Buying An LX Tomorrow...Any Pointers?

[mkuehn]

Hey all!

First post, so be gentle! :-)

My 91 B2200 stalled on the freeway twice yesterday, and it's getting to the point where it's become unreliable, so I figured it's time to spring for a new ride.

I'm looking at getting this Protege LX tomorrow, if everything goes well.
http://www.getauto.com/autolinks_cardetail.html?x_dealer_id=AABaT&vinNum=JM1BJ225631217769#1

If y'all wouldn't mind taking a quick peek and letting me know if anything jumps out at you from the description, etc., I'd appreciate it. Any LX owners that can offer a quick review of their car, overall performance, etc.

I've got a couple questions to go with this post: 1) I test drove an 02 ES tonight...how will the 03 LX compare performance- and handling-wise? 2) This car seems to be REAL reliable. Any contrary views or tips to keep it running in tip-top shape? I'm not a "car guy" so most everything has to go to the shop. Beyond regular Mazda recommended maintenance, any recommendations? 3) Are those alloy wheels in the photos, or hubcaps? I can't really tell. 4) What do you think might be a good starting offer? It's a regular car dealer, not a mom-and-pop place, so I don't mind being a little brutal with the initial offer. 5) One of my buddies at work figured this was a rental return. Any issues with those in general? 6) Anything special to look for on the CarFax report tomorrow?

We're leaving for the dealer at 7:30am CDT tomorrow, so any posts before then (either affirming the purchase or telling me to run away) would be great.

Thanks all,
Matthew

[DiS]

hey man. Welcome to the forums!

I have 2003 LX. Manual transmition also just like the LX in the picture. The only difference between LX and ES is that ES has disk brakes in the back, unlike LX which has drum brakes in the back. PErformance and handling between LX and ES, is hardly notticeble, if there's any. The wheels are alloy wheels and those are the MOST expensive stock wheels that are available for Protege (401 US dollars for each) hehe. As far as the price, how many miles on the car? I bought my car brand new for 12,300 US dollars as it was end of summer event. So do the math, hehe and I bought mine on August 31st 2003 and at that point car was only ALMOST 3 months old. If it was a rental, I hope whoever drove it, didnt abuse it, since its a manual transmition. DEFINETLY ask for a carfax report!!!!!!!

[Donny]

Hey man, I have an '02 LX, close enough right? I've had it since January of '05 and it hasn't given me any major troubles so far. I had a minor oil leak issue at first, but an oil change solved that problem. Also before it was delivered to me they had to replace the radio because the LCD on the radio was messed up.

That seems like a fair price, I got mine for $9500 all said and done, and it only had 22K miles on it. They wanted about $10,700 all said and done. Also, with 34K it prolly just went in for it's 30K checkup.

Best of luck to you!

[BLK_MP21]

Hey I own a 02 Pro LX and i just joinned the forums too.... Its been great for me... the only problem i been having is my A/c... on the settings 2 and 3... other than that i love my car.... the more i tuned it the less gas it ate at regular speeds... LOL!! anyways my LX is in my sig... take cares...