Looking to buy a protege, what should i know/look for?

[brent07]

Just joined the forum due to recent intrest in the protege and lack of knowledge. I currently have an 98 audi a4 and lets just say it's not a good college student car as far as reliability goes. love the car but i need a more reliable car that gets better then 20mpg city.

so my main question is , Is the protege a VERY reliable car ? i looked at consumer reports and they gave the car excellent reviews. What is your experience?

I'm looking to get a 2001 and up model maybe a 99 or 00' if i find one i like. since the reviews said the 2001 had a "face lift" and reliability increased, i'd like an 01 or newer i guess.

i've been able to find a few 2001 with around 80-90k for around 5-6k which is my price range. i'm looking to get a manual trans just because it's cheaper to replace, no other reasons really. but is there any specific things i should know about this car? such as problem areas and or what engine is best/most reliable? anything and everything helps! It's hard to base my thoughts on car off of people that only review the cars when they are brand new and not 6 years old, so that's why i've came here. I love the protege5 but just don't think i can afford one that has under 100k miles. I'm looking for the car to last me a good 6 years, hopefully(burp)

Thanks! sorry it was long, just want to make sure i'm making the right choice in a mazda and not a accord or civic (which are way!!!!! over priced)

 

[BlueWolfCry]

Welcome to the forum! I will leave it up to someone else to tell you about reliability, but I would recommend a 01+ and if possible, a ES, Protege5, or the special edition ones MP3 or Mazdaspeed Protege!

 

[red95_240sx]

01+ mazdaspeed if possible. I DO NOT RECOMMEND 1.6L.

 

[brent07]

are you guys saying mazda speed just because they are faster and such or because they are actually better cars and more reliable?

remember i'm into reliability more then fun. but all mazdas are fun so .

any specific things i should make sure the cars has had done like timing belt and ect?

 

[D-rock240]

02.5-03.5 pro sedans give you the most. ES would probably be the best sedan package. 03-03.5 MSP if you want a turbo, body kit, wheels, suspension, etc. Personally I like the 03.5 MSP look the best.

 

[brent07]

i don't care about looks or turbos. i just want the most reliable car for under 6.5k so you think an 01+ ES is the most reliable?

 

[D-rock240]

Well every 2002+ protege/pro5 and 01 ES has the 2.0 so they would be the best choice for you. The ES and the Pro5 are equipped similarly.

 

[jdm4lyf9]

Don't get an MSP. Its a good car but based on your price and the talk about gas I would say go with either a P5 or an ES. Oh yeah you could even go with an MP3.

 

[Sveivo]

i don't care about looks or turbos. i just want the most reliable car for under 6.5k so you think an 01+ ES is the most reliable?

The Protege has been very reliable to many people on this board. But any reliable car can quickly turn into an unreliable car without maintenance.

 

[brent07]

Yes i understand that , thanks guys. anything i should look for when buying one ?

 

[Sveivo]

Yes i understand that , thanks guys. anything i should look for when buying one ?

Just make sure the transmission shifts good and the clutch is good. Can't really think of much else, honestly.

These transmissions are known to shift rough in the cold, so you'll have to get some better trans fluid if you experience those sorts of problems.

Also I find stock motor mounts quite soft for agressive driving (like flooring in 1st gear and shifting to second). The rest of the shifts are okay.

In all fairness, if you're planning to drive the car normally you shouldn't have any problems. I've owned the car for a while (couple years, got it used). It does what it's supposed to, reliably . Good luck.

 

[doctorz]

brent07, I've had a '99 LX (1.6L) 5-speed since new and have 74K on it. I don't know of serious early Protege problems, maybe others on the board can comment, but nothing has really affected me. The power door lock occasionally doesn't (I've had one side replaced) and weatherstripping on rear door comes off easily. A slight leak from the valve cover gasket was found when I had the timing belt replaced at 60K. The 1-2 shift has to be taken slowly when the car is cold, otherwise the gears grind. There's a slight knock when hot and under load, but I've read that many Proteges do this. The car burns no oil, and other than tires and front brake pads I haven't had to replace anything major like the clutch. I have no mods on the car, but I do a ton of city driving.

I agree with Dim that if you're looking for reliable wheels (that has more soul than newer Hondas) the Protege will be fine. '99 and '00s are fine and cheaper than '01s and up. The 1.6 isn't particularly fast, but it has enough zip with the 5-speed, and has good mileage--I get 30-35 mpg easily. I wouldn't get an automatic with that engine.

 

[Platonium]

I have an 02 ES. I have had it for 5 years, 75000 miles and it has, without question been the best car I have ever owned with respect to reliability. I DO maintain the car to very high specs and it has rewarded me with trouble free operation.
Look for:
Poorly shifting automatic trans (needs to be serviced every 30-40k miles, it this hasn't been done it will show up with sloppy or rough shifting at partial throttle.
By the way, my car is always for sale. IM me if you are anywhere near Western Michigan. Happy hunting!

Under trunk liner/Spare tire for rust if you're in a snow-belt state.

If you are looking for an 80-90k mile car, make sure the timing belt/serpentine belt have been replaced. This is a costly job, but absolutely necessary. A dealer will charge you $500-$600 to do this. Allowing the timing belt to fail would be disastrous for your engine. If this service has not been done on whatever car you're looking for, negotiate the price down accordningly so you can have the service done post purchase.

 

[Adam02es]

I know I am a couple weeks late to this thread, but thought I would throw in my two cents in case brent07 is still looking. I have a 2002 ES that I bought new and now has about 47000 on it.

The only thing I have had break was an ABS sensor. I can't remember exactly what that cost to replace, but it wasn't outrageous. I did require a dealer visit though, since the indy shop's diagnostic equipment wasn't up to the job.

I have also been told that I need a new emergency brake cable on the driver's side. While the frame itself has not rusted, many of the nuts and bolts underneath are not in great shape; as a result, this could be a labor intensive job. I haven't done it yet because I think it might still work sufficiently to pass inspection. I guess I will find out in September.

In terms of maintenance, the car has been a little more expensive than I expected for a car in its class. It might just be that it is such a fun car to drive, so I tend to be fairly aggressive with it, but I have had the brakes done twice in 47000 miles. Pads and rotors. A search will reveal a huge variance in the mileage people are getting out of brakes, but mine hasn't been great. I am also convinced the suspension is starting to wear, but the dealer thinks it's fine. Strangely, I look forward to the suspension dying, since it will give me an excuse to lower it.

In terms of gas mileage, it will certainly do better than 20mpg in the city, but it isn't great and will probably be lower than you expect for a NA 2.0L 4 cylinder. I average about 27mpg with 80% highway driving. That will go up to 29mpg as they phase out the winter fuel blend. On tanks that have consisted of mostly city driving, it has gone as low as 24mpg. Look at the bright side - the gas mileage is a little worse than the main competitors because it has aggressive gearing that makes it surprisingly quick around town.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mounty]

Others have said most already. While I agree that you should inquire about the timing belt since you are in a good place to negotiate, the 2.0L is a non-interference engine, meaning if it breaks, you will get stranded, but won't be "disastrous for your engine" as to bent valves. There is a recall though for some 03 Pro regarding intake manifold shutter valve. So it would be a good idea to check and see if your "new" car is affected.

 

[Sveivo]

Others have said most already. While I agree that you should inquire about the timing belt since you are in a good place to negotiate, the 2.0L is a non-interference engine, meaning if it breaks, you will get stranded, but won't be "disastrous for your engine" as to bent valves. There is a recall though for some 03 Pro regarding intake manifold shutter valve. So it would be a good idea to check and see if your "new" car is affected.

Good point about the manifold!