Need Recommendations from a perspective 2002 buyer

[apruem]

Hi all,

I'm in the works to purchase a used manual 2002 Protege5 with 76,000 Texas miles on it.

I'd like to get your recommendations/thoughts on a fair price for this car, and any
specific under-the-hood questions to ask. It's my first purchase as a responsible adult, so I want to be cautious.
Took 28 long years.

I agreed to purchase the vehicle on good faith after a mechanical inspection. However, I still can get out of it, if needed, because I'm financing through my credit union.


Details:

• Buying from a small independent dealer in Austin, TX with a good reputation
• Only 1 past owner, clean TX title
• Nearly perfect exterior, very minor burn/scratch near driver's interior handle
• Odd interior smell when I first got in, didn't notice after checking the car out for the while (possible former smoker? This is a deal breaker for me. But the car didn't smell like smoke.)
• Aftermarket CD/radio
• Drove very well

Agreed to have repaired before purchase:

• Rear passenger Door Actuator
• Bulb in center interior light
• #2 setting on AC- turns out the light is broken, but air still flows

Needed Repairs found during inspection, being repaired before purchase:

• Front brakes and rotors

Dealer Warranty:

• 3,000 miles/3 months
  Optional $1200 dealer warranty: expires at 176,000 miles/5 years

Total price (all taxes, fees, title)= $8792

Fair asking price? How about the extended warranty? Any specific tech/mech details I should ask about before purchase?

Thanks for any help

 

[Hank3]

Price seems high for an '02. Miles are good that they're on the low side, however, I purchased an '03 P5 in 2010 w/69k miles for $7K and it was in crazy good condition inside and out. And it had all maintenance records, timing belt, brakes, coolant, and oil just changed/done.

The #2 AC light going out is a common issue - read HERE for more info. I'd personally ask for $6K and pay no more than $6500 - $7K (and that's if you want it badly).

Here's one that's from a reputable seller as well. May want to check it out if you in that neck of the woods in TX:

http://www.funcarsforsale.com/inventory/view/4894564/2003-Mazda-Protege5 - 5SP -JDM Replacement Motor

And some others in Austin:

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2803488850.html
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2801759151.html
http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2799695904.html

 

[flowfish]

My price

I bought mine from a dealer in Pasadena, TX. '02 with 60,000 miles in near perfect condition, I paid $8000, then had to pay the taxes when I got back to LA, about $600 IIRC.

 

[Jordysoso]

Exactly what hank said. I bought mine up here, 90k on it for 6800 out the door. But the prices of our cars is slowly declining, however the fuel economy of them is in high demand

 

[paper1122]

You are buying from a dealer, which definately makes a difference. It sounds like it is in overall very good condition. For a point of reference. I just purchased an 03 with 95k that needed a radiator, egr valve, motor mounts, and a mirror. The interior had to minor cuts and there is a dent near the taillight. It also has had a past accident which was fixed very well. I paid $4k and put about $600 into it to fix everything.

 

[Jordysoso]

Mine was from a reputable used car dealer in business for 30 years, they lied to me when they said the car didn't need work. 1800 later I'm still doing work. Don't trust them

 

[00bluees]

are you freakin kidding me!!!! $5k tops!! these cars aren't made of freakin gold. almost $9k is out of this world ridiculous.

alos save the $1200 for future maintenance/fixes if you end up needing it. aftermarket extended warranties are simply a waste of money and generally scams.

 

[Pontiac462]

just paid 700 for the one i bought with a bad motor. should be into this under 2k when im done. 78K immacualte insdie and out 5spd

 

[pkane]

That is high, but you are paying retail. I would look for a by owner sale as recommended previously. I have bought 3 P5s to date via craigslist and have had good success. I always have them checked by MY mechanic once they pass my inspection. A smoked in vehicle is a deal-breaker for me too so
1. I check the cigarette lighter for residue
2. Turn fan on full speed, better on a warm day

 

[UncleShrek]

For that price I'll sell you mine. as is.
Keep looking. I payed 6k for mine.

 

[ijbrekke]

I bought an 02 last summer with 36,500 miles (private seller) for $7000. I couldn't find anything close to that from a dealer. So you're looking at something a little high, but if it's the right car then you won't regret it.