Topic: 2001 Mazda Protege ES

[1TSX]

So...after the epic failure of my "3rd Honda" thread...we have decided to take another look at the used car market, except we are aiming a bit lower now (price).

We spotted a 2001 Mazda Protege ES 2.0L, at a Mazda dealer. 1 owner, 84,000 kms, auto, sunroof, etc.

Anything to look out for these Protege's?

Thanks. 

[TB]

I had an 03 Protege ES and loved it...until my wife wrote it off.
I can tell you it's a very safe car especially in head on collision.
There were a few minor recalls to do with emissions but nothing crazy.
I found fuel mileage to be good on highway, not so good in the city.
Great little car....I think the 01 had a slightly different 2l engine.

[dorin]

I believe you should have a look for the usual rust spots forming at the back of the rear wheel wells.  Otherwise they're pretty solid cars.

I'm jealous in a way since the Proteges have that old awesome Mazda road feel that's been muted in the Mazda3.  In my experience the amount of driving feedback is similar to the previous Mini's. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I would say perhaps auto trannys and brake disc calipers/system require maintenance to maximize lifespan. If well taken care of, it's a car I'd buy pre-owned.

[1TSX]

It seems these Protege's have problems with rust?

We checked out a 02' Protege 5...rust everywhere! There was a particular spot on the hatch, left side where the "Protege 5" emblem is.

We also checked out another 02' Protege 5...no problems with rust, but it had a rust spot at the EXACT same spot as a the previous one. We were interested in this one, as it only had 69k, and was at a Mazda dealer. We expect that rust spot to cost $500 to fix; sand and repaint the whole hatch door. Rear suspension squeak was audible, but they promised to fix that. Other than that, it drove great. The price was good, but they didn't accept our offer. We will keep looking.

The 01' Protege I mentioned earlier was garbage. Rough engine, funny noises everywhere, etc.

[carlos_da_fig]

I drive a 2000 Protege LX and it doesn't seem to have any rust issues.  I have noticed that the P5s do tend to have some trouble spot.

[mwqa]

I was at the mall yesterday and noticed a Protege5s with rust on the back hatch and above the rear wheel well.

Not very scientific, but it is strange to see rust on a late model car. 

[BradT]

Our '01 ES had the EGR valve replaced which happened just outside of warranty.  Mazda has extended the warranty and we were reimbursed for the valve and I think the diagnostic fee, which was nice.  Ours has been rust proofed, but there is a rust bubble above the rear bumper just by the wheelwell and a little along the lower edge of the drivers door.  It has 170,000 km and has been a great little car.  Handles snow well with 4 winter tires - the stock Bridgestone RE 92 were a little dangerous in the snow and really corners pretty well for a runabout.  I have always liked driving it.

[JBrill]

Having owned 2 Mazda Protege's (1993 and a 2001), the #1 thing I would look for is RUST!

In both cases, rust first appeared at the base of the drivers side door and exploded from there.

Another common problem I had with both was the rubber CV boots ripping.  It's like both cars just ate the damn things.

[Cortina]

Doors can be a drag on this car and the exhaust can clog and a few other niggly things. They seamed to be cheap car to buy. You can find nice low clicks cars for under 8K. So its not to sad of a car really. 

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=343980&adid=6939106

http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/details.aspx?vlotid=445328&adid=5989444

[Careener]

I sold my 01 last year. A great car.
Watch out for undercarriage rust and be prepared for expensive Mazda parts. Other than that it's an excellent small car and never let me down. Regular maintenance was all that was required.

[dorin]

Are Protege parts actually expensive?  The Mazda3 is new enough that I haven't had to buy any parts for it, but I bought plenty of parts for the MX-3 and those were cheaper than the comparable Civic/Integra parts.

[Pleem]

I've got a 2001 Protege with about 80K on it.  Purchased new.  I agree with what's been said previously: fun to drive, reliable, build quality good (only two minor items addressed while under warranty), only basic maintenance required, prone to rust, rear suspension noise, handles very well in winter with snows on all four (essential in Ottawa).  I can't comment on the cost of Mazda parts - haven't needed any!

Lee

[Careener]

Are Protege parts actually expensive?  The Mazda3 is new enough that I haven't had to buy any parts for it, but I bought plenty of parts for the MX-3 and those were cheaper than the comparable Civic/Integra parts.

Mazda parts are expensive. I've owned 6 of them anfd have learned not to keep them for more than 8 or 9 years (which is pretty good in itself.)

[holyandra]

Okay, I have a question..
I have a 2001 mazda protege..and I recently got in an accident whre my front end got banged up..
It's mostly cosmetic, the rads fine...the fenders werent broken, nothing like that..
but the car wont start..it turns over fine, but wont actually start.
I think it may be the fuel pump relay..but I have NO clue where to locate this in the car, or even to be certain if there is one. I bought the car second hand and there is no manual.
can anyone help me out?? would much appreciate it!!