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Comments
Pjd58
ChicagoPro - I think you have a 2000 ES like me...I too do NOT have a spoiler on my 2000 ES. The 2001 and later ES's have the spoiler standard. 2000's it was a $300 option. Personally, I like the spoiler strictly for the looks. There have been several times I've thought about putting one on "Trigger", but I just haven't gotten around to it. I guess I'm too busy thinking of things to beef up the performance.
Right now I'm considering a nitrous kit (can get a big discount from my mechanic) and am just trying to research most of the pros and cons of doing that. I am also considering a limited-slip differential, cross-drilled rotors (asthetic reasons only...remember, my 2000 ES has rear drum brakes) and if they ever come out with a supercharger for the Protege's 1.8l motor...I'd seriously consider that. I don't need a lot of HP's, just 40 or so extra. That's why the nitrous oxide system is so attractive. Cheapest, most non-invasive way to add that horsepower only when needed. Also...I could remove for trips to the dealer! (No voided warranty hassles).
Tires - My Michelin Artic-Alpins have exceeded my every expectation...on dry pavement that is. We haven't had much snow here in Chi-town yet this winter to really find out if I got my money's worth. I do plan on getting some Bridgestone S-03's for my "summer" tires as soon as the Poortenza RE92's wear out (credit: Meade for the name). I will probably go with 205/55-15 to keep the sidewall aspect ratio similar to stock.
Regards,
Pete
I think I'm just a chicken. Maybe when I'm out of warranty, that way if the NO2 blows the engine up, I can drop in the Japanese-spec turbo motor. :-)
Lot's of discussion on the Zex kit here --> http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1496
The spoiler wasn't standard until 2001, like Pete said. So, ChiPro, you won't be getting and were not suppose to get the credit. Sorry.
One thing I did like about the European spec Protege was that if you look closely in the rear windows, its got actual rear seat headrests. I thought that was a nice touch, sort of like the Jetta. I wonder why they don't have that on US models.
Also, I installed some McMasters-Carr insulation in my trunk this past weekend, and was happy with the results, but it might be just me, but I'm hearing more wind noise now. I think it made a good improvement though, and I'm sure the rear seat passengers will benefit the most. Well worth the $24. I've got a little left over though, probably enough to put under the car mats if I wanted to. The mats have little teeth on the underside, and if I put anything under them, the carpets would slide around.
How did you install it (spare tire area, wheel wells).
9709T18 - Acoustical Damping Sheet Hi-Temp Mastic, .070"Thk,.7 Lbs/SF, 32" X54", Black.
If you put in this part number, it will tell you its not avaialble, but recommend a similar product with a different fire retardent spec. Otherwise, its the same.
As for the installation, I guess I just did it the quick easy way. I took out the foam carpet that's in the trunk, traced it out on the insulation material, stuck the insulation onto the carpet, and laid it all back in the trunk. The trunk is fairly flat, so I figured that it would work ok. That's not a bad idea about lining the spare tire well, maybe I'll do that with the extra.
Steve
Yeah, Paul, white Pro's are rare, I guess, although as I've mentioned to Pete before, Pro's seem to be rare in this area period. JUST beginning to see a few more on the road around here...mostly blue, black, and sand.
As far as my low mileage...in addition to my relatively short commute (~11 miles), I guess the fact that I'm off summers has something to do with it (I'm a teacher). Was also laid up for a little while this summer, so I didn't drive at all for almost a month.
Pete: "Trigger"?
The Great Spoiler Debate: Purely for good looks in my opinion, or for unattractive looks for others. Doesn't serve any mechanical function, like increasing downforce...
It looks like a pimp mobile with the 17" chrome wheels on it.
krotine
Paul: 'Judy'? Is your friend implying you got a chick car?
Krotine: 'Hooptie' is pretty funny...wouldn't have thought of that applying to a Mazda, but I'm sure it works.
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I'm almost blind in my right eye from glaucoma,so the Pro is one of the few cars available with a more vertical rear window for easy backing up. A spoiler is out of the question.
Colors: When I was shopping the Protegés I looked at Emerald Green, Light Sandlewood, and the Sand. For a while the Light Sandlewood was my choice. But eventually, I switched to Sand, which was the color of my previous two vehicles. Easy to live with, doesn't show dirt.
Names: I call my Pro "Baby", pat it when I go into the garage and tell it what a great job it is doing. Little cars indear themselves to their owners. We treat them like pets. I have two babies, my dog and my car. Sometimes I tell my dog, Tippy, it's her car. The back seat area: the floor has three, big, foam pillows standing on end -- her airbags. The backseat is covered with a soft beige blanket to keep hairs and spots off the upholstery.
When shopping the car I took a tape rule with me to be sure the armrests were the right distance from the window sills so Tip could see out. They are much better than the ones in the Honda Odyssey. Tip hangs out the windows like a big dog now. She's a 12 pound beast. I'd say it's her Pro.
Noise: There probably is noise, but I don't hear any. I'm totally deaf in my left ear, some loss in my right. So tire, road and wind noise doesn't bother me. That's the only advantage to being deaf.
I considered a moonroof, still wish I had gotten one, but wondered about noise with it open. Being partly deaf I would have to choose between the roof being open and the radio being on. Had sunroofs on two previous cars, Audi Foxes, and didn't use them much. Also, following skin cancer surgery on my head, my doctor told me to not buy a car with a moonroof.
