What do I looked for when buying one used

[Bakrauf]

I am going to look at a 2003.5 Titanium Color Protege tommorrow or Sat. It has around 28,000 miles and the dealer is asking $13,999

I am a complete noob when it comes to these cars. I have only owened Ford trucks, but need a car for running around in and this car cuaght my eye. I have been reading these forums and learning a lot but

What specificly should I look for when i check this car out and what should i look for while test driving it? IT had one previous owner and the carfax record is clean. THe car is in excellent shape and I may end up buying it this weekend. Any help would be appreaciated.

IS the price about right?

[MP3Architect]

thats a fairly descent price id say. especially from a dealer. main thing you want to look for is a boost controller (at least in my opinion). if it has one then odds are the car has been boosted above stock. when you test drive it turn the radio off and listen when you drive over potholes and bumps for "the klunk". it will sound like a spare tire in your trunk bouncing up and down. i doubt you'd get the klunk at only 28k miles, but ya never know. although that wouldn't be such a big deal since you'd still be under warrenty and mazda would fix it free. so i would say look for anything thats not stock.

[Hellnightkid]

CarfaG

[Brian MP5T]

Check for signs of modification to the Vac line to the wastegate.

[Bakrauf]

Thanks.. It appears all stock. I do not know anything about turbo cars. I am not even sure how to make them run/boost whatever. I am a quick learner and this is my first step into a non V-8 car. What should I look for to make sure the Turbo is running ok?

[Bu11dogg2]

1. look at the piping. it should be plastic, and free from greasy hand prints around it.
if you see alot of scratches, ect, it had an after market FMIC before.
2. find the waste gate. trace all the tubes around and look for splices, sealed 3 ways, and off colored tubes, (blue, red ect..)
3. press in the clutch, it should begin to get heavy at about 1 1/2 inch of depression.
4. take it to a trustworthy mechanic and have them check fluid levels and front diff fluid for metal shavings
5. 13999 is cheap, make sure you thouroughly check this car out, I would personally take it to a Mazda dealer and have them look at to see if the warranty has been voided.

[Puckpimp71]

You can use the VIN# to check on the Warranty. If you're unsure about whether or not to trust the dealer, PM me with the VIN, and I'll look into it personally and get a history of repairs etc...