Mazda's are about as dependable as American cars. I've worked on a Protege before. Had a power window switch problem. As well, it wouldn't turn over.
I checked to make sure it was getting spark and that that rotor cap (ancient technology for a late 90's car. Was disappointed because GM started using distributorless ignition starting in the mid 80's) and was pretty sure the engine wasn't catching because it wasn't building compression. I phoned the Mazda dealer and asked them if it was ok if I squirted some oil in the cylinders to build compression, and they advised against it.
I had it towed to a garage so that it could be hooked up to a scan tool. Turned out my guess was right about the lack of compression and the Mazda dealer probably just wanted the car in thier shop.
Changed the timing belt and water pump out on my uncle's 626. Discovered at the same time it had a bad power steering pump. didn't replace it because it was $800 new, and $400 from a wrecker.
Driving it on the highway, I noticed a vibration coming through the wheel. Turns out the aluminum rims were bent because they weren't designed beefy enough.