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There will always be some folks who always ruin things for others. I don't understand that mind-set at all.
If so what was the hi-lite of the show?
-Larry
What a college-like day it turned out to be yesterday. I got to bed when she and Sean left for work around 6:30 a.m., and slept until noon. Then I grabbed my vacuum cleaner, rags, bucket, etc., and spent the next three hours giving MY Protege a bath in the 68-degree sun --- ahhhhhh!
Then I took a little zoom through the countryside and still had time to stop by Costco to buy dinner and a new car seat for Sean's new ride (the white P5), before they got home!
No, I haven't driven it yet. But I've been a passenger plenty, and boy what a car! I've posted all the particulars over on the Yahoo! group -- I may post them here too later, but I've got some stuff I have to catch up on this morning from my day off yesterday. So please forgive me; more to come ...
(BTW, now I have the problem of not knowing which Town Hall topic to hang out on!!!)
Meade
The blizzard of 79 was the reason I never got my driver's license when I was a teenager. I was taking driver ed that winter in high school. About the time I got my learner's permit and was supposed to be practicing on the family car, we got dumped on. Our car (an old yellow Beetle) was buried on our side street for the better part of the winter. By the time the spring thaw came, I guess I had lost interest or my permit expired or something. (BTW, the car started right up the first time, even after all those months as a snow cone!)
Larry: Speedypt and I are meeting up at the car show on Saturday, Feb. 9th...so it's not too late for other Chicago folks to join us. I know you're out there...make yourselves heard!
Meade: Congrats on the new wheels!
I really like the charcoal interior and the black floor mats. The gray ones in my 2000 ES are already showing black grease marks; the black ones will probably hold up better.
We've got a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, and it definitely cramps the leg room in the front passenger seat. However, I just purchased Sean a forward-facing seat yesterday and am looking forward to having leg room again!
One thing I did notice -- the trunk in the P5 is not as deep as the trunk in the Protege -- by a good 6 inches or so. We can fit our collapsed stroller in my Protege sideways and lengthwise, but it'll only go in the P5's trunk sideways. Trying to put it in straight leaves the wheels hanging out of the trunk. That's interesting -- everything I've read has said the trunks are the same size (except for height, of course).
Meade
If not, how much does an alignment usually cost? The pulling has not become a safety hazard yet, but it bugs me as heck!
However, if your car is fairly new, I believe that there is some sort of period (I think it's about 20 000 km/12 000 miles or so) that they have to fix things like alignment. I think someone posted that before and I remember reading something like that in the owner's manual.
Are you sure it's just not the road that is crowned and causing the pulling sensation?
I'm actually a little ticked at the warranty. It was -1000 000 the other day and my block-heater plug had frozen into its little holder on the car. I went to pull the plug out and SNAP! The little holder broke off. The block heater cord is fine, but now it dangles down. I asked my dealership if this was covered and they said "no" as it was not a manufacturer defect. I then asked how much it would cost to fix it, and he said that he'd go check. Well that was yesterday and I'm still waiting. I think he forgot...grrrrr.
I'm back... hi everyone... I will post an update later on... see ya'!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mazdaprotege/
Still enjoying my newly strut bar-stiffened Protege
Hey Meade, since now you have a P5 in your garage, you have a perfect sample to follow if you ever decide to install a strut bar for your 00 ES!
and welcome back Jerry!
How does everyone like the Mazda 6 and RX-8 North American debut coverage on Edmunds? Oh wait... there is no Mazda 6 or RX-8 North American debut coverage! I mean, I know they are not very significant... just the return of the venerable rotary engine and the highly respected RX nameplate. And the Mazda 6 (which has been covered by Edmunds for the Tokyo show) had many, many details released specifically for the North American market. Oh well... I just had to go to other sites for the coverage.
I think the snap from the sedans board moderator guaranteed the success of the Yahoo! group. I will definitely check out the Yahoo! group and join.
