2003 Mazda Protoge vs 1995 Honda Accord Wagon

I currently own a 2003 Mazda Protoge LX with 36K miles on it, I am
concerned about reliability and longevity of the Mazda brand, I have a
co-worker who has a 1995 Honda Accord LX Wagon with 130K miles on it
and wants $3400 for it. I still owe $12K for it. Last month I had to
replace the tires on the protoge and they are a low profile soft rubber
tire that last approximately 30k miles, they cost almost $100 each. I
want some feedback on whether or not to ditch the protoge, and buy the
accord. I am averaging 2000 miles a month driving.

writes:

> I currently own a 2003 Mazda Protoge LX with 36K miles on it, I am
> concerned about reliability and longevity of the Mazda brand, I have a
> co-worker who has a 1995 Honda Accord LX Wagon with 130K miles on it
> and wants $3400 for it. I still owe $12K for it. Last month I had to
> replace the tires on the protoge and they are a low profile soft rubber
> tire that last approximately 30k miles, they cost almost $100 each. I
> want some feedback on whether or not to ditch the protoge, and buy the
> accord. I am averaging 2000 miles a month driving.

You want to dump a two-year old car with 36,000 miles for a
ten-year-old car with 130,000 miles? Unless the newer car is, say, a
Yugo, I think that's crazy. Mazda will be in business for a long time,
and their cars are, I think, reasonably durable and reliable.

If the tires are too pricey and don't last long enough for you, buy
lower-performance tires next time. If the rims are too wide for a
narrower tire, I'm sure there was a lower trim level with narrower
tires and rims, and you can copy that.

The Honda has given good service, I'm sure, but is in its declining
years. If it's good for 200,000 miles, that would match only 106,000
miles on the Mazda.

As for owing more than your current car is worth, (Kelley Blue Book
gives a tradein price of $7,080 where I live) I can't help you. I have
never had a car loan with more than a 3-year term for just that
reason; I may have to reduce my expectations, but I sleep better.

Oh, and it's spelled "Protege".

--
-Stephen H. Westin
Any information or opinions in this message are mine: they do not
represent the position of Cornell University or any of its sponsors.

Is this a troll?