Used Mazda Protege5

[Fardor]

I really like how 2002/2003 Protege5's look. I also like the size. I don't need anything faster. Good car?
random google pic of one

 

[luckysnafu]

My gf and I went and looked at one while we were car shopping. We thought the car looked nice and was decently sized. However, when we got in the car and closed the doors, the car seemed kind of "cheap". The doors seemed thin and did not close with a definitive sound like on other cars we looked at. Also, be aware that they did NOT come with ABS standard, it was an added option along with side impact airbags. Based on how flimsy the doors felt, I would recommend finding one with that package.

We ended up buying a 2007 Mazda3 Touring Hatchback. The build quality and feel of materials in the mazda3 is 10 times better than in the Protege5. The seats were much nicer and the doors were thicker and it is definitely a much better built car.

I hope this helps you out and that somebody who owns one can answer here as well.

 

[vi edit]

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/viedit/carpan.jpg

Heh.

The MP5 is a cool little wagon. But, it's slow and readily shows the econobox nature of it's ways. It's got a cult following that has really kept the resales value artificially high. You really can't get what I would consider reasonable prices on them for low miles. Plus a majority of them are going to well abused.

The Mazda3 hatch (which I owned, see the pic) was a HUGE leap in quality over the Protege. Everything from the ground up made it a vastly superior vehicle. If you can afford a used 3 hatch, go that route.

 

[KhoiFather]

Definitely don't get it, I owned a 02 P5 and after a while I wish I never got it. =*(

 

[CrackRabbit]

Expect lots and lots of road noise.
The P5 I rode In has to be the noisiest modern car I have ever ridden in.

 

[Mermaidman]

I was recently interested in getting a manual Protege5, but whenever I see one on the road and I ask the people I'm with what they thought of it, the response was 'ugly.'

I think the biggest problem with buying a used one is that many have been owned or driven hard by young males of a certain demographic. As Vi_Edit said too, they are overpriced.