Mazda Protegé

protegextwo

I really don't believe there will be any consistent issues with the Mazda PRO 2.0L.
-Larry

tomciviletti

I've seen a few references to the stiffness of the pro es rear seat [are the dx & lx different?] I was concerned with this when I checked out the car before buying. In multi-hour rides back there, I have found the rear seats quite comfortable, and I have a pretty bony behind.

bhorton

Thanks for the comments on what to do. I am not sure yet what direction to go in. I did a lot of research and frankly I don't think there is a better car in it's class. I may look at the civic but the looks don't do a thing for me. I may need to go the the accord. I know the ES is a good car but with my luck I am not sure I could take another problem with the car. But again this could happen where ever I go.

borgf15

Sorry to hear...
If the dealership is trying to "make things right" you might be able to talk them into giving you a very long extended warranty. That might help your piece of mind!
Borg

protegenic

Leverage the dealership as much as you can. Maybe get free service for the first 30K or something like that as well. I am sorry you had that experience, but after reading the Protege forums from the beginning of the 99 model year, I have not heard of a problem like yours. Something that can't be said for many of the other cars in this class. Thanks from all of us for taking a bullet for your fellow zoomers! Now the odds are with us again.

Good luck!

nikecar

this is similar to a guy over in the Altima side.. he needed a new engine (but the dealer was being a pain). after arbitration etc... he is getting a brand new car with more options.. he's been so far happy with the new one....

I'd say take the new car and try for extra goodies.

vocus

That really sucks, what happend to your ES and all. If I were you, I would go for another ES. I would also ask for an extended warranty and/or free 30K service. You are right about the ES being one of the best in the class, so stick with it. Don't let something like this sway you from such a good car.

I just turned 1000 miles yesterday, and still ZOOM ZOOMing! Going for my tints and my oil change this coming weekend.

maltb

bhorton,
I have to agree with the majority(stick with the Pro) and I'm not one to buy into Larry's bad karma dogma. The problem was the car, not karma. Ok, no more cheap digs. You are fortunate that your dealer is being so very reasonable and as long as you opt for another car from them, you can always leverage this issue to your advantage. Engines popping at 250 miles are rare in any vehicle, but no process is 100% perfect.

mdaffron

Yes, for once I'm going to have to vote against my friend Larry. (Sorry, Larry!) The chances of that happening again would be minuscule to say the least. Besides, as with your experience, something like that is undoubtedly going to happen while the car is young and under warranty.

I'd definitely go back with the same car but ask them to foot the bill for the 100,000-mile extended warranty plan. Like any other option on the car, it's negotiable anyway -- I got it on my 2000 ES for about $650 after talking them down from $1,100. And there's no doubt you could use your experience with the first one as leverage with this option! Just give 'em two choices -- thrown-in warranty or refund -- and then start doing the old "head for the door" routine!

Best of luck! BTW, my 2000 ES 5-speed now has almost 16,000 trouble-free miles on it.

ZOOM ZOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!

Meade in Richmond, VA

protegextwo

Barlycorn, you hurt me! I can't take your rejection of my bad karma dogma. I will now curse you with 24 hours of bad karma, hehe!

-Larry

maltb

As I posted yesterday, I have already been stricken with 2 months of bad karma in a Protege DX with an automatic. Could it be any worse?

protegextwo

Mr. Daffron, you don't visit the Mazda Protege Owners discussion for over two weeks and you pick on me too! ;-} Hey, Big H and jk111 agreed with me, also! I am sorry, but I would need MY deposit money back and a couple of weeks to think over my options. I could always go back to the dealer and purchase another 2001 ES-PRO. But, I doubt an offer for a full refund, of my deposit would last very long.

I agree a win/win situation for the dealer and Brent is also a good option. My 2 cents, if I was going in that direction, and Brent seems to want another 2001 ES-PRO here are some suggestion.

1.)The dealer needs to obtain another Protege that meets Brents
requirements.

2.)A free loaner car until it arrives.

3.)The same/or better financial arrangements, ie. interest rates and
customer incentives.

4.)Have MazdaUSA. extend the "original Mazda manufacture" bumper to bumper warranty and 24 hour roadside assistance for a minimum of 5 years/unlimited mileage. *with the disclaimer that Brent maintains the minimum suggested maintaince.

