I'm planning to make this into an H stock autocrosser, so keep that in mind. Maybe STS in the future...who knows.

Question 1: Protege LX or Escort GT? And why?
Question 2: What model year is desirable? I hear the later models switched from 4 wheel disc brakes to smaller discs up front and drums in the back???
Question 3: Any trouble spots I should look for? Or anyone have an FAQ that's like this: http://www.miata.net/faq/usedmx5.html ? I assume some things do crossover due to shared engine components, but any other tips?


Someone is locally selling a 170k miles, 5 speed '94 LX. I'm assuming they're mostly highway miles, but still....she's letting it go for $875. Assuming she has no records, what's the maintenance frequency on these engines? Like, when should the timing belt be changed? Water pump? Etc? I come from owning a Volkswagen, and have learned to follow these maintenance schedules religiously in fear of my own safety.

And any other things you can think of would be great. Thanks!

 

As far as I know, all LXs have 4 wheel disc brakes. My '90 does. I know the DX and 323s have rear drum.

I think it's about 60k for the timing belt, not sure about the water pump.

Seems like a good price for the car if it's in good shape. I got mine for $800, but it was a friendly-sale. Let us know how it goes.

 

Dan's right about the brakes and the timing belt. Unless your seller has replaced the water pump recently, I would suggest doing it the next time the belt is due, which is at 180K miles btw.

As far as autox'ing the Pro, I would suggest reading through the Motorsports forum. There's some good threads down there regarding that subject.

 

Ah. Thanks for pointing out the difference. Anything else?

BTW, the Motorsports forum is hella slowwwwwwwwww. Only 14 threads in the past month! I'll sit down a peruse it when I get some free time.

 

I think The 90's lx pro had a shorter crank that gave them problems also. The seatbelts suck and have a mind of there own. but overall its a great car ...Jon

 

go with the EGT hehe :P. both car is good the only diff is the GT is have 2 door, you can have a 95 or 96( hard to find), you have a small stock body kit and the inside is different. other then that the 2 car are the same. is just a question of preference.

 

Yea First gen Proteges are extremely hard working little cars they will put up with alot of punishment. I used mine (93 lx) for work for a year and a half and I ran it up and down a mountain dirt road Rally style and all i had to do was replace tires.But I do keep regular maintenance done to it.