1992 Honda Accord or 1993 Mazda Protege?

Question

Which would you recommend for a used car choice? I've seen one Protege, and quite a few Accord's for sale.

The Protege apparently only has 110,000 km on it. The Hondas' mileages vary. The Protege is selling for $2700, and the Hondas are selling from $2500-$4000.

Which is the better car, for reliablity and a good engine? We want a car that will do us for the next couple of years. It will be mostly a commuter car, with a possible occasional longer highway trip.

Answer 1

In general, 4-cylinder Hondas from the early 90's are more reliable than Mazdas.  However, on cars this old it is really not possible to make an accurate general statement.  The reliability of the car will mainly be determined by how it was driven and maintained by its previous owner or owners.  A Mazda that has been gently driven and well maintained has a much better chance of being reliable than a Honda that has been raced or modified by its previous owner.

I would pick out at least a few cars from sellers you trust and try to find out as much as possible about each car's history.  If everything is roughly equal, go with the Accord.  If you can see a significant difference in the condition of the cars, go with the one in better current condition.  If a car has an aftermarket "sport" exhaust system, pass on it - you don't know how good the aftermarket system is and the car has probably been abused by its previous owner.

Answer 2

Definitely one of the Hondas.  They are known to run forever, if youi take care of them.

Ford bought majority interest in Mazda back in 1991.  After they took over, quality suffered for quite a few years.

Check the exhast on the hondas. Blue smoke=bad engine.  Blackish smoke=needs tuneup.  Have someone rev it up then back off.

Answer 3

I would have to say the Honda Accord, their engines are known to roll on for well over 200,000 miles!

Answer 4

The Honda Accord holds the title for most reliable car in the world. It is bigger and more powerful than the Mazda Protege.

The Mazda Protege is a compact car. It is the best handling compact car of its time and better than most new cars. Also very reliable. This is one of the most reliable cars Mazda makes. And gets 35-39mpg highway depending on the engine you get or trim level. DX or EX or LX.

Answer 5

Honda! no questions asked hondas generally tend to hold the road better, more reliable and just all around good cars. you would see an older honda on the road before you would see a protege so i think go with the honda make sure if you do you get an EX because its provided luxury and extras