@ KTM, does not have a 8 track (factory AM/FM tape) but has a snazzy CB radio instead.
Picked this little Mazda Protege 5 at the dealer auction for a whopping $200. Was traded in at a local Mazda store. At $200 I knew there was
something not right with the car (I bought it online) but what the hey, I've spent that kind of money on worse things. I go out Friday to pick it up, was a good -17 with a wind, the car fired right up but idled like garbage. It made the ~100 km trip home without any issues, it did feel underpowered somewhat and a bit boggy, there was a check engine light present as well. After getting my scanner plugged in it tossed a P0401 code, a EGR malfunction. A quick look on the Mazda forums finds this issue is super common, the EGR valve gets stuck up with carbon and causes the driveability issues I experienced.
Well, it only took me about 1/2 hour to get that valve out, 20 min to clean it and get it moving freely again, and about 2 hours to re-intall. Fun job as you cant see what your doing and there is very limited space to work, I couldn't get the first bolt started, a real PITA to do. I got it all done and the little car runs amazingly well. I'd bet it was a one owner car, the interior is mint, everything works great, drives very well with no strange noises or issues, only downside is the Mazda rust got to the fenders and rear 1/4's pretty bad. It really is a fun little car to drive!
Now to find someone who wants a decent little car (with winters on) for $850 and I'll be happy!
