Recently purchases a 94 Protege DX manual w/ 75k for $1800...good price? Thought so but found the A/C does not operate, needs Condenser...

Also has power steering leak under the car, what do I need to do to get fixed and how much will it cost? Can I get away with refilling the fluid until next spring?

Anything else I should possibly be concerned about breaking?

The good thing so far is the car gets 30 MPG over the 2000 miles I have put on it.

It depends where the power steering leak is coming from. It could be leaking from the power steering pump, from the high pressure power steering pump hose, or from the steering rack itself. A small leak can develop into a big leak sometimes without much warning. Recommend you have somebody take a look at it and maybe it is not that big a deal to fix the leak.

One thing you should worry about with this car is changing the timing belt or make sure it has been chaged at 60K. Also, need new plugs every 30K and new plug wires every 60K. If spark plug wires have not been replaced, I would change them ASAP. Also, change distributor cap and rotor. And run some injector cleaner, such as Techron, by mixing it with fuel in your tank.

Thanks for the info... the leak is coming from the left side under the car. Possible diagnosis & cost?

Is it worth it to get AC fixed?

Any recommendations for oil type, reg or synthetic, weight. Should I try to use mid grade or can I stick with reg. fuel?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

anybody?

Could be the worm gear on the rack or a side seal.

Based on my experience with a 92 Protege LX, mid grade (89 octane) fuel was the most economical for performance). I recommend mineral engine oil, Castrol GTX, 10W30 weight. Use only Mazda oil filters becuase your car car has hydrulic valve lifters and Maza oil filters have an anti drain valve which keeps oilf from draining from the head after engine has been shut off, thus reducing possibility of annoying valve lifter knock upon engine startup.

I found it leaking from the rack....How much do u think it will cost to repair? How long can I go without replacing and just replcing fluid? Strange thing, I noticed leaking inside the car, fluid on the pedals...

Please advise!!!!

anybody?