The exhaust rusted apart just after the downpipe so it's a little loud but fixing that means a full exhaust replacement. For reference, the 1999 MAZDA Protege originally had a starting sticker price of 13,995, with the range-topping Protege ES Sedan 4D starting at 15,375. There is now a hole in the back seat floorboard from rust and the seat belt mechanism broke - replaced with junk yard piece. Still runs great, which means in over 155k miles it has never had a mechanical problem. It had 95,000 miles on it and now has 105,000. 16 years later, it's now the teenager's car. 2003 Mazda Protege5 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M) I bought Stella, my 2003 Mazda Protege5, about 14 months ago. Repaired the hood and front-end plastics myself summer 2019. Hopefully it doesn't cost too much because this car still has LOTS of useful life in it. I have not had an estimate for repairs yet, but the hood is crumpled, the grille is gone and headlights smashed, but the fenders seem OK. Shortly after 150,000, my son rear-ended another car. It runs perfectly - if it wasn't for rust, it would look and work very much like new. Both passenger side electric locks no longer work. Still no mechanical problems or break-downs. Rust wreaks havoc on these cars, though not as bad as some other cars. The timing belt et al has been changed and the car continues to run great. Get in-depth info on the 2002 Mazda Protege model year including prices, specs, reviews, pictures, safety and. The worst thing on it by far … is the rust in the rear fender wells.Īfter 105,000 miles, everything else still works great.Īt 150,000, I've replaced the right rear strut because it rusted apart. engine, has an engine oil capacity of 3.1 quarts (2.9 liters).

For example: the 2001 Mazda Protege, with the 2.9L 1589cc 4 Cyl. The passenger side electric door lock stopped working at about 50,000 miles. The Mazda Protege engine oil capacity is between 3.1 quarts (2.9 liters) and 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) as specified in our data below, organized by trim, option package, and model year. The sway bar bushings wore out at 85,000 miles and the tubing to the mass air flow sensor cracked, but a redneck duct tape fix still works. It's been a great car, extremely reliable and is still fun to drive. I bought my 2003 Protege ES new based on handling and ride - and looks. Hence, the name of this car and a big chunk of its 2230 premium over a similarly equipped Proteg ES manual.

2003 mazda protege es gross weight