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2002 Protege5 (update Purchased!) Another Update!

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I'd rock that for sure. I wish they actually made more wagons, and 5 speed is always a plus. Be sure to check for timing belt documentation and the usual stuff.

You live in Ohio then? I'm in Columbus myself. The contractor I work for is always trying to find ways to cut costs, and I am trying to get to the auction with him to find a decent 4cyl wagon that I can gut the rear out of to make for a light duty work vehicle. We do electrical, so don't need tons of space, the hardest part is the 10' ladder.
 
It'll probably be okay, but the FS-DE engine is notoriously fragile in Sloteges. I'm a little fuzzy on the years/details, but I think you should research it a little further to make sure this one will be okay for whatever it is you want to do.
 
Had a 2003 since it was new, just sold it to a family member. I didn't put a lot of miles on it (sold it with 60,000 after 8 1/2 years) but it was rock solid in that time. Didn't need much beyond normal maintenance.

Pros:
- Go kart-like - fun to drive and throw around curves.
- Small - easy to maneuver and park.
- Remarkably versatile - even though it's small, it packs a lot of room with the seats folded. Made my many Home Depot runs that much easier. You'll sag the springs to the ground loading tons of crap in the back before you ever run out of room.
- IMHO styling is timeless. Over a 10 year old design and does not look dated.
- Relatively easy to work on, and find parts for since many are shared with the more common Protege sedan

Cons:
- Slow. Takes a bit away from the fun factor. Stick shift is better - mine was a slush box which made it seem reallllyyy slow.
- Liked to go through tires no matter how I kept it aligned. My spirited driving probably was a big factor though.
- Fuel mileage ok, but not great for a car this size. Again some due to my driving, but I've read the same about the 2.0 from others.

Good luck!
 
Thats exactly what I had (but automatic) before it got wrecked by a V-10 Econoline.
I loved it a lot. Wish I had got another one instead of a small pickup. They are peppy for being so small but certainly not speed demons. Great on gas. Handle nicely. Tons of space if you drop the back seats. I was able to move all my junk from the barracks to a townhouse in one trip. And if the apocalypse should come you could sleep in the back.
 
Looked at it today, brought to mechanic as well! Mechanic agreed it was a great car. Just needs front brakes but other than that the car is perfect. Interior is very clean! and minimal rust for being an Ohio car
 
Bought the car! Everything runs great. Getting rotors and pads installed friday. Bought Raybesto rotors and Monroe Pads (90 for all).

Getting installed for 150. Other than that everything is great. Have service records from day 1 for the car (including oil changes).

Owner had been using synthetic, should I keep using the same?
 
nice buy, sounds like you did all the right precautions and having service records is a big plus when buying used.

def stick to synthetic if he had been using it.
 
chin311 said:
nice buy, sounds like you did all the right precautions and having service records is a big plus when buying used.

def stick to synthetic if he had been using it.
Click to expand...

keeping all records is nice. When I was used car shopping, a nice, older Subbie Forester had all service records. Didn't buy but it gave me the idea to save ALL my service records.

OP: Update us on how you like tossing it around. A few Protege owners say the feedback and driving on the older Proteges were better than the revised Mazda3.
 
Update: It's been close to a month since I've had this car and I LOVE it. Mazda did a great job making it a fun car. It's not fast, nor something great to look at but it hugs the corners at some great speeds. I don't sense any body rolls whatsoever.

I hear this car does eat tires up though; probably has something to do with how great it handles corners.

Plus I get 30 MPG which is surprisingly good for this car.

Mazda's instrument cluster (red) is very cool. It's simple but the color is probably the best i've seen. I hear it's even better in the 3.

Had an oil change today, change the gearbox fluid and new battery. Overall the car has been good to me so far!
 
If it is chewing up tires you might want to think about an alignment.

Glad you like it! Zoom zoom!
 
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