Speaking of good buddies, Congrats on your newest baby Meade! I hope Sean feels better soon. BTW, I'm embarrassed for you! Why?...No, I haven't driven it yet. But I've been a passenger plenty, and boy what a car! Meade, who wears the pants in that family? LOL!!! Just kidding, my friend!
by Protegextwoalso (Meade)
My passenger-side front door's power door lock actuator has stopped working. It now makes an ugly whirring-whining-grinding sound (kind of like Ford's power door locks in the Escape/Tribute, Contour, and Focus). I have taken the door panel off in hopes that it's just a rod that has come loose. To my surprise, the actuator (motor) is part of the door latch! A call to the dealership revealed a $108 price tag and I have to replace the entire latch.
Unfortunately, I think the power door locks in the front doors will be a problem for many Protege's. It is a bad design, and I am surprised Mazda did it this way. The weatherstripping that runs inside the window frames (the black rubber that the window perimeter seals around when up) also drops down about 8 inches into the door. The end of this weatherstripping sits a couple of inches above the door latch/power lock actuator. Water drips down this weatherstripping and generally lands right on the actuator... Water plus unsealed/unprotected electronic part equals malfunction. When I replace the latch/actuator, I will install some type of plastic shield over it to prevent water from dripping onto it. I will also do this to the driver's side door.
During my door inspection, I also located the source of the squeaky door panels. There are two large styrofoam blocks glued to the door panel. The amount of glue used is not satisfactory and the foam blocks loosen from the door panel, causing that wierd squeak from the panels. I glued the blocks back on and haven't heard a squeak since from that door. I will do this to the driver's door when I take that one apart. I will also add sound insulation to the doors at the same time.
My CD player has become a pain. It certainly will not read burned CD-R's, and it now has a hard time with regular CD's. I will replace it with another head unit with CD-R, MP3, and XM satellite radio support. I will also replace the stock speakers with Infiniti Kappa-series speakers.
I now have a little over 10,000 miles on the Yokohoma YK420's I had put on the car. They are 205/50R15's. I am pleased that they are very quiet and show almost no wear what-so-ever. I am still less than thrilled with their slow turn-in response and they don't stick to the road very well. There is clearly a difference with their lateral traction abilities compared to the Nitto NT450's or the OEM Potenza's. So much for being the "sport" version of the Avid. Oh well, at least they don't hydroplane and they'll last longer than 25,000 miles.
Other than that, my "Red Baron" has been a great car. A few dings, scratches, and chips here and there, but the paint still looks brand new (of course, I buff, polish, and wax once a month). I am now thinking about changing the timing belt and spark plug wires. I have put another set of spark plugs in at 50,000 miles. The previous spark plugs were the Bosch Platinum+4 I put in at 25,000 miles. My overall review: Don't bother with them. The car developed a hesitation and rough idle with them. The new plugs are regular platinum NGK's and they are much, much better.
Well, I should get back to work... I will check in later. Good to hear from everyone!
Thanks to my ABS, I was able to hold the brakes down and steer into the empty lane next to me. That extra 500 bucks for ABS has paid off for me more than once already. Now, I should mention that I was not driving like a moron or speeding down the street. I was simply going along and was not able to slow my momentum enough becuase of the icy conditions.
Duh_ster, if you're looking for winter tires, Canadian Tire has the Michelin Arctic Alpins at 15% off right now.
Meade
How come you haven't joined the Yahoo! group yet?
Meade
Meade: Did you get the 7/100 on the P5?
(a) use it as a great selling point (and get more bucks) for your car if you sell it privately; or
(b) "sell" the unused portion back to the dealer if/when you trade it in.
If I have any of those 100,000 miles left in 3-1/2 years or so, I'll use some of that warranty trade-in value as down payment on my brand-new 2005 or 2006 Mazda 6!
