I bought the Protege on Jan. 20, 2003. Two days later the check engine light came on. I took the car to the Mazda dealership and they "fixed" the problem. They said the air flow handler was bad. The same day I picked it up from getting fixed the check engine light came back on. I took the car back the next day and they supposedly "fixed" it again. They said it was another problem that was actually on recall. Ok, the next day the light came back on. It has been in the shop six times for the same problem. Each time the light comes on the problem is always the same and it gets "fixed". The last time it came on the dealership kept the car for one week and ordered a new computer for it. The problem has not re-occurred.
The car handles well on tight curves and accommodates me and my family well. The trunk is enormous.
Hey man, my name is Kevin and I've looked at buying this car, and I have two 15" subs in a bandpass box, the box is 36 inches across, 19 high, and 18 deep... would this fit in the trunk??? Also, is this car reliable, and how is it on gas??? Please, let me know if this car is worth the buy... I need a car for college commute.. thanks.
The check engine light problem is weird in Mazdas. My mom has a '93 Protege. At 30k, the light came on. She was told by an independent shop that they all do that and that there is no problem. 70K now and no problems. I just wonder if those lights are set to come on at different times just to get you in the shop.
Worth a thought...
I have a '99 Protege LX. Yes, the check engine light is annoying, but it's most likely the mass air flow sensor. It gets dirty VERY easily. It's a prob that a lot of Fords have. But it doesn't affect the car any; it just annoys you with that stupid light.
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