Mazda Protege5

bluong1 · September 2003

Could it mean 2003.5 Sport Automatic?

Mime has blank trim (I have a 2002 with MT)

jas9297 · September 2003

Just thought I would update my mileage. In mixed driving, I was getting around 29-30 mpg. Wasn't thrilled, but not bad.
I just took my first 100% hwy trip since very early on. It is now over 10k miles (12k after the trip).
First tank: 402 miles at 11.8 gallons or so for 34 mpg.
Second tank included a little bit of small town driving and was over 33 mpg.
Third tank was in the WV mountains, including 20 miles of dirt roads and was also just over 33mpg.

I drove conservatively (65-70) and without the rack. I have a 5spd 2002.5 p5.

I'm much happier now that the mileage has seemed to get better after 10k miles.

boggse · September 2003

I have a 2003 (sans subwoofer), not a 2003.5. After much thought, I am guessing:

Protege5
Side Air Bags
Automatic

iamz · September 2003

I officially expired my warranty at 8:32 pm tonight, 09.21.03. And I'm happy to say, I never once had to use my warranty.

To be fair, I did have one front rotor warp early on, but used that as an excuse to install cross-drilled Brembo's.

boggse · September 2003

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3131800.stm

pappy55 · September 2003

What's the max number of child seats that anyone has squeezed in the back seat? I have one rear-facing (infant), one regular child seat (toddler) and a small booster for a 7 yr old. Probably won't all squeeze in there, but the prices lately on P5's are extremely tempting and I don't know if we can wait around for the Mazda3 or Mazda6 hatchback (both are wider in the rear seats than the P5)

Sylvia · September 2003

Hello everyone...I'm happy to say that we can once again have a weekly Mazda chat (for those of you who remember!)

The chat will be for all Mazda owners. We are talking with the folks at Mazda to see if we can entice a few of the Brand Managers to stop in every once in a while and participate (no promises, but we are working on it!)

I'm trying to find out from the various Mazda vehicle owners the following:

1) what night of the week would work best?
2) what time? (please give the timezone)
3) what would you like the chat to be called? (e.g. the Subaru chat is the "Subaru Crew" chat)

We hope to have the Mazda weekly chat going by mid-October.

I'll check the discussions I post this announcement in - but to not distract you with scheduling details, feel free to email me your choices at sylvia@edmunds.com

I'm happy this weekly event will be back.

mazdafun · September 2003

I think the most I've seen in the rear is 3, but it looked very, very tight. I've had 2 booster seats in the rear seat of my Protege sedan without any problems (my daughter and her friend).

I'm sure the sales staff would be happy to let you try fitting your seats into one.

pappy55 · September 2003

just thought I'd ask before hauling the entire family down to the dealer (it's a major task these days)

boggse · September 2003

Just an observation, but you may want to consider an MPV with 3 young children. I know it costs more money and it is less economical, but it would definitely be less of a sardine can when the whole family is on board. With incentives, the Edmunds TMV for the MPV LX-SV is $19,188.

pappy55 · September 2003

Already have the required family minivan - '96 Windstar. Just looking to replace my daily driver ('91 Capri), but want something fuel-efficient, versatile, and fun. I hate lugging the van around town and short trips with it's 17 MPG city. It's gotta be a hatch too. Here's my short list:

P5
Mazda3
Mazda6 Hatch (spring 2004)
2004 Focus ZX5

We will probably head down to the dealer this weekend to see if we can squeeze the entire brood in the P5 :0

boggse · September 2003

In that case, the Protege5 would be at the top of my list. Fun is the key word.

jonnieb · September 2003

I'm shopping for a Protege5. I want the ABS/Side Airbag package, but not the moonroof/CD changer package. I just had a dealer tell me that it was impossible to get ABS without the moonroof. I said, "My research tells me that they are separate options. Do you mean that you just don't have any in stock?" He replied, "No. Your research is wrong. If you get ABS, you have to get the moonroof."

