1997 Mazda Protege SE review from North America

I purchased off lease, which was my first mistake. There was a crack in the windshield which was replaced for me.

First month: Passenger door lock jammed, washer jet malfunctioning (Drivers side), replace spark plug and wipers, replace two tires (punctured) and a hubcap (missing). Got new everything since the car obviously wasn't maintained.

Third month: engine light comes on, after three trips to the dealership there is something wrong with the oxygen sensor. (warranty)

After driving a while, I had noticed the car shifted hard between 1st and 2nd and jerked the car, so I replaced the transmission (under warranty).

Month 8: Front brakes already gone? decide to flush fluids, since the car runs funny, shaking and rattling noises.

15 Months: Engine light comes on intermittently. Takes a few trips and a few more dollars to find out the air compressor should be replaced. $100

Car runs fine for almost a year until recently. After a 'required' tune up, $900, includes a new timing belt and rear brakes at 93,000km. The water pump starts leaking, had to replace. $350.

Month 26: Car feels like it is warped when braking, while replacing rear breaks, find out that front discs are warped. Replace rotors and drum. $1200.

96,000kms (32 months): Car makes funny grinding noises (from passenger side) when braking, have to replace rear-wheel bearing and boot kit. $250, next day its still making the noise. Had to replace driver-side rear wheel bearing. Another $250. (Dealership quotes $350 so always shop around for parts!).

One day later, passenger door lock mysteriously jamming. Didn't I already fix this? Replaced for $4/part $40/labor.

This is all I can remember over the past 3 years of ownership. Including all the regular maintenance on the car, winter tires, winter wipers, oil changes, etc. I've spent too much on it!

Car was rear-ended, got whole new back end, bumper, rear windshield and gas tank. Cost to insurance company was $6800. Still amazed why they didn't write it off. (Accident was at 18 months)

This car is not worth what I am paying for insurance.

Car has no power anything, no cruise, no tilt, no air bags, no Air Conditioning, and the Cassette Player chews the tapes.

The car fogs up when it rains.

It seems I am replacing either front or rear brakes too often.

Rattling noises constantly when driving.

Wipers don't work properly, need constant tightening.

Not enough horsepower.

Extremely uncomfortable on long trips.

Car already rusting despite detailing and buffing.

The only TWO positives:

great gas mileage, good sharp handling.