Going to look at '02 Protege 5, Buyers Beware?

[huskyjackal]

I did try a search for threads about new P5 owners and found so many helpful links, tips, and advice - great forum.

My current ride is getting too expensive for me to continue working on and driving and I've been in need of a decent car with good mileage, the usual "practicality" spiel. I love what I drive now but it's a major project and I don't exactly make salary yet (hah!) so continuing to drive it is costing more than the car itself cost me. ;P

My roommate has an '02 Mazda Protege5 and his is fantastic, so I went searching and found a yellow '02 P5 with 111k miles for just under $6k. Now in several threads I read it said check the tires, look for rust, etc. On a car this new with that much mileage, what else should I keep my eyes open for? The price seems awfully low for this kind of vehicle (from what I compared to) and I'm not tremendously vehicularly-savvy (let's say I can do an oil change, change a belt, and change a tire...) but I'm going to look at the car with a friend who works at a small auto repair shop. The P5 is a manual transmission, something which I have not learned to drive yet but have wanted to learn for years. Did a Carfax report on it and saw one accident in '03 or so right front, minor damage, and the car looks cosmetically fine (from photos, of course).

I'm taking a look at it (and test driving?) tomorrow and if anyone has links or tips on what to look for that would be great. I've never owned a Mazda and I'm excited, there were several on the lot that looked decent. I was told to see if the water pump had been replaced since it might be an issue, and the alternator. Anything else for someone who isn't very car-smart to check for?

Thanks in advance, apologies for any repeat-type posts, if my questions have been answered in another thread and I missed it feel free to link me. :3

 

[nate0123]

My suggestion: you can find an 99-03 Protege SEDAN for under $6k with less mileage and accident-free history. Despite the fact that the Protege5 is mechanically identical to the sedan (ES), it commands a higher resale than comparable sedans. I personally like the sedan style better anyway.

 

[bazooka joe]

do a carfax for shua!!
timing belt replaced?
that price is about right for those miles..it all depends what part of the country your form, ptice wise
check for rust on the door bottoms, rear fenders and hatch area
you really can't go woring with that car

i have an 02 auto which i bought new and have modded to the hilt, no problems, great little car!

 

[huskyjackal]

I like the hatchback style, and I think the lot has one or two sedans as well I'll definitely be taking a look at. Thanks very much for the quick response.

edit, just saw bazooka joe's post - I'm in NC, the car appears to be from New Jersey so I'm on the lookout for salt damage/rust.

 

[nate0123]

I like the hatchback style, and I think the lot has one or two sedans as well I'll definitely be taking a look at. Thanks very much for the quick response.

no prob

the sedan has a lot of looks potential

here's the one I sold last year