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I'm assuming I won't get many responses on this but I'm looking at purchasing a 2000 mazda protege (in good, well kept condition). Anyone have ideas about this cars reliability? It's only got about 80k on it.
In addition to these spots check out the strut towers under the hood. A lot of that can be going on while the exterior side/top views still look great. https://imgur.com/a/PjrJf
My wife had a 1996 Protege LX. Even though it wasn’t the sporty ES that thing handled like a sports car. Unless you have a repair shop receipt, don’t believe the owner’s date for timing belt change. Get it changed yourself and change it on the recommended schedule. Have the suspension inspected and replaced as needed. Check the engine motor mounts. When they start to go you’ll feel excessive vibration at idle. Check the date code on the tires and replace as needed. Ensure you get the best possible sport touring tires you can afford for the best handling. If fuel economy is your focus then get the best low rolling resistance tires you can afford. With the car in the garage and the door closed, turn on the headlights. Look for signs of hazing or cracks. A headlight that suffered hazing can be cleaned to look good but those imperfections still remain reducing the light distribution. If so, replace the headlight assembly. These assemblies come with new bulbs.
My wife had a 1996 Protege LX. Even though it wasn’t the sporty ES that thing handled like a sports car. Unless you have a repair shop receipt, don’t believe the owner’s date for timing belt change. Get it changed yourself and change it on the recommended schedule. Have the suspension inspected and replaced as needed. Check the engine motor mounts. When they start to go you’ll feel excessive vibration at idle. Check the date code on the tires and replace as needed. Ensure you get the best possible sport touring tires you can afford for the best handling. If fuel economy is your focus then get the best low rolling resistance tires you can afford. With the car in the garage and the door closed, turn on the headlights. Look for signs of hazing or cracks. A headlight that suffered hazing can be cleaned to look good but those imperfections still remain reducing the light distribution. If so, replace the headlight assembly. These assemblies come with new bulbs.
Is this car an ES? The ES is the sport model.
welp, looks like someone beat me to the punch. Car was just sold.
welp, looks like someone beat me to the punch. Car was just sold.
Oh well. It was an impressive car in its day. It was very roomy for a compact and cornered like a sports car. Not very fuel efficient nor smooth but very fun to drive.
My wife had a 1996 Protege LX. Even though it wasn’t the sporty ES that thing handled like a sports car. Unless you have a repair shop receipt, don’t believe the owner’s date for timing belt change. Get it changed yourself and change it on the recommended schedule. Have the suspension inspected and replaced as needed. Check the engine motor mounts. When they start to go you’ll feel excessive vibration at idle. Check the date code on the tires and replace as needed. Ensure you get the best possible sport touring tires you can afford for the best handling. If fuel economy is your focus then get the best low rolling resistance tires you can afford. With the car in the garage and the door closed, turn on the headlights. Look for signs of hazing or cracks. A headlight that suffered hazing can be cleaned to look good but those imperfections still remain reducing the light distribution. If so, replace the headlight assembly. These assemblies come with new bulbs.
Is this car an ES? The ES is the sport model.
That was the previous generation. For the 98-03 generation they introduced the MazdaSpeed Protege for the sporty model.
The Protege5 was a truly excellent vehicle...aside from the rust issues. May even pick one up as a runabout now that I'm in the PNW where rust isn't an issue.
I'm assuming I won't get many responses on this but I'm looking at purchasing a 2000 mazda protege (in good, well kept condition). Anyone have ideas about this cars reliability? It's only got about 80k on it.
Had a blue 00 protege es with 90k when I bought it for $3500. Had a five speed never replaced a thing on my car other then maintenance items. The cars handle like a front wheel drive Miata. Wish I still had mine.
Fair warning though keep it below 80 at that speed the car is turning 4,000 rpms and eats gas. You can get a taller 5th great but it only drops the rpms by 500, not really worth it.
Never had any issues with rust though guess it depends where one lives. Tire size for this car are a bit odd but you should be able to find them. Changing plugs are easy as they sit right on top. Can’t think of anything else other then I’m jealous. Been thinking about finding me another one at some point.
Had a 2000 ES... loved it... bought it with 89,000 miles on it.. but as it approached the 200,000 mile mark multiple problems.. O2 sensors, cv joints leaking, etc. Final blow was alternator froze up.. had a junkyard tow it away and probably crush it into a metal cube.. sad..
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Tire size for this car are a bit odd but you should be able to find them. Changing plugs are easy as they sit right on top. Can’t think of anything else other then I’m jealous. Been thinking about finding me another one at some point. 
