Mazda Protegé

vocus

If you wanted it a different color, you would want it painted. Some people do that. I know for a fact it lowers the car's value when you have that done though.

newcar31

exactly. I think it's absolutely ridiculous to have a brand new car painted. Unless you want a really outrageuos color that isn't a factory color, I don't see why you wouldn't just order a different color.

mazdafun

I purchased mine from Stongard themselves. They have pre-cut kits for the current Pro and the P5. They stopped listing the 99-00 Pro, but probably still have the program on file.

I think the headlamp kit, which is separate from either of the front-end kits, is about $50. I think the full front end kit is about $500. I think a partial front end kit costs almost $300, and excludes the lower front end (bumper fascia, fogs etc.).

I think local shops charge a few hundred to apply the kit to you car. After applying just the headlamp covers, I think I'd pay someone the money to put it on the sheetmetal. I do have a few air bubbles in mine, but since they're on transparent plastic, they're hard to see until you get close up. Judging from the number of pieces (they have images available on their site), it'd probably take at least a few hours time to apply them all.

It's heartening to see that the Pro and P5 sell in sufficient numbers to enough caring owners that Stongard thought it worth their while to custom-cut kits for them. It took a while for the '99 kits to show up. The '01 and P5 kits came out almost right away. Still regret they didn't get the '99 kit out faster. Maybe I can still get the partial kit and save the hood and fenders.

tomciviletti

A tire model often comes with different mileage ratings, sometimes different ratings in different sizes, and sometimes different in replacement versus original equipment versions [they put cheaper ones on new cars to reduce the price.] As I wrote, looks like my RE92's are good for 30k miles, not bad for performance tires until the last few years when long lasting performance tires began to appear.

The RE92 is not a great snow tire, but I think it is average for high performance all-weather tires, that is, better than high performance summer tires.

Speed rating is not that important unless you cruise at high speed. But good handling tires usually come in higher speed ratings so porches and corvettes can use them. So there is a correlation between speed rating and handling.

I wouldn't trust tirerack's user ratings to compare tires of different types [eg, max performance versus touring.] the ratings are subjective and people who buy inexpensive touring tires have different expectations than people who who want cutting edge performance. The ratings are useful within tire types. Look at their tire tests for somewhat more applicable comparisons. If the car, tire size, and track conditions are similar, the results will be comparable.

dinu01

To prevent damage to your car's finish, try this:

http://www.3m.com

Look for automotive paint protectant

I was offered this product by Prima Mazda in Woodbridge (suburb of T.O.) to cover the lower hood (like a bug deflector), all of the front bumper, and ALL lights (foglights included). The price was steep from what I remembered (a few good hundreds! - maybe $600+ CDN). The film was already pre-cut from 3M for the PROs.

Duh_ster: Try either this type of film, or just plain crazy glue.

reagle

Sorry I forgot to mention. It's a 2002 Pro Es with AT. As far as not having gas in the filler tube, is it even big enough to hold more then two gallons I was able to squueze in after the first click?

fowler3

I didn't like the colors offered by Buick that year, not even their light blue. When you ordered a car from the factory, in the 1960's, you could specify any color, even from other car manufacturers. It wasn't unheard of. That's how fleet and company car buyers get cars painted specific colors.

They don't paint over an already painted new car, they pull the car you ordered off the assembly line and paint it when the specific paint comes in.

I don't think that is an option these days, except at BMW and MB, when you order metalic paint at extra cost.

If it was an option, I would have ordered a Pro in a different color from their standard colors. The color would have been Mazda's Chestnut with Beige trim.

fowler3

rockinsage

One of my OEM Bridgestone Potenza's is damaged beyond repair. I'm replacing all 4 since I have about 30,000 miles on the car. The OEM tire size is 195/55-15, speed rating is V. Not happy with the 3-4 all-season tires available in that size/rating, so I've been thinking about going up a size (but same size ratio) to 205/50-15. There are many more tires available in this size, and the Dunlop SP Sport A2 is a terrific all-season tire in this size (and reasonably priced), but it's also an H rated tire (down one rating from V).

