Don't know about the bearings being repacked, but I would think the owner's manual would say something about that. Maybe it's one of the 'inspect' things on the 30/60/90K list...
The Protege's (and most new cars') suspension is lubed for life, no lubes needed.
Folks looking for all-season tires for pro's may want to check out the contiextreme contact, available in 205/55-15 and 205/55-16 for cheap. Letters from users are positive, but no tests yet.
I rolled down my windows today, after 5 months. I was like....man out of the prison
WoW....the sweet roar of the 1.8L with the windows down...simply magnificent....My personal opinion is that this sweet throaty midrange roar cannot be accomplished by any ALL ALuminium engine... never.... CI block rules when it comes to tuning the engine for a sweet sound under acceleration & which does not peter down when shifting gears.
I hope Mazda is working hard, because the next auto I buy will be a hybrid or some other high fuel economy vehicle. As much as I enjoy zoom-zooming, I don't enjoy the prospect of driving on a highway paved with the death of innocent people.
well, yes -- this is a car place. There are plenty of other sites on the web where those kinds of thoughts can be examined and argued and what have you. But most of our membership appreciates the fact that this site is a place to escape from all of that, at least for a time.
Has the IRS officially started allowing the $2,000 hybrid fuel economy deduction for the 2003 Tax year? I tell you, the Honda Civic hybrid might be of interest to me with a $2,000 hybrid fuel economy tax deduction. I doubt, Mazda would invest in hybrid technology. Don't fit the Zoom Zoom image. However, Ford is looking at a hybrid technology for there infamous Exploder er...ah...Explorer Sport-utility vehicle. Maybe, Fords hybrid technology could find it's way into a future Mazda product?
the whole hybrid thing. My old CRX HF got 60mpg without any special technology. Some old Metro or something got about the same thing. I know the CRX was just a 2 seater and these new hybrids are sedans and now maybe even larger, but for those just looking for a commuter car a 2 seater would be fine.
If we're so concerned about mileage, but bring those high mileage cars back.
IMHO, if we care about environment, we should start by:
- providing better public transportations, - lowering the number of cars that driking the most of fuels: V8 SUV and pickup truck, - introducing more diesel engines.
With respect to the car like the Protege, the hybrid will save 1-1.5 gallons per 100 miles, at most, and those V8-SUV consumes 2-2.5 gallons more. Pick your choice.
The hybrid is a nice technological showcase, but it won't do much for environment, at least not for now.
Has anyone here driven a hybrid vehicle on a test drive? They drive alot differently than the gas powered cars, at least the Toyota Prius that I drove did. It was very difficult to modulate the brakes, and the dealer told me this was because of the 'regenerative braking' system...
If the US looked more into diesel fuel like Europe has, they'd be doing something. Diesel engines are a little 'dirtier', but alot less complex than hybrids and get a consistent 50mpg. The engines also require less maintenance and last along longer than their gasoline counterparts.
Another thing no one mentions about the hybrids if the fact that those batteries have to eventually be replaced. Recycling those is not good for the environment at all...
Also, even with the govt. discounts, you will have to drive a 'hybrid' vehicle for years to make up the difference in fuel cost savings vs. initial cost and maintenance of that hybrid system.
I don't know why low-power cars like the CRX and Metro wouldn't make it today, the hybrids have about the same level of acceleration as those cars do. And they come without the complexity or extra cost on top of it.
If the Metro was still made today, and was as substantial as the Civic, I bet they would sell out of them.
That's the one problem. They pollote more in their current state, due to the crappy diesel fuel that the US uses. Around 2006, the quality of the fuel is said to be improved. Truckers keep lobbying to keep diesel prices down though for now, which means the more refined diesel isn't here due to price. Since they pay for most of the fuel, they seem to get their way.
The only diesel-powered cars on the market right now are the VW TDIs, so maybe the US will start producing more diesel powered cars as the diesel emissions gets cleaned up, and Americans gain more interest in diesel engines. That remains to be seen though.
Speaking from experience, the TDIs run on biodiesel or reconstituted vegetable oil (I have seen it in person, otherwise I wouldn't believe it either), they produce a consistent 50mpg, their maintenance is lower than a gas engine, and they last longer (a good 300K miles). With the right tuning, they can have as much power as a gas engine too, and their torque is astronomical.
