need input, looking to buy 03 P5
 

we are currently looking to buy a P5, need any and all advise on what to look out for as miles develop, problems, advise....
I tried a search didnt come up with anything compiled.
thanks

Basically, there are no persistent problems nor any recalls on the car.

So get the lowest mileage for the best price you can.

There really are no "common" problems to look for.

~HH

Go with the 5 speed you'll get better gas Mileage and more fun.

Why not consider the new Mazda 3 thats on it's way that will be replacing the current Protege?? Just a thought...:)

The Mazda3 is tight looking, but the P5 is going to be discontinued. That would be a tough choice. HMMM!! On www.msprotege.com there is a thread under 3rd Gen, "What things do you not like about your Protege" to get a general idea what people complain about, but there are no major problems that I am aware of in Proteges. My 2 cents atleast.

ok where do i find out more on this. we test drove a p5 and got a 14851 out the door price on a new car last night. now i want to look into the 3? please help.

Mazda 3
 

I would probably go with the three simply because if you're buying the car new, the value of the P5 will probably drop quite substancially when the 3 makes it's debut in a few months. On the other hand, if your looking to save money now, and don't care about re-sale, go with the P5 as the prices are probably dropping a bit since they will be discontinued...just a guess, haven't looked into it much, but it makes sense. Good luck with whatever you get!

The Mazda3:

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/imag..._mazda3_lg.jpg

More info here: http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...r=upcomingMain

~HH

I have had mine since Feb. and already have 20k miles on it. I LOVE IT. The only complaint I have is the paint, it is thin and chips very easy. My wife has a 98' Pro and I have a 92' Mazda truck and both of those have 2x the miles and half the chips!! Other than that I love everything about the car!!

Had my 03 Pro5 for almost 9 months and put 10xxx miles on it...
did a lot study before take it home..so the car is exactly what I want/expect...


thin paint...-= easily chipped
fair windshield = easily chipped as well
fuel-efficiency = got 28~30 MPG constantly..
excellent handling..

try your best to get more info before you make the final decision..

Good luck

Jason

Is this TRUE!!!!! The protege5 is getting discontinued!?!?! Please tell me it isn't true?:eek:

ummmmm ... Where the hell have you been?

But yes, the Mazda 3 is taking it's place.

yes kim. the mazda3 (which is not as aesthetically pleasing as the 5) is the successor of the protege5.

Matter of opinion.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I like the 3. Not necessarily better than the P5, but I do like it. There is excellent brand identity there - it has a similar look to the 6, and the RX8, and "looks like a new Mazda".

~HH

if u are worried about depreciation, definetly go for a AT.

the pro5's do drop in value very quickly, check kbb.com