Should I buy this Protege5? Please help!!!
#1
Should I buy this Protege5? Please help!!!
Hey everyone! New here, longtime poster on Acura/Honda/VW sites...
Ran across an ad on CL that looked pretty promising, going for a test drive tomorrow with cash in hand. Did all the research I could, but I'm here because I need your help!
Mechanically it seems sound, 105K, in Florida the last 5 years, hasn't hit NYC streets for more than a week (thank god). My biggest concern is rust, but the hatch looks fine, the rear wheel wells are juuust barely starting to bubble...some rust on corners of doors, and under the hood, but it doesn't look too bad (for now???).
Can I get your guys opinion? If this works out, I hope to be a regular poster here! Thanks so much everyone.
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Ran across an ad on CL that looked pretty promising, going for a test drive tomorrow with cash in hand. Did all the research I could, but I'm here because I need your help!
Mechanically it seems sound, 105K, in Florida the last 5 years, hasn't hit NYC streets for more than a week (thank god). My biggest concern is rust, but the hatch looks fine, the rear wheel wells are juuust barely starting to bubble...some rust on corners of doors, and under the hood, but it doesn't look too bad (for now???).
Can I get your guys opinion? If this works out, I hope to be a regular poster here! Thanks so much everyone.
[IMG][/IMG]
#4
Really? That's bad news, I thought this was one of the nicer ones I've seen (nicer meaning less rust).
You don't think it will last me 3-4 years, 40k miles?
We're hovering around 3k in price, too much?
Thanks for your help!
You don't think it will last me 3-4 years, 40k miles?
We're hovering around 3k in price, too much?
Thanks for your help!
#5
Mechanically these are sound cars. 3 to 4 years is no problem for these if you keep up with basic maintenance. Also it is impossible to avoid rust all together.
We (my son) have a '98 Protege, bought it with 148K, made some repairs right away and got our money's worth out of it. It is becoming very rusty now. The rear wheel arches are rusted through. But it runs very well. I am shocked to realize we have it already for 4 1/2 years.
To find out how much to pay for a car I use mostly Edmund's True Market Value. I also look at Kelly Blue Book but I think they are too high and Edmund's TMV may be too low.Used Cars: For Sale, Appraisals & Certified Pre-Owned | Edmunds.com.
You would do well having a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic.
We (my son) have a '98 Protege, bought it with 148K, made some repairs right away and got our money's worth out of it. It is becoming very rusty now. The rear wheel arches are rusted through. But it runs very well. I am shocked to realize we have it already for 4 1/2 years.
To find out how much to pay for a car I use mostly Edmund's True Market Value. I also look at Kelly Blue Book but I think they are too high and Edmund's TMV may be too low.Used Cars: For Sale, Appraisals & Certified Pre-Owned | Edmunds.com.
You would do well having a pre-purchase inspection done by an independent mechanic.
Last edited by tanprotege; 06-30-2014 at 09:41 PM.
#6
Thanks a bunch, I'm really not that worried about appearance, just safety if the rust becomes a huge problem.
I think I'm going to go for it, I really just need something to get to school and work over the next few years. After that, maybe I'll even go back to no car.
Any other thoughts, I'm all ears!
Thanks again.
I think I'm going to go for it, I really just need something to get to school and work over the next few years. After that, maybe I'll even go back to no car.
Any other thoughts, I'm all ears!
Thanks again.
#7
Ask if the timing belt has been replaced. Ask if the coolant and the tranny fluid have been replaced.
If they have not been taken care of you will have to do it.
Pay attention to the tires. The rubber has become rather expensive.
It looks good under the hood. The air intake hose may actually be new. If it is new this would tell that the old one cracked and caused a P0171 lean condition. Tehy would have taken care of it the right way.
If they have not been taken care of you will have to do it.
Pay attention to the tires. The rubber has become rather expensive.
It looks good under the hood. The air intake hose may actually be new. If it is new this would tell that the old one cracked and caused a P0171 lean condition. Tehy would have taken care of it the right way.
#10
Actually, no codes could mean they just erased them. Make sure "all monitors are ready".