Learn me: Mazda Protege

Well, learn me more. I had one a few years back, but thats because I was down on money and it was cheap. I loved it while I had it, but got rid of it because I kept breaking clutch forks and wanted something nicer since I had gotten back on my feet. Now has anyone else had that problem or know of it being a normal thing? The reason I am asking is because im looking into them again but not in the condition of my last one. I had a 99 model BTW. And another thing, I also would like to do some auto-x in it as well. So if anyone has any input on how they are that would be great as well.

Power Door locks actuators will fail. It's a given. So will the front Sway bar end links if you really pound it. That being said, My friend and I autocrossed his MP3 relentlessly over 4 years and he finally sold it with 189K miles on it and it was still going strong. He never had issues with a clutch fork.

It was a total 1 tire fire car though. Tough to get traction off the corners.

I had a '99 DX for many years and sold it when it had 154k miles. The sway bar end links were noisy, but I never had problems with clutch forks or door lock actuators. Nothing more than routine maintenance. I loved that car, it was so much fun to drive. My experience is that they're solid buys.

I never heard of issues with clutch forks on those. My brother had one and it was good to him except for rattly end-links.

Drove my 2002 model for 10 years. Good memories for the most part as it put up with the abuse I gave it and rarely complained. Some unanticipated emissions parts, a coil and a spedometer drive are what stick out. Car is still on the road with the person I donated it to.

Swaybar links are pretty much consumables on all Mazda products, so not worth mentioning unless you pay mechanic to install them.

My Protege5 handles really well stock and with a few tweaks, it only gets better.

Well thats all pretty much what I needed to hear. It doesnt seem there is much of an aftermarket for them unless I have overlooked it, which is possible since I have been rather busy lately.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mazda+protege+performance+parts&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

Coming from someone who has/does own both I will tell you the 3 is the better car overall.

In saying that I love my P5 for daily commuting and occasionally autocross/rallycross, the transmission does not handle power and will blow up once 20+hp is put on it and this is if the engine (2.0 fs-de) does not smoke it's ass off before hand. Now if you keep it stock-ish drivetrain wise you will be fine, if the mod bug does get you though the later 99+ proteges just about everything can be used in all of them (to include MSP equipment.) There is also a few things like strut tower bars that can be taken from MX-6's so feel free to explore.

Final things I can think of right now is to check and promptly upgrade the motor mounts, as with just about all mazdas they are crap and will benefit immediately, last thing is 've prepared to do wheel bearings on a semi normal basis.

Good luck and go as far south to find one as possible!

In reply to ebonyandivory:

Yea, I dont know why i decided to look into after I posted that. But oh well. Thanks.

Also this can happen easily if you are good at wiring.

In reply to JtspellS:

I think thats the question I was going to ask next, about the crossover parts. Thats very helpfull. And dont worry about the south part, South Carolina isnt too bad about rust Thanks for the info!

You're in the South, so it might not matter - but they rust like there is no tomorrow!

Everyone I have ever seen is just a rust bucket.

NGTD wrote: You're in the South, so it might not matter - but they rust like there is no tomorrow! Everyone I have ever seen is just a rust bucket.

Yup. Rust claimed the Missu's 2002 and it looks like it will kill my old one. Bear in mind that this is Ontario where salt is spread liberally.

We did an experiment: I oiled mine every fall and she did not bother. Both 2002 models. The oiled car got at least 2 more years of life and counting.

We've had a 01 ES for past 10 years and it has served us well. It now has 140k; it still has the original clutch in it although it will need to be changed fairly soon. The timing belt was changed at 60k then again at 120, all of the motor mounts have also been replaced. I have also replaced one coil and an injector. While it's bit boomy inside it is fun to drive. My son uses it as a daily now that I have the outback.

  Tom

This is all you need to know about Protoges:

I'll echo the handling of the P5, I had one and it was a lot of fun in the twisties. Added additional bracing later, though it honestly didn't really need it.

I'm currently driving a '99 1.6 with the automatic for winter beater duty. I do not recommend it. It's painfully slow. And I'm used to driving slow cars.