Has anyone moved to a 205/50-15 H-rated tire from a 195/55-15 V rated tire? At the suggestion of my Tirerack guy, I placed the order, but I must admit I'm nervous. Another guy at the Tirerack said this wasn't recommended, but supposedly he was a "new" guy.

Supposedly, the 2000 ES can take this tire, since the size ratio remains the same, and the downgrade to an H rating won't matter much since the tread width will offer greater handling. I would love to hear others educated opinions and experiences on this. Thanks!

mazdafun

Don't worry about it. I think the automatic cut-off at that one pump was probably on the sensitive side. It's really annoying trying to fill-up at one of those. I once had to re-start the pump 6 times at a really poorly-maintained pump at some back-water station in the middle of nowhere (not much choice).

The fill pipe can't hold 2 gallons. If you don't see gas in the filler hole, you're OK.

mazdafun

Don't know about going up to that size. I got my 185/65R14 (yeah, yeah...stop laughing) to replace the stock Firestone FR680s. MUCH better on wet and snow-covered roads. Decent on ice, but I always take it easy on ice when I know it's there. Quieter and less rolling resistance (yet, more traction). Quicker and less likely to roll onto its sidewalls in fast turns. The sidewalls look nice too!

fowler3

sounds to me like that service station is shorting the buyers. If a pump shows more gallons than you know will go in the tank, they are cheating you. They have set the pumps to read high.

Check with your state's consumer department about this, the Weights and Measures Department. They will check that station and if they are doing it they will be fined.

fowler3

duh_ster

cuz the crack on my foglight feels like it's on the INSIDE...so, maybe that 3M stuff will work...anyways, it'll help keep water out, which will conserve lamp life (THANX ALL!). i wish i used this stuff on my front end when i first got my car...got too many rock chips to count now! my friend's got it on his Golf, and he says it works like a dream...
o well...i'll have to get it on the NEXT pro i buy...;)
'duh'

protegextwo

It was great to see so many regulars and a newbie at the chat last night. I had a verrry good time. :-)))

-Larry

sfrat

Well, I took the plunge this week and ordered some of their sound deadening material from the advice here. (I also looked at Dynomat, but it was much more expensive, and decided against it) I should get the stuff today, and will install it this weekend. I will post results on Monday. I'm hoping for good results.

Have a good weekend all. Happy zoom zoom.

Steve

protegextwo

Steve, isn't that what J.J. used to say, in the old sitcom "Good Times" when he was excited?

DYNOMATE DYNOMATE!

Whoops, I think he said; DYNAMITE. :-))

-Larry

maltb

put that rubber cement away...

protegenic

Let us know how that turns out as I would be interested in possibly doing something down the road. I get the new tires this afternoon, so that should help the noise issue.

I am also going to have to join the chat in the future. It sounds like a good time.

sfrat

The Jack Daniels is for the Jack Daniels platters, not to drink. :-)

I'm really excited to install this stuff. I'm not expecting Lexus quietness, but am anxious to see how it works.

Steve

vocus

The only problem in the Protege ES I had with noise was with road noise. The 2.0 engine (I had a 2001 as you all probably know by now) was a really noise engine too, I thought. The 1.8T Jetta I have now is alot quieter, although still has alot of road noise due to the low-profile 17-inch tires I have on it.

protegenic

Vocus, you just have to love the growl of that 1.8T! I actually like the sound of the 1.8 in my '99 ES most of the time. High speeds might be another story though.

chicagopro

maltb: LOL

Larry: Sorry I couldn't make chat...who all was there?

jtsang

I noticed that you had problem with a rattling noise at high RPM's. My '97 Protege ES started doing that a few months ago just under 3000 RPMs Did you ever figure out what it was?

protegextwo

All the regulars, a newbie and ole speedy Pete. But,....where was Dale?

