I might go buy this tonight. Anyone see red flags?

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nedfunnell

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Nov 14, 2009
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http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3704181559.html

02 Mazda Protege PR5 - $2550

This is a 2002 Mazda Protege PR5 4D Hatchback, 4cyl 160k mi, 5spd manual trans, loaded with power steering, brakes, windows, locks, mirrors, tilt wheel, cruise control, a/c, etc. This is a very cool car... As you can see it does have a bit of rust on the rear wheel wells... It has a complete new clutch assembly, This will make someone a GREAT car for a long time..The interior is VERY nice just needs a little cleaning... NO TRADES, NO checks and the price is FIRM.... [contact info]

The price seems fair with KBB. Reviews seem decent. I haven't had an opportunity to scope out the owner at all, but I'm wondering what the teal badge on the front means.

Edit:
Hmm- how about this one, then?

http://kokomo.craigslist.org/cto/3693688770.html

He has records back to the first owner.
 
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Vdubchaos

Lifer
Nov 11, 2009
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Check the top of the suspension tower. These cars have a defect and rust in that area....which eventually leads to the entire top of the suspension fork to cave in.

Nothing you can do about it either....

Guess how I know, I have a 2001 Protege.

Rust on the back wheel well is something Mazda cars from that generation are well known for. Not as big of a deal as the suspension top though.

Other than that, they are decent cars. Not good on gas though (unless you keep it under 60).

MIne has been flawless. Although I do have to replace a intake boot (which is a common issue) and causes idling issues/P0171 code.

But before you even think about ANY used car. Get ALL service records, if the owner doesn't have it don't even bother......remember, YOU will be the one that takes over the other owners neglect. So protect yourself before doing so.

Make sure all the oil changes and major services were done.

PS. Engine is none interference so if the timing belt goes you should be ok (even though some people reported few bent valves in theirs).

Good luck
 
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nedfunnell

Senior member
Nov 14, 2009
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Vdubchaos said:
Check the top of the suspension tower. These cars have a defect and rust in that area....which eventually leads to the entire top of the suspension fork to cave in.

Nothing you can do about it either....

Guess how I know, I have a 2001 Protege.

Rust on the back wheel well is something Mazda cars from that generation are well known for. Not as big of a deal as the suspension top though.

Other than that, they are decent cars. Not good on gas though (unless you keep it under 60).

MIne has been flawless. Although I do have to replace a intake boot (which is a common issue) and causes idling issues/P0171 code.

But before you even think about ANY used car. Get ALL service records, if the owner doesn't have it don't even bother......remember, YOU will be the one that takes over the other owners neglect. So protect yourself before doing so.

Make sure all the oil changes and major services were done.

PS. Engine is none interference so if the timing belt goes you should be ok (even though some people reported few bent valves in theirs).

Good luck
Click to expand...

Thanks for telling me about the strut tower rust, I will keep any eye out for that. In the $2500 range, though, I have a feeling I'm not going to be finding any/many cars that have maintenance records. I feel like that's part of the game when you work on this budget. Do you agree?

What kind of gas mileage do you get? 5sp or auto?
 
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Vdubchaos

Lifer
Nov 11, 2009
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nedfunnell said:
Thanks for telling me about the strut tower rust, I will keep any eye out for that. In the $2500 range, though, I have a feeling I'm not going to be finding any/many cars that have maintenance records. I feel like that's part of the game when you work on this budget. Do you agree?
Click to expand...

I don't agree at all.

Regardless what your budget, you are buying a car to use for transportation correct? In order for that car to be mechanically sound YOU need to protect yourself and make sure it was taken care of prior to your purchase.

Service record is a good indicator. I usually look at the interior condition as an indicator as well (if someone cared to keep it clean/not abuse it....chances are they did the same to rest of the car).

As a consumer YOU need to protect your investment, if you don't you will be left with other people's neglect.

Ask yourself, is that something you can afford or even want?

If the oil wasn't changed you are taking a high risk with this car and your 2500 can easily go poof in a week or 2.....

nedfunnell said:
What kind of gas mileage do you get? 5sp or auto?
Click to expand...

I have a 2.0LX Auto and do 80% highway. Lucky to get 20-25mpg......these care are NOT very efficient. Heck I have a V6 MPV that's better on gas.....
 
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2timer

Golden Member
Apr 20, 2012
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Red flags? Yeah, rust on the body. That lowers the resale margin to almost zero. If you want to resell it at some point, you'll be asking less than him.
 
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Vdubchaos

Lifer
Nov 11, 2009
10,408
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nedfunnell said:
Vdubchaos: I am seeing a lot of positive reviews about the fuel economy. It looks like it's pretty dependent on how you drive it.
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Correct. They say "anything above 60 = MPGs out the window". Personally I don't push this car and drive it normal. I do take it above 60 on the highway but hardly ever it goes past 75-80.

2.0 at least is not very good on gas AT ALL

Service record = good sign

Just check under the hood/top of the strut towers. When you do he will know right away that you have done your research about these cars......
 
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nedfunnell

Senior member
Nov 14, 2009
372
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2timer said:
"Bought last week for my 19 year old... " Hmmm. I see no mention of service records in the ad. I'm guessing you've contacted him already.
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I did. He also said that the dealership he bought it from just put a new clutch in it. We'll see what the paperwork says.

He says he's got a kid interested in it who is supposed to bring earnest money tonight and the rest tomorrow, but we know how those kinds of promises go. He's going to let me know tonight if it's available.
 
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nedfunnell

Senior member
Nov 14, 2009
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nedfunnell said:
I did. He also said that the dealership he bought it from just put a new clutch in it. We'll see what the paperwork says.

He says he's got a kid interested in it who is supposed to bring earnest money tonight and the rest tomorrow, but we know how those kinds of promises go. He's going to let me know tonight if it's available.
Click to expand...

Apparently he came through. The hunt begins again.
 
T2urtle

T2urtle

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2004
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^ kinda sucks.

I kinda liked it the red one. Wouldn't mind buying it either.
 
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nedfunnell

Senior member
Nov 14, 2009
372
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T2urtle said:
^ kinda sucks.

I kinda liked it the red one. Wouldn't mind buying it either.
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Yeah. I thought about going and scoping it out tonight, but I didn't. I'd have had to go and get my money (opposite direction) and drive out there, and I was headed that way tomorrow anyway.

Lame. He said the kid put up the earnest money, there's still a chance that he would fail to come through with the whole enchilada tomorrow, but that's pretty slim, I think.

Any suggestions on cars to look for? I want to get a car with SOME character, cheap to own (until I'm debt free), 1996+, and around $2500. No Saturns on Pontiacs on principle.
 
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