Buying 1999 Protege LX

[d1ck]

Hi, I'm a new member and I figured a forum with a bunch of protege owners would be the best place to ask this. I know guy selling a 1999 Protege LX and I'm considering buying it. The car has little to no rust and 186,000km. He wants 2700 for it, although I'm pretty sure i can talk him down to 2400 or 2500. (keep in mind I'm in Canada.) I'm just wondering what possible problems i should be looking for. I'm pretty sure the main thing is rust, as I live in newfoundland and they use salt on the roads which completely eats cars. Also, do you guys think 2400 or 2500 is too much for this car, even if it is in really good condition? (which I'm pretty sure it is.)
Thanks for your help.
Richard
Edit: He also said the struts were replaced last fall and that it burns oil when it's cold which makes me think the rings might be getting bad. What do you guys think?

[Flash75]

"it burns oil when it's cold which makes me think the rings might be getting bad. What do you guys think?"

Has the car been maintained, oil changes, timing belt replaced, etc? I don't have any information on used car prices in Canada. With some rust and usinng oil when cold a car like that here in NC would probably sell for less than $1500. I wouldn't buy it based on your last comment.

Clifton

[Doug Tatham]

Using oil when cold is often just be gaskets shrinking and the oil leaking. Replace your valve cover and oil pan gaskets. The blue book value for the car is around 4000 if it's in good shape. My 99 has over 200 k on it and is still running great without any unexpected repairs. Mine has been very well maintained though.

[d1ck]

Originally Posted by Doug Tatham

Using oil when cold is often just be gaskets shrinking and the oil leaking. Replace your valve cover and oil pan gaskets. The blue book value for the car is around 4000 if it's in good shape. My 99 has over 200 k on it and is still running great without any unexpected repairs. Mine has been very well maintained though.

The thing is, I don't own the car. So, if I do buy it, what are the chances that it actually is the gaskets and not toasted rings? Also, assuming I do buy it, what else can i expect to replace on a car with this mileage/age?
Thanks.

[mrmikey]

My daughters got a '99 LX 1.8L with 125K on the clock.
Only problems so far were front struts which I did last weekend ,they were shot and as a bonus got rid of an annoying clunk in the front end. Total parts cost was CAN$350
Replaced both front and rear brakes as they were due. Total parts CAN$150
The exhaust elbow directly below the cat was replaced with one I had made from stainless steel (weldor by trade). One of the ears had broken off and price for new was CAN$200. A rip off for what it is so you might want to have a look see at that if you're on a budget as it's a part you have to fix immediately when it breaks.
The egr valve is history which causes the cel to stay on but has not effect on performance, or none noticable.
Would I buy another, in a minute wifes car is an '01 Protege and that too is a gem, knock on wood.
By the way, I'm not tooo far away in Nova Scotia.....Mike

[Ice98]

whatever you do, try to have a certified mechanic look at it, it may seem like an added cost, but it can save you a HUGE problem in the future


HUUUUGE

[JLPROTEGE]

I have a 99 Protege LX with a 1.6 liter engine. This car has 118,000 miles +.
The engine and transmission have held up so far. I just had a new timing belt, water pump, idler pulley and tensioner as well as camshaft seals and crankshaft seals. this is entirely preventative. I would ask the owner when this was last done (including documentation). This is the second time for the timing belt, the first for the other stuff. All in all this 99 Protege is a decent car. Nearly every problem, so far, was nonengine/ nontransmission.
Check the bottom of trunk compartments for leaking. This can happen if the car was slightly rear-ended. The body seams slightly open up, though the bumper may only have a scratch. JLG

[mr_tw]

I have always been under the impression that once a car is past ~150k you need to keep $750 put aside in-case something needs to be replaced/repaired, how are the tires and brakes? I would strongly recommend taking it to a trusted mechanic, but it really comes down to if it was cared for, if it got all the oil changes and suggested maintenance, if it did, then it's a good buy, if not, i would keep looking.