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I'll be the first to admit that my theory may be full of bull. But I'd like to hear from others on this. Certainly this forum is not lacking in strongly held and informed opinion.
Mike
Don
Regards,
Pro_fan
I agree that although the MP3 has quite a few mods (between suspension, body kit, stereo, exhaust, wheels/tires, etc. every time I tally it the stuff would have cost $4 to $5k separately), it is just a sporty ES.
That said, really sport ES's are cool. And distinctly not a 'freak show'. I have a hard time believing that someone could be so disgusted by the look of the MP3, at the same time they are test-driving a Pro5 (which is distinctly funky itself). That said, maybe I am experiencing a second childhood, but at least I'm not driving an Oldsmobile.
BTW, the same guy who was at 193hp, is now at 209 (and there is a scan of a dyno test on www.mazdamp3.com for proof). Personally, now that the engine is broken in, mine feels stronger than the 140 rating would imply: even with the incredibly sticky Dunlops, torque steer is an issue. I don't know how someone with a heavily modified 2.0L could drive in a straight line.
BTW, every oil change on my Protege has been at the dealership using the manufacturer specified filter, which is the small one. I have never had any complaints or concerns regarding the smaller filter since my oil stays so clean.
topazmoon, I'm glad to see you are still with us. I hope you are enjoying your Millenium Red LX 2.0. It is a terrific looking car, but I was sadly disappointed Mazda decided to delete Classic Red from the color palette. I am sorry to hear about your "vermin" problem. I can't remember what dealership John Hine traded with to get your car. We have had problems with dealer trades coming from Mazda of the Desert in Cathedral City. It seems they have quite a rodent problem out there and we have received several cars with extensive wiring insulation damage. Hopefully, the dealership you are taking it to will fix your problem for you. If not, certainly take the time to come back down to San Diego and have Hine take care of it. You or I can let Tom Lopez know that you are coming so he can get the service department prepped for you, and while your car is in, we could go grab lunch or something. Good luck!!
In terms of modifications, my first priorities are quieting the interior and solving the rattles. I figure as I sound-proof the doors and flooring, I can tighten the brackets and add insulation material to areas that rattle. Hopefully, that will take car of the problem, plus make the car significantly quieter. I will also change the carpeting from light gray to black like the '01 ES. Light gray is a terrible color for carpeting!!
Yeah, it is kind of funny for a Protege5 owner or prospective owner to make fun of the MP3. The front bumper, fog lamps, and side skirts are exactly the same between those two cars. Of course, the MP3 has the large wing, but I can't imagine it without it. One little detail I liked about the MP3 is the badging. It's not chrome like the sedans and Pro5, rather its like a painted silver and does look better since the Mp3 has absolutely no chrome on it.
after your protege bashing, I had doubts about my engg. background.
Why? 'cause before buying the car, i looked over it pretty good and I found the structure of the car to be of very high quality.
you jusr re-affirmed my convictions.
granted that the doors and dash may rattle but the car's chassis will not give away EVEN with daily spirited driving like you do.
Try looking under the PRO ES. You will find the chassis is very tough....
Long live the PRO ES!!
like the ones found on the LX?
Drove today for 3 solid hours (cruising with a good friend) and got out of the car with little back pain. Very comfortable seats, I must say. Never was able to drive that long in any other car I have owned (including my 1999 DX), and this is car #5 in 4 years of driving. Go Protege ES!
It is too bad the Millenia came in last on Edmunds near luxury comparison test. I guess I can take some solice in looking at who the competition was and knowing I paid no where near what the other cars cost. Oops! There I go again!
i'm about to finalize my purchase of a mazda protege and am between the ES cars available at my local dealer. i'm trying to figure out if i should get the abs breaks. doing so would probably mean purchasing a color i don't really want and going over my budget. any thoughts?
Lost 27%
Lost 38%
In last year's Car and Driver comparison test of near-luxury sedans, the Millenia (a 2000 Millenium Edition) came in fourth place, shocking both myself and the magazine. They figured the oldest vehicle with the least amount of equipment and smallest engine would easily come in last place. Here are the other vehicles tested in the order they placed starting with last place: Mitsubishi Diamante LS, Pontiac Bonneville SSEi, Volvo S70 GLT, Infiniti I30t, Lincoln LS V6, Mazda Millenia S Millenium Edition, Lexus ES300, Chrysler 300M, and Acura 3.2TL. The Millenia excelled at nothing, but it didn't do anything bad either. Its balance was it strong point and the staff loved it. At $32,000, they called the Millenia a bargain. You got yours for just about $10,000 less than that. Great buy!!!
