fly Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 Well with gas prices at 4.17 for reg. unleaded I'm thinking about purchasing a new car (primarily for my 60 mile drive to my hunting area this fall). I'm test-driving a 1994 Mazda Protege DX 4-door sedan. It only has 114,000 miles. Minor hood damage from falling limbs and it needs a new front tire. The owner states she puts a can of refrigerant (from wal-mart) in the AC every summer. She says the AC has a slow leak, but the mechanic couldn't find where. I thought refrigerant was not stocked on shelves because of environmental concerns? I'd say the car is in fair to good shape. The lady is asking 1500.00. I'm thinking about offering 1300.00. Anyone know much about the Mazda Protege? Thanks Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 Used car prices vary a lot according to locality. That car here, would only be worth about $1275. tops, without the hood and tire damage you mentioned. Good Luck. ....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted July 4, 2008 Report Share Posted July 4, 2008 i don't know anything about that type of car. but, if you can get good reliable transportation for that price, it should pay for itself pretty quickly. maybe put the burden on her, and ask her how much is her bottom dollar, and let her know you don't intend to spend that much. also, go to ebay on that very car, see what they are selling for, and print her out a copy so that she can see. i'll bet ebay is about 1/2 the price she's asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimPic Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 Type in the info and your area code and you'll get the value for your area http://www.kbb.com/kbb/UsedCars/Sedan_Mazda.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted July 5, 2008 Report Share Posted July 5, 2008 They're not a bad little car, one of my relatives has one and I think it has close to 300,000km on it and still runs good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punkinslinger Posted July 6, 2008 Report Share Posted July 6, 2008 The owner states she puts a can of refrigerant (from wal-mart) in the AC every summer. She says the AC has a slow leak, but the mechanic couldn't find where. I thought refrigerant was not stocked on shelves because of environmental concerns? Thanks Frank Nope...just added a can to my wifes car...even has sealant in it to revitalize the seals. Hers uses r134. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted July 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 I drove the car and it rides great. There is a rattling sound when the AC / heater fan is turned on as well as a couple additional minor problems. I made an offer 1,150.00. I should know tomorrow. I checked at wal-mart and sure enough the refrigerant is there for 6.99 a can. It is different from the freon I used to use in my 69 Ford Fairlane I had in the 80's. I suppose it is some other substance (not freon)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly Posted July 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 The seller accepted my offer. I'll be picking up my new hunting hot rod on Friday. My wife asked me how I would be getting the deer home if I got one while hunting with the little Mazda. I said I would tie it to the top of the trunk. I received a nice eye roll from her. That would make a nice picture (a 150 class buck strapped to my new 4-cyl). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 Yeah the refrigerant used in vehicles starting in the early 90s is now R-134a instead of the R-12 used back in the 80s and before then. It's more environmentally friendly than the R-12. Yes they do sell it in stores, why I don't know. Personally I don't think it's good stuff for the average Joe to be handling and charging their cars with. Heck me as a mechanic has to go on a special course to be able to work on A/C and then they put it on shelves for anyone and everyone to pick up and buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PA_Spike_King Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 That would make a nice picture (a 150 class buck strapped to my new 4-cyl). That would make the neighbours take a double look. LOL Good luck with the new critter gitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted July 8, 2008 Report Share Posted July 8, 2008 i hope your new car runs well for a lot of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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