2002 Mazda protege any feedback?

[wn1998]

I may be trading my 98 grand cherokee to a co-worker for his 2002 mazda protege. It is an automatic with 143k. My jeep is very well maintained with 158k.

He is looking to get my jeep for his son and only drives in town and I am looking for better mpg. he said he was getting 30mpg highway and around 25 in town. My jeep has been getting about 15.5 with my 31 inch tires.

Anything about these cars I should look for or any reason to stay away?

 

[tom slick]

I have a 2002 Protege5 (automatic) with almost 190k miles. No real issues with it to report. With over 100k on the one you're looking at it'll need new struts and make sure the timing belt was changed.

 

[dsr70]

Beware the very small oil sump. I was meticulous about oil changes and level, but somehow on a long, hot summer road trip, it got down a little more than a quart. With a 3 quart sump that is catastrophic. It was an oil burner after that, as much as a quart per 750, and usually a quart per 1000.

 

[MrCritical]

Good car if well maintained. Ck for rust.

 

[Rand]

my friend had one with a ton of auto trans problems.. he finally dumped.... err traded it

 

[addyguy]

From what I've seen, the rear hatch and fenders rust like crazy on those cars - everyone I see has rust there.

 

[SLCraig]

I would avoid only due to body issues. Otherwise a great car. Kinda sucks they rot so bad.

 

[Michael_P]

I love my 01 with 5sp. 190,000 miles with orginal struts and clutch. We spray it down with Krown before every winter. No rust. I just changed the rear wheel bearings and it took about an hour for both sides. No complaints.