Need buying advice - Protege

[Mr. Bad Example]

Thinking of buying a first car for my son. The car is a 2000 Protege LX with 142,000 miles for $2800.00. Long brake pedal , motor sounds good , frequent oil changes. Maintenance records to 2003, original owners. Any advice on problem area's ? Does this car have the 1.6 liter or 1.8? Haven't checked on timing belt . TIA

[hobie237]

Sounds like a fantastic first car. I assume by "long brake pedal" you mean "excessive travel"- check the fluid, I'd bet most people never think about flushing it.

That said, for $2800, it sounds like a darn good deal.

IIRC, it's a 1.8 for that year/trim, but I am far from being 100% certain.

[Mr. Bad Example]

Hobie, Thanks for the help- it's an es. My mechanic took a look at it thinks the rear drums need adjusting. The driver's side power mirror is broken. The oil pan is rusty, interestingly the underbody and paint are not. The real problem is a gearbox whine (bearing) , but trans guy can't say when it will go. Potentially it could go a long way. car has new tires and struts. The timing belt was changed at 120,000 miles. So I'm in a quandary as to what to do ?

[hobie237]

It's a $2800 car, not a $28,000 car. It's 8 years old, not brand new.

That means that ANYTHING you buy of that age/mileage for that price will have some issues.

"Adjusting" the drums- you mean for the parking brake? Anyway, not a big job. Should be easy enough to get junkyard parts for the power mirror.

Anyway, it sounds more than sufficient for a first car. I'd offer $2500 and be happy.