Buyers tailor a car to their needs, their desires, and their physical problems. Zoom Zoom!
fowler3
I've always wanted to buy one of those things for cars I have owned. Maybe NAPA carries them.
Let your wife drive while you listen, placing the the tube in various places around the instruments. Noises like that are hard to pindown. When you find the spot make a note of it.
Buy a tube of silicone used for weather stripping that dries clear. Put a dab on a tooth pick and place it on the spot where the rattle is, between the plastic cover and the side of the instrument beezle. That should stop the noise.
fowler3
'duh'
At this point it goes: "...to fix the dang rattle as your car is still under warranty and you shouldn't have to do repairs like that on a vehicle in warranty."
My $0.02
Moonroof: Still have mixed feelings about this. If it hadn't been part of the ABS package, I wouldn't have gotten it. Yes, it is hard to hear the radio with the roof open. But sometimes on nice days, I'm glad to get a little more air in the car. Also, my job is in an iffy neighborhood, and I often work rather late. Rather than drive around with the windows down, I can open the roof and be a little safer.
You need to post a picture of Tippy leaning out of her Pro!
I was having a terrible noise in my '94 Trooper engine (I just had it rebuilt), occurred when engine was warm, would go away at higher RPM's. One shop thought it was deep in engine. After putting so much money into the engine, I was ready to trade it in. But, fortunately, asked a former mechanic friend to listen to it with a stethoscope, he believed noise was related to parts in timing belt area. Sure enough, timing belt guide/bearing was bad AND hyraulic tension was bad, so timing was off during acceleration. Had these parts replaced and noise is gone and truck runs better than ever (I'm told that these parts should have been replaced during engine rebuild, but thats water under the bridge).
205/55-15 is a bit taller than 195/55-15 and will therefore decrease engine revs [and produce a speedo error in the opposite direction, something to consider when changing tire size.]
I've been meaning to do that, but I don't have a place to put it yet. Will look into it. Do any of you know where to place photos on the Net?
What you do is upload it to a server for photos and link the image to edmunds.
Maltb: I thought about Greg taking his Pro to the dealer and let them fix the rattle. But they would take the instrument panel apart and he might have more when they put it back together. Squeeks and rattles are hard to find.
Reminds me of when I had a Porsche 914 Roadster that had a bad squeek in the right front suspension. The mechanic took the suspension apart, one peice at a time, carefully checking part against part for rubbing. Then reassembled them. Squeek squeek again. He did that five times! The last time he lubricated each part and even the bolts holding the fender on. Squeek squeek! Never did get rid of it. Got rid of the car instead.
That 914 had more mileage on the back tires than on the front pair, being towed in so often.
fowler3
Paul: What's up with your friend? I understand that Pro and Jetta are "girl" names, but "Judy"??? I was thinking something more creative.
Chikoo: thanks for the tip. I guesss I'll have to take the pics, scan them, get a site and them post it here.
James: Because of its high rear end (we're talking about cars here people, relax), the spoiler helps me when parking it. I back into my parking spot and I know where to stop b/c of the spoiler. The car is slanted towards the front with the rear up-up in the sky, so for me at least, the spoiler helps out. "I call my Pro "Baby", pat it when I go into the garage and tell it what a great job it is doing" Same here. EVERY night before I leave it in the garage.
ChiPro: Dale is the name, right? Moonroof.. LOVE that one too. Any car I get from now on should have a spoiler, moonroof and alloys. An engine should be helpful too when trying to push the alloys up-hill,while holding on the moonroof above my head and having the spoiler strapped as a back pack
Duh_ster: How high and wide is your spoiler? I have the regular one and you can see pretty well... But at least we both agree: it looks good!
Regarding uploading pics to the net to share:
check out ofoto.com
--Dale
I called Zex today to find out about the nitrous kit and they aren't sure if the standard kit will work on my car. I guess it needs a vacuum operated fuel valve/enrichner/thingamajig? They are supposed to find out and call me tomorrow. I'll post once I get my answer for anyone else interested.
Regards,
Pete
-Larry
I second MaltB's motion.
Other vote: old mazda emblem (silver eagle-look) over the new one (too big and shiny for me).
That said, I like the look of the Pro5 more than the sedan. I'd like both more with the rumored turbo engine in them - rumor is this spring..
Spoilers: I like the look of MODEST spoilers on sedans.
Emblem: I really like the new one. But now that I think about it, it reminds me a lot of the VW symbol...
P5 vs. Sedan: Not that I'm biased
For the next week, you should let anyone and everyone have the right of way...people pulling out of their spots in parking lots, folks waiting to turn into traffic, etc. (without endangering others, of course).
That should put your karma balance back in the black.
emblems: big emblems seem to be a trend...just look at the new altimas / sentras. personally, i like it on the pro!
just wondering, but for those of us in colder climates, do you let your car warm up when u start it? i've heard that it's bad if u do...is this true?
'duh'
Also, after changing the ignition wire and coils, I notice that the engine rattle i used to have on cold mornings has disappeared.(How???) The car has alsolutely no problems in accelerating immediately after startup.
Mazda Protégé ES
However, I should note who the competitors were:
Kia Rio
Kia Spectra
On a similar note, the Pro5 came in second in the category of family car under $25k, losing to the Nissan Altima S by a slim margin.
:-))
-Larry