1998 Mazda Protege SE review from North America

From the time I purchased the car the check engine light was on, it was later disconnected.

This car in particular seemed to rust very quickly, even after perevious rust spots were fixed.

There was a constant problem with the emergency brake.

The timing belt blew at 190,000km and brakes were replaced then also.

New alternator at 225,000.

Both front ball joints rusted through, sub frame rusted through, steering fluid leaking and brake lines started leaking all due to age of car.

This car held up very well in my opinion, and I beleive that the winter conditions contributed to my rust problem.

My protege was a great first car and I'm sad that I have to part with it, it was always very reliable and I would buy another Mazda in a second.