My first post! Need advice on my 3rd mazda, but 1st Protege5

[maddogdav]

This is my first post, and would be my first P5. I have owned a '94 protege with 185k mi, and another '01 626. I would love some input.

I am getting ready to buy a Protege5 and could use some help. I found a dealer selling an 03 P5, with 110k mi, sunroof, manual for $4500 (thats what I talked them down to). It has a little rust above the wheels. It has a carfax showing 1 owner, but there are no service records listed (other than the 8k mi checkup). I found another 03 P5, private seller, who was also the original owner and literally has all of his service records for the past 8 years. The body is in excellent condition, with leather, sunroof, 147k mi, and manual for $4300.

I don't mind doing the body work myself, and the dealer P5 drove really well. Tight clutch and smooth tranny.

Any suggestions as to what I should do? I love the leather and nicer condition of the body, but should I worry about the higher mileage, since they seemed to have taken such good care of the car?

Thanks.

 

[hat1018]

I would get the one from the private owner. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

 

[JDM323J48]

private seller as rust in the other one will haunt you

 

[azuelke]

^ These.

 

[maddogdav]

Thanks

I would get the one from the private owner. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

Thanks,

I will keep you updated and post some pictures when I finally get one. I was thinking a similar thing. If the rust wasn't there or the price was much lower it would have been an easier decision. I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[Installshield 2]

I know this is a little late, but i also agree with the others...the only thing i've seen regularly kill 3rd gen proteges is rust...and catching it too late...you can stall it, and further prevent it, but its a tedious process...

while on the other hand...one thing is for sure...the power-train, with stock output...will seemingly last forever with regular oil changes...there is a guy in another thread running 250,000 plus miles on the original clutch...let alone engine and gear box...

its the body that will try to give first...so the better the condition to begin with, the happier you'll be imo...

 

[CTt3P5]

I'm late to the party as well but will still cast my vote for the private seller as well. No rust in addition to all records would be better piece of mind for me vs. the rust and lower miles. GL

 

[pcb]

I just found this thread too,....

No matter what condition your P5 is in,.... get it undercoated.

 

[confosos]

I would go with the one that has been taken better care of. Has the service records and shows it has been maintained.