Re: 2000 Protege needs $500 timing belt?


(me@xxxxxxxxxxx) writes:
> I bought my 2000 Mazda Protege brand new and it has 95k
> miles on it now.

Some years ago people realized the high quality imports need expensive
maintnenance at about 60k miles (100k kilometers) but then would run
trouble free for another 60k (100k). I think it's a good idea when buying
a used Asian import with about 60k on it to find out how much of the
maintenance has been done. If the owner just got fed up with the sudden
cost of repairs and has had most of them done then it could be a good buy.
If they haven't been done then it's not such a good buy.

I also agree with shopping around for the best price on parts and repairs.
An hour with the Yellow Pages on the telephone can save hundreds of
dollars in repair costs. If you know a mechanic who will let you bring in
your own parts you can save up to half the cost of parts. Dealers have to
buy parts from the manufacuturer and have a high markup so you pay more
for parts. Chains and independents usually buy parts from the one
supplier, it makes the paperwork simpler, but if you call around you can
often get the identical part for less from a low cost parts supplier.

However, if you travel a lot it's better to have repairs done at a
dealership or national chain who offer a nation-wide warranty. You can get
any mistakes corrected at any one of their locations when you're on the
road. I'm careful at brake-and-muffler chains who have a reputation of
overselling.

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