Mazda Protegé

groharlem

You all should read the December issue of sport compact car. It has a really good article entitled "The [non-permissible content removed] filter". which is about OE horespower claims

Example...

2000 miata was claimed to be 138 hp. It dynoed at 112 at the wheels

2001 miata had NO changes to the driveline, but mazda bumped up that rating to 155. Sport Compact Car magazine noticed that and dyno'ed a new one and got 112 HP!!!! They reported it in their mag, and mazda apologized to everyone and offered to buy back all Miatas or give a $1500 rebate.

The 2.0 130 hp motor in all the new proteges dyno's in at about 100-105 hp at the wheels. I don't know about you, but i don't see how a transmission can soak up 30 horsepower just like that. I think Mazda should stop with the lies and state a good honest HP amount.

Honda's generally are withing 10-15 hp of their ratings regardless of how much hp they have....the 92-95 civic is rated at 102 hp. Dyno'ed its 95 hp...a 7hp difference. THe integra GSR is rated at 170 hp, and dyno's at 161 hp....thats only a 9 hp difference.

Mazda's and NIssan's on the other hand are usually pretty far off. The new Sentra SER Vspec is rated at 180 hp..(recently dropped to 175 b/c nissan KNOWS that rating is optimistic). ON the dyno, it got 141 hp.... A 39 HP DROP!?!??!?! Thats gotta be a load of crap

They said in that article that Toyota's are usually pretty close...maybe 10% off at the most

mdaffron

I was just surfing around this morning and came across a site that shows "1-year-old used prices" in their reviews. Here's the link to the 2001 Protege:

http://www.autofan.com/review.asp?ID=421

Interestingly, according to that site, a one-year-old Protege ES sells for 88.6 percent of its original MSRP. I quickly looked at a Civic EX, and depending on equipment, the Civic retains 88.9 to 89.3 percent of its MSRP. So maybe Proteges are starting to hold their value better than ever before, now that they're more popular -- and more highly recommended -- than ever before.

Meade

vocus

It doesn't make me feel better actually. I have higher than usual mileage on my car, and also some scratches. That's what lowers the value, but that's my own fault because I drive so much. That isn't going to change, and I am not getting a new car anytime soon anyway, so it doesn't matter.

On a disappointing note, I came out to go to work this morning and discovered a 5-inch or so CRACK in the driver's side of my windshield! Ugh, the same thing happend to my 1999 DX, but on the other side. Anyway, I ran my fingernail all along the area, and no stone chip. Maybe it's a structural thing. I am going to take the car to the dealer and find out. Looks like I won't be putting the Protege decal on my windshield until it's fixed.

mdaffron

I'd MOVE if I were you! Geesh, where do you live? Sounds like a wonderful neighborhood!

Meade

vocus

Right now, I live with my parent who will not move (you know how that goes about living in the same house all of one's life). I don't have a choice to move, or I would. I am thinking about turning the back yard into a parking pad though, so we will see how that comes along.

mdaffron

Move out of the ghetto and get a nice apartment somewhere!

Meade

pcalvin

do they say how far off Subie is with the WRX?

mdaffron

From the Motorweek website:

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2040.shtml

(Sorry; it is a few months old, but it's for the 2001 Protege, MP3 and P5)

Meade

mdaffron

pcalvin, your messages 5360 and 5362 are the same. Did you want to delete one?

Meade

protege_fan

I guess pcalvin really wants an answer. Sorry pcalvin, I dunno.

vocus

I would be glad to move if someone plans to pay for my apartment expenses. Otherwise, I will just have to put up with the drama of parking and all that until then. Besides, no one cracked my windshield anyway. Something on the road hit it. I had the same thing happen to my 1999 DX.

pcalvin

Stupid me; I guess when I refreshed my browser it reposted or something.

pcalvin

I've noticed that my AC isn't as cold nor as efficient as my old car's, and that '92 LeSabre's AC wasn't the greatest. How does everyone else's AC cool, and how cold is the air coming out?
On another note; I took my pro into the shop to have the stereo swapped - a cd was stuck in there. They removed the stereo to put the new one in, only to discover that they didn't have the replacement. The funny thing however, is that when I got the car back is was running, I shut it off, turned it back on a minute later and the cd came right out! The CD had been stuck in there for three weeks! I guess if you disconnect the hard-line power it can make the cd player reset or something.
Also, does the antenna on the pro telescope? Ever since I got the car back from the dealer about the cd player, the antenna has been flush with the car. I thought I remembered it always being out, and I have noticed that my radio stations don't come in like they used to.
Thanks for the info.
P

mdaffron

Yep, the antenna telescopes. Just pull it back out. It'll stop when it's out all the way.

