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Author Topic: Looking to buy 2003 Protege5...any known issues i should be aware of?  (Read 606 times)
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mlam0826
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« on: May 17, 2011, 05:54:17 PM »

Hey guys,

I'm looking to purchase a 2003 Protege 5 to replace my older 94 Integra. Yes, I also have a 2010 Mazda 3...lol
budget is about $5000-8000
Are there any known issues I should be aware of (transmission? engine? etc)? I haven't looked into it in detail yet (i will though).

What are you guy's thoughts?

Thanks!!
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theurgy
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« Reply #1 on: May 17, 2011, 06:00:34 PM »

I'm a big fan of the Protege 5's, if you're looking for a straightup daily, it's good car, do not try and boost the thing unless you're ready for a full forged rebuild, as you will become part of the Zoom Zoom Boom club.

All that said, typical issues is the EGR valves are a huge pain in the ass, you need to make sure it's running the latest revised model, or be prepared to buy it. Get the 5 speed, please don't get the automatic. Also the wheel bearings tend to be the first parts to go, brake calipers seize if really not maintained properly (it's picky about that) and the endlinks are also another issue.

That's about all I can think of. I've had my hand in rebuilding a few Pro5's including working on the fastest Protege 5 in the world and I can say I have a good respect for this car.

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2008 Cosmic Blue Mica Mazdaspeed 3.
ETS TMIC, Cobb SRI, Cobb TIP, Buddy Club Condenser, TWM SS w/Bushings and TypeR knob, Cobb Shift Weight, Turbosmart Dual-port BPV, StreetUnit Motor Mount, Koni Sport Yellows, Eibach Prokits, SPC Camber Arms, Denso ITV-22.
mlam0826
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« Reply #2 on: May 17, 2011, 06:46:31 PM »

I'm a big fan of the Protege 5's, if you're looking for a straightup daily, it's good car, do not try and boost the thing unless you're ready for a full forged rebuild, as you will become part of the Zoom Zoom Boom club.

All that said, typical issues is the EGR valves are a huge pain in the ass, you need to make sure it's running the latest revised model, or be prepared to buy it. Get the 5 speed, please don't get the automatic. Also the wheel bearings tend to be the first parts to go, brake calipers seize if really not maintained properly (it's picky about that) and the endlinks are also another issue.

That's about all I can think of. I've had my hand in rebuilding a few Pro5's including working on the fastest Protege 5 in the world and I can say I have a good respect for this car.



Thanks for the info!
I do plan on having it as a daily driver shared with my brother cuz we have the 2010 mazda3 hatch. He's the one that totalled the 94 teg so we need a replacement...lol

I guess those are pretty easy fixes...nothing major in terms of tranny and powertrain problems?
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2010 Mazda 3 Sport GS
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20% Tint - 4300K HID - Autolismo LEDs - LED 3rd Brake Light - Thule 460R - Koni STR.T - Road Magnet 1.25" - VarrsToën 18 x 8.5"

Future: Simota Carbon Charger - RB Exhaust - RB RSB & FSB
theurgy
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« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2011, 06:56:57 PM »

Well we had an issue with one car where it had a blown headgasket but that could happen to any car whose owner drives the shit out of it and overheats the engine frequently (woman driver...) we ended up just swapping the engine in less than 2 days for less than $800 (fluids included).
She had apparently warped the head and coolant had been mixing into the cylinders.

She also ended up almost blowing up her second engine and trying to come back to us... we just told her to trade the fucker in before it did and call it a day.

PS: don't buy a custom painted Green Mazda Protege 5... nicknamed is the Booger.
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2008 Cosmic Blue Mica Mazdaspeed 3.
ETS TMIC, Cobb SRI, Cobb TIP, Buddy Club Condenser, TWM SS w/Bushings and TypeR knob, Cobb Shift Weight, Turbosmart Dual-port BPV, StreetUnit Motor Mount, Koni Sport Yellows, Eibach Prokits, SPC Camber Arms, Denso ITV-22.
mlam0826
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« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2011, 09:57:41 AM »

Thanks for the info!
Been looking for the past two months and finally came across one that was perfect!

$4500 Protege 5
146 xxx kms
Brand new tires
No accidents (or that's what ICBC reports...)
Body is in really good condition, few knicks and scratches...but understandable.
and 6 month powertrain warranty!

Looking forward to picking it up today! I'll still drive the 3 hatch, but this protege will serve me well come winter! =)
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2010 Mazda 3 Sport GS
Graphite Mica

20% Tint - 4300K HID - Autolismo LEDs - LED 3rd Brake Light - Thule 460R - Koni STR.T - Road Magnet 1.25" - VarrsToën 18 x 8.5"

Future: Simota Carbon Charger - RB Exhaust - RB RSB & FSB
tonyzoomzoom
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« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2011, 11:53:06 AM »

Grats Marco!
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theurgy
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« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2011, 01:35:18 PM »

Awesome, glad to hear. It's too bad your 6 month warranty will be over by the time winter kicks in.
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2008 Cosmic Blue Mica Mazdaspeed 3.
ETS TMIC, Cobb SRI, Cobb TIP, Buddy Club Condenser, TWM SS w/Bushings and TypeR knob, Cobb Shift Weight, Turbosmart Dual-port BPV, StreetUnit Motor Mount, Koni Sport Yellows, Eibach Prokits, SPC Camber Arms, Denso ITV-22.
mlam0826
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« Reply #7 on: June 11, 2011, 03:18:17 PM »

Grats Marco!
Thanks Tony ! Kinda excited...but then again, it's for my brother! haha


Awesome, glad to hear. It's too bad your 6 month warranty will be over by the time winter kicks in.

DAMN IT!, you're totally correct! but by december it would be half way through winter Wink
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2010 Mazda 3 Sport GS
Graphite Mica

20% Tint - 4300K HID - Autolismo LEDs - LED 3rd Brake Light - Thule 460R - Koni STR.T - Road Magnet 1.25" - VarrsToën 18 x 8.5"

Future: Simota Carbon Charger - RB Exhaust - RB RSB & FSB
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« Reply #8 on: June 11, 2011, 10:20:33 PM »

you got it off a second hand dealer that offers you 6 mth warranty? If so would advise you to do an ICBC and BCAA check yourself. $150 or so investment is worth it for $4500 you putting down.
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mlam0826
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« Reply #9 on: June 16, 2011, 10:49:16 AM »

you got it off a second hand dealer that offers you 6 mth warranty? If so would advise you to do an ICBC and BCAA check yourself. $150 or so investment is worth it for $4500 you putting down.

The used car dealer provided an ICBC report, 1 accident worth $16xx
I also took the car to one of my trusted mechanics to do inspection, everything looks really good.
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2010 Mazda 3 Sport GS
Graphite Mica

20% Tint - 4300K HID - Autolismo LEDs - LED 3rd Brake Light - Thule 460R - Koni STR.T - Road Magnet 1.25" - VarrsToën 18 x 8.5"

Future: Simota Carbon Charger - RB Exhaust - RB RSB & FSB
banjaboy
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« Reply #10 on: June 16, 2011, 01:49:10 PM »

Lemon aide book called this vehicle the "Creme de la creme" of used vehicles.
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