1990 Mazda Protege

4WD Sedan

4 Cylinder 1.8 Liter

Manual

jm1bg2280l0154621

4 Wheel Drive

Gasoline

Power Steering

Thanks to a post on a forum (clubprotege) regarding how many 4WD Protege's were 'left'; as of 2009, there were only 482 for the model year 1990 - and 75 for the model year 1991 - registered in the US .... 1990 Mazda Protege 4WD 5-spd with 4-wheel Disc Brakes, RPM-Sensing Variable Assist Power Steering, no A/C, and lockable Center Differential. Mazda imported a very small number of these to North America only from 1990 into 1991. This chassis (BG) was their last attempt at a rally car. It came with the 1.8l BPT Turbo motor in foreign markets. A continuation of what they started with the 1986 - 89 323 GTX. A very rare car with minimal - mainly 'surface' and some suspension - rust (west-coast, Washington state car). May have been smoked in some early in life (?) but previous owner did not (was told so at least) - and I do not. Registration / tab is current and good through November 2011. Drives good, tracks straight. The stock 182K+ 1.8l SOHC runs great - and surprisingly relatively strong when paired with the 4WD 5-spd's gear ratios. The 5-spd can be notchy shifting at times. Passed emissions no problem. The motor I think has a lot of life left - if properly maintained - and I'm confident can get you home wherever you live if that's what you choose to do. No strange noises, etc from the drivetrain; the 4WD system functions normally. Coolant is green, brake fluid is a little on the dark side, oil looks good. Have some prior maintenance records. Previous owner had regular oil changes done, and it's apparent from the car's overall condition that it was taken care of. It's not perfect, but really is probably one of the better examples left of this limited model for its mileage and age. Faded paint is all original (no sign of any repaint). Has the typical dings, rock chips, scrapes, bruises, etc. The worst dent is in the right rear (passenger side) door. The driver side headlight appears to be tilted slightly 'in and down', as if that area was 'tapped' at some point. No sign of any significant - structural - accident damage anywhere. (Neither fender appears to have ever been removed, judging by the still-painted-over bolts; I *did* unbolt both sides *at the bottom* to clean out all the debris that tends to collect there over time). The Potenza's have a lot of tread left. Stock radio (works). Stock, original, metal under-tray covers are still there (see pics). What does it need? The left rear (driver side) strut is blown. Overall it drives fine despite it, you don't really notice anything unusual, but you do get some clunking at times due to that strut being gone; and I would just be careful - especially on interstate 'sweeper' ramps. Oh and wanted to mention (forgot) that the tie rod ends probably need to be looked at / replaced, as there is some noise when turning at low speeds. If you are not swapping the motor for a GTX or GTR 1.8l Turbo - and keeping the stock SOHC - I would change out the gaskets, etc as oil is definitely seeping. Also, the carpet has some stains, etc. Expected wear and tear for close to 20 years old, but could be lots worse. Only 2 changes from stock have been made: An EXTREMELY RARE (may be the only set like it in the USA ? you may find them in Canada ??) Complete Set of used LX ***Molded Door Panels for Manual Windows*** were swapped in to replace the cheap, flimsy stock door panels. I also swapped in matching used LX ***body-color door handles*** at the same time. Also comes with a few Brand New never-used Mazda OEM parts: 1) Complete set of Tan Floor Mats I had picked up off Ebay 2) Complete replacement Ignition Cylinder / Locks / Keyset for Tan Interior 5-spd Protege 3) Tan LX Center Console with Cupholder (should be able to adapt it to the unique tunnel specific to the 4WD where the shifter is) 4) 4WD 5-spd specific Front Joint Shaft (Half-shaft) and 5) a rear Axle part... all NEW. Part #'s for the above include: 1) 0000-89-7793-70 ... 2) br71-09-010j-32 ... 3) b457-64-320d-32 ... 4) f053-25-700a ... 5) f058-22-610 This listing is for real. I have tried to be as honest / thorough as possible with the description. You will not be disappointed, and may even be surprised with some extras (in addition to the above) depending on how well things go.... I reserve the right to end the auction early, within Ebay's policy. I have to say that it is very, very tempting to hang onto this..... but I simply don't have the time and energy to give it what I would like to. I hope this rare car is 'saved' by the next owner. Please feel free to ask any questions and I will try to answer as soon as possible. Title in hand. A Deposit of $500 required within 24 hours of auction close, with the full payment expected within 3 weeks (not 2 as shown in the payment instructions). Ideally, want it gone within 4 weeks of auction close. You are responsible for all shipping, etc arrangements. I will try to help as best I can. ThanksOn Nov-12-10 at 18:53:42 PST, seller added the following information: Just a few more things to say ... I have had this car since summer '09, and have put *very* few miles on it. Garaged a lot of that time, and is currently garaged. Driving it around today, just double-checking everything, etc.... there is nothing to change about the description. If I had more space, and the time to take it all apart myself right now for a quality paint job, it would NOT be up for auction.... I like this car: fairly light (2,600+ lbs), new enough, and yet old enough to be 'simple'; a great potential 'sleeper'. Would be tough to find another just like it, if at all (??) - especially with what it comes with. If you are looking for something to 'start from scratch' with, this one is perfect. Definitely took my chances listing it as a No Reserve auction..... no turning back now - highest bidder takes it away. If you know anything about these cars, I'm sure you'll appreciate what you end up with. bty - if you want pics of the New OEM parts, drop me a line with your email and I can send some