Paul ... something on the road hit your car? How did something on the road jump up four feet in the air and hit your windshield? Don't you really mean that you were following someone too closely and got pegged by a rock thrown up from their tires?

;-)

Hey -- I've done that too. But it wasn't the ROAD'S fault.

Meade

vocus

Yeah, something jumped up from the road. DUH! It was a rock. I had the windshield in my 1999 DX get cracked the same way. I followed the truck that threw the rock, called the boss, told him my situation, and he paid for my windshield. I didn't get as lucky this time, but maybe I will sometime soon and a truck will throw a rock and get me and crack it further. Then I will get it replaced.

Calvin: The AC isn't as cold as my last Protege's either, to me. Of course, my car is black too. Having the windows tinted dark made alot of difference in the interior temp. too. I had my AC checked, but it was normal I was told. Oh well. Also, the antenna does telescope.

I had problems with my CD player, and still do. Sometimes, I will put in a CD and the indicator light won't come on, but it comes right back out when I hit "eject". I might just end up changing to an aftermarket head unit to avoid this problem.

mdaffron

To have the truck's owner pay for your mistake. Most won't do it -- you were following too closely, they'll say. (And they'd be right.)

The only CD problem I've ever had was when I put a labeled CD in my player (a no-no as stated in the manual). Otherwise, mine works well.

And the A/C in my 2000 ES (Emerald Mica, if that matters) is REALLY cold. Are you guys setting the temp lever to its coldest setting and using recirculation?

Boy, I'm beginning to feel glad that I got a 2000 before these problem-prone 2001s came out!

Meade

narenji

And the A/C is freezing cold, even without using the recirc mode- I thought my Sentra's A/C was weak, but according to Nissan, a system putting out around 45 deg F is a pretty cold A/c system. Check the temp and see. It should be below 50 deg, at the least. The newer R134 A/C systems aren't as cold as the older R12 Freon systems. The newer stuff is environmentally better, but it's not as cold as freon was. My older 1993 MX6 consistently blows out air at around 40 deg F, pretty chilly cold for a 8 year old car.

vocus

The normal temp. for most cars is 38-degrees. My old roommate's 2000 Neon had some of the coldest AC I ever felt in a car. I hated that car. but liked the AC alot in it.

Boris2

CD in my wife's '00 Protege is giving us lots of problems as well. It wouldn't go to the next song or wouldn't take the CD (it takes it, but wouldn't play it). I tried cleaning it and it helped but not too much.

A/C is pretty good ones it "warmes up" or should I say "Coldes up" :-) The problem is that it takes a while for it to start blowing cold air after the car was on the open parking lot in 100F outside for the whole day. Her car is dark green, which is pretty much like Black heat-accumulation wise.

vocus

As you all know, I have had one CD player replaced because I "blew out" the head unit. It just went dead on me, nothing came out. The second one I have now is having problems too. When turning the volume way up, the sounds "skips" (on FM or CD) like it's gonna cut out. If the radio wasn't meant to play that high, then it shouldn't be allowed to be turned up that high. Makes no sense to me. I will probably end up going to get an aftermarket radio for my Pro.

vocus

I had a little argument on the phone with my service guy today. He told me if I got the MP3 muffler and put it on my 2001 ES, it would void the warranty. I told him he was wrong. I also told him his parts dept. sold the part as a Mazda accessory, it would fit the car (he asked ME if it would or not), and it would indeed be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. I tell you, if I got one service person in any dealership with any amount of brains one day, I think the shock would plain just kill me dead.

I called in the first place to ask about an ordered part for my car, because the last service order said something about a "seat part" being ordered for the driver's side. Turns out it was an exhaust gasket that was ordered. Why it was listed in the part about the seat makes no sense. Also, I didn't even make them aware of any exhaust problems, so I guess that's a good thing on their part then.

groharlem

Ouch:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=597153765&r=0&t=0

vocus

That link was on here this morning. Someone is quite sad right about now I bet. That sucks. I would love to get some parts from that car for my ES too.

protege_fan

One of the shots shows the underbody of the car. Can anybody point out the oil drain plug? I think I can see it on the fourth pic down from the top, but am not 100% sure.

Thanks

PF

chicagopro

Chat tonight

Chat tonight

Chat tonight

Chat tonight

norcan

Hi there everybody! How ya doin? The leaves are falling (into every nook and cranny of my car).

