Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums - 2003 Mazda Protege DX 2.0L

Hey everyone! This is my first post on the Mazda forum, and I am not currently a Mazda owner. However, I am considering the purchase of a used 2003 Protege DX with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. The car has 110,000+ miles on it and is in fair condition. The car will be driven mostly by my girlfriend's college-age daughter; who will do mostly local commuting.

The car is pretty much "strippo" and lacks power windows, cruise control, power locks and power mirrors. Heck; it doesn't even have a tachometer!
:eek:

Even so, it appears to be decent, reliable transportation and won't cost her and arm and a leg for insurance. She would love to have a Mustang GT or an Acura Integra RS, but that is out of the question.

I am curious as to any "pertinent" information about this car or its engine. Does the 2.0L have a timing chain or a timing belt? If it has a belt (like a Toyota or Honda), how often should it be replaced? Is there a relatively easy way to tell if it has already been done? If it would happen to break, is the Mazda's engine an 'interference' or 'no interference' design?

How does this Protege compare to a Sentra, Civic, Corolla, Focus or other such cars in that class? (BTW, I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra and it has been a very good car.)

Thanks very much!!:D