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Comments
The mazda is a 2003 LX 2.0 Auto with rims, moonroof, cd changer and all power. It has 1,500 miles on it. Dealer says that miles are from local dealer trips and test drives.
Malibu is 2003 auto basic with only power locks and cruise.
Malibu has 97 miles on it.
Both cars cost the same for me per month.
Which would you get.
I owned a 2001 pro in the past and got rid of it for the wrong reasons.
Here are my questions:
1- Which car?
2- Is 1,500 miles too high on the protege?
3- When you drive you pro's, do the steering seem on the firm side. Like if you turn a corner, will it want to pull back into center position. I know it is hard to describe. I doubt the car has a problem. I think it may be the design.
I can't recommend a car that rides like the Malibu - it's just not for me. Too calm, too quiet, too boring, not fun to drive/corner...
What about a **NEW** PRO LX? Should be VERY similar in price and NEW.
Dinu
Mazda is running some great incentives. Can't you spring for a new LX? It HAS TO cost less than the new Malibu. Hope you're doing your shopping carefully.
Also, saying they cost the same per month means nothing, unless you're leasing. This is a common way salespeople trick innocent (but gullible) customers.
Do more homework. Walk into a different Mazda delaership and see if you can't walk out with a brand new Protege! If not - go back to the demo car!
and the pro is simply much more fun to drive, more reliable(made in japan) and cost less also.4-48 warranty for pro vs 3-36 for mailibu.hey dinu?? i know you have a 2001 pro es and iam also considering a 2003 pro es with the cd-moonroof pack and abs= and compass mirror as well.how is the stereo sound with that 6-disk cd stereo. and how have you like your car up to this point? thanx steve
Malibu trivia-quote-The Malibu already beats Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima on J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey. But too few buyers recognize it, GM folks say. GM says Chevy’s perceived value is only half what the actual quality is, according to J.D. Power, while Toyota’s and Honda’s perceived value is greater than its actual scores.-end
I would not want to drive the Malibu no matter how good it's quality is.
Go for the Protege, you will not regret it.
Get the warranty statement in writing. Most manufacturers do NOT extend the warranty for mileage that occurs prior to sale, at 4 years or 50,000 miles I am guessing that is the end of the warranty. Does not matter too much with only 1500 miles though.
- I do not own a 2001 at this time. I used to have one. So you guys feel that the 1,500 is not a big deal huh?
- What about the steering? The best way that I can descrive is that when I was turning, the steering felt tight and wanted to coorect back to center position. Like as soon as you let go, it will straighten the wheels out.
the Yoko avids are good tires, but I doubt they have as sporty handling as the RE92's.
The Yokohama AVS ES100 is a cheap summer tire that performs well on dry pavement, according to tirerack tests.
the Falken Ziex ZE-512 looks pretty good at 1010tires.com
Folks here have like BFG comp t/a's [don't remember which model] and dunlop a2's [though others have hated them.
What can I say? It depends on what you are looking for.
Most drivers actually want this type of feedback. I much prefer it to the over-boosted power steering, which lets you steer with a pinky; no feedback, no idea where the "center" is etc., but makes parking easier.
However, to make sure it's not out of normal range, test-drive a couple other Proteges.
1,500 is a lot, but if they're willing to adjust the mileage limitations on your lease (y'know, how many miles can be on your odo when your return it) and your warranty (unless you drive few enough miles that you won't exceed the mileage limit) and it checks out OK, then consider the engine already "broken in".
I thought the 4 in the Malibu harsh-sounding (like it doesn't have oil in it), but it seemed OK. The Malibu is an OK car. Not much fun, but it is adequate. Fit & finish aren't as good as in the Protege, but are adequate. Seems that's the most I can say about the Malibu. I'd take one as a rental and be OK about it, but wouldn't own one if I could swing a Protege. The Malibu also feels only a little bigger inside to me.
Trust me, this is a good thing, and it will ruin you for overboosted steering in the future.
If you are really concerned, drive another Protege and compare.
I wouldn't be too concerned about 1500 miles. Most dealers will sell "demo" cars with up to 5000 miles.
I am happy with the stock system, but I added a 10Cd changer and whenever I use it, the volume diminishes - guess an AMP would be helpful. If I only play the radio or CDs, it's fine.
Dinu
Overall the stereo in the current Protege(5), excluding the Mazdaspeed, is what I would call average. If the Protege5 was my daily driver I would replace the headunit with a good aftermarket one. I have replaced all 4 coaxial speakers with Kenwood eXcelon ones, but I left the stock tweeters since they seemed to do a decent job.
Dinu
if they are not, then there are plenty of 2003 proteges going for high rebates due to the introduction of the Mazda3. Check them out.
New Mazda3 - I hear it is on a Ford global platform (Focus) and is to be built outside Japan now. Glad I bought my Protege this year.
Yes, it is a global platform that shares up to 40% of parts with European Focus II (not NA piece-of-crap Focus) and new Volvo S40 and V50. No, the Mazda3 will be assembled in Japan.
to be built outside Japan now: NO
Dinu
Thanks
Dinu
I'll out of town next week, but I'll check the board when I will be back.
Cheers!
Dinu
Dinu
And strangely I could not find any information in the user's manual regarding when I should have the automatic transmission fluid replaced. When do you usually get the fluid changed?
Many thanks.
How did you determine oil filter mileage capacity?
The Meineke guy showed me the rotor thickness on his caliper and pointed to the book that said they were way below specs. So I OK'd a new pair of rotors. Q2: What happens if you let the rotors get below specs (pads were fine and I didn't feel any problems in braking). BTW cost for two rotors and pads was around 350.
Thanks.
As far as tightening wheel lugs, if it's done by hand, it's almost always OK. I've never had a problem with a wheel I handtightened and have never used a torquewrench to do it. Power drivers very often overtighten and can lead to wheel warping. I once used an 8' length of pipe on the end of a lugwrench and still couldn't break the nut free. It did, howver, look really stupid. Fortunately, it wasn't my car.
-Larry
fowler3
Your PRO is still new after 2 years
Dinu
auto,6-disk-cd-moonroof pack,abs-airbag pack,
compass mirror, 17500.00 out the door includes 2500.00 reabate. also considered a 2004 civic ex coupe but the pro es had more features for the money, better warranty, and the 2500 rebate. which is the better car`the civicex or the pro es, even though the civic does get better milaege and might have better
resale value as well.
Take good care of it as far as maintenance goes and it will make you smile over and over.
Dinu