Mazda Protege...Thinking of buying a used one...Views Pro/Con

[masmdu]

Found a nice 1999 Mazda Protege with 78k miles on it. 5spd LX sedan

Anybody have any views on this car....good or bad?

Thanks in advance

[Stew225]

1. I forgot what year I had but it was one of the

best cars I've ever owned!

[FlashHarry]

2. I hear they're great cars.

Depending on how they've been treated by their original owners, late-model Proteges, Sentras, Corollas and Civics are all great small cars. For what it's worth, I think most Mazdas are still made in Japan, rather than in the US or Mexico.

I recently bought an '01 Sentra SE that has been an absolute pleasure to drive so far. I'd love to buy American--but Japanese cars really are much more reliable.

[ET Awful]

5. I've got an '01 Sentra SE as well, I love mine. . .

Before that I had a '94 Sentra XE, and loved that one too. . . bought it new in '94, had it for 7 years and it spent a grand total of 4 hours in the shop :).

[FlashHarry]

9. Did you get the sport package?

I was really surprised when I got the car. It came with ABS, side airbags, limited-slip diff, 4-wheel disc brakes and a bunch of other stuff. That 2-litre SR20 engine is pretty peppy, I must say!

[ET Awful]

10. No ABS or limited slip, but otherwise the same. . . n/t

[ewagner]

3. Owned one since 1990

Gas mileage is terrific...even though it's 14 years old, I'm sitll getting 39-42 mpg on highway trips. (It's a 5-speed btw)

It's low maintenance and reliable as hell....the salt up here screwed up the ball joints and they had to be replaced last spring but I'm very impressed with the Protege'. Rust is starting to get to it and I'm going to be sad to see it go eventually but I've really enjoyed this car.

[rocktivity]

4. Bought a 2001 with 65K miles on it eleven months ago

absolutely adore it--sips gas (33mph highway), a blast to drive! Do your scheduled mainteneance religiously, keep the fuel injectors clean, and it won't give you any probelms!

:headbang:
rocknation

[radwriter0555]

6. edmunds.com will also give you a comprehensive overview and

review of all new and earlier models. It's a great resource.

I have the mazda miata and I just LOVE it....

[11cents]

7. I have a 1999 Protege

LX sedan, but automatic. No significant repairs, roomy interior, well-designed dash. I like it.

[skygazer]

8. Used to have a Mazda MX6

It was a great car, very dependable, great gas mileage and comfortable. Lots of pep, low maintenance. If the Protege is anything like it, I'd say buy it. My car left me with a soft spot for Mazda.