Meade
i too had an incident this morning on glenmore trail. almost plowed into the guy ahead of me cuz of the ice...with no empty lane to swerve into! i swerved a bit too! i downshifted and did threshold braking and it was enough to stop me...thankfully!
i'll call my dealership this afternoon about that "service clinic" u mentioned earlier! your dealership is kramer right?
'duh'
I thought you had the message board figured out by now at the other place? When you post there it automatically sends email copies to the group.
Freddy_K: If your wife's comfort is a major factor in your buying decisions, the Protege has the best seats, by far, over the other two cars. They are deeper front-to-back and have wider seatbacks. Nicer fabrics and adjustable to fit most any person. Add to that a spacious cabin almost the size of a '97 Accord and plenty of footroom, you can't beat it.
Of the three cars, the Protege has the best dash The styling is more European compared to current Japanese stretched-egg shapes, think jellybean.
But that's a matter of taste and what you like in a car may differ. The other guys can tell you about longivity; I have had my 01 Pro for only 8 months and am completely happy with it.
TL Headlights: People stealing headlights sounds fishy to me. What other car would they fit if they steal the entire unit? None!
Reminds me of a similar story. In the 1960's, theives were stealing big carburators on Pontiac Grand Prix's and other suped-up cars. Those were the days of the Hurst shifters.
A friend had his carb stolen from his new Grand Prix. Knowing carbs were a big item, he had engraved his Social Security number on it. The dealer told him it would be a couple weeks to get a new one and his insurance would cover it. The carb came in and was installed. When the owner got home he checked the carb and there was his Social Security number. He called the police. After an investigation the dealer was arrested. He got 5 years for his carb stealing ring activities.
The TL headlight thing may be similar.
fowler3
That would be the day!
I posted a question about strut bars for my 95 DX in the Accessories forum - with so many lurking experts, and more returning to active duty, would someone answer it, please? Thanks!
-ashu
I don't understand why you wouldn't have driven the P5 yet Meade. Sounds like a real issue eh?
Good to see you again Jerry.
Fairly comparable in the front seat, although I personally think the Sentra's is more cramped.
The Sentra's rear seat is very much the smallest amongst these three. The Civic has a flat floor in the rear. I think the A-pillar in both the Civic and Sentra are raked too steeply. I kept bumping into them.
Trunk space:
Sentra's got the smallest of the three, but I think by only 1 cu ft. It does have the smallest pass-through.
Handling:
I have not yet driven the new Civic or Sentra. I read that the Sentra is more nervous and understeers more due to its solid rear axle. I also read the new Civic does not handle as crisply or as sportily (is that a word?) as the previous model as they switched from a dual-wishbone to a Macpherson strut arrangement (although this suspension seems to be fine in the Acura RSX). I didn't think the previous Civic handled as well as the contemporary Protege (99-00). The 01-02 Proteges have thicker sheet metal in the chassis for better handling than the 99-00 series, so it's been improved. It also has more sound-deadening materials.
Controls: All have fine set-ups, I think.
Sound system: Some think the stock system in the Pro is weak. I think all regular trim cars in these three models have weak stock speakers. The Sentra SpecV comes with a powerful sound system.
Fuel economy: Civic is tops by a few mpg. Sentra and Pro are roughly equal.
Emissions: I think all three are 50-state ULEV rated, so it'd be fine if you moved to CA. Sentra is SULEV, I think.
Build quality: Roughly comparable. Some interior trim in the Civic and Sentra I thought felt flimsy/cheap. Surprising, really.
Seating comfort: I hated the seats in the previous Civic. Hurt my back. Sentra's seats felt small to me (I'm 6' tall, medium build, wide shoulders). Pro's seats could use slightly more lumbar support. This is a highly subjective area, so you'll have to try them on yourself.
I think the main beefs with the current Pro are: AT absorbs too much energy (shift from 1-2 might be a bit harsh), weatherstripping is easily pulled away from the rear edges of the rear doors.