I'm probably going to buy winter tires and steel rims for my 2001 ES with 16 inch alloys. My dealer sells Pirelli, does anyone have info on Winter Ice Assym. 195-55-15s? Found out that because of the 2001 brakes being bigger than before the rims they stock are double the cost for 2000 models. I checked out a Canadian e-tire site and their tire $$$ is the same as the dealer!

Read about the Mazda for sale, black exterior and black leather interior. Ouch! I'm glad I have a remote starter - I cool the car off in summer and warm it up in winter before I get into it. I highly recommend checking one out if you park outside.

fowler3

My A/C is COLD! I have to dial in some heat even in the summer to keep my feet from freezing. My '01 LX is Sand Mica and doesn't get real hot. It's one of the coldest A/C units I have ever had.

Yes, tonight is CHAT NIGHT! Join us at 6:00PM PT and 9:00PM ET for Mazda Speak and other topics. Moderator-dee usually comes in early to turn the lights on.

vocus: I saw a Lexus ES-300 the other day with the same problem. It looked like something the size of a canalope hit his windshield on the driver's side.
There was a big hole and the whole sheet of glass had cracks radiating from the hole. It was sagging into the car.

A couple in a SUV were standing by as both waited for the police. Can't imagine what hit that 300. There was nothing wrong with the SUV.

It's been a long time, but I have had chipped windshields and it usually turned out to be kids throwing rocks.

fowler3

fowler3

A while back -- it was a good while back -- we discussed which windshield cleaners to use. The best I have seen is the blue stuff we buy for the washer bottle on our cars. Why not use that in a left-over spray bottle?

It doesn't leave a film and you won't have those spots above the wiperblades as when you use the built-in washer. And it's cheap!

fowler3

pjd58

4 chipped windshields in the past 8 years, plus numerous paint chips on her hood. I have never had a cracked windshield.

Moral of the story.....My wife tailgates, I don't.

Believe me it makes a difference!

yooper53

for the Thursday night chat. Last Sunday (the 21st) someone hit an adult cow moose about 300 yards up the road from me. He was darn lucky to have had it hit the drivers side rather than head on since the damage was minimal..Easy way to get killed.

chicagopro

Um, in the Upper Peninsula that might be an easy way to get killed.

Trust me, I would have to be trying pretty darn hard to get killed that way here in Chicago.

black01coupev6

paint chips and window damages are caused by following too closely. My 99 Accord suffered both and neither were due to following too closely. One time some idiots threw a bottle out of their car that caused 2 deep scratches on my hood (of course I was doing 90 at the time but he was in an entirely different lane).

And my windshield in the same 99 Accord got chipped when a dump truck passed me on the freeway. Luckily it didn't crack and I got it filled very quickly.

mdaffron

Is the PMS bad this month? Man, your love/hate relationship has really gone south this time!!!

Meade

fowler3

Sorry I didn't show up at the chat after posting the notice. Got new glasses yesterday and started getting a bad headache after being online five times during the day.

Talk about a cracked windshield: I had a bad fall last Saturday while walking my dog. We go to a park that has lots of squirrels she loves to take off after. She's always on a leash and pulls like a workhorse trying to get to get the squirrel. I started running after her and tripped landing on my face on the edge of a cement slab. Broke my glasses and had a beautiful black eye for several days.

fowler3

dinu01

winter tires: let me know where did u try to get them? there seems to be a lot of us e-tailers, but no canadian ones. i'm considering switching tires too. got a price of $700 (tax in) for 4 15" steel rims with 4 kumho's. can you let me know what you were quoted? i am in toronto. where are you?

dinu01

very cool in the summer. mind you, we don't need it any longer here on canada (already had temperatures close to freezing this month). have you noticed how we can only defrost with the a/c on? it's effective (quick), but runs a/c (increased fuel consumption; loss of power; wear and tear on a/c system).

and as for the mp3 = ouch! hard too see a new car like that.

speedypt

I just ordered my winter tires from tirerack.com. Got the Michelin Artic-Alpins in 195/60QR14 size with new steel rims for $436.04 complete. It included mounting and balancing, shipping, and two free Motorola TalkAbout radios!

I'm really glad to be getting them as my Poortenzas are getting a little scary just in the rain. I will be replacing them sometime this spring with the new Bridgestone S-03's in 205/55-15 size. I only had to deal with snow once last winter (remember I moved to Chicago in March...) and it was really scary on the stock RE92's.