I don't know about the US gasoil, but I have seen a recent study in europe that confirms the diesel engines release less toxic compounds. Diesel engines have great progress in their design lately. The "common rail" technique makes the engine almost as powerful as regular engines. Large torque are available at lower RPM. BMW ane Mercedes sale sporty models with diesel engines in europe, and Paul is right, diesel engine can use colza (rapeseed) oil.
Like I said, if we would get the better diesel that Europe gets, and Americans would 'bite' with diesels, they would be popular here like they are in the US.
The thing that makes diesel popular in Europe is its price and economy level compared to gas, which are lower and higher, respectively. BMW, VW, Mercedes, all makes sold in Europe have reglar and 'sport' models with diesel engines.
I have seen firsthand what you can do to a TDI engine to make it perform. Its torque level would put a Dodge Ram V10 to shame...
I also apologize for speaking off-topic in the Protege forum, just trying to spread some little known info about diesel engines.
I think the reason why Europe has so many diesels is because their gasoline isn't government subsidised. I don't know if the US would want that many diesels here because the smog in major European cities is horrible from them.
You make a point about the smog, and current gasoline engines are cleaner than their diesel counterparts. But with the new emissions standards coming for diesels in the later part of this decade, that should help some.
Plus all the safety features required today would make the car weight too much. I think you need at least 100hp to keep from being in danger. This is on the assumption we want a "real" 4 passenger car and not a dedicated mileage maker like the Insight.
A car with all the modern safety features could still run with 55-60hp. When gas goes up to $3 a gallon or more, you will be surprised what people will buy...
In addition, if one can get 50-60mpg in a car that's going for $10-12,000, why pay $20,000+ for a hybrid vehicle with its more complex (and expensive) powertrain and the same performance/fuel economy??
I think they should start throwing some of that engineering at increasing economy since I think their hp and torque output is plenty in the new line of reciprocating engines. The Mazda3 2.0 is supposed to make about 147hp and the 2.3 will make the same as it does in the 6 (about 160hp). I hope the fuel economy is greater as the 3 will be lighter than the 6, but that depends a lot on how they gear it.
The RX-8's ratings are what give me pause about getting one. I'd love to get one (if I fit), but I still can't easily swallow getting lower fuel economy than I get now (28+mpg).
Over on the Mazda6 discussion, I've been following the discussion about factory ordering a Mazda6. My question is, how does the system work for a Pro/Pro5 (since the cars come from Japan and I heard stuff before about only able to order what's at the port).
If I want a specific option/colour combination how early in advance should I order the car to ensure I get it? Reason I'm asking - Mazda3.
I was just cruising the Canadian Mazda website, and noticed that Mazda is now offering a customer loyalty incentive. "Retail Financing Mazda Owner Appreciation Program: The Mazda Owner Appreciation Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.25% rate reduction towards the purchase of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details.
Leasing Mazda Re-Lease Rate: The Mazda Re-Lease Rate Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.50% rate reduction towards the lease of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details." http://www.mazda.ca/english/38220.htm
Just got back from Chicago, the Protege performed very well. I averaged 32 mpg doing between 80-85 the whole way.
When I was down there, I saw a guy wrap his new BMW 3 series around a light pole at about 4:30 in the morning. I was in a cab and the guy flew off the road into a pole and got stuck in the ditch. The cabbie pulled over to offer help. The guy in the BMW got out and he looked crazy. He kept sniffing, his eyes were wide open and his nose was red. The cab driver though the guy might have been tired. I have a feeling the guy was wide awake. The guy was on something and I told the cabbie to just leave him.
But I still love my Pro. In fact, I'm getting a new air intake for him today! A fellow Mazda lover that is getting an RX-8 is getting rid of his ES 2.0 and wanted another Protege afficianado to have the intake before he sold it.
Not expecting huge gains w/ the intake, but man does it sound great.
Comments
2. Does the Pro still need a chassis lube?
The owners manual does not address these issues.
The Protege's (and most new cars') suspension is lubed for life, no lubes needed.
fowler3
I heard some place if that disaster happens gas prices could stay high for a year or more. Hope our guys from Ft. Bragg get there in time.
fowler3
BTW, my PRO is doing great!
