2003 Mazda Protegé ES Gross Weight: A Reliable Ride with Rusty Flaws

The Mazda Protegé, a reliable car that still runs great after 16 years of ownership, has become my teenager's trusty vehicle. While it's had its share of issues, none have been mechanical in nature - a testament to the car's durability.

One major concern is rust, which has eaten away at various parts of the vehicle. The exhaust system has rusted apart just after the downpipe, causing a loud noise that I'll need to address soon. Unfortunately, fixing this issue will require replacing the entire exhaust system. Additionally, there's now a hole in the back seat floorboard from rust and the seat belt mechanism broke - replaced with a junk yard piece.

Despite these issues, the car still runs smoothly, thanks to regular maintenance. The timing belt and other components have been replaced, ensuring the engine continues to perform well. The transmission is also reliable, featuring a 5-speed manual with hydraulic clutch.

On the exterior, the car's condition has deteriorated somewhat. The hood is crumpled, the grille is gone, and headlights are smashed. However, the fenders seem to be in good shape. A recent repair job saw me fix the front-end plastics myself during summer 2019.

Some other issues have arisen over time. Both passenger side electric locks no longer function, and the passenger side door lock stopped working at around 50,000 miles. Sway bar bushings wore out at 85,000 miles, but a temporary duct tape fix has kept things going so far.

Despite these flaws, my 2003 Protegé ES remains a reliable ride that's still fun to drive. Its gross weight may be affected by the rust and other issues, but it's clear that this car still has plenty of life left in it.

For comparison, the base price for a 1999 Mazda Protegé was $13,995, while the top-of-the-line Protege ES Sedan 4D started at $15,375. Considering its age and condition, I'm hoping that any repairs won't break the bank.

Overall, my 2003 Mazda Protegé ES has been a great car, extremely reliable and still enjoyable to drive. Here's hoping it can continue to serve as a trusty vehicle for years to come.

2003 mazda protege es gross weight