Once I get them I'll report back on how I like them, handling, traction, noise, etc...

TGIF to you all...

Regards,

Pete

protege_fan

What do you mean Dinu? Does it automatically kick in when you turn on the defroster? I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing as it's good to use the A/C system in order to keep parts lubricated.

pjd58

Of course If someone is going to toss a bottle at your car something bad is going to happen.

I have been driving for 25 years and have never had a damaged windshield. My Wife tailgates and rocks kick up all the time at her van.

mdaffron

The car uses the a/c compressor in defrost, like most modern cars do, to dehumidify the air inside the car and defrost more effectively. Listen to your engine as you put the selector on defrost. You'll hear the compressor cycling on and off just like when you have the a/c on.

Meade

protege_fan

A few days ago, I took a drive late at night on the highway. I noticed that my right headlight seems to shine further ahead than my left headlight. Is there any way to fix this? Do I just have to simply adjust the assembly? Do I have to unscrew anything? Thanks in advance.

Pro_fan

mdaffron

I don't know what the regs are like in Canada, but here in Virginia, the headlights are supposed to be aimed that way to keep your left headlight from blinding oncoming motorists. The left one is always a little lower and to the right compared with the right one.

Meade

protege_fan

That makes so much sense. Thanks Meade!

elec3

That was one thing I noticed about my Pro5 - the air conditioner really doesn't blow very cold. It's cool but not as cold as I'd like whether on fresh air or recirc. Granted when I first got down here air temps were 100F+ so there was a lot of cooling to do but I expected better cooling over time (with windows closed and air blowing hard on recirc. Fortunately it's very dry here in southern New Mexico and if it's hot out but not ungodly hot I usually just open my windows and roof and enjoy the sunshine. The air only goes on for longer trips, when it gets way too hot out, or if the humidity is up (a few percent more than usual will kill ya when it's 104 degrees).

My P5 is silver with no tint (I have an Illinois registration and tint is almost entirely verboten in IL, bad news for me here in NM). The upside is I don't have to care about winter tires - it never snows here

ashutoshsm

Had the oil changed at the local Ford/Mazda dealer (I get coupons and use their service every alternate service).

On my drive back, I noticed a MILD burning smell, almost like some hot liquid (or liquid splattered on a hot surface).

Their oil change includes a check of ALL fluids, and I know they often top up windshield and I've seen them check brake fluid, ATF and coolant.

Could the smell just be something like a spilt liquid? What should I check for. Of course, if the smell goes away with a short drive, I wouldn't worry - but I only drove like 2 miles after the oil change.

Anyone know where the drain plug for oil and other fluids on the 95 DX (1.5 litre) engine is?

TIA!

newcar31

I almost guarantee that the smell is burnt oil. When you change the oil filter on your car, oil drains right over and onto your exhaust. It'll burn off eventually. Nothing to worry about at all.

black01coupev6

So far I have been lucky and the Protege has been spared any chips or scratches. The 99 Accord was on the highway alot more so that's probably why it had such an ill fate. Although relatively small any imperfection in my car drives me up the wall.

Speaking of AC ... I have noticed that the AC in my black accord seems to be a bit more effective than the AC in the Pro. I never had to turn the AC on recirculate in the Accord and the climate control kept it cool set at a 72-75 degree temp. In the Pro on hot days I have to turn it on recirculate until I have been riding for a few minutes. Maybe the Pro just has a smaller AC compressor (that's probably a dumb comment but it's late).

ashutoshsm

That's a relief, although I'll keep my nostrils open during my drive tomorrow!

5speed1

Howdy again all. Got a quote yesterday at a local tire shop for a set of snows/rims for the ES. Without blinking the guy tells me it'll be "around $850.00"! Mingia!
I really would like to put the alloys away for the winter, but that sounded a bit high to me.
Does anybody see any major detriment to putting a set of 14" snows on my ES? It would save em bit o' cash, that's for sure. But do you think it would cause any major problems going from the standard 15" to a set of 14" snows?

PS-Hurry! That &*%#@# white stuff is flying outside my window as I type this! Booooo!
Gotta love upstate NY.

carlrjr

Using a 14" 185/65 instead of a 15" 195/50-55 tire will is better for snow and ice. The narrower contact patch give more weight per square inch and helps the car cut through the snow. A wider tire is more like a big rubber toboggan on ice and snow. So you can save money and get better traction with the 14's. Check tirerack.com for prices, when I needed tires they beat all the local stores for price.