Newby Protege for son
May-18th-2005, 04:19 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1
Newby Protege for son
Hello Folks,
I think I want to buy a 2002 or 2003 Protege for my son to take to school.
Any tips or pitfalls I should know about?
One thing I find discouraging is that the tires are expensive compared to other small cars.
Does it have a timing belt or timing chain.
Many thanks, Alan
I think I want to buy a 2002 or 2003 Protege for my son to take to school.
Any tips or pitfalls I should know about?
One thing I find discouraging is that the tires are expensive compared to other small cars.
Does it have a timing belt or timing chain.
Many thanks, Alan
May-18th-2005, 07:12 PM
#4
Moderator/ Pocket Tuner
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Tampa,Fl
Posts: 4,150
It has a timing belt, but not to worry, it's a non interference engine, so even if it broke it would just shut the car down, not cause engine damage. A 2002 Protege has 15" tires minimum, so he is correct, tires tend to be more expensive than other manufacturers. They tend to put smaller tires with larger profiles on there cars stock. The cars are great safety wise, and handle excellently with a GREAT reliability record. You would be wise to buy this for him as a starter car, as you can pretty much give it to him and not have to worry about it breaking down, or if god forbid it was in a wreck the car would protect him well. Hope this helps and welcome
May-19th-2005, 07:26 AM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 27
Alan, just don't replace the tires with the same factory tire. They are quite expensive for their relatively poor performance. You didn't mention the tire size or the area of the country (how bad is your winter?). A high or ultra-high performance all season tire is probably what you are looking for, such as the Toyo Proxes 4. Or something in that class of tires. Greatly increased grip and stopping performance for a younger driver. I would worry less about treadwear life for your son and increase the grip. That's assuming while in school he will be a fairly low mileage driver so they should last a long time. Just shop around online and local, at least 4 places. Tire price vary wildly even a shops around town. Use the customer review sections online to get a general idea about each tire.
www.tirerack.com
http://www.1010tires.com/Toyo_Proxes_4_tires.html
BTW, my son is only 13 but I fully expect my '03 LX to be his first car and also to last him all the way through college. It's a great, reliable car.
www.tirerack.com
http://www.1010tires.com/Toyo_Proxes_4_tires.html
BTW, my son is only 13 but I fully expect my '03 LX to be his first car and also to last him all the way through college. It's a great, reliable car.
June-17th-2005, 08:55 AM
#10
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Austin, Tx
Posts: 1,099
Originally Posted by MC
i believe they r rated much higher than 100 000km but mazda recomends change every 100 000km
in my book they say to change it at 100k miles. I just turned 30k and it still drives like new. But then I take really good care of my cars.
June-17th-2005, 02:32 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 221
Originally Posted by Anarchistchiken
The Protege is definatly a good choice for your son. You might want to look at the Protege5's and/or MP3's and MazdaSpeed models if he would rather have a sportier car with the same reliability.
I don't know if his kid is a first time driver, but if he is. There is no reason why his son needs a car with the power of a MP3 or MazdaSpeed. Stick with the regular Sedan or five door Protege5. Those kinds of cars(MP3 & MS) will just raise the risk of him getting in trouble or worse, in a bad accident.