5.)The first year maintaince services for free.
a. 3 oil changes.
b. 2 tire rotations.
c. check and top off all fluid levels.
d. check alignment, inspect brakes and adjust
tire pressure.
If the dealer agrees to the above conditions, get it in writing and have the dealerships General Manager sign the agreement before going forward.

compuman2000

Hi Everyone.
You might be interested to know that Mazda has a new home page that is very stylish and elegant.
It looks like we have Ford to thank for this.(mazda.com)

vocus

I came back from luch this afternoon only to see the sun hit the side of my 2001 ES 2.0 and reveal a SCRATCH! I was so mad, I could have screamed. It was right on the rear quarter panel, between the gas door flap and where the trunk separates from the body when open. Thankfully, I went to a local auto parts store and bought some Blue Coral scratch remover. I followed the dirrections, and it took the scratch out for the most part (but I still know it's there!). I am still mad though!

compuman2000

Hi again everyone.
First of all I apologize for kicking a dead horse. I realize that this topic has been covered before, but I am still confused about this so here it goes :

I am not sure if I should buy an EX or LX.
I am not very interested in the 16" wheels, spoiler, white gauges, or black interior. I want the Protege mainly because of the customer satisfaction that is evident in this message board. I understand that the 2 liter engine would be a wise choice, judging from the many complaints about lack of power that I saw for the 2000 models. Also, I don't care for the moon/sun roof but I would prefer the other amenities such as keyless entry, ABS/alloy wheels, side airbags, maplights, and other little goodies.
I am also concerned because I will be losing the Disc brakes if I go for the LX.

I plan to get the Protege in a couple of days, but this question is holding me back.

I would be extremely grateful to you all if you could help me choose.

nikecar

welcome to the wonderful world of a black car!!!!

nikecar

but if you click on the USA/North America option.. it takes you right back to www.mazdausa.com

maltb

I suggest writing down the pros and cons on a sheet of paper and then sorting through YOUR priorities. For me it would seem like a no brainer, but since I'm not driving your car I won't make that decision for you.

maltb

I'm not trying to play devil's advocate with you but your comment about the factory warranty can't happen. I assure you that Mazda would in no way, shape or form extend the factory warranty for anyone. The closest you could come would be to get them to buy you a Mazda Extended Protection Plan.

WMarton

Compuman,

My wife and I are in the same boat...LX?...ES?...ES?...LX?... I like the alloy wheels, lower profile Dunlop tires, four wheel disc brakes (which are also larger than the brakes on the LX), fogs, etc. on the ES. However, I don't like the spoiler and I think that the interior of the LX is warmer and, overall, much nicer than the ES. I also like the fact that you have a choice of interior colors (light gray or beige) with many of the LX exterior colors. OTOH, my wife could care less about the wheels and fogs; she also hates the spoiler and is indifferent to the idea of a moonroof. SO...we have pretty much decided to get either a 5 sp LX (in either red millennium/gray interior or seabreeze/beige interior) or a 5 sp ES (red millennnium/off black interior). Since the red is a new color and very hard to come by, we may just let availability determine which vehicle we end up with.

That said, it seems that an LX would be a better fit given your needs/wants. (By the way, I also was thinking about adding alloy wheels to an LX as a "compromise" between the two vehicles, but the cost ($300+ per wheel from the dealership!) is prohibitive. Aftermarket may be possible, but what would I do with the steel rims?). I think that you'll be happy with whatever car you choose...remember a fully loaded LX is comparable to the Civic EX, but you will be able to save $$$ AND have a faster car. Good Luck!

Bill

hkchan

Same situation here. I prefer the LX's regular gages, available beige interior and no rear spoiler. OTOH, I like the ES's lower-profile tires and alloy wheels, but the thing that "sold" me on the ES is the rear disc brakes and larger front discs. Not sure if the suspension is stiffer on the ES. Two things they need to change are the black outside mirrors and the manual, pillar-mounted antenna, but I see they've done that on the Sport Wagon (or whatever it'll be called).

chikoo

this morning when I was taking the exit ramp for I-95 (a 360 degree circular ramp), I saw that there were no vehicles on the I-95 below.......

.....and I pushed on the gas pedal while descending from the the Ramp to the I-95....
(ramp sign says 20 mph)....and I was doing 45-50 when I exited onto 1-95..

....God...what a RUSH I had....it was the most exciting thing I have ever done....

Zoom...Zoooooom....Ruuuussshhhhh....

hkchan

Hey, that's my favorite thing to do too. And I would try to "hug" the right curb.

vocus

Definitely a cool ride, eh? This ramp from 50 to the exit I take for work every day is marked at 20 mph as well, and I used to take it at 40-45 in my DX before the tires started to give up. In my ES 2.0, I can take it at 50 without a problem.

