Hey there, my name is Jeb and I am considering the purchase of an 02-03 P5. I am curious to reliablity problems that any of you guys have had as well as specific dislikes you have about the car having owned them.

What were the trim levels available for the P5? I know that leather is an option, are moonroofs as well?

Anything I should look for as I pursue one of these?

Thanks in advance for your time.

Jeb

 

Hey, glad to hear your in the market for a Protege. Great cars and extremely reliable. Moonroofs are an option, yes, as are many of the other standard options like ABS, cruise control, and so on. The main "problem" associated with 3rd gen. Proteges (including the Protege5) is the clutch stutter, a shuddering of the clutch under different conditions, typically while the engine is colder on some vehicles. There are no major issues with the Protege, they seem to be holding up very well. If you are interested in the Protege5, I believe there was just one trim level, with different features/options available. I have the ES sedan so don't hold me to that! haha. Any other questions feel free to ask, we're here for ya and good luck with the decision!

 

leather is an option...it comes with side-impact airbags

the moonroof comes with a 6-disc changer

GREAT cars...i have 2 mazdas...a p5 and a mp3...i love them both!

 

It is a GREAT time ot buy one - new ones are deep discounted at the dealerships to make room for the 'new' 3s - which in turn has driven down the used market.

Ask for a ridiculous price [sp?] - you may just get it!


'If mine totaled-out tomorrow - i would just keep looking until i could buy another.'

 

I purchased a 2002 Protege 5 one week ago after much research. The car is a blast to drive-I have a manual. My only compliant-its noisy at high speeds

 

What they said, and some further input. The sunroof I think is also combined with ABS as a package. Some folks like ABS, some don't. The sunroof does equal more weight and less headroom. I have over 130K on my 02 sedan (a mechanical clone really) and have not had one problem with reliability. Still no oil leaks, no smoke. Just oil changes, tires (lots of tires!), front brake pads, and a timing belt at 100K. I did tear up the stock motor mounts autocrossing though. I put over 300K on a 2nd gen Protege and it was the same story, with the addition of an A/C compressor at about 175K. Great cars, often overlooked and under-rated, although Car & Driver and Consumer Reports have known about THE TRUTH for years.

 

Yeah me too. If I totaled my '02, I'd start looking for another one tomorrow. Maybe I would get a blue one... or a black one.
It's the second funnest car I've ever owned; and the funnest one preferred only going in a straight line.