter]

Thanks guys.

That Red and Yellow one I mentioned were sold before I had a chance to look at them.

Back on the hunt.

What are people's thoughts on 17" Mazda3 wheels on a P5?

 

[MP5 Kyle]

hey knighter, im from niagara region, and i see your from toronto. how far are you willing to look, because i possibly helpsearch around the intronet and see what kinda p5's are around.

 

[r.knighter]

Thanks Kyle, but my hunt is quite sporadic.

Another thing I will likely do upon finding my P5 is switch out the upholstery seats for leather ones. Is there a comprehensive thread somewhere I can read up on?