:-o

-Larry

newcar31

The Protege's engine would be quieter if it was a turbo. Turbos cancel out a lot of engine noise. I actually think the 2.0L in the Protege is quite smooth and quiet compared to some of the other 4cyl cars out there.

dsm6

Yet another reason to build a turbo Protege MPS. Kill two birds with one stone. How about it, Mazda?

vocus

I never knew that a turbo quieted the engine down some. I know I have a little vibration in my 1.8T when stopped sometimes, but it was worse in my 2001 Protege. Also, the 1.6 engine (to me, anyway) in my 1999 DX was less vibratory than the 2.0 was.

newcar31

That's another thing: The bigger the displacement 4 cyl, the more vibrations it is going to create, hence the use of balance shafts. I can't imagine how rough those old 4 cyl 944s were. Those things had huge 4 cyls, I think 3.0L.

vocus

Yeah, they were 3.0L 4s. The biggest 4 I have ever seen used in a car to this day.

sfrat

How does a Turbo cancel out engine noise? I just thought they made the engine quieter because it required the engine to work less because of the turbo. You might hear the noise that the turbo is making rather than the noise of the engine. Is that what you mean?

newcar31

What I mean is that a turbo by nature cancels out most exhaust noise. I guess the whistle of the turbo could hide other noises too.

sfrat

thanks for the clarification. I hope they do put a turbo in the next Protege.

I just saw pictures of the new corolla. That's not a bad looking small car either, although not as sporty as the Pro.

Steve

chicagopro

from the Tribune today:

Ford will close the Edison Assembly Plant in Edison, N.J., and the Ontario Truck Plant in Oakville, Ontario by 2004; the Cleveland Aluminum Casting in Brook Park, Ohio, in either 2003 or 2004; the St. Louis Assembly Plant in Hazelwood, Mo., by a date to be determined; and the Vulcan Forge in Dearborn, Mich., as soon as possible. About 21,000 of the job cuts are in North America.

The automaker will eliminate production of the Ford Escort, Mercury Cougar, Mercury Villager and Lincoln Continental this year.

Larry: Wish I could have been at chat! Had to go to the doctor instead

dsm6

I wonder how that will affect mazda - you'd think that it would have to have some kind of effect

mazdafun

They're actually be at least break-even by the end of this fiscal, I think. They're past the trough. The 6 and more powerful MPV should help increase sales too.

tomciviletti

longterm member jstandefer put 205/50/15's on his "99 pro es with no problem. I'm thinking of goin to 205/55-15 cause I don't want to increase revs in 5th gear. The only possible problem would clearance wit tire chains.

yooper53

I agree.

newcar31

That's cool. Since the Edison plant is closing, that's just more Rangers for the St. Paul plant to build.

speedypt

I really enjoyed the chat last night. My first one (I'm usually working at that time).

I actually prefer that to the boards a little. I guess it's the feeling of actually having a conversation....

Thanks to all who were there for the warm welcome and to our gracious host Dee.

Regards,

Pete

kaiserhead

I didn't find out what that rattling was, but it went away a few months ago, strange.

protegextwo

Vehicle Depreciation is best calculated with Bank Leasing Guides. ALG(Auto Leasing Guide) is the number one company, leading institutions use to calulate lease depreciation. Their site provides residual value data for new automobiles.
http://alg.com/
http://12.107.25.158/muni/purisima.asp
Here is how they rate:
24 months-
2001 Honda Civic ES retains 61% of it's value.
2001 Volks Jetta GLS retains 61% of it's value.
2001 Toyota ECHO retains 56% of it's value.
2001 Nissan Sentra SE retains 55% of it's value.
2001 Saturn SL2 retains 55% of it's value.
2001 Toyota Corolla LE retains 54% of it's value.
2001 Ford Focus ZTS retains 54% of it's value.
2001 Mazda Protege ES retains 53% of it's value.
2001 Subaru Impreza AWD retains 52% of it's value.
2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS retains 45% of it's value
2001 Chevy Cavalier LS retains 44% of it's value.
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX+ retains 43% of it's value.
2001 Daewoo Nubira CDX retains 43% of it's value.
2001 Dodge Neon ES retains 40% of it's value.
2001 KIA Spectra GSX retains 37% of it's value.

