Hi, just wanted to introduce myself to the group.

My name is Martin, I live in Englewood, CO, and I just bought a 1997 Mazda Protege LX to use as my "daily driver." My other 4 wheeled vehicle is a 1999 Toyota 4runner and I have a Motorcycle (Triumph Scrambler) as well.

So far I'm loving the little Mazda! Fun to drive (5 speed) and gets great MPG. Looks nice and everything works, which I find amazing for a 14 year old car with 207,000 miles on it.

Only flaw is that one or more of the valve guide seals need replacing - the symptom is it smokes heavily (blue, oily smoke) for the first 30 seconds to 2 minutes after it's been sitting for several hours. After that, it's fine. I had the same issue on a 1990 Mitsubishi Montero I used to own and while it's annoying, I don't think it's a problem that will leave me stranded on the side of the road.

I also got a code driving home from work last week: P0420. If I understand correctly that is an O2 sensor? I was able to reset the code using my Ultra Gauge (similar to a Scangauge) and it hasn't come back yet.

Anyway, I'm still in the process of "baselining" the Mazda. It will get its first oil change today. Tires are in good shape and previous owner says he repaced the head gaskets and clutch within the past year (clutch and tranny are silky-smooth so I believe it.)

This is actually my second Mazda. In 1989 I bought a 1984 Mazda B2000 pickup. It was slow as molasses (I called it the "Silver Slug") but it would also return a genuine 37mpg on a regular basis! I drove that little truck all over Washington State when I was stationed there from 1989 to 91, then I sold it to my brother who drove it all over CO for the next 3 or 4 years.

Anyway, I look forward to posting on the forums and getting more information about my Protege, which I call "Jade" because of her gorgeous green color.

Here's a photo:

 

hi
nice car please put picture.
i have one green too:-)

 

Nice car and in great shape for its age and mileage. My '98 has fewer miles and looks horrible compared to yours.

P0420 means "Catalyst efficiency below threshold". It does not mean "O2 sensor bad". There could be a number of reasons. One of them could be related to the extra work the cat has to perform with that extra oil. See how Scotty Kilmer deals with a P0420 here:Fixing Bad Catalytic Converters With Inefficiency Code P0420 - YouTube