Hello Protege5 Guys!

[Matt V]

Hello there everyone! I am currently in the market for a Protege5, and as soon as my 2001 Civic sells I will be looking at them in person.

Main reason I am selling the car is so I can get something bigger, and maybe more fun in the process. After reading reviews on the Protege5, these cars can be fun, while being reliable. With that said, what are some particular things I should look for when checking these out? I know every car has a particular issue with something, just wondering what it is with these. I appreciate any help I'm given, hope to join you guys soon!

-Matt

[Flash5]

not sure where u are located, but if u are in a place where salt is used for treating roads in the winter look for rust spots especially around the rear wheel wells. honestly, outside of that my car has no issues. if it is over 100k make sure the timing belt has been replaced too. thats it lol! i am sure others will have more to add but its a very reliable car!

[Matt V]

Just sold my Civic so I'm one step closer! Gonna go look at two MP5's on Monday, one silver one and one yellow one. Here are the links:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=265752915&dealer_id=64409685&car_year=2002&rdm=1250092749988&model=PROTE5&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=MAZDA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=76247&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=6000&cardist=33&standard=false

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/1319763017.html

[thecrash91]

nice finds, they look clean. also check motor mounts. they are what hold the engine to the frame. make sure they are not torn out on the inside you can probably find pictures of what bad ones look like on the forum somewhere

[StealthWyvern]

My old p5 had 170k on it when i got rid of it... The auto trans was going and it was traded in for my MSP. It was all stock except one wheel bearing and normal crap like battery, plugs, ect... ect..

Edit: All stock besides the upgrades I did to it. I know doesn't sound right but they were all the orig parts.. atl and starter. Yet the alt my MSP didn't even make it to 80k(same stupid alt).


Well I do know my oil presure sensor liked to go bad(put in 3 different ones). Don't worry they werent bad in the sense that they didn't work just leaked. Also their was a recall on the VTCs butterflys. Make sure that was done!

Also are you looking for a auto or stick(I didn't catch that). I want another p5 even with my MSP if that tells you anything. The stock motor moutns are crap and they like to rip like already mentioned.


Edit: If your looking at high mileage ones make the dealership do a timing belt change and tensioner

[Matt V]

I prefer manual, I did found another red one that is an auto, but after going from manual to auto on this last car, there is no way I will drive another manual. On that silver one, the dealer specified that the timing belt was already replaced and the car has less than 100k miles. That could be a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it.

I am pretty knowledgeable about cars also, but this will be my first Mazda. Any advice as to which one I should consider most? I'm gonna check out both on Monday.

[mx-p5]

something to consider, if you get a late model 02 or early 03, the auto's had a "Sport shift"

And i found your thread! lol. GL with the hunt!