9th Aug 2007, 20:43
"Nothing major has gone wrong with the car although the brake calipers tend to rust really quick on these cars."
I have no idea where you live, but that may be part and partially the reason. Why? Well, I live in Alberta and I bought my car pre-owned with 79, 000 kms. There was no rust, and after driving my Protege for about 10, 000 kms, there still isn't any.
"Fuel consumption is quite good if you keep your speed below 100km/h; anything past that, and the car has some serious appetite."
You can apply that theory to any vehicle.
"The car is really loud on the highway at anything above 100km/h, and the engine sounds like it's about to explode! I have no idea why Mazda does not do anything about it... but the engines on these cars are very, very noisy, to the point that on a long trip it gets really annoying, not to mention the wind noise!"
These cars are 2.0L 4 cylinder DOHC engines. They are going to be loud, because after all, they are mechanical. And, they aren't a racing machine. They are a 4 door sedan, not an F-1 racer. They are going to have wind/road noise. If you are bothered by the wind noise, turn up the radio/music.
I have driven on highways with my Protege, and the wind/road noise isn't that bad. It is normal, and expected.
"But this was not enough to convince me to keep the car, and I got rid of it just after 3 months!
If you get this car, be prepared to invest in some serious ear plugs or a big bottle of Tylenol for your head-aches!"
I have had my Protege for 6 months, and I love this car! This car is comfortable, nice on the eyes, has good fuel economy, has nice interior, and feels just right.
The complaints that I have read, from the original topic starter, don't fit this car. But, to each their own.
Obviously, the Protege isn't for everyone. But, to complain about rust, wind noise, gas guzzling above 100 km/h, or a loud engine over 100 km/h, then you need to seriously spend more time in a vehicle. As well, the Pathfinder that you purchased is heavier, has a bigger engine, is a bigger vehicle, and will cost you more in the long run. I am sure that you will be here, in about 3 months, complaining about the same issues.
1st Mar 2009, 09:17
I am looking for a car for my daughter, and I love the way Mazda drivers stick up for their cars. A 2002 Mazda Protege LX will be on my list.
I hope my daughter won't complain about changing the oil every 3000 miles. Seems like that is all you need.
10th Jun 2009, 10:19
I bought my 02 Protege ES new. It cost $15,800. It now has over 117,000 miles on it.
The only major problem was back at about 80,000 miles I blew a head gasket on the entrance ramp to the freeway. Had that fixed at the dealer and at the same time had a new timing belt and water pump installed. Cost $1,400. Been great since. Other than that it has just needed routine maintenance. I've never put any oil in it except Castrol Syntec. Only change the oil every 7-8000 miles. I use Toyo Proxes 4 tires and it is great on gas and fun to drive. Yesterday, my 16yr old got his license and I handed him the keys. He is very happy.
Eddie
Dalton GA.
1st Dec 2006, 21:58
You folks should go buy Toyota Camrys...you'll be happy with your sloppy, boring cars.
I've put over 150,000 miles on my various Proteges, and they're wonderful cars. Those complaints are going to attach to any Japanese economy car. Fortunately, the Protege has enough good things going for it to make up for them... the tight handling, the high-quality interior, the SUPERB brakes. Oh, and zero problems. Great little cars