Approaching 150,000 Km. Should I "fix" anything?

[buliwyf]

My '02 P5 is at 147,000 Km now.

It seems to be mechanically sound right now; to be honest, it even feels a little more "perky" than my brand new 2014 Mazda3 (at low RPM's).

I do oil changes every 5,000Km.

Do I need to replace the timing belt for "preventive maintenance?" Or other belts, for that matter?

How about the water pump?

Gear oil? ATF?

Or "if it ain't broke, don't fix it?"

 

[Hank3]

Check pages 196-199

http://www.manualowl.com/am/Mazda/2002-Protege5/Manual/797

 

[kms1990]

i would do the timing belt and water pump if you dont know if they have been done or not, or if you know they havent as if it is factory belt it is approaching 13 years old and is most likely very dried. as for the fluids look at the atf if too dark consult a transmission shop before changing. if light red or clear leave it in. if your unsure of past maintenance consult a professional before proceeding with any fluid changes.

 

[buliwyf]

Thanks. What do you think of this Timing Belt / Water Pump kit?
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3894333&cc=1387447

I'm crunching some numbers on whether I should keep the car for another year or two, or if I should sell it now (and hope to get about $2,000) and just lease a brand new car (like a Hyundai Accent), which should cost me about $3,000/year.

 

[kms1990]

airtex is a decent brand and thats not a bad option, these cars are reliable, mine is at 151,000 miles and not havin any major issues all i do is maintenance and a few minor repairs. i would keep it a few more years leasing a car is not a good route to go down, you do not own it and it will end up costing more, leasing is a never ending trap in most cases.

 

[mp5la]

I went with OEM mazda parts on the timing belt and water pump. The originals were still going at 185,000 miles when I replaced them, so hopefully the new stuff will last just as long.

As someone stated earlier, be careful with transmission fluid changes. Oftentimes, new fluid can make a weak transmission go out a lot faster. I'd recommend a drain and fill with a new filter as opposed to a full flush.

It might be worth it to replace the accessory belts if they're looking a little worn. I also like to do a full coolant change, power steering fluid change, and brake fluid change on anything with higher mileage.

 

[buliwyf]

Ok guys, yeah I think I'm starting to lean towards keeping my Protege5. Besides, at the moment, it's really mechanically sound. Not to mention the insurance premium is really good.

One thing to note is that I am in Toronto; the winter is unforgiving. Ice rocks as hard as gravel cover the roads. Not to mention Mazda rust (mine has lots of rust already). I fear that another winter will turn my car into scrap. This is also one thing that attracts me to the obviously financial bad decision known as leasing.