48 months-
2001 Honda Civic ES retains 46% of it's value.
2001 Volks Jetta GLS retains 46% of it's value.
2001 Toyota ECHO retains 39% of it's value.
2001 Nissan Sentra SE retains 41% of it's value.
2001 Saturn SL2 retains 39% of it's value.
2001 Toyota Corolla LE retains 41% of it's value.
2001 Ford Focus ZTS retains 38% of it's value.
2001 Mazda Protege ES retains 38% of it's value.
2001 Subaru Impreza AWD retains 39% of it's value.
2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS retains 30% of it's value
2001 Chevy Cavalier LS retains 32% of it's value.
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX+ retains 30% of it's value.
2001 Daewoo Nubira CDX retains 29% of it's value.
2001 Dodge Neon ES retains 28% of it's value.
2001 KIA Spectra GSX retains 25% of it's value.

60 months-
2001 Honda Civic ES retains 41% of it's value.
2001 Volks Jetta GLS retains 40% of it's value.
2001 Toyota ECHO retains 33% of it's value.
2001 Nissan Sentra SE retains 35% of it's value.
2001 Saturn SL2 retains 33% of it's value.
2001 Toyota Corolla LE retains 36% of it's value.
2001 Ford Focus ZTS retains 32% of it's value.
2001 Mazda Protege ES retains 32% of it's value.
2001 Subaru Impreza AWD retains 34% of it's value.
2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS retains 24% of it's value
2001 Chevy Cavalier LS retains 27% of it's value.
2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX+ retains 26% of it's value.
2001 Daewoo Nubira CDX retains %24 of it's value.
2001 Dodge Neon ES retains 24% of it's value.
2001 KIA Spectra GSX retains 20% of it's value.

Pretty interesting?


-Larry

fowler3

a long time you have to take a beating on resale one way or another. There's no way around it. Look at all the cars on dealers' lots, there has to be a way to average values and depreciation is it. Unless it becomes a "classic" and the value holds or appreciates over time.

One of the few small cars worth more than it cost new is the original Ford Mustang. When I saw them I thought they would never sell because they looked so poorly built. Boy, was I wrong.

By the way, if you have a homepage did you know you can get a free chat room for it? http://www.beseen.com It doesn't work exactly like on here, it's minimum, but it works.

Ford closing plants and laying off workers is very bad news. I heard the reason was the need to cut costs and retool for newer models planned for 2005.

We all know there are just too many models on the market from all the companies. They need to weed out a few. The economy can't support so many niche models. Although it has been a long time since Chevy and Ford have sold one million cars a year. They sell more trucks than cars these days.

Now every company is bringing out cross-over models. What will that do? Glut the lots with more niche cars!

Fifty years ago Chrysler's only niche car was a "Business Coupe", a two-door with no back seat and a huge trunk for traveling salesmen to put sample cases in. They died quickly. Salesmen used the family car with four doors so they could take clients to lunch.

By the time most of the new niche cars reach the market place the need for them will have changed. If there ever was a need in the first place.

fowler3

66falcon

Hi,all....just bought my 16 year old daughter an '01 Pro LX yesterday(1.6l). 16,500 miles on it which concerns me a little considering how new the car is, but it's the only car my daughter ever pointed out to me on a car lot and said she'd like to have it. Anyway, my main question may be laughable, but the rear door panels have speaker grills on them but apparently no speakers??? There is no sound coming out of those back doors, so why does Mazda put in the grills? For aftermarket installation, or what? When I first looked at the car I just assumed it was a six speaker system but apparently not.

Seems like a great little car, but do you think 16,500 on the odo. is a bit extreme for a car just a year old? The warranty is good till March of '04 so that means this car wasn't sold until March of last year, and I know it was sitting on the lot for a month or so...I dunno, maybe I'm having second thoughts, but would any of you be wary of a car that had miles racked up so fast? The dealer tells me it was a program car. Thanks in advance for any replies.

tradrct

mileage shouldn't be any issue with the protege.. I have 30,400 miles on my 2000 mazda protege dx and the car just keeps getting better and better..

but seriously my car has had NO problems and I don't think yours will either. I just needed to do oil changes, replace the tires (at rather early mileage actually), and change the front brakes..

