Which Car Should We Get?
Thread Starter
Protege Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5
From: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Which Car Should We Get?
My Fiancee wants a new car. I can't decide which of these two to seek out for her. She will be getting an ATX ("I don't dive no stick." "You drive my stick." "Well that's the only one.")
Mazda Protege:
2003 (Any)
2002 (Any)
2001 (2.0L only)
2000 (ES with 1.8L only)
Mitubishi Lancer:
2003 (Any)
2002 (Any)
I won't want to pay any more than $9k for the car. ( No Evo8s
)
I like the two because they have SOME power 120+ hp. When stuff goes wrong when the warranty is up (If there stilll is one) I'll be fixing it. I want this to last @ least 7 years. I'm sure she'll want a new car after that or before. What's gonna be my best value and WHY?
Yes, you might see this in another forum.
Mazda Protege:
2003 (Any)
2002 (Any)
2001 (2.0L only)
2000 (ES with 1.8L only)
Mitubishi Lancer:
2003 (Any)
2002 (Any)
I won't want to pay any more than $9k for the car. ( No Evo8s
)I like the two because they have SOME power 120+ hp. When stuff goes wrong when the warranty is up (If there stilll is one) I'll be fixing it. I want this to last @ least 7 years. I'm sure she'll want a new car after that or before. What's gonna be my best value and WHY?
Yes, you might see this in another forum.
formerly chastan
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,350
From: California, USA
Eh, my experience has been that Mazdas are a little more reliable than Mitsubishi... but maybe that's just me. As for the favorite Protege on the list, it's the 2000 ES. It's the lightest, and the 1.8FP motor has a nice powerband, although the ATX might suck that up. Of course, the lightness will come at the cost of more engine and road noise.... Otherwise, I like 2002/2003 Protege 5 wagon 
. I'm not sure if that was a choice, and I don't think that would end up being <$9,000.
P.S. Teach your Fiancee to drive a stick.
Of course, the lightness will come at the cost of more engine and road noise.... Otherwise, I like 2002/2003 Protege 5 wagon . I'm not sure if that was a choice, and I don't think that would end up being <$9,000.P.S. Teach your Fiancee to drive a stick.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 171
From: Cybertron
I haven't heard anything bad about the proteges. Maybe just a little underpowered. Not sure if it was Lancers in general, or just the Evo but, I heard they eat up clutches, and the automatic in the base model ones were slow. For 9k my guess would be an 2001 or an 2002 model protege.
Protege Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 101
From: Hunstville, AL
I might be slightly biased, but I'd go for the 2000 ES too.
As already said, it has a nice powerband. Even though it's rated as having less horsepower than the 2.0's, it feels like it has more get up and go. That might be because the 99-00's are lighter. I also like the the looks better.
You didn't mention anything about aftermarket mods. The 1.8 is difficult to find things for. But if you're not planning on modding the engine, then it shouldn't be a problem.
As already said, it has a nice powerband. Even though it's rated as having less horsepower than the 2.0's, it feels like it has more get up and go. That might be because the 99-00's are lighter. I also like the the looks better.
You didn't mention anything about aftermarket mods. The 1.8 is difficult to find things for. But if you're not planning on modding the engine, then it shouldn't be a problem.
031 - Deathtech
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 401
From: Petawawa, ON. Canada
Mazda is trying to get rid of the remaining Proteges and P5's so there are some good deals there to be had. Just a little kick in that direction.
PS. My fiance and I were looking into a Lancer when we bought her Beetle this summer. Nice car but the P5 drives better and handles better and has a nicer interior. But don't get me wrong, the Evo is really nice. Try looking at the OZ editon...
Good luck in your decision. I don't think you can really go wrong whichever one you choose.
PS. My fiance and I were looking into a Lancer when we bought her Beetle this summer. Nice car but the P5 drives better and handles better and has a nicer interior. But don't get me wrong, the Evo is really nice. Try looking at the OZ editon...
