Newbie, What year should I get? How much should I pay?

[bigwillie]

Hi all, this will be my first post in these forums, I am new to mazda's and mazda proteges so you might have to help me out with some things. My current ford is dying so I'm looking for a cheap economical car to have some fun with, I hear a lot about how great these cars are, and have a few question about purchasing one. What years are best between 90-94 (the ones I can afford) How big of a difference is their between the two 1.8L single and dual cam engines? And how much should I expect to pay for one in fair to good condition? Anything I should look out for? Thanks in advance everyone.

[MazKid]

The difference between the B8 and BP is about 16hp and 1,000RPM. :)

Seriously, I've driven both and the BP feels smoother and more refined. Also LXs came with more options, power locks, better seats, power windows, alloy wheels(some), tachometer, etc.

You can find a LX for $2K in pretty good shape. Mine was $1353 and needed a clutch soon after I bought it. Mine has every option except a sunroof.

As far as year-wise...the only things that changed were the tail lights(90-91 then 92-94), wheels(same as tail lights), interior trim/fabric colors, and the front end of the '94. Personally I like the '94 best because of the front end.

There's nothing out of the ordinary to look for when buying a Protege. Just the usual stuff and you'll be fine.

[Itzkcatz]

I like the 93 the best. It has the newer tails but doesnt have the 94 style front end. I would just check the suspension and make sure its tight motor doesnt knock or ping. most probs with these cars are just annoying little things i would pay no more than 1500

[91Protegelx]

Im partial to the 90-91 style lights and front end...I like the more squared look personally.

I wouldnt pay more than like 2500 for an absolutely perfect 1st gen. I paid $1200 for my 91 LX, and it had 107k miles, ran perfect, had like 130 compression across all 4 cyls, paint was good, interior was good etc. It just had a small dent in the rear quarter panel. Honestly if you look hard enough, you can get away with a good one for between 1000 and 1500.

As far as problems, check for rust (obviously as with any car) check to see if the trunk leaks (which most do), and alot suffer from the "auto-rev" where the idles bounces between 500rpm-800rpm's....there's quite a few reasons why this happens, but mine personally was the intake tubing had some cracks in it.

As far as what is better, get an LX. The DOHC has unlimited potential, where as Ive never seen anything more than an intake for the SOHC. LOL......

Hope that helps!

[SybrFreq]

I have a 91 se with the b8 engine, and it runs very well (babied since it was new). Ive considered a bp/ bpt swap, but there's no need for me (the 6k redline comes quick though).