I'd consider the protege (especially the little 1.6 that you and me have) a maintenance and worry free car..

as far as no rear door speakers, yeah its normal.. in some asian markets they have the speakers in the rear door and I guess the rear deck is different in those countries then.. since 6 speakers (if they're all full range) is actually counter-productive in a sound system..

David

protegextwo

66falcon, David answered all your questions and I agree with his responses to your querys. I will tell you both of my 2000 Mazda ES's have 33,000 trouble free miles, so far. The speaker thing is a result of the current generation Protege being built in Japan for several international markets. The North American Proteges, do not come equipped/wired with 6 speakers, however the rear door panels retain the speaker covers.

I'm sure she will not drive 16,000 plus miles a year. I believe 15,000 miles per year is considered average? So after a couple of years of ownership the miles on her 2001, should level out. I cannot begin to tell you how much my wife and I enjoy our his and her 2000 PRO-ES's! I would never tell you how to raise your daughter, nonetheless please encourage her to drive safely and responsibly in her "new" Protege. Trust me, driving the Mazda Protege is addictive!!! Enjoy this great little sedan and put your mind at ease.

Respectfully,
Larry

vocus

I found out two times that the Protege's resale value is not all that good. My first Protege sold for $7500 (KBB value), and it was 20 months old with 38K on it. The car was $15K new (a DX). The second, a 2001 ES model loaded, was traded for $11,500 after MSRPing for $18,445 just 8 months prior and having 20K miles on it, and a cracked windshield and scratched hood.

protegextwo

"I found out two times that the Protege's resale value is not all that good."

Well, to be factual, the Protege ranks in the middle. Most, new cars lose a ton the second they are titled. :-)

-Larry

norcan

Hey ho all you Pro'ers. I've been back in T.O. for a couple of weeks now. I had a great holiday season in Saskatchewan, got some much needed sunshine! Just spent the last hour skimming through the hundreds of posts since Dec. 20.

Tire, tire and more tire talk! I'd report on my Pirelli winter tires but there isn't any snow, oh boy what a great investment!

Just saw a report in the weekend newspaper about a big VW recall for their 2L engines re. oxygen sensor - anyone else heard about it? I'll zip over to the VW area out of interest.

My favourite add-on to my Pro is the remote car starter (part of a anti-theft disabler I had installed by the Mazda dearler). Since I park outside I don't have to sit and wait for my car to warm up! When I drive away the engine isn't stone-cold either. What a treat!

Lynn, aka Norcan

newcar31

Another thing that you didn't consider when trading your 2001 ES in is that nobody wants that car on their lot right now. Used cars sales aren't what they used to be. Who wants a 2001 Protege with 20,000 miles and a big scratch on the hood when you can go out and get great deal on a brand new one, especially with the 0% financing.

dinu01

Actually it's better NOT to let your car idle for more than 30 secs after a cold start. The fluids need to circulate through their respective systems, not just partially. I used to have a remote starter in my 93 Civic, and while it was great to come to a warm car (after a 10 min walk to the parking lot at York U. - if you're familiar with the campus) and it's a great feeling, but it does some damage to the components. How significant? I'm not sure, but I'm not instaling one soon.

Depreciation: If you bought your PRO for driving it for 2-3 years and then selling it, you will lose $. I bought mine for at least 5-6 yrs, so it will be more reasonable. The PRO is not worth as much a Civic today, but I do think Mazdas will become more sought-after in a few years. The introduction of new sporty models has a lot with creating a brand image. After all, a Civic 1.7 and an Acura 1.7 is the same car, except the Acura commands more for having a the "ACURA" nameplate on it and an extra power accessory.

Dinu

maryboo19

Hi everyone, this is my first Town Hall post. I come from a loyal Nissan family, but I'm considering the Protege ES. The car I'm looking at has: Automatic Transmission, Premium Package, and Wheel Locks. MSRP is $18,160, and I was quoted $17,403 for this car with 0% 48mos. financing. Is this a fair deal?

I am in the New York City area, which may be a factor. I checked out Carsdirect.com and they had the same car for about $1,000 less because of a manufacturer to dealer rebate that ends on 4/1/01. Can someone please let me know if I should go ahead and sign the papers.

Thanks!!