Mazda Protegé

steven39 · September 2003

hello, anyone know if the rebates that are currentley in effect for the mazda protege and the mazda 6 are going to be extended beyond the sept 30 expiration date?

mazdaprofour · September 2003

I plan to buy one of these two cars tommorow.

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.

dinu01 · September 2003

The steering has "steering feel", something very few cars have and as an enthusiast, this is up there near the holy grail of automotive wants

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

ashutoshsm · September 2003

... I'd hate to buy a car with dealership demo/test drive miles on it. Its undoubtedly been abused.

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!

mazdaprofour · September 2003

well they said that the vehicle is new. Never been titled. The rep said that it has 1,500 on it because it was used sometimes to go get other models from other dealerships. I am suppose to go in tommorow to sign the paper work. I test drove the car and everything seemed ok. How about the steering on the protege? is this steering suppose to want to straighten out when making turns. The steering just seems to want to straighten. I do not know if this is how this car is designed. This car is suppose to be new not preowned. I did not see anything wrong with it. Still has window tag on back seat. I am thinking that they may have let someone take it to try it out and the deal went south and they had to bring it back. I think that it might be hard for me to find another pro with the options at this point. I also have 4,000 that I am rolling over upside down so it is hard to get finacing. I just do not want to miss a oppertunity to get a car. I also have a bankruptcy in my past so I have two bad things going for me. They told me that the warranty starts from date of purchase so I am not sure what I have to fear.

steven39 · September 2003

its a no brainer guys, pro has better warranty, loaner cars for warranty repairs,
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

moparbad · September 2003

Please provide your opinion on the stereo in the Protege. I'm getting close to making my decision on the Protege.

Malibu trivia-quote-The Malibu already beats Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima on J.D. Powers Initial Quality Survey. But too few buyers recognize it, GM folks say. GM says Chevys perceived value is only half what the actual quality is, according to J.D. Power, while Toyotas and Hondas 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.

mazdaprofour · September 2003

"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?"

- 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.

tomciviletti · September 2003

I found the RE 92's tolerable. Their replacement cost is way out of line with their capabilities, though. What you want in a tire and how muc yu will spend should guide your choice. I went with Bridgestone s-03's in 205/55-15. They are fantastic handling tires, wet or dry. They are just as noisy as the RE92's though, and seem to be wearing about as quickly.

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.

mazdafun · September 2003

That's normal for the Protege.

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.

boggse · September 2003

What you describe is a properly weighted steering rack. Too many domestic cars, and more often than not Toyotas, will overboost the power steering. The upside is a 96 year-old woman can still drive her car. The downside is average humans actually have less control of the steering because there is much less feedback from the rack.

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.

dinu01 · September 2003

My 01 ES only has 4 speakers so I have to clue how the extra 2 tweeters would change the sound volume and quality.

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

boggse · September 2003

The 6 speaker system in my P5 sounds a little better than the 4 speaker system in my 2001 ES did , mostly due to better range with the tweeters. The downside is that I have to turn the volume up a bit more than with the sedan. The rear speakers in the P5 are in the rear doors, pointed at occupants knees as opposed to the package shelf in the sedan where the sound reflects off of the rear window. The P5 rear speakers are also 6.5" compared to the 6x9s in the sedan.

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.

mazdaprofour · September 2003

I have a toyota tacoma so that may be why I feel the the protege has firm, center weighted steering.

juilin · September 2003

I've been slacking so I'm coming here 1500 miles later to say I'm the new owner of a 2003 Protege ES. Fully loaded, other than ABS which I didnt want, it came to just about 15000 OTD after rebate(s) and a student discount. It's now being put through the daily commute and I'm still learning how to get the most out of the engine, it's a bit differnt feel for me. I'm happy though, take care guys.

dinu01 · September 2003

Drop by more often and share you experience with the PRO. And if you have questions, someone will have an answer.

Dinu

chikoo · September 2003

how much are they shaving off the cost?
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.

juilin · September 2003

Nah, when I bought it it had about 10 miles on it, I've just packed on about 1500 since then. =P So far it's been a good little commuter car, cant complain.

steven39 · September 2003

while checking out some more proteges es today i noticed that the mazdaspeed with its 21,000 msrp does not include cruise control,while the cheaper pro es does.interesting? although that standard kenwood 450 watt stereo system that comes with the mazdaspeed does sound nice.

jimsxn · September 2003

If you are dissatisfied with the wear on Potenzas, just wait and see. They have good traction though. New Potenzas are good too.

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.

boggse · September 2003

"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.

chikoo · September 2003

read chikoo Sep 25, 2003 2:18pm

steven39 · September 2003

does anyone know if the 2500 rebate for the 2003 protege will be extended beyond the sept 30 expiration??thanx

dinu01 · September 2003

New Mazda3 - I hear it is on a Ford global platform (Focus): YES

to be built outside Japan now: NO

Dinu

bluong1 · September 2003

Can someone please confirm if the 1.6L engine (on SE Canadian trim) and 2.0L engine use the same oil filter?

Thanks

dinu01 · September 2003

I can call my dealer on Monday if you need to know. I'll have an answer for you by Monday afternoon (11PM-11:30PM for you).

