Faults:

-The entire exhaust system had to be done after, one hour. I didn't get the car from Mazda, so there wasn't any warranty. I guess the guy fixed the problem so it wouldn't show at first sign.

-After a month we had to replace the left rear bearing because the handbrake cable got stuck and it caused one spring to pop-out and literally ate the bearing's edge.

-after 3 months, I went to my uncle's garage to put on my winter tires, and he had to replace to two front disc, and pads on all wheels.

General Comments:

First off, I am 17, got the car when I was 16.

I have currently lost my licenses because yes, this car can take you up to 185 km/h, i know, the cops, told me.

I don't like the automatic transmission, I got a DX because the car was about 1.5k us (2.7k Canadian $) and it had very low mileage.

The car still performs pretty well, I like it as a first car and I can easily outrun my friends tercel, swifts (1993 and 1998 one), accent, and yes a 2001 automatic golf Cabrio. (guess because that car is heavy)

At home, my mom owns a 2002 manual protege 5 and I drove this car for some months before owning my own so, i guess this may be why my car seems slow.

I don't know if these are stock, but my car came with 13 inches, and this may be the cause to the poor handling.

There is easily enough space for 5 adult.

The car, overall is comfortable, and performs pretty well... until you drive something else.

Faults:

Bought with extended warranty and Mazda had to replace the engine with new one almost immediately after I bought it used due to broken a piston arm. Car trembled too much before AND AFTER the new engine. 3 Mazda dealers said that's common problem with many Proteges and can't be fixed. New mounts only helped a little. Not an engine mount problem and mounts only hide the problem while the mounts are new.

Replaced clicking CV joint (axle).

Leaking radiator was replaced with after-market one and no problems since.

Starter replaced once.

A/C compressor worked but made loud noise and I was told would break soon. It was replaced under the warranty.

General Comments:

Car is a 94 model year, made on 10/93.

Car is quick and nimble. Fair A/C.

Paint not as bad as I've heard of Mazdas.

If bought from person who took care of it, it can be a good buy.

Crashed on 12/2000. I'm looking for cheap Protege body in good condition for the engine I have. E-mail me at jorgana@yahoo.com if in Florida.