Dinu
I was like....man out of the prison
WoW....the sweet roar of the 1.8L with the windows down...simply magnificent....My personal opinion is that this sweet throaty midrange roar cannot be accomplished by any ALL ALuminium engine... never.... CI block rules when it comes to tuning the engine for a sweet sound under acceleration & which does not peter down when shifting gears.
http://www.knology.net/~negatize/images/Protege.WMV
That's all I have to say.
Dinu
So let's not go there, okay?
-Larry
If we're so concerned about mileage, but bring those high mileage cars back.
- providing better public transportations,
- lowering the number of cars that driking the most of fuels: V8 SUV and pickup truck,
- introducing more diesel engines.
With respect to the car like the Protege, the hybrid will save 1-1.5 gallons per 100 miles, at most, and those V8-SUV consumes 2-2.5 gallons more. Pick your choice.
The hybrid is a nice technological showcase, but it won't do much for environment, at least not for now.
Bruno
If the US looked more into diesel fuel like Europe has, they'd be doing something. Diesel engines are a little 'dirtier', but alot less complex than hybrids and get a consistent 50mpg. The engines also require less maintenance and last along longer than their gasoline counterparts.
Another thing no one mentions about the hybrids if the fact that those batteries have to eventually be replaced. Recycling those is not good for the environment at all...
Also, even with the govt. discounts, you will have to drive a 'hybrid' vehicle for years to make up the difference in fuel cost savings vs. initial cost and maintenance of that hybrid system.
If the Metro was still made today, and was as substantial as the Civic, I bet they would sell out of them.
The only diesel-powered cars on the market right now are the VW TDIs, so maybe the US will start producing more diesel powered cars as the diesel emissions gets cleaned up, and Americans gain more interest in diesel engines. That remains to be seen though.
Speaking from experience, the TDIs run on biodiesel or reconstituted vegetable oil (I have seen it in person, otherwise I wouldn't believe it either), they produce a consistent 50mpg, their maintenance is lower than a gas engine, and they last longer (a good 300K miles). With the right tuning, they can have as much power as a gas engine too, and their torque is astronomical.
Bruno
The thing that makes diesel popular in Europe is its price and economy level compared to gas, which are lower and higher, respectively. BMW, VW, Mercedes, all makes sold in Europe have reglar and 'sport' models with diesel engines.
I have seen firsthand what you can do to a TDI engine to make it perform. Its torque level would put a Dodge Ram V10 to shame...
I also apologize for speaking off-topic in the Protege forum, just trying to spread some little known info about diesel engines.
(in real city conditions, it gave me 17-18 km/litre)
Thus 50mpg sounds about right.
My highest was on an all highway trip, I recorded 62.
Drove the HF in high school and all through college. I wish I could buy one brand new today.
In addition, if one can get 50-60mpg in a car that's going for $10-12,000, why pay $20,000+ for a hybrid vehicle with its more complex (and expensive) powertrain and the same performance/fuel economy??
Also you might want to check out Is it time to buy a hybrid? Are they up to the chore? and Hybrid vs Diesel over in News & Views.
The RX-8's ratings are what give me pause about getting one. I'd love to get one (if I fit), but I still can't easily swallow getting lower fuel economy than I get now (28+mpg).
If I want a specific option/colour combination how early in advance should I order the car to ensure I get it? Reason I'm asking - Mazda3.
"Retail Financing
Mazda Owner Appreciation Program: The Mazda Owner Appreciation Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.25% rate reduction towards the purchase of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details.
Leasing
Mazda Re-Lease Rate: The Mazda Re-Lease Rate Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.50% rate reduction towards the lease of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details."
http://www.mazda.ca/english/38220.htm
When I was down there, I saw a guy wrap his new BMW 3 series around a light pole at about 4:30 in the morning. I was in a cab and the guy flew off the road into a pole and got stuck in the ditch. The cabbie pulled over to offer help. The guy in the BMW got out and he looked crazy. He kept sniffing, his eyes were wide open and his nose was red. The cab driver though the guy might have been tired. I have a feeling the guy was wide awake. The guy was on something and I told the cabbie to just leave him.
Not expecting huge gains w/ the intake, but man does it sound great.
At least I got you to post something.
The weather is too nice to be stuck in a dark cubicle today. Time to head out.
This warm weather we've been having is definitely zoom-zoom inducing though. My foot seems to have become more lead-like.