7874 messages,
Last post on Jul 13, 2011 at 2:12 PM
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Mazda Protege Forum.
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Mazda Protege5, Wagon
#7866 of 7874 Re: End of an Era [iamz]
by autonomous
Sep 28, 2010 (2:07 pm)
I sold my Protege5 yesterday after owning it for over 9 years. It had 162,711 miles on the odometer. Looking back, it really was a very reliable car. The few problems were the ABS stopped working about 3 years ago, the rear sticky caliper slides, short headlight life, and rust were the only issues. I spent a lot of time fixing the rust on the car over the summer so I hope it stays looking good for the new owner for a few years. He hopes to get about 4 years from the car and I don't see why that isn't possible if he takes good care of it. Kind of a sad day for me.
Sounds like you have fond memories of the P5 (and hopefully a ton of pictures). Time to move on to Fiesta time!
#7867 of 7874 Re: End of an Era [autonomous]
by iamz
Sep 28, 2010 (5:18 pm)
I did take a few pictures over the years. It's the longest I've ever held on to a car so there was ample opportunity to snap a picture or two.
#7868 of 7874 Mazda Protege5 : 8 1/2 Year Update
by autonomous
Nov 24, 2010 (4:51 pm)
My 2002 Protege5 is halfway into its 8th year and so here is the updated list of major troublespots:
1) Tires: OEM Dunlops wore quickly (27 K miles); BF Goodrich Traction T/A tires lasted longer (33 K miles); now riding on General UHP 205/50/16 (great value)
2) rust around rear wheel wells; after repair in 2005 fortunately no major resurgence
3) EGR failed; replaced by dealer (at a moderate cost)
4) Steering rack damaged (at a significant cost); this was likely due to a driving error on my part.
5) Rear stabilizer links failed (corrected at a moderate cost).
6) New brakes and rotors (significant cost; this was preventative maintenance)
7) Radiator replaced in 8th year (moderate cost)
8) A/C needed repair (moderate cost)
My overall assessment: still a great car but the costs are adding up!
#7869 of 7874 California's crap catalytic converter laws
by carn00b
Dec 05, 2010 (12:46 pm)
I have my registration with smog due this month and my catalytic converter recently went. That's fine, I'll just replace with an aftermarket.. Okay, that's not super legal in this state. That's fine, I'll just replace with a Mazda catalytic converter. Hmm, apparently I need to pay over a thousand dollars for that (parts alone). Is there any way out of my situation that doesn't involve stupid huge sums of money? I really can't afford to do it the "California way," and would also hate to put my car into non-operation. Any and all advice is appreciated. HELP!
#7870 of 7874 Protege 5 for sale
by marias
Mar 23, 2011 (5:02 pm)
I need to sell my mother-in-laws Mazda Protege5 2002 with 73,000 miles on it. The a/c was replaced last year and just paid $500 to have the two O2 sensors replaced. A little rust on one corner of the front hood. What should I really expect to get for it? Looking at dealership's asking prices, it seems that retail is over $6,500 for this car. Carmax has one listed for over $11,000.
#7872 of 7874 Mazda Protege5 : Final Update [autonomous]
by autonomous
Apr 04, 2011 (10:20 am)
Here's the final update for my 2002 Mazda Protege5.
After 9 years and approximately 85K miles, the car has proven to be both a good value and a great ride. It should continue to provide both for many years to come. The main problems of the car were rust (especially around wheel wells), EGR valve failure and premature tire wear. The rust issue can be managed mostly by rust proofing. The tire wear is partly due to the "fun" factor of the car, i.e. not driving conservatively. A pleasant surprise was the amount of equipment that survived as long as it did, including the original exhaust system, the original interior and the original paint.
My nephew inherited the P5 and is enjoying it.
I liked the Protege5 so much that I bought the successor, the Mazda3 Sport.
See you all on the Mazda3 pages!
#7873 of 7874 2002 PR5 hold or sell?
by pr5tx
Jun 29, 2011 (4:42 pm)
I've a 70,000 mile 2002 Protege 5 with ac, door lock, and suspension problems. Body/interior wear due to blistering hot sun in TX and the usual hazards. I'm at moment of truth about holding or selling. Advice on either count welcome. What future costs to expect versus what trade in value. Thanks.
#7874 of 7874 Re: 2002 PR5 hold or sell? [pr5tx]
by autonomous
Jul 13, 2011 (2:12 pm)
... 70,000 mile 2002 Protege 5 with ac, door lock, and suspension problems. Body/interior wear due to blistering hot sun ... I'm at moment of truth about holding or selling ... What future costs to expect versus what trade in value.
Considering the recent heat wave, an AC problem would tip me over the edge to selling. Annual repairs for a 10 year old car, I'd expect to be over $1K and possibly closer to double that. On the other hand, at 70K miles there is still a long life ahead for the engine. So, if you can live with the headaches, the P5 should be able to last you several more years. But, if you need an excuse to get a new car, the new 2012 Mazda3 has a more efficient engine and you won't bake like a clam in the heat.