Mazda Protege 5

[protege555]

Hi there,

I've been researching on the web as i'm interested in buying a used Mazda Protege 5. I figure i'll ask you guys for tips and help. I used to own a Acura Integra but it was sadly stolen so therefore i'm trying to stray away from anything Honda. I've always liked the Protege and don't have the cash for a newer Mazda 3 or gt model. Therefore i'm looking for a 4 door with practicality which the Protege 5 defintely meets my needs.

I was wondering if you good folks here can guide me on what to lookout for, like common issues, recalls, stuff like that. I was hoping to get a Automatic one but so far rumours has it Mazda still has transmission issue with those. Therefore my only option is Manual transmission.... pls correct me if i'm wrong or provide any tips i may have left out.

Thanks.. also any details of the bolt pattern on these?

thanks in advance for your time and efforts! :)

[dead_cactus]

Welcome to TOP

Go with the 5spd, you won't be disappointed as the autofail even with sport shift is pretty damn boring.

bolt pattern is 5x114.3

Things I would look out for would be rust (rear hatch, rear fenders, under the doors, door trim, etc).

[mazda_gurl]

Tranny issues on an AT? I had an 03 AT and never had issues with it (other then a 3rd gear code that came up on my CEL one time when my EGR was faulty)

Common issues - there are many - welcome to the club.....the search function will address all your questions.

High Level - the common issues are EGR Valves (rough idle) which had a recall on some models if your ride fell within the warranty period.
Rust - lots and lots of rust.....badge rust on the hatch, and rear fender rust (although my P5 suffered front fender rust - pics can be found here (http://www.toprotege.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51845)) Its my understanding that the rust on sedans happens much less.

Other then that - it is a great car. Got rid of my ride not too long ago and miss it dearly already. Had the rust not been so out of control, I would have driven it into the ground!

Good luck in your search

[mazda_gurl]

Welcome to TOP

Go with the 5spd, you won't be disappointed as the autofail even with sport shift is pretty damn boring.

bolt pattern is 5x114.3

Things I would look out for would be rust (rear hatch, rear fenders, under the doors, door trim, etc).

That is for the P5 and some sedans. Depending on the year and model of the car you are looking to get, you could also have 4 bolt.......P5 is standard 5 bolt (as DC mentioned)

[00bluees]

look out for rust, rust, rust, rust did i mention rust?

also EGR valve's. probably more stuff but thats the most common thing.

and since you will be new to mazda, if you are looking for power, look at spending some money. if you want power to start with then honestly just buy a subaru or something.

[Dragon]

/\ agreed on the rust. if you want to know where all the rust is normally just message me and ill tell you or come out to a meet and find me

[iBbLaCkMaN02Pro5]

Hey! How come nobody has mentioned rust? :p I have an 02 P5 and the passenger side rear fender is the only spot I have rust at.

The other thing is your endlinks. They aren't particularly strong and will likely start clunking on you soon. Not an expensive fix though. These cars handle like a dream. Go with a 5spd (autotragic FTL) and you'll love it.

[00bluees]

VTCS screws too in 2003 models. there was a recall, just make sure it was taken care of.

and the holy grail of protege links.

http://www.protegefaq.net/

[protege555]

Finally... my internet dropped dead after i created this post.. damn Rogers.. lol anyway.. thanks for all your advice. Rust? uh... yeah i know about rust... when i had my teg.. i've fixed the rust twice in the rear quarter fender (both sides).. within 4 years.. and i had the car for about 8.. man.. i hate rust.. but what can u do.. This is Toronto... 3 mths of warm weather and 9 mths of winter. i figure i'll spend $5k maximum on a p5 or whatever's out there... i don't plan on doing any mods.. I think the p5 looks great as is.. but i'm sure you guys have some crazy bodykits on them... i figure if i do bodykit i won't be able to enjoy it unless i see my reflection while driving it some where. Mods for the engine bay... nah... HST kicking in soon.. so my condo fees will be going up... so no $$$ for mods.. :(


So far found 2 or 3 '03 P5 in Kijiji, Craiglist & AutoTrader.... went to check some out on the weekend.. saw one for $3500 with 120k on it.. but both rear quarters have been poorly repainted.. so either they repaired the rust.. or it was in a accident... oh the stress in looking for a used car... Unfortunately i'm going with a auto.. cuz i figure once i get a good 2 years out of that.. i can give it to my dad..when i'm done and then move on to a newer car. People have suggested me to finance a newer car.. i just don't want monthly car payments... got enough bills to pay... but still need a car to drive.

Anyway.. thanks for reading my sob story and hope to come to the meets one day or even make it to the c7 event this fall whenever i get my ride...

Cheers,
p555