New to the P5, some TLC questions

[Adictd2b00st]

Hey guys, so I just picked up a 2002 p5 for my hour commute. Always liked these cars over the years, so when one popped up locally I figured why not and picked it up for $2000. The car has 98k miles on it but I swear the previous owners didn't put any money into this car other than routine oil changes. So far I've done a host of things on the front end of the car: Calipers(reman)/Rotors/Pads, outer tie rods and sway bar stabilizers on both sides. And a wheel bearing on the pass side. Its made a world of difference and I can feel comfortable putting miles on the car but I still have some work to do.

Are there any "common" parts on this car that go bad? I read about the sway bar stabilizers and did end up installing the thicker Escape ones which I believe took care of a lot of the clunking sound I had before, but it is still slightly there. I also suspect that the motor mounts are pretty worn and are giving me some trouble going into 3rd gear/popout (read this on the forum too) but are there a mount or 2 that I should start with first before I go about replacing them all? etc

Also I didn't get around to the rear yet, I do have rotors/pads waiting to be installed but I know there is some suspension work that needs to be done there too. Going over bumps is a bit noisy. Just looking for a little guidance before I get too far into it for no reason.

 

[T-Rash]

Looks like your on the right track. Dont forget the timing belt and might as well do the water pump while your at it. I dont remember the recommended mileage on that, but, Im sure your getting there. Im looking a 170K on mine and have done just about everything you have. Im looking into struts and springs next, as I am still on the factory set. Also look into keeping the under carriage sprayed as those Northeast winters will cause havoc in the rust department. Good luck!

 

[justin1194]

remember to always change your fluids
watch out for rust, rust is a very big problem with p5s
if you are going with a whole new suspension go with a tokico blue + eibach springs they are pretty reliable

 

[esnave09]

Definitely watch out for rust! If you do get to suspension work, you'll also wanna replace the strut mounts, since those tend to rust out and rattle like crazy.

As for engine work, I would keep a spare set of coil packs around (or know a store where you can pick them up on the fly) because they randomly decide to poop out and happen to most Proteges at some point. Very bad if you decide to keep driving with those gone, especially with your hour long commute. Takes 10 minutes and 4 bolts to change them. First and easiest work I've done to my P5 myself so far.

 

[mp5build2013]

Coil packs and wires go out very often.
If you have a stock intake, the back pipe cracks and you'll notice a power loss.
A/C will flicker on and off on fan settings 2, 3 and 4. need to install a resistor.
oh and the EGR valve tends to get dirty and stuck.
Otherwise, it's a great car!

 

[Adictd2b00st]

Thanks guys, all very useful info! I did do an oil change and plugs already too.... maybe I'll just do the EGR now while the weather is still decent and I'll take a look at the pipe on the intake cause it is stock. And it does have some rust already....near impossible to find one around here without any so I'll just have to deal with it unfortunately