Hello,

First post here,

Thinking or picking up a used Protege 5 for a commuter car. I do about 1,000 miles a month back and forth to work...

I looked around, can someone point me in the direction of a Maintenance schedule?

I'm trying to get the best car with the fewest miles for the money, but quite a few of them are up in the 70-80 thousand mile range...

I've always owned Honda's and am very familiar with them and their normal schedule. But new to Mazda's. Does the engine have a chain or belt? Etc, Etc, a link or something would work just fine...

Great forum BTW, I like how its set up. I'm still making my way down the sections...

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't have the manual with me here, but it's pretty standard stuff.
Plugs at 30k, tranny fluid same I think...we have a timing belt and it's scheduled to be replaced at 60.
P5s and sedans are great econobox cars. I put about 500 miles/week on mine.
If you are looking for something strictly based on mpg, though, you will be disappointed. Pros are geared on the low side--great for not having to downshift to pass but bad for mileage. Never drove an automatic, though, if that's what you're looking for...

 

Thanks for the info, Timing belt every 60k? Wow, that seems quick. So I'll need to make sure that has been done. Actually that might be good. If someone just had it done at 60 and I buy it at 70, then I'm good for another 50k...

As for the mileage, I've done a little research and some are getting 31-32 hwy. Which means I should get 25+ on my daily commute. I have to go through two towns and I have a lead foot...

She'll not just be an econobox. I'm willing to give up a few MPG's for looks. The P5 looks great IMO. Just needs tint...

Also have been wanting to get into auto-x. I'd try it in my old Civic, but I think she's about to die. I need to take it easy on her until she finds a new owner...

 

The 2.0 in the P5 is a non-interference motor, so if the timing belt broke it wouldn't be catastrophic, but you would be stranded.

 

Mazdas make great auto-x cars without a lot of suspension work needed.
If you are really serious about getting more into auto-x you should test-drive a Mazdaspeed sedan. Great handling, right out of the box.

 

^ great info guys, keep it coming...

In most Honda's if the belt brakes your f'ed...

I'm affraid the mazdaspeed part in the mazdaspeed sedan would blow my insurance rate out of the water, think I'll stick to the P5. Plus the wagon part should be great for grocery getting or hauling crap from Memphis to Oklahoma...

[voice of Johnnie 5]
Input, more Input Stephanieeee
[/Johnnie 5]

 

If the car has some age on it, consider a Intake upgrade to restore it back to original power if not a little more.

their are COLD Air and Short Ram kits availible for cheap on EBAY,

oh ya I was going to say change the Stock Air Filter haha but the upgrade is not that expensive

 

Well just short ram anymore really ... the Cold air kits have been all gone for about a month now. Hopefully they come back in the spring!

 

my insurance views it as just another protege? haha

~ $1200/yr full coverage ('03 MSP) <- my car (if i remember right)
~ $1000/yr full coverage ('01 ES) <- wife's car

and the trunk of the sedan is huge (found that out this weekend) + back seats fold down... plenty of room - unless you haul'n bigger stuff...