Before I walk away from this guy, can people here confirm that I'm right and he's wrong? Thanks.

bluong1 · September 2003

Yes you are right. At least one of the members here own an P5 with ABS and no moonroof.

When the 2002 P5 is launched, the ABS option requires the moonroof (but not vice versa). However Mazda has decided to make these two options independent later (since 2003?). If you need a proof, you can download both 2002 and 2003 brochures on http://www.mazdausa.com, and you will notice the moonroof requirement disappears from 2003.

Bruno

SAR21102 · September 2003

There's a blue one with ABS, no moonroof, and no already-installed roof rack at the dealer near me (Heritage Mazda near Baltimore, MD). I know for sure because I drove it, because that's the combo I would want. I 'm not sure, but I don't think it was the only one they had, either.

Where are you? I don't think your dealer is looking very hard for you.

carfan56 · September 2003

My wife and I test drove a Protege5 with the roof rack, and moonroof/CD changer, without ABS/Side airbags. We wanted the ABS so we did not buy that particular car. Contact MazdaUSA. You can reach them from their website, explain what you want. They located 6 cars with the equipment we wanted that were unallocated to dealers at the port. The only catch is getting a dealer to get the car for you, and making a deal on the price.

cogs25 · September 2003

The saleman is all wet. I too wanted ABS, but preferred NO Moonroof. Got what I wanted in RED.
8 years ago a saleman told me I couldn't get ABS in an Escort GT, when I knew better.

I always find it odd that we, as the customer, know more about the options in a car than the person whose JOB it is to know.

boggse · September 2003

I have a 2003 P5 with ABS/SAB but no moonroof/6CD.

audia8q · September 2003

they did make a few with that combo in 2003....but they are not common. I ran a locate on the mid cycle Pro5 with the ABS/SAB and no moonroof....I searched all of new england, ny, nj, PA out to state college and northern maryland, virginia and there were a total of 12 units out there. zero in the state of connecticut.

jonnieb · September 2003

I just discovered the inventory list on MazdaUSA.com, and I see that audia8q is right. They exist, but they're not common. I live in Boston, and I only found a few with that configuration within 50 miles (I know a good dealer can order the car from a more distant location -- I'm just giving an example).

dwryter · September 2003

My 1-year-old, 13k-mile 2002 P5 is much noisier on the freeway now than it was in its first few hundred miles. I know there's a TSB (technical service bulletin) out for noise caused by a poor windshield seal and wonder if anyone has had his/hers repaired, and how much that repair helped quiet the interior.

dwryter · September 2003

My P5 ran over something it shouldn't have which caused the right rear tire to exhale rather quickly through its new 4-inch gash. I was 200 miles from home and the day was Sunday. All local tireshops were closed. So I had to drive all the way home with the dinky spare mounted.

I don't know who's idea it was for cars to carry a spare that warns not to exceed 50MPH. Someone with a sense of humor, probably.

Unfortunately for me, Los Angeles sits between home and where I was and Angelenos are not the most patient of drivers. Now, I normally cruise through that area at an average 77 MPH (when traffic is flowing) in the second or third lane from center. And no more than a few seconds pass before others do likewise. So, creeping along at 55 (I allowed a conservative 10% margin) in the slow lane was new for me.

Know what was most surprising? The number of drivers who don't use the onramp to accelerate up to speed for safe merging but, instead, hit the freeway at 40 or 45, forcing whoever happens to be in the right lane to brake. THEN, they start to accelerate. I guess I wasn't surprised by the displeasure of those temporarily stuck behind me, nor by the ones cutting in front of me with the absolute minimum of clearance possible. ("One can halve space between two objects an infinite number of times.")

Still, it was almost fun watching cars zip past as if I were on a bicycle, noticing the plants grow along the freeway, observing the seasons change, and being able to leave cruise control on with no fear of catching up with the car in front. Of course, the trip home did last an hour longer than ususal.

