Looking to buy, need advice

[kabttu]

Hello all.

I've looking at getting a Protege5 for a while now and of course they're no longer made new. So basically what I'm looking for is any advice in what to look for in used Protege5's. Anything specific like known issues or evidence of abuse. These forums look great and hopefully I'll be joining in as owner soon. Thanks!

Kevin

 

[rjmhotrod]

Well there are no real issues with the Protege5. The Protege was one of the most reliable cars built. Here are a few things to consider. There were two model years for the p5, 2002 and 2003.5. The differences are minor, nothing mechanical. Some of the 2002's had optional spare tire subs installed. The 2003.5 models came with the roof rack as an option (standard on 2002) and also came with the polished chrome wheels (or maybe it was an option, I'm not sure). I think there are a few more diffs but I don't recall them right now. Some 2002 models had clutch chatter problems when cold. Mazda put out a Technical Service Bulletin on it. Also the p5's rotor hubs tend to rust - not talking about the rotor surface, but the hub that the wheel mounts to. Again Mazda put out a TSB. The p5 is a great car, a little underpowered, but mods can fix that. If you do want to add turbos or boost, you may want to strongly consider a manual tranny.

 

[kabttu]

Appreciate the response. Good to hear that it's so reliable, currently driving a Nissan Altima and it's been pretty good to me, only a few small problems. What are the most common mods to do at first for the best increase in power? Thanks.

Well there are no real issues with the Protege5. The Protege was one of the most reliable cars built. Here are a few things to consider. There were two model years for the p5, 2002 and 2003.5. The differences are minor, nothing mechanical. Some of the 2002's had optional spare tire subs installed. The 2003.5 models came with the roof rack as an option (standard on 2002) and also came with the polished chrome wheels (or maybe it was an option, I'm not sure). I think there are a few more diffs but I don't recall them right now. Some 2002 models had clutch chatter problems when cold. Mazda put out a Technical Service Bulletin on it. Also the p5's rotor hubs tend to rust - not talking about the rotor surface, but the hub that the wheel mounts to. Again Mazda put out a TSB. The p5 is a great car, a little underpowered, but mods can fix that. If you do want to add turbos or boost, you may want to strongly consider a manual tranny.

 

[centsless]

cold air intake, get one from ebay and replace it with a k&n filter. i think thats one of the most simlest, somewhat effective performance improvement you can make right off the bat. you'll love the sound at 3000 rpm as well.

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[Poseur]

there's actualy a 2002, 2002.5, 2003 and 2003.5, all are actually distinctly different, (well 2002.5is prettymuch the same as a 2003 but it's pretty minor stuff. DIff cupholders, (02's are covered, 02.5+'s actualyl work) 02's and 03's have diff rims (02's are swept-style, 03's ar ekinda chunky) the sub and no rack thing was the addition for the 03.5 also 02's autos are normal and 03's are tiptronic style.

Ether way, the only advice I'd have in lookng for one isto get a stick, even if you don't know hw to drive one, jsut get one and learn. it makes all the difference int hese cars. sems to be a common grievance "wish I'da got a stick" If you do that, get a shortshifter (I recommend B&M), though as the stock shifter's like driving a damn schoolbus or something. YOU have to throw shifts like you're throwing punches. (sometimes at your big gulp which gets messy) There's also a ton of inexpensive or no cost thigns you can do like trimming your doorlocks, etc.

Anyways, welcome, where you from? This place is a great resource, let me jsut recommend that before asking alot of questions, give a search a quick spin 'cause ppl here get grouchy about that, and realistically the majority of stuff's been covered pretty thouroughly at one time or another. I for one don't care as much, and everyone;ll usually give you a break if you're a noob besides it's alot of crapto filter through.

 

[kabttu]

Appreciate all the responses I've gotten so far. I did do a quick search but didn't see anything that really was like my questions (or I just missed it) so I figured I'd just ask and if I get flamed so be it, but everyone who's responded has been cool so that's good.

Appreciate the good info, I was definitely hoping to get the latest model with the fewest miles on it I can. In regards to the manual, never crossed my mind not to get one, drive one now so won't be any different there.