Dinu

bluong1 · September 2003

I have just changed spark plugs and engine oil on my P5, but I have to skip the filter because I don't know which one to buy. I would be a great help, because next time I will know what to get!

I'll out of town next week, but I'll check the board when I will be back.

Cheers!

dinu01 · September 2003

I'll try to get the part # for you. I'm not sure if you can find it in France (check first) and if you can't I'll gladly ship you a case of 6 filters like I bought myself.

Dinu

bluong1 · September 2003

nmi

dinu01 · September 2003

We can always sub it for oil filters if you need them

Dinu

doublesix · September 2003

I have a 1999 Protege ES with 43K miles. Starting from 35k miles, I have heard some groaning sound from underneath of the car when driving at a speed under 35mph. I feel that the car is not old enough to have some problem in the suspension system, but can't be sure. How do you think?

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.

boggse · September 2003

The short answer is yes. The longer answer is not until recently when Mazda standardized on one oil filter size for all of its 4 cylinder and small 6 cylinder engines.

avux · September 2003

My 2000 1.6 Protege has a thumping sound coming from tha air intake side of the engine when I tap on the accelerator or the AC cycles on. It only thumps one time. It also has a rough idle on cold startups. Could this be a leaking intake manifold? The car has 34k miles on it.

manavi · September 2003

I had a similar problem once with a 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab I used to own. It turned out to be a bad bearing.

mazdafun · September 2003

You can use the same filter on the 1.6 as spec'd for the 2.0 and the 4 and 6 cyl engines on the 626. But, as pointed out, Mazda now uses the same filter for all the above. However, you can still get the larger V6 filter for the 626 from aftermarket brands. That's what I use now with synthetic oil (I found the smaller filter seemed to reach capacity at around 3,000 miles, the larger one at about 5,000-6,000 miles, depending on the driving conditions). The longer cycle syncs better with the longer wear of the synthetic oil.

tomciviletti · September 2003

mazdafun,

How did you determine oil filter mileage capacity?

edmund2460 · September 2003

Since our Pro's are running trouble free and most of you have little to talk about in the maint. dept, perhaps someone will answer a couple of q's for me. (I'm mechanically illiterate). When I took my 98 Escort (that's almost a Mazda I think) in to Meineke to get the brakes checked, I noticed the mech. had to bash the tires with a mallet to get it off. He said whoever was balancing my tires (Firestone) was not using the kind of extension socket that he was using, which he told me would guarantee not to overtighten. However when I took the car back to Firestone the next day to get the tires rotated, I noticed the guy there had to beat on the tire a couple of times to get it off. So Q1: What does one have to watch for in getting wheels rotated as far as the tightening of the lug nuts??

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.

edmund2460 · September 2003

I think that 'center-weighted' feel of the PRO's steering is a desirable in my mind. BTW I have aan 03 Camry V6 and I don't think its over-boosted it has plenty of road feel too. However when I took a trip to the mountains this weekend I chose the PRO!!

tomciviletti · September 2003

too thin rotors are more likel to warp from heat and also might make the calipers work beyond their optimal geometry.

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.

boggse · September 2003

I don't know why so many places get it wrong. They should be using torque sticks on their air-tools to prevent over-torque. They simple do not take the time to make sure the sticks are set correctly or are not using them.

protegextwo · September 2003

Every 30,000 miles.....

-Larry

fowler3 · September 2003

Hello everyone! I see you are still helping others. I think it will be at least another 30 months before my Pro hits 30,000 miles, it's just below 16K now.

fowler3

dinu01 · September 2003

Wow!

Your PRO is still new after 2 years

Dinu

mazdafun · September 2003

I just "eyeball" the oil when I check the level. If it starts looking dark and maybe a little "gritty" (little specks of what look to be solids), then I figure it's getting time for an oil change. Usually, this is quite a noticeable change from the last time I checked my oil. Usually my oil stays nice and amber (more so with the synthetic I think...I switched to synthetic sometime the winter of 95-96); the darkening occurs rapidly when I think the filter needs replacing (I think a pressure-triggered rubber-like valve interal to the filter allows oil to bypass the filter material). This is the metric I have been using and seems to work for me (140k+ miles on my '89 323LX and 45k+ on my '99 Pro LX).

steven39 · September 2003

hey folks just bought one today 03 pro es
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.

vocus · September 2003

Glad you finally made your choice, and hope it serves you well for years to come. Congrats on the new purchase.

dinu01 · September 2003

Congrats!

Take good care of it as far as maintenance goes and it will make you smile over and over.

Dinu

edmund2460 · September 2003

I know I have had some of you point me in the general direction before, but I crawled under the car as best I could and tried to find it. Anyone with a tip on which side to look? Passenger side? Is it amidships or closer to the ground level? I know it has a miniscule filter because the FRAM or Motorcraft book specified the same filter as that of an Aspire which is a thimble too. (Had the same problem finding the filter on that one, but it was easy to reach from the top once you knew where to look). Thanks.

edmund2460 · September 2003

We bought at about the same time I believe. My 01 ES has 21.8K. No problems, still looks new and the Dunlop 5000's still look good..

protege_fan · September 2003

It's closer to the passenger side. You have to reach up from the bottom of the car and towards the front to get to it.

Mazda Protegé

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