Buying a 2002 Mazda Protege 5!!!

[ornithology]

Finally! I've loved how this thing looked since it came out. Now I have the chance to acquire one, I'm trading my inefficient SUV for one! Some things I'm wanting advice on though.

Firstly, it has 120,xxx km on it. Since I'm getting it from a dealer I have 3 years warranty on it (80k km). It is purely stock except for an upgraded intake.

I'm wondering what concerns should I make while doing final inspections? It seems to be in good cosmetic condition but what wear parts should I look for? I consider myself to be good with this technical stuff as when I owned my SUV I did all the maintenance myself (belts, pumps, pulleys, etc). I'm guessing I should look at the struts, engine oils, pipes and tubes....what else? Where does the P5 usually RUST?

Thanks guys.
Aaron

 

[alexelie]

check if the motor mounts are good. i think it may rust on the hatch, bottom of the doors...

 

[ScratchNSniff]

 

[P-Funk!]

1. Ensure the VICS/VTCS screws are tight and red loc-tited (Recall).
2. See if the engine moves more than 1" (motor mounts).
3. Is all maintenance up-to-date? at 105K miles the timing belt/water pump are due.
4. Ensure the brake calipers are lubed.
5. Does it have the caps for the roof racks? Does it have the roof racks?

 

[RMinNJ]

Rust

Check the follow areas for rust:

-Lower front of rear wheel well where the side molding meets the body.. Our
rust started here with the side molding rubbing the paint away

-All along the rear wheel well on the inside and back edge where it meets the bumper. Our 2002 is rusted on the very top and where it meets the back bumper. Paint is bubbling at these locations..both sides.

- Inside the rear wheel well .. look for under coating. Our undercoating is gone replaced by ..

-Bottom inside edge of all 4 doors. Ours is rusting under all 4 of them.

At 113K our P5 is the most reliable car we've owned. Recently it needed
a hub and bearing on the front.. Normally we hear the bearing going and have it replaced (at least 1 or 2 a year) but this one just took the hub with it before we could hear anything. The right ball joint needed replacing also..problem is the whole arm needs replacing with it. Wouldn't be so bad but the rust negates and savings in mechanical repairs.

I'd sell you ours cheap...so disappointed in the body of car...

 

[alexelie]

his car has 120,000 KM not mile its not even 100,000mile

 

[ornithology]

1. Ensure the VICS/VTCS screws are tight and red loc-tited (Recall).
2. See if the engine moves more than 1" (motor mounts).
3. Is all maintenance up-to-date? at 105K miles the timing belt/water pump are due.
4. Ensure the brake calipers are lubed.
5. Does it have the caps for the roof racks? Does it have the roof racks?

1. What are VICS?VTCS screws?

2. How would I check this? Trying lifting the motor with a hoist?

3. I assume so, it is 126k KM, and I have warranty for it too.

4. Will check that.

5. No roof racks.

Thanks!

 

[justanothermp5]

im not sure how u are supposed to check the screws since they are inside the intake manifold....