I'm in Nashville, Tennessee right now, a lot of people from Tennessee on here? Anyway, appreciate the responses. Keep them coming.

there's actualy a 2002, 2002.5, 2003 and 2003.5, all are actually distinctly different, (well 2002.5is prettymuch the same as a 2003 but it's pretty minor stuff. DIff cupholders, (02's are covered, 02.5+'s actualyl work) 02's and 03's have diff rims (02's are swept-style, 03's ar ekinda chunky) the sub and no rack thing was the addition for the 03.5 also 02's autos are normal and 03's are tiptronic style.

Ether way, the only advice I'd have in lookng for one isto get a stick, even if you don't know hw to drive one, jsut get one and learn. it makes all the difference int hese cars. sems to be a common grievance "wish I'da got a stick" If you do that, get a shortshifter (I recommend B&M), though as the stock shifter's like driving a damn schoolbus or something. YOU have to throw shifts like you're throwing punches. (sometimes at your big gulp which gets messy) There's also a ton of inexpensive or no cost thigns you can do like trimming your doorlocks, etc.

Anyways, welcome, where you from? This place is a great resource, let me jsut recommend that before asking alot of questions, give a search a quick spin 'cause ppl here get grouchy about that, and realistically the majority of stuff's been covered pretty thouroughly at one time or another. I for one don't care as much, and everyone;ll usually give you a break if you're a noob besides it's alot of crapto filter through.

 

[rjmhotrod]

also 02's autos are normal and 03's are tiptronic style.

Well now I guess that WOULD be a mechanical difference now wouldn't it? (hand) Oh well.

What are the most common mods to do at first for the best increase in power? Thanks.

Well I'm not the expert here as I'm still stock. The fastest way to increase hp in a big way is to turbo. However that's a little $$$$$$. Plus I don't think the stock clutch will handle it for long (from what I've read). As centsless said, CAI and K&N filter are good first steps with less cash. Also read - less performance increase compared to turbo. Much less. Also, upgraded spark plugs and wires, cat back exhaust and others will add to performance level. Check out the N/A and FI sections of the forum for WAY more info on this. Plus do a search on hp gains, there should be lots of info out there. However, even stock the p5 (with the stick) is a lot of fun to drive. I bought mine in June and haven't regretted a day.

 

[Poseur]

plugs+wires=not necessary, and possibly detrimanetal.

One thing you can do is try to get a MP3 ecu or get yours flashed to one. they run a bit leaner with advanced timing. The way to do this would be to have a friend with the computer tools, and another friend with an MP3 so you can flash it over. SHould be good for 10hp+ with an intake and exhaust of some form.

 

[rjmhotrod]

plugs+wires=not necessary, and possibly detrimanetal.

How so? Not flaming, just curious.

 

[kabttu]

I am also interested in how this can be detrimental. Thanks!

How so? Not flaming, just curious.

 

[Poseur]

Wires are prettymuch strightup not necessary. and plugs only if they're old, I've heared a bunch of problems with plugs, though, seems only certain ones work right, Either way the "gains" you'd see in that dept would be simply putting it back on par with stock new.

 

[rjmhotrod]

Wires are prettymuch strightup not necessary. and plugs only if they're old, I've heared a bunch of problems with plugs, though, seems only certain ones work right, Either way the "gains" you'd see in that dept would be simply putting it back on par with stock new.

Yeah I thought I would test that theory on the spark plugs. I changed the plugs a couple of weeks ago at 27K. I went to Autozone dead set on getting NGK or Denso (not irridium just regular). The salesman talked me into trying the Autolite Double Platinum plugs. He swore they were the best they (Autozone) sold. He used them in his Acura. Only $3 each after rebate I figured it would be worth experimenting with. I gapped them at .041 (IIRC) and honestly I didn't notice any diffs from the assuming stock Densos that I pulled out. Revs no better or worse. Mileage still the same (around 23 mpg - all city stop and go). I'll report more later if they turn out to be lame or causing problems, but so far so good.

 

[iLisa]

welcome.. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine!

 

[centsless]

well the cold air intake helps the gas mileage a bit, and recenlty i changed my plugs to the Bosch Platinum +4, its feels smoother and my revs are pretty low at idle. its quite nice, (until i put my upgraded engine mounts), but you should read the test that one guy is doing on different plugs, its on the other protegeforum, protegeclub.com, do a search and you'll be able to find it.
wires are useless unless you get like 9 or 10mm which sparko has designed for our cars, including its own standalone electronic distributor,

later,