Would you pay $2000 for a silver 2001 Mazda Protege (100,000 miles) in good condition?

Question

Is that a good, bad, or average deal? I am considering whether or not to buy a used car, since I am still in college..
What do you think?

Answer 1

In short, $2,000 is a *very* low price for this car. Since you didn't mention which model the Protege is (DX, LX, or EX), or what options it has (automatic transmission, et cetera), I can't give you an exact figure. But NADA values '01 Proteges with that mileage between $4,000-$7,000, depending on trim, equipment, and condition.

You can enter in all those variables and find the exact price at NADA.com.

Since the price is so low, I'm assuming a friend or relative is cutting you a break on price. If not, does the car appear to be in good condition? I'd honestly be suspicious of a total stranger under-valuing their car so much. Whether you suspect problems or not, ask the seller if you can have a mechanic (preferably one you know) look at the car before you make a decision. It only costs $75-$100 for a shop to give the car a once-over, and worst-case scenario, the car isn't worth buying and you're out a hundred bucks. You've still saved yourself future costs and headaches by not buying a lemon.

Also, please disregard the comments about this car being unacceptable because it has 100,000 miles on it. It's been two decades since cars died with such low mileage, and even then, it was only the poorly-designed cars that did. The Protege has an excellent reliability record with Consumer Reports, and if routine maintenance has been performed on schedule, this car will last another 100,000 miles *at least*.

Besides that, the average mileage covered by American drivers is 12,000-15,000 miles a year. That means the average 2001 vehicle has 60,000-75,000 miles on it, so this Protege's mileage is not *that* much higher than average.

Last of all, I want to mention that the Protege is one of the better economy cars from the early 2000's. It's sportier and more fun to drive than a Civic or Corolla, but is just as roomy and nearly as comfortable. If it's in good shape, it'll be a great college car.

Answer 2

Here are the private-party prices for an LX Sedan. Get it checked out in the shop first, but it sounds like a great price :)

www.kbb.com


Excellent
$6,370
"Excellent" condition means that the vehicle looks new, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning. This vehicle has never had any paint or body work and is free of rust. The vehicle has a clean title history and will pass a smog and safety inspection. The engine compartment is clean, with no fluid leaks and is free of any wear or visible defects. The vehicle also has complete and verifiable service records. Less than 5% of all used vehicles fall into this category.

Good
$5,815
"Good" condition means that the vehicle is free of any major defects. This vehicle has a clean title history, the paint, body and interior have only minor (if any) blemishes, and there are no major mechanical problems. There should be little or no rust on this vehicle. The tires match and have substantial tread wear left. A "good" vehicle will need some reconditioning to be sold at retail. Most consumer owned vehicles fall into this category.

Fair (Selected)
$5,065
"Fair" condition means that the vehicle has some mechanical or cosmetic defects and needs servicing but is still in reasonable running condition. This vehicle has a clean title history, the paint, body and/or interior need work performed by a professional. The tires may need to be replaced. There may be some repairable rust damage.

Answer 3

Well maybe... I payed about 1500 for a Honda Civic 1991 and I think it had something like 89,000 on it, actually I'm sure it was way more.. but you said it's in good condition and about 10 years younger than what I had.. that doesn't sound bad at all... I would say it's about between good and average.. considering it idoes have 100,000 miles on it. It is absolutely an excellent idea to get a used car especially while in school...if I had it to do all over again I would have gotten a car that was paid for instead of blowing 500.00 a month on a car note.... you have the right idea... you will save so much money not to mention a low insurance note as well.... I'de say go for it...

Answer 4

Since you are still in college I would definetly buy a used car. Mazda is known for good cars but the quality isnt that great with that many miles on it. Before putting that kind of money on a car like that I would definetly test drive it and make sure EVERYTHING is in working order and make sure the people selling it are genuine.
For that kind of money you could probably get something with a little less miles on it and a little more sporty if you looked around more, but it is a good deal.
But don't put any money on that thing until your sure everything works well.
Good luck.

Answer 5

hmm.. probably not because i dont really trust used cars that have a mileage over 50,000-75,000. chances are, they wont even survive long enough. probably a few months no matter how good their condition is. and i would not want to take the risk of having a break down on the highway in the middle of the night, but with all the odds, i guess that deal is alright. most japanese cars dont last much more than that. european cars on the other hand will last you up to 200,000mi+

Answer 6

HI

Most anything that runs is worth 2000.
Keep in mind you may have to repair the car and that could cost more.

How are the brake pads?
Exhaust system?
Will pass Safety check?
How much life left in the tires?
Battery?
Power steering.

All these things could end up costing you a bundle.
I suggest you get the seller let you take it to a car repair shop and give you a safety check up. Maybe Midas or Huffy or someplace like that will give a free check up.

Answer 7

Yep buying a used car is a right idea and a Mazda isn't a bad one either but my apprehension is it having 100k on the odometer

Answer 8

It's pretty new, but a lot of miles. Probably highway though. Not a bad deal but try a dodge stratus, cheap, good looking and mine has been very reliable. Knock on wood

Answer 9

I cant say for sure without looking the car over.
But I would suggest that you try talking him down some.
I would try to get it for 1500.
Also before you buy it check the oil. and ask how the oil changes have been.
Even see if you can test drive it to see if it needs any front end or transmision work.
You can even check the kelly blue book value for that model/year and make vehicle on line.

Answer 10

I just looked up the value of this car on nada.com and It is worth $4500-$6000 for this many miles. So, basically, you need to look at this car with someone who knows cars and see if anything is wrong with it and also ask a lot of questions. So, in short....yes I might buy this car but only after a VERY THOROUGH looking over.....DO NOT GO BY KELLEY BLUE BOOK VALUES....GO BY NADA.COM VALUES...NADA IS THE SIGHT INSURANCE COMPANIES GO BY TO CHECK PRICES OF VEHICLES.