I personally think the dimmer switch for interior lights and IP illumination is in an awkward location. Of course, I have this same complaint with the other two.
I just checked the thermometer on the patio and it's 74-F in the shade! Time to go OUT! Can't let this day go by staying in. Zoom zoom!
fowler3
Then I called Sunridge Mazda (they are right near where I work) and asked them about the little plug. At first the guy said that I'd probably have to buy a new cord as well, but when then I got transferred to Parts and the guy said he had one I could have! I just drove over and picked it up!! Strike one against Kramer.
Meade
<<<Fairly comparable in the front seat, although I personally think the Sentra's is more cramped. The Sentra's rear seat is very much the smallest amongst these three.
The Sentra is more cramped and the seatback is almost straight up with little curvature for side support. The rear seat passenger has ZERO leg room when the driver's seat is adjusted for a 6-footer. The driver's seat is right up against the rear seat.
The Civic has a flat floor in the rear. I think the A-pillar in both the Civic and Sentra are raked too steeply. I kept bumping into them.>>>
fowler3:
I didn't notice that when test driving a 2001 Civic. What I did notice instantly was how small and hard the seats are. The overall interior trim is cheaper than in past Civics with too much hard plastic. And a black steering wheel no matter which color you buy, which doesn't go with anything.
<<<I have not yet driven the new Civic or Sentra. I read that the Sentra is more nervous and understeers more due to its solid rear axle. I also read the new Civic does not handle as crisply or as sportily (is that a word?) as the previous model. I didn't think the previous Civic handled as well as the contemporary Protege.>>>
fowler3:
It isn't the car Honda built in the early '90's. I had a '94 Civic 5-speed and it was fun to drive compared to an Accord, but it was nothing like the Protege in handling, and neither is the current model. Pulling onto an expressway there still isn't enough power. That V-Tech idea simply doesn't work, too much lag before the car moves off.
My overall test drive impression of the 2001-02 Civic was it's too toy-like. Too easy to break. It didn't feel solid; which the Protege definately provides, you feel you are in a larger car.
fowler3
Here in Toronto, the highway 401 is horrific in some areas. I usually drive between 120 to 150km and quick bobbing can result but the car does not sway. It just kind of jumps up and then qucikly down. The stiff suspension does not absorb irregularities like most other models.
If you have a lot of sway and bouncing, i would definately recommend you first check your tire pressure and then if okay, take her back to the dealer for an alignment, steering and definately, suspension check.
Hope that helps.
The Pro M/T is linkage and the A/T is cable. I thought this was the norm.
And here's a really dumb question for other low-mileage folks like myself:
oil change: 3,000 miles, or 3 months? Takes me much longer than 3 months to rack up the miles....
But stupid comments aside, I would still say 3 mths or 3000 miles whichever comes first as a general rule. I would personally do it at 3 mths or 2500 miles, but that's just me, so don't hang on to it too much.
Dinu
PS: NEVER under-estimate the importance of an oil change! Unless you get a kick out of the word "transplant" (as in engine swap).
chicagopro, no need to do service at 3000 mi intervals, I do the 5000 schedule, per the manual. I was stupid to do the 7500, it's just an oil change and inspection, same thing they do at 15000. Just change your oil every 5000 and do services at 15k, 30k, 45k, 60k, etc. I only track miles, not months, and so far so good.
Pjd58
So far I am at 9,000 miles with no problems. Only thing I would change is the engine. It's great in traffic but it's a bore on the highway compared to our 93 Civic. I still think the best place for power is on the high end because that's where you need it most for passing.
We drove the new Altima....great car except for that darn interior. Give that thing a more tactically pleasing interior and it would be way at the top of our list for our next purchase. We only drove the 2.5S but the engine and the 5-speed work well together and there is plenty of room. Also while we were talking with the salesman he mentioned they were giving $5000 off 2002 Maximas with 3.9% for 60 months.. hmmm.