But CarsDirect is selling it for $13,790.
So the car has "depreciated" about 12 percent before I've even picked a color.
Now that is depressing. I guess I'll have to choose black to match my mood. ;-)
Sure, the Protege is no Honda on resale, but then again...
To get the ProES up to more than $18k you had to add a bunch of options. Few options add much to the resale value on KBB as far as I can tell.
Of course, if you don't sell, it doesn't matter.
twist
The best place to look is autotrader.com to see what others are asking for their Pros.
fowler3
My first oil change is due soon (I have 2700 Miles on it). Can I use synthetic oil?
Any replies will be greatly appreciated
Etrast:
I don't know where you can buy any, but I don't see why you wouldn't be able to change them yourself. I know some of the others here have changed their headlights, so the rears shouldn't be that much more difficult.
You should be able to use synthetic oil as well. Again, don't see any real reason not to (except cost).
Protege_fan
That's why its so important to put 10% down (beyond TTL). Also financing for 36 months or less will generally keep you from going upside-down. I haven't yet met these goals, but they are good and will help keep you from financial trouble (went 42 months this time, but did get enough of a down payment).
Also, just because the car is small doesn't mean depreciation is unique to it: I just looked up a fairly well optioned 2000 Maxima SE (a car I was thinking about getting) on kbb.com. It was down to $18k, and new they were $28k+ MSRP. Thats a drop of 36% (AND over ten grand!).
Protoge_fan, yesterday I picked-up the accesories for my new pro which included the wind deflector. I have to admit, I love the little details that to me are functional and look good. I also installed the bra, mud guards and the cargo net. Hey, I turned 40 last month and this was my little gift to get me out of the rut I was having. BTW, the bass in the stock stereo is weak so I also installed a modest amp and subwoofer in the trunk (Alpine and JL). Wow, what a difference! I'm broke but happy.
Did they also tell you that product will be sent to your home and YOU will have to reapply it every six months or the five year warranty is void? It is basically a Scothguard like substance and a Teflon wax. BTW, DuPont, the inventor of Teflon, has officially stated that Teflon does not aid in the protection of paint anymore than a typical wax would. IMO, the only thing worth buying in the finance office would be an extended warranty from the manufacturer. Perhaps malt might know of something.
I have been a regular user of Mobil 1 Synthetic Oil for the past 2 years.
Mazda recommends using 10W30 or 5W30 depending on the temperature.
I was wondering whether I could standardize on using either 5W30 or even 0W30 ALL YEAR ROUND without any negative effects on the engine and/or other parts.
I just hate having to switch between 10w30 and 5w30
Thanks in advance for any responses !
Meade
$28 at Tire Rack.
$35-$40 at local tire & wheel retailers (in my experience).
Add some $ for wheel covers if you want to hide the wheels. The covers might trap some snow though, which will cause your wheel to become unbalanced enough to shake your car on the highway.
See if you can work something out like that. It will probably make you feel a bit better anyways. It did me!
You can spray the seats with Scotchguard yourself, for a fraction of the cost.
Instead of a cargo net, if you carry groceries in your car trunk, buy a plastic basket to prevent spilled liquids from getting on the trunk liner. Cheaper and better. An ice chest is also good for frozen foods, and MAPP picnics.
fowler3
fowler3
Well after procrastinating for many months, I took the car into be fixed. They pulled off the panels and inserted some sort of insulation betweem the panel and the door. That fixed the problem, and fixed the only really problem I've had with my Protege.
Seems the 2000 and 2001 models have additional insulating foam between the door and the trim panel, so they don't make such noises.
I guess if I were to ride shotgun and lean on the door more, I'd do something about it. I'll wait until I hear complaints from the wife & child. What type of material have people used for this purpose? Dynamat, single-sided foam tape?
I hope they go with the Antheon name. It sounds exotic and worthy of a new sport sedan. That Atenza names reminds me of Kia Optima for some reason.