2002 vs 2000 Mazda Protege?

[3rd Degree]

I'm looking to purchase a used car, and I have narrowed it down to the Mazda Protege. I have found two listings, a 2000 Mazda Protege and a 2002 Mazda Protege.

The 2000 model
67,000 miles on it
Not the best color, green exterior, with light grey interior
Has minimal rust on driver side door
Been involved in two minor accidents
A couple dings here and there (more than the 2002)

2002 model
113,000 miles
Black exterior, tan/beige color interior (MUCH better looking than 2000)
No apparent rust
1 minor accident
Only saw two tiny dings

I am shopping for these online so I cannot go see them for myself, the 2002 looks a lot better and looks in better shape. But, the 2000 has almost less than half the miles of the 2002, which is the main reason why I'm debating between the two. Doing some research, the Mazda protege seems to have no problems lasting towards 200,000 miles. Looking at reviews, the 2000 seems to have a couple more bad reviews than the 2002, but both are rated roughly 4.5/5 stars. Both of these listings have a similar price, so the price is not a factor.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Marlin Mason]

Go for the one with less miles on it is your best bet.

 

[mccoyblues]

Condition is the #1 priority when shopping for a cheap old used car.

If one car is in noticeably better shape but has higher miles then go for the car that has been well cared for, not the one that has lower miles but has been abused.

You can't buy anything without seeing the car in person, driving the car and having your mechanic inspect the car. You MUST go see the cars before you can make any kind of reasonably intelligent decision.