My typical gas mileage is 26.5 for mixed driving and 28 to 33 for freeway trips. So 37 was pretty impressive. Though I half expected this leisurely drive to be my last.

By the way, Dunlop has discontinued our SP5000 and finding one so all my tires would remain consistent was challenging and expensive ($109 at TireRack.com). I could have bought two Kumhos or something, but want all four to match until I'm ready to replace the whole bunch. Well, three of the four, anyway, since this new one will probably outlast the others.

mazdafun · September 2003

Glad you made it OK. I hardly saw that speed when I was in LA (only about a week last summer), but I guess I must've hit the more heavily-trafficked routes.

On a rather sad note, my wife's P5 has sustained a rather bad crack to its windshield (we have many lovely large rocks on our freeways...I don't think they ever clean them...the roads or the rocks), so what's to watch out for regarding windshield replacement? Also, please share what your approximate costs were.

iamz · October 2003

Your insurance should cover 100% of it but if not I think average costs are around $600 to $800. Glass coverage is only about $6 to $20 bucks a year. It's worth having.

mazdafun · October 2003

Turns out we don't have extra coverage for windshield replacement. However, my wife got a quote for $350 from a glass installer our dealership service department usually gets to do glasswork. She's taking it to their facility for the work, so it'll be done in a relatively controlled environment.

boggse · October 2003

It is not available as separate coverage in North Carolina, but is instead included in the Comprehensive coverage.

Karen_S · October 2003

Mazda Mania Chat
Tuesday nights - 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET.

ublink · October 2003

I had to replace my windshield with less than 2000 miles - I changed my windshiled before I changed my oil. I carry $500 deductable so it didn't help. I paid $250 and they came and did it in the parking lot at work. Call around, I had gotten an online quote of $300+. Rotten deal, but things could be worse.

dinu01 · October 2003

I saw on another board you're back.

Here's the info: Yes - 1.6L and 2.0L use the same oil filter. Part# B6Y1.

Dinu

kizeh · October 2003

Well, not really. My P5 on the bottom of Lake Blue Ridge.

dinu01 · October 2003

Where is this lake?

Dinu

kizeh · October 2003

Northern Georgia, by a town called (surprise!) Blue Ridge. They were working on the dam, and apparently drained the lake. It was pretty funny seeing all the elaborate big pontoon piers just sitting in the sand with hundreds of yards to the nearest puddle of water.

Beyond that, getting to drive the twisty mountain roads of northern GA was a total hoot. Two of my friends won't ride with me anymore, the third one is crying for more! The little car even did pretty well on forest service roads, though I did stop short of fording a creek

dinu01 · October 2003

Nothing like hopping in a fun to drive car for a ride.

You should have a travel show on TV - "Protege Cruises".

Dinu

bluong1 · October 2003

thanks for the oil filter info.

PS: Good to be back here!

jimxo · October 2003

My dealer tells me a redesign 2004 model will have 150 or a 170 hp engines available?

Anyone have info on this new car or pics?

dinu01 · October 2003

Dinu

SAR21102 · October 2003

Thanks very much to Bruno, Ted, Dinu, and others for answering my questions and helping me with my decision. Tonight I brought home my new Pro5, and I'm very pleased. I'm going to miss my Audi A4, but the deal was good, and I've reduced my car payment from $470 to $165 per month as I head back to school.

FYI: 2003 Midnight Blue Pro5
AT, ABS, bumper guard, wheel locks
$3500 under invoice with rebate ($14085 + TTL)
$15100 OTD before trade-in.

I know I'm gonna like this car! Now I just have to get used to left being right and up being down as I go from the German to the Japanese.

