Used 2000 Mazda Protege Consumer Reviews
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Expensive upkeep!
Protege LX_Owner, 10/27/2008
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought it when it had 12K miles and the car was practically new. I took good care of it; changed oil on time within 3-5k miles - depending on my driving habits, routine maintenance and BRAKES (more on that later) etc. Over the past 8 years of ownership, the car has been very reliable but with a cost! My service receipts so far have totaled up to about $3,800 to date - that's an equivalent to $45/mo or $542/year!! The costliest thing ever to take a toll on the receipts were the 'brakes'; during the course, I have had eight (yes, that's 8!) brake pad replacements which included rotors and rear shoes every other alternate times. The upside: at 125K miles, the car still runs like new.
A drivers car
lanshahan, 05/04/2002
2000 Mazda Protege ES 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After two fun years with the Protege ES I can report that this cars best feature is the well developed suspension. The steering provides great feedback, and is properly weighted.Brakes are up to the task even with the low tech drums out back. The motor is adequate but who doesn't want more power. Styling is clean both exterior and interior and is holding up well to the rigors of the day to day grind. On the downside I have found that this is a noisy car and I have had to add some insulation to the rear panel and doors. Additionally I had the vehicle undercoated. I have also had to solve a couple of rattle/buzz issues.
Still runs after 20 years
Gabe, 09/30/2020
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm very impressed with this car's longevity. Mine was a 1.6L auto. I got mine used in 2005 with 45k miles. I got to 191k miles with this car before I sold it. I did everything with it. Hauled my family, did errands, went to big trips, everything. And it still worked. Not great, because I didn't take good care of it, always was speeding and taking tight corners, but that just proves the point on how reliable these are. Still had the original motor, transmission, and struts. The worst thing about the Protege was the rust proofing. Started rusting after 5 years I got the car. I did have to replace lots of parts that rusted off as well. Rust was also the main reason why I sold mine. The rust was getting too dangerous. But I can't complain. It lasted me 20 years. I did hear the autos were bad, but I never had a problem with mine. Cudos to Mazda, definitely buying a new Mazda 3 or 6 soon.
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Love my protege!
david brown, 10/30/2016
2000 Mazda Protege DX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first car. I bought it a week ago and it is wonderful. It drives good, handles good and is comfortable for the most part. It is great on gas. The A/C is good.
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Reliable, great quality & Excellent Value
katspause, 09/13/2015
2000 Mazda Protege LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my car brand new in Nov 1999. Regular maintenance (oil changes @ 4000 to 6000 miles), radiator flush, timing belt, etc, per manufacture's recommendation. This is my second Mazda (first was '84 Mazda 323 sedan-also brand new- drove over 250,000mi). My Protege has the original transmission (5speed manual) and engine. This car has spent 12 of it's nearly 16 years in northern winters. It's spent most of it's lifetime outdoors (no parking shelter) and started every time. Nothing has failed while driving. When the vehicle warranty expired, I prefer working with an outside mechanic shop. Yes, the car has rust, and has more exterior noise than the first day I drove it off the lot. There are a few small issues w/electronics (occasionally cd player doesn't work, & occasionally driver door lock must be manually operated). Minor stuff. The car starts every day, gets decent gas mileage. I'm still hoping for 400,000 miles, though it's possible the car may not make it. In any case, my experience is, that Mazda makes a fantastic product. If you're looking for value and reliability, this is the brand.
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