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July 23, 2021 11:11 am by

Limited Edition Mazda Protege MP3 5-speed

2001 Mazda Protege MP3 exterior front

For July 23, 2021, our used car find is this limited-edition 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 with 99k miles and a 5-speed manual transmission. It’s offered on Craigslist by a private seller in the Seattle area for $4250 or best offer.

Here’s what makes this one special.

Introduction

Mazda’s been building compact economy cars for decades. Known in the US as the GLC in the 70s, the 323 in the 80s, the Protege in the 90s, and currently as the Mazda3, these econoboxes have always been solid performers, usually with a bit more fun baked into the recipe than competitors like the Toyota Corolla. One of the most unusual and interesting small car offerings from Team Zoom-Zoom was the Protege MP3, likely the only car ever to be named after a computer file format. Not surprisingly it debuted in the same year as the original Apple iPod, 2001.

Limited to just 1500 units (1000 in Laser Blue and 500 in Vivid Yellow), the Protege MP3 attempted to capture the attention of young fans of the new digital audio world with, you guessed it, a bumping 280-watt, MP3-playing Kenwood stereo, complete with a 10-inch trunk-mounted subwoofer. This was the top-shelf Protege of the day, with a remarkably high $18,020 sticker price at the time. That’s a $2230 premium over the next highest trim level.

Fortunately, not all of that extra cash went to the sound system. The Protege MP3 also sported hardware upgrades that enabled the car to dance along with the music. They include numerous suspension and powertrain enhancements, made in collaboration with Anaheim-based tuner Racing Beat (pun intended, we’re guessing), that deliver 10 extra horsepower (to 140 total) and surprisingly sharp handling, thanks to firmer springs, stiffer shocks and bushings, and lightweight 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. Adding to the fun, a 5-speed manual was the only available transmission.

The Listing

In the words of the seller…

This vehicle is fitted with a 2.0 liter DOHC four cylinder engine with a number of performance-oriented components including a tuned exhaust system, a suspension supported by firmer springs, thicker roll bars and Tokico shocks.

Inside, the interior is full grey leather, a Nardi three-spoke steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. The sound system has a Kenwood head unit, two 5×7 front door speakers, two 6×9 rear shelf speakers and a trunk-mounted 10-inch subwoofer.

The exterior electric blue color is exclusive to this model. The body has a deep front air dam with integrated driving lights, rocker panel extensions and a rear deck spoiler.

There’s not much to critique with this particular example. It appears to be unusually well preserved and original. And with not quite 100,000 miles, it should have plenty of life left.

As with any used car purchase, you’ll want to have it checked out by a specialist before you buy. But assuming it passes muster, we think it would be hard to find a more interesting car for the $4250 asking price.

Details and Specs

  • 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 (BJ)
  • 99,677 miles
  • 2.0 liter DOHC naturally-aspirated inline four cylinder engine (FS-DE)
  • 140 hp @ 6000 rpm and 142 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
  • 5-speed manual transmission
  • Laser Blue exterior with dark gray leather interior
  • for sale by owner for $4250
  • Seattle, Washington

Photos

2001 Mazda Protege MP3 profile 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 exterior rear 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 exterior side 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 interior 2001 Mazda Protege MP3 rear seat

 

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