Take care,
Steven

dinu01 · October 2003

Take it easy for 600-1000 miles then go have a little fun with it

Dinu

pappy55 · October 2003

I finally ended my comparison and waiting insanity and pulled the trigger on a new 2003.5 Laser Blue Mica Pro5. The car met most items on my want list and the low price took me over the edge-

MT
wheel locks
cassette
cargo net
floor mats
$13,400 + TTL

others considered:
Mazda3-not keen on first year models and would probably be a while until incentives.
Mazda6 Hatch-U.S. build quality?? and couldn't wait til April. Too much car and $$ for a daily commuter.
FocusZX5-just felt 'cheaper' than the P5
Elantra GT Hatch-styling??

My 51 mile update-
The Pro5 ROCKS. Handles like a dream. Brakes are fantastic. Pleasant engine sound and taught suspension give a great feeling. Stereo adequate but nothing to write home about. Able to squeeze 1 infant seat, one toddler seat and 1 7-year old in the rear seat. Decent cargo space to boot. Who needs a freakin SUV? This car is FUN FUN FUN. Can't wait until the break-in period is over.

Wish list-
Head unit is nice, but wish it played MP3s
Could use more power OR better MPG, but not NEITHER. Time will tell.
Tires-$$$, few choices. nuff said

Now I need to figure out how to keep my wife's hands off it.

Thanks for all the advice. The Edmunds forums were a big help.

Kirstie_H · October 2003

Congratulations on your new Pro5, pappy55! Keep us all up-to-date as you put some miles on it.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

boggse · October 2003

http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0310/21/autos-303800.htm

bluong1 · October 2003

Steven and Mark on your new Pro5. Please keep us post.

I just make a trip Grenoble/Lille/Paris/Grenoble and bring my car to past her exam for qualifying European standard. She did past! There is a guy at the organization who is in charge of take a look of my car. He testdrove on the track and he likes it so much! He said the steering is like a carting racing car, with amazing handling and powerful brake. He also likes the engine that has plenty of punch! And I can tell you that he usually see many nice/expensive cars during his job.

During the trip, I beat my new speed record: 120 mph (don't worry, I did it on an empty highway)!

Bruno

Kirstie_H · October 2003

A major newspaper is looking to interview people who recently bought small cars after previously
driving larger cars or SUVs, despite whether you traded from big to small or if you still have the larger vehicle. He's especially looking for drivers of the Mini Cooper, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Dodge Neon, Hyundai Tiburon and Mazda Protege. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Tuesday, October 28, 2003 with your daytime contact info and the type of vehicles you had and have.
Thanks!

wonderwall · October 2003

i bought a 2003 classic red PR5 on wednesday of last week after 6 months of looking.traded my beloved but soon to be troublesome 1997 VW Jetta. i looked at the civic, corolla, golf, focus, elantra. got a great deal and i'm having a great time breaking it in and will have a better time once the break-in period is final. the car is a little showy and i tend to be a little on the introverted side but you know...

i really like the handling and frankly-though some may disagree- i find it to have good pick up. the brakes are excellent and the interior is comfortable and i thought the material quality was a cut above all the other small cars i looked at with the exception of perhaps the golf.

bluong1 · October 2003

i really like the handling and frankly-though some may disagree- i find it to have good pick up.

Not from me. I definitively like the low-end torque and short gear ratios of the MT, the car is indeed lively. Only from above 5000 rpm that the engine starts to feels weaker and run out of breath at 6000 rpm. But how often one need to go close to the red line?

Congratulation btw!

dinu01 · October 2003

I agree with you also: You don't need to make the 2.0L engine scream to get going.

Dinu

wonderwall · October 2003

yeah, the low end torque is pretty good. that's what i always liked about my Jetta was there was some grunt. my wife has a 1998 civic and it really doesn't seem to show itself until the car sounds like it's going to disintegrate. my family has had a number of mazdas and all have had phenomenal service out of them. i really didn't think i would feel this way about a car that wasn't say for instance an Alfa Romeo or BMW...

wonderwall · October 2003

...and thank you both for the congrats...

protege_fan · October 2003

And come to the Mazda Chat...open right now!

Mazda Protege5

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