Good luck in your decision. I don't think you can really go wrong whichever one you choose.
Thread Starter
Protege Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5
From: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
I really don't think we can afford a P5. There are just more Lancers in our price range than Proteges. I'm just wondering now if I should seek out an OZ or not. I saw one today. It looked nice. Is the handling that much beter?
Protege Newbie
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 38
well think of it this way you get two cars that almost have every thing the same but one has an intercooler and up graded brakes and pay almost 10,000 more or you can get a speed and buy a intercooler if you know the right people for 300 to 900.. my guess would be a SPEED.
Thread Starter
Protege Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5
From: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Originally posted by blue
well think of it this way you get two cars that almost have every thing the same but one has an intercooler and up graded brakes and pay almost 10,000 more or you can get a speed and buy a intercooler if you know the right people for 300 to 900.. my guess would be a SPEED.
well think of it this way you get two cars that almost have every thing the same but one has an intercooler and up graded brakes and pay almost 10,000 more or you can get a speed and buy a intercooler if you know the right people for 300 to 900.. my guess would be a SPEED.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 19
From: Madtown, Midwest, US
Shop around & low-ball 'em.
Howdy Panther,
Here's a link to completed sales of Mazda Protege's sold on eBay
You'll notice that most didn't meet their "Reserve" price. => Yet, the bidding still reflects the public's value of the car & what the market will bare.
IMHO, in today's market a good choice would be to find a local dealer with a used Pro OR Pro5. Find one your Love likes, write down it's options, mileage, etc. compare it to finished eBay auction prices, go back to the dealer and stick to your guns as you offer him a realistic price.
They'll stammer, stall & try to tell you you're crazy, - but let 'em know you've done the research & know the value of the vehicle(s). Plus, you've got options up the ying-yang with dealers full-up everywhere, classifieds, eBay, etc.... while the dealer has to sit there & watch real business walk away.
Today's market is a bear, but it's great for buyers like yourselves. Used lots are full & they need to be sold! So many folks ran out & bought new vehicles with 0% Financing deals and traded-in their other vehicles. The dealers got good vehicles for low prices, but haven't been able to sell them very well yet, since the economy is still weary ["Recession" is the g.damn word, but no one says it].
Actually, I'd say look up. I mean, you may find that broadening your pool of vehicles will show you the value of vehicles more accurately.
Like I said, deals are everywhere to be had: SUBARU Outback 2000 26K miles $9255 SOLD
A LANCER deal too.
2003 $9001 SOLD
[I've got one more suggestion,- for another time.]
Good luck all around Panther!
Here's a link to completed sales of Mazda Protege's sold on eBay
You'll notice that most didn't meet their "Reserve" price. => Yet, the bidding still reflects the public's value of the car & what the market will bare.
IMHO, in today's market a good choice would be to find a local dealer with a used Pro OR Pro5. Find one your Love likes, write down it's options, mileage, etc. compare it to finished eBay auction prices, go back to the dealer and stick to your guns as you offer him a realistic price.
They'll stammer, stall & try to tell you you're crazy, - but let 'em know you've done the research & know the value of the vehicle(s). Plus, you've got options up the ying-yang with dealers full-up everywhere, classifieds, eBay, etc.... while the dealer has to sit there & watch real business walk away.
Today's market is a bear, but it's great for buyers like yourselves. Used lots are full & they need to be sold! So many folks ran out & bought new vehicles with 0% Financing deals and traded-in their other vehicles. The dealers got good vehicles for low prices, but haven't been able to sell them very well yet, since the economy is still weary ["Recession" is the g.damn word, but no one says it].
Actually, I'd say look up.
I mean, you may find that broadening your pool of vehicles will show you the value of vehicles more accurately. Like I said, deals are everywhere to be had: SUBARU Outback 2000 26K miles $9255 SOLD
A LANCER deal too.
2003 $9001 SOLD[I've got one more suggestion,- for another time.]
Good luck all around Panther!
