Faults:

Just bought the car about 2 weeks ago. The check engine light came on along with the battery light. Had the battery and alternator tested and they were fine. The car was idling low and sometimes it wouldn't start until several attempts. Took the car to the mechanic to be diagnosed. It came up as needing an ignition coil. Replaced coil, plugs and wires. It ran OK for 3 days, now it didn't start once and is running sluggish. Does anyone have any suggestions??? Has anyone had this problem before? Apparently this is common in these cars.

Faults:

The car computer started acting up as in the car started one day to rev up and down while driving and at rest. Took it in to a mechanic who changed the battery and alternator, but that didn't solve the problem, old parts put back in.

Took it to the dealer where I bought it and after a week+ of them having it, a new computer was put in at no cost to me. (hidden warranty/known defect)

A process of examinations must be made in order for this problem to be found and fixed.

Main computer harness ties to alternator which can fray due to position of wiring, frying the computer which need replacement.

7 year warranty (hidden manufacturers defect)

General Comments:

Interior shows no signs of wear.

Have yet to change the brakes after buying the car.

Automatic door locks located only on drivers side, why?

Feels and drives just like my old '91 Corolla, but a better car, hope it last just as long too.

Faults:

Air flow meter sensor replaced by Mazda warranty at 38k miles (reset check engine light on).

Replaced warped brake rotors at 55K.

General Comments:

I have a 2000 Protege LX with an automatic transmission, and I must admit that it is a great car. I bought it in 2001 with only 12,050 miles, and since then, I have religiously serviced the car in accordance to its recommended maintenance schedule.

I changed the oil every 3,000-4,000 miles, minor and major tune ups at 15K and 30K mile intervals to date; included a timing belt, water pump, radiator, transmission service and new brake pads every 17k or so (rear brake shoes replaced only once at 92K).

The 'check engine light' came on at 38k miles, and the 'Air Flow Meter' sensor was replaced under warranty from the dealer. The light stayed "off" ever since.

Recently, I've noticed that the car was running kind of underpowered and a bit sluggish. It also revs kind of high off the line, and would occasionally 'jerk' while I'm driving at a steady speed, whether fast or slow (like the transmission is slipping, or a sudden drop in acceleration).

I've noticed when I was tuning up the car while replacing the air filter, the 'Air Intake Hose' had some cracks along its ridges, and I knew right away that was the culprit. I temporarily wrapped it up with fiber tape and immediately noticed a difference in power and acceleration. Today, I went down to the Mazda dealer and purchased the intake hose and replaced it myself; it's a 15-minute job, and it made all the difference in the world in terms of pick-up and power. I enjoy driving my Protege even more now.

Word of advice: I have been reading a lot of posts here, and I must say that servicing your car at a timely manner within its recommended schedule, is key to prolonging your car. This will indeed help eliminate all sorts of problems in the long run (minor and major), including the financial part.

By the way, my mechanic said I didn't have to change the regular belts. I've yet to change it since I bought the car. They checked it and I checked it also, and it is still tight and strong... even at 110k currently. I wonder when I'll need them. Will replace on my next tune-up at around 125,000. Cross my fingers!