Hello everyone, my first post here on the forum! Hoping to be a full-fledged member soon.
I am looking at two different P5's and have to decide which one to get inspected by a mechanic. Taken them both out for drives, though had to ride as a passenger in the first one. Please let me know which one you think is more worth further inspection, considering the price. I'm leaning towards the first option but am open to others.
2002 P5 with 165 000 kilometres (102 000 miles)
Price: $2,512 USD [including all fees]
1 owner car
https://www.msaautoshore.com/inventory/view/11899113/2002-Mazda-Protege5-4dr-Wgn-ES-Auto/
Known issues:
- Sway arm bushings need to be replaced.
- Timing belt pulley is making a noise like there is something wrong with the bearings.
- Wheels have some minor rust, and slight rust around wheel arches.
- Tires have no life left.
2003 P5 with 130 000 kilometres (80 000 miles)
Price: $2,893 USD [including all fees before negotiation]
https://www.msaautoshore.com/inventory/view/12041147/2003-Mazda-Protege5-5dr-Wgn-ES-Auto/
- Fog light cracked.
- Shifter moves when accelerating and engine lurches when turning the car on, suggesting worn out motor mounts
- Pretty severe rust on top front wheel well (visible from inside the engine bay), by far the worst spot of rust I saw on either car. About the size of a fist.
- Had a rear collision in 2009, fully repaired for around $2500.
- Aftermarket shifter that feels less tight, clutch position is worse.
- (It has a leather interior and aftermarket stereo)
Please let me know what you think! I just have a better feeling about the first one, but I also am weary that if some of the bushings are going that might mean a lot more are yet to go. I also didn't get a chance to really check for the motor mounts.
I am looking at two different P5's and have to decide which one to get inspected by a mechanic. Taken them both out for drives, though had to ride as a passenger in the first one. Please let me know which one you think is more worth further inspection, considering the price. I'm leaning towards the first option but am open to others.
2002 P5 with 165 000 kilometres (102 000 miles)
Price: $2,512 USD [including all fees]
1 owner car
https://www.msaautoshore.com/inventory/view/11899113/2002-Mazda-Protege5-4dr-Wgn-ES-Auto/
Known issues:
- Sway arm bushings need to be replaced.
- Timing belt pulley is making a noise like there is something wrong with the bearings.
- Wheels have some minor rust, and slight rust around wheel arches.
- Tires have no life left.
2003 P5 with 130 000 kilometres (80 000 miles)
Price: $2,893 USD [including all fees before negotiation]
https://www.msaautoshore.com/inventory/view/12041147/2003-Mazda-Protege5-5dr-Wgn-ES-Auto/
- Fog light cracked.
- Shifter moves when accelerating and engine lurches when turning the car on, suggesting worn out motor mounts
- Pretty severe rust on top front wheel well (visible from inside the engine bay), by far the worst spot of rust I saw on either car. About the size of a fist.
- Had a rear collision in 2009, fully repaired for around $2500.
- Aftermarket shifter that feels less tight, clutch position is worse.
- (It has a leather interior and aftermarket stereo)
Please let me know what you think! I just have a better feeling about the first one, but I also am weary that if some of the bushings are going that might mean a lot more are yet to go. I also didn't get a chance to really check for the motor mounts.