Potential first-time buyer

[Captain Mazda]

Hi all, my name is Mazda (no joke) and I'm close to buying a used Mazda. I figured I'd join here to ask you experts a few things about the cars I'm looking into

I had the pleasure of test driving a 1999 Mazda Protege a couple nights ago and despite being an automatic, it felt great. It has 256,800KM on it but runs well and has been serviced religiously. The owner has kept all of his service records and bills.

He is selling it for $2200 CDN but is open to any offer. I figure to deduct from his initial price a few of the faults but need your help in determining the value:

1. Pebble-sized crack in middle of windshield (not noticeable but needs to be fixed before it gets larger)
2. Driver-side mirror cracked (by a hailstorm apparently, also not noticeable but probably needs to be fixed in order to pass safety)
3. As I was driving, the overdrive light was flashing on the dashboard. The owner claims it could have something to do with the number of occupants in the car. There were three people in the car that night, he said that's how many there were the last time he noticed the light. I'm a bit worried about that as I don't have a clue what could be causing it.
4. Some rust under driver-side door
5. Same door also makes a loud *POP* sound when opened halfway, could be the hinge.
6. At one point the brakes emitted a strange clunking noise. As he lives in a sub-division with a lot of construction and dirt, the brake pads or lining may require cleaning. I'm uncertain about that too.

The steering felt a bit stiff, but the car handled responsively. Maybe it just felt strange since I've been driving my dad's '98 Dodge Caravan for a while.

I'm viewing another '99 Protege tonight with the major differences being that it's a 5-speed manual and priced at $1700. Coincidentally it too has 257,000KM on the odometer

But I have to say, I'm really looking forward to becoming a Protege owner. It's a perfect car for my college commute and has plenty of room for a hockey bag

[MaxPower]

The Protege's definitely a great value in terms of performance/versatility! Personally, when I buy a used car, I make sure it doesn't have major problems, because those major problems tend to hide other major problems and the car, even though initially cheap, ends up costing a LOT in the long run. I'd avoid any car with a transmission problem. There are plenty of other well-maintained, cheap Proteges out there and you shouldn't settle for one with a potentially major problem. In sum: Protege's a great car, but pay the extra money to get one in great shape. Let us know how it turns out.

[Captain Mazda]

Budget constraints and the fact that I'm starting a new program at college this year make it difficult to pay extra money. My finances are very tight currently and it's important for me to have a car as soon as possible.

I viewed the manual Protege earlier tonight. Although the gearbox seemed to be in good shape, the body had a lot of dents and rust on it. It also needed a couple tires to pass safety. I decided to make an offer on the automatic instead. For $1500 I am now the proud owner of a 1999 Protege :)

I don't think there's anything wrong with the transmission, it is most likely a sensor issue which can be replaced easily. It's a common issue with 99-00 Proteges.

Will post pics once I get it.

[MaxPower]

I understand about the finances... congratulations on the purchase! For $1500, the Protege fun-to-price ratio will be tough to beat!

[Captain Mazda]

Thanks! I'm very excited :)

[prof15]

thats a really good price.. for the year and shape of the car. but make sure to follow up with the flashing light to make sure its nothing serious.