Ok im asking this because i know that if i went to a mazda forum id get nothing but good comments, and i wanna know the truth

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Ok I have 94 automatic civic dx, 174k miles, paint is hella cheap (pressure washing causes damage), no rims, engine is stock, has one minor axle problem. And im not sure i really wanna take the time/money to invest into it and risk it getting it jacked later (my dads shitty probe got jacked yesterday

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So..anyways:
I was thinking of selling it or putting it as a downpayment for a 2001 Mazda Protege. One of my coworkers has one and overall it looks to be a real nice car. He got it for 20k, but said they go for about 17k these days new. I was wondering if you guys had any feedback on the mazda protege and if i should do the trade in? Thanks