'02 or '03 MP5 ... looking for long term users.

[Animal Chin]

Hi, need some advice from long term users of the Protege 5.

I had a silver 5sp, brand spanking new from the dealership the first month they came out. Really liked it a lot, especially the handling. Sold it at 30K Kms for reasons unrelated to the car itself.

Now I'm in the market for a used MP5. Most don't recommend buying a car the first year it's released, but I think the '02 MP5 is nonetheless pretty reliable.

Is this true?

Any problems/issues specific to this model I should know about? Especially as the Kms climb.

What can I expect in terms of maintenance in the 100-150K Km range? A rough dollar estimate would be appreciated.

What was different on the 03' MP5?

I could guess I could go for a Mazda 3 with lower klicks, but I like the styling of the MP5 more, and savings of a couple thousand is appealing...

I'm pretty comfortable w/buying used vehicles, just don't want any model/specific, non-routine, high expense repairs...

Apologize if these questions have been asked to death.

Thanks in advance......

And where do you guys find these $5000 MP5s... not in Vancouver Canada..

 

[lanny709]

I purchased my 02' P5 for $7300 with 98K last year.
Great Car! Very Reliable! To tell you the truth I've heard more problems with the 03' model than the 02' haha
The 03' didn't have very many changes as far as I know.

 

[Flash5]

Most don't recommend buying a car the first year it's released, but I think the '02 MP5 is nonetheless pretty reliable.

Is this true?

yea and most people dont say buy cars in their last model years either...so your screwed either way!!! haha no both year are very reliable but each have a few issues. nothing really serious that i can think off of the top of my head. no real big changes between the two years, mostly cosmetic things. i have an 02 with 65k and ive had it for 3+ years without any major problems.

but i will say this, look for rust bubble around the wheel wells!!!!!

 

[lanny709]

yea and most people dont say buy cars in their last model years either...so your screwed either way!!! haha no both year are very reliable but each have a few issues. nothing really serious that i can think off of the top of my head. no real big changes between the two years, mostly cosmetic things. i have an 02 with 65k and ive had it for 3+ years without any major problems.

but i will say this, look for rust bubble around the wheel wells!!!!!

+1 on the bubbles! sneaky f***ers they are lol

 

[bucksatan]

Just to note, it isn't really the first year of the car. The car is the same basic design as the 99+ pros, it is only the body that is different.

 

[lanny709]

Just to note, it isn't really the first year of the car. The car is the same basic design as the 99+ pros, it is only the body that is different.

+1

 

[Animal Chin]

Just to note, it isn't really the first year of the car. The car is the same basic design as the 99+ pros, it is only the body that is different.

Cool, thanks, didn't know that.

 

[sube]

Cool, thanks, didn't know that.

The MP5 was in the european market since1998, Mazda only decided to bring it North America in 02, it was a gutsy move when you condider small wagons and hatchbacks were a dirty word in North America then.

Pat.

 

[Flash5]

yea and heres another factoid, its still being made in other countries!!!!!

 

[echofall]

Dont forget that intake recall for the select '03s

 

[SpecRacer17]

2003 Black P5 with 110,000 miles and nothing but oil changes and gas. Going to make it to 200k no problem.

 

[m626gt]

I put 40,000 miles within the past year. I bought it with 79,000 now it has 126,000. After a new timing belt and an oil chance once month it still going strong.

 

[crackerkorean]

02 with 135k on the clock had it since new.
Oil and brakes thats it.

 

[shane02pro5]

Models after mfg date around 4/02 had revised shiftforks and synchros in the 5spds.

 

[bgibb68]

nothing here....over 100k miles and runs like new.....

bulbs, oil, brakes, and tires

oh yeah and new suspension

 

[Reitrof]

2002 P5, bought in fall of 2001 new, put 160,000 miles on her, then sold her to a friend who has put another 12,000 miles. Still running strong.

 

[Diehonda]

190K miles.

Normal maintenance parts, besides that replaced:
Two calipers, ignition coils, catalytic converter, fuel pump, fuel pump screen, struts, inner tie rod, passenger side motor mount, and soon to be fuel pump assembly.

Not bad considering the mileage.

Areas to look for rust - Bottom of rear hatch, wheel wells, inside door jams.

 

[rdaex]

190K miles.

Normal maintenance parts, besides that replaced:
Two calipers, ignition coils, catalytic converter, fuel pump, fuel pump screen, struts, inner tie rod, passenger side motor mount, and soon to be fuel pump assembly.

Not bad considering the mileage.

Areas to look for rust - Bottom of rear hatch, wheel wells, inside door jams.

The one I am looking at has a small amount of rust in the sunroof.
When you slide it back, it would be at the front right corner of the sunroof.
Normal, or something to be worried about?

 

[lanny709]

yea and heres another factoid, its still being made in other countries!!!!!

for realsies? Like new P5's? I must be misunderstanding you...

 

[Redcoat]

The one I am looking at has a small amount of rust in the sunroof.
When you slide it back, it would be at the front right corner of the sunroof.
Normal, or something to be worried about?

Use Sube's advice on how to fix rust repair the proper way:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4364356#post4364356

This is what I plan to try out this spring on a small spot of rust on one of the rear wheelarches.