2002 Mazda Protege 5 review from North America
"It is solid and I like it for now"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I'm asking long-time Protege 5 drivers, what ARE the issues with this model car as the additional miles accrue? Are electrical or mechanical failures at hand with mileage over 100,000, and are the repair possibilities worth a $2,000 five-year insurance policy (payable immediately in a lump sum?)
What I am wondering is: Is it worth $2,000 to purchase extended vehicle coverage for the next five - six years? With 103,000 on the car and putting around 10,000 extra miles per year, is it worth it?
General comments?
I like the Mazda Protege 5. It is noisier and less fuel efficient than the '83 VW Rabbit and the '96 VW Golf I once owned, however, it was more affordable to purchase as a used vehicle. Comfort is about the same as the VWs. I love having a 5-door vehicle and can't imagine life without one. The car runs well and has more pick-up than either of the VWs, and it handles better.
I don't like the fact that only low-pro tires are available. They don't last as long and are noisier. Besides, when snow is covering the streets, I worry about traction and reliability of the tires.
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| We got a lemon |
|
| Nice in a lot of ways, but overall unrefined and illogical |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 2002 |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 89000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 103000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Golf |
| Date of Entry | 15th August, 2007 |