Looking at buying a used 2001 to 2003 with 80k to 100k miles. Here where I live (Central NJ) there seems to be plenty Protege's around? Looking for advice on any issues with the 3rg generation version of this car? Searching around I haven't found anything major -- some mention of a bad EGR valve and maybe an issue with the intake manifold gasket.

Seems to be pretty minor things to repair. Anything else of note to watch out for -- issues with the engine, transmission, etc? Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

I know to check for the usual things with any used car - good mtce record history, unusual tire wear, smoking exhaust, etc...

Thx...

 

there's not a whole lot to worry about really. you might as well buy stock in sylvania, though. the third gens, particularly the protege5's, have a tendency to go through a set of headlamps in no time flat.

other than that, welcome to the boards.

 

ive had my protege for 2 and a half years i love it never gave me one problem its a really great car if your looking for speed i would go with a 03 mazda protege speed it is a beautiful looking car and i wouldnt change anything on the car because it already looks sick

 

Just posted reason why my 2000 Protege wouldn't start (see thread '2000 Protege won't start'). Timing belt had slipped and damaged due to a broken tensioner spring - they say). cost me $750 to repair and the car had 53K kilometers on it. May want to change belt if the car already has close to 100K miles, might save you a tow. Otherwise, it's a pretty good car.