Topic: 02 Protege5 - Or other ideas...

[kenobe23]

An icy accident has pushed us into car shopping mode... Last weekend I banged up my 95 Altima. Luckily, no one was hurt, but the car's going to need some work, and frankly I think it's time for somthing newer.

Looked at a an '02 P5 tonight. 5 spd, 80,000K, very clean. Asking $10,500 (private sale). This car seems like pretty good bang for the buck. I really want a wagon/hatch. I don't want anything smaller than the P5, which rules out many of the newer hatches. Also here in Victoria there isn't a ton of choice in the private market right now.

Any other brilliant ideas? I've thought about an 06-07 Sonata, haven't looked at any yet. Should I? Once taxes etc. are factored in, a Sonata might be more than I want to spend.

Priorities are: reliable, safe, reasonably efficient, and comfortable. No kids yet, but that will probably happen in the next couple of years (therefore no subcompacts.)

Thanks for the feedback.

[rrocket]

Saab 9-2X??  Lexus IS300 Sportcross??

[kenobe23]

Saab 9-2X??  Lexus IS300 Sportcross??

Interesting ideas, particularly the 9-2X. Alas, Autotrader and craigslist don't turn up much...

Thanks for the reply.

[1TSX]

We have an 02' P5, auto, with about 79kms on it right now. No issues so far (since purchase in May). We paid about $9500.

Here is the thread:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,57536.0.html

At about 75k, struts and other suspension bits require replacement. Keep this in mind if the owner hasn't done it yet. Rust shouldn't be an issue, since you are in Victoria.

[barrie1]

That seems a bit early for these type of problems to be occuring does it not. Thats not really very many miles to have these problems happen it seems to me. 

[Careener]

Just a thought.. you could get a much newer (and much improved from the first model years) Focus for the same money in either hatch or wagon form.

[kenobe23]

I may go take a look at an 03 Accord. Asking price is $13000, 109K Km

The Focus is a good idea. I wish there were more cars in the area... Not many Focus wagons for sale around here...

[curls]

I have a fair amount of experience with the 2002 P5's.  My wife's car was purchased new in 2002 and has treated us very well with only minor maintenance and a few small quibbles (some rattles/interior noise, worn front endlinks which were replaced for $30, and some rust issues but nothing unexpected for the Ottawa climate.)

I purchased a 2002 Protege5 with ~150K on it for my sister as a local runabout for school, and she's extremely happy with it.  It had some cosmetic damage from the previous owner (front bumper and R headlamp), but runs very well, is great on gas, and the manual transmission and its clutch are flawless.  I replaced the front endlinks on that car as well as they tend to clunk over time, but its a simple fix.

I've replaced timing belts and water pumps on both of these cars, and althoguh it's a bit of a PITA job, its worth it because the cars themselves run very well and the timing belt should be replaced near 100K anyhow, so it's peace-of-mind.

[curls]

Oh, and for what its worth, we have found that the P5 has a lot more useable interior room than a Matrix, a Versa, and a Focus 5-door hatch.  The rear cargo area opening is wider on the P5, and the seats fold nicer.  We were able to fit an entire 4-chair + square patio table set into my wifes' car without much problem.  The owner of that set had a Matrix and was nowhere close to being able to get all of that into her car.

[mwqa]

I can suggest the Suzuki Aerio Fastback.

I was making the same decision a year ago. I wanted a 4 door hatchback that was reasonably cheap and reliable, and something I could grow into. It was either a Aerio or a Protege5. I liked the drive of the Protege5 better, but the ones I was looking at seemed overpriced, and too be honest the car was a bit low. I bumped my head getting in and out!

Also, I preferred to get a 2004 with reasonable mileage (20K per year) than a 2003 with (to me) somewhat suspect mileage (of less than 20,000kms a year).

I’m glad I have the Suzuki. It was cheap at less than $8000 including tax, very reliable with a great 6 speaker stereo (being used to a 2 speaker stereo in my previous Mazda 323) and has a load of power (155hp).

I see a lot of Protege5s with rust issues around Montreal and this also makes me think I made the right decision. 

As a previous owner of a Matrix, just make sure that you fit in it properly. My long legs killed me. I also found the 'bathtub' styling a bit annoying. Cargo space was great, however, and so is storage. If it fits you, and you can accept it's 'slow but solid' drive, it'll make a great family car.

[TopGun]

My '03 has had none of the suspension issues others seem to have had...and it has 199,550 kms on it.  I've got rust around the wheel wells...due to me parking it in a heated underground garage all day and not spraying it (stupid-stupid-stupid me thought I wouldn't have it long).

I just had a siezed caliper replaced...but that's it.  I really like the steering...great feel.  Hmm...you just reminded me of the timing belt!

I like the Foci idea...I found some '04 SVTs in the US with 80,000 km on them for ~ $11

[kenobe23]

We looked at the 03 Accord this evening. Unfortunately, by the time I'm done work it's dark out, so I couldn't take a close look. It drove nicely... obviously a totally different feel from the P5.

I like both cars, and feel pretty conflicted.

02 Mazda P5 (asking $10500) : love the wagon configuration, stick shift, cheaper, lower KMs (80K vs. 109K), sportier/younger feeling

03 Accord (asking $13000): More substantial, much nicer interior, smoother, quieter ride, more refined engine, better mpg, more grown up.

I'm looking for a killer argument for one vs. the other. Any advice?

[rrocket]

The reason why you listed the Accord aren't compelling enough??  LOL


How about the Accord has a great track record as a used car buy?

[Marko]

Am I the only one who thinks $10,500 for a 6+ year old economy class car is high? Like really really high?

[safristi]

  NO......................and I've said as such........about the P5....Corolla......Matrix... Civic.....etc....way too much MONEY for too lil car....................SECOND HAND.......but a fool and his money yada yada.................

[airbalancer]

Saturn Aura starting at $15,480 or Astra $12,900
http://www.gm.ca/ss/media/pdf/saturnoffer/SAT_clean_ON_EN.pdf

[initial_D]

Am I the only one who thinks $10,500 for a 6+ year old economy class car is high? Like really really high?

You're right. A new Mazda3 can be had for under $17,000, the strippest of the stripper version.

$7500 ~ $8900 seem more reasonable to me.

[rrocket]

I notice in his part of the country used cars seem to cost more $$$$ than in Ontario....

[kenobe23]

No question cars cost more here. They don't rust so much, either.

I checked the blackbook on the Mazda, it says retail is ~$8700.

I guess the question is: will a compact car, including the P5, have enough oomph for my taste? The Accord will definitely have more than enough go for highway driving. My wife seems to prefer the looks, versatility of the Mazda, though. I'm leaning towards the Accord myself... My only concern is the price seems too reasonable, and I know the last generation Accords had some issues (transmission?) I guess that's why you get it inspected before you buy.

I notice in his part of the country used cars seem to cost more $$$$ than in Ontario....

[rrocket]

Come to Ontario, buy a 2005 Saab 9-2X Linear for the same money, and drive it home....