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!!

compuman2000

Thanks to :
Bill
maltb
hkchan

for your help/advice. I am no closer to deciding but it helps to know that I am not alone in my dilema.
I guess I could have worse things to worry about

hkchan

You know about the S-Plan, right? Have you driven the two versions?

sfrat

Based on what you said, it sounds like the LX is the one you want, since you didn't seem to be interested in any of the ES only things, such as fogs, spoiler, except for the disk brakes.

Good Luck in your decision.

Steve

compuman2000

Yes hkchan, I do know about the S-Plan, but shamefully, I have not drivven either. I have just been so overwhelmed with the good remarks I have seen here that I am certain this is the car for me.

If I get ABS on the LX, will I get the alloy wheels?
Compuman2000

maltb

Alloy wheels only come on the ES.

protegextwo

You work for MAZDAUSA? Perhaps, you own your own Mazda dealership? No disrespect. Just playing "Devils Advocate", hehe.

-Larry

maltb

the_big_h

i noticed that couple of the owner's clubs have their own graphic logo, anybody know how we can put one up for this group, and if so, anyone good w/ graphic programs want to design one? any inputs chat host?

Big H

jk111

if you guys want, I can probably throw something together and create a logo with photoshop. I don't know how you can put it on this page tho.

protegextwo

... you would REALLY know, what you are talking about and be a respected expert on Mazdausa's latitude to extend a warranty. I have been told that it is not nice to answer a question, with a question. I will try again to respond to your first post. Do you work for Mazdausa or own a Mazda dealership, my friend?

Respectfully;
Larry

lindathomp2000

Hi Guys. Guess what? I used the S club and saved BIG. Got a seabreeze (my friends convinced me on the color) 2.0 ES with premiun package. plus nose mask, cargo net and deflector including 7% tax for $17,727. With the 0% interest, it is a very sweet deal. This would have been the price without the tax if it wasn't for your advice. Thanks! wThe s plan worked like a charm. Can't wait to pick it up next week.
Have any of you installed your own 6 disc CD player in your truck? That is what I will do. Linda

norcan

Feb.'01 vs. Feb.'00.

Mazda vehicle sales +28.0%.
Compare GM -10.7, D-Chrysler -19.2, Ford -26.3,
Honda +15.9, Acura +28.6, Toyota -2.2,
Lexus -17.3, VW -15.9, Nissan +15.5, Infiniti -29.4, Hyundai +35.5, Subaru -4.1, Suzuki +4.1.
Source: The National Post.

What do you think? Zoom-Zoom!

maltb

Do you want a sticker Larry?

bhorton

Thanks for all the advice I received. On the first day the sales manager was "what can we do for you, we will do whatever it takes to make you happy." Now I get the feeling they are backing away. Yesterday I was informed to put my request in writing. I put down three options that I felt were fair and told them to choose one that they felt was most fair to both parties. First option I gave was to give me back my money and cancel the deal as if it never happened. The second option was to build me a new car just like the one I had. The third and last option was to put another 2.0 engine in the car and give me an extended warranty with 1,000 cash back since the car is now considered used even though it has less than 300 miles on it. I haven't heard anything yet. I am not going to hang around this weekend either waiting for them to decide. I have my camping trailer hooked up with my boat and I am going fishing. Hopefully by next Tuesday they will of made a decision. Thanks again for all the advice. I will let you all know how it turns out, hopefully next week.

the_big_h

hope things will work out in your favor...

chikoo

If the car is totalled in an accident?

1. What about the remaining installments?
2. does the insurance pay the remaining portion to the lien holder?

maltb

Go say ten hail Marys for thinking such bad thoughts.

nikecar

if you have Gap insurance, it pays the difference between what the Insurance company pays out (what its worth right beofre the accident) and the amount you owe.

For example. you are financing 15K. already the car is worth 12K after a yr or so depreciation, yet you still owe 14K. If you total the car without Gap insurance, you are responsible for the extra 2K between what the car is worth and what you owe. if you have the GAP, it pays that difference and you start all over without any money for a down. but it beats having to be negative to restart the dealer tango.

nikecar

also.. keep track of how long your car is out of service.. if its out too long, you can claim its a lemon... Over at the Nissan board a guy did that.. they tried rebuilding the motor and his car was out almost the entire 2 months he had it.. he got a new one after going to arbitration (Nissan settled before) and he got a new car with extra options free of charge not one penny spent.

mejd518

I noticed in your earlier post that you are in Albany, NY. Did you end up getting your Protege in Albany or did you have to go out of the area?I also live in Albany and will start looking at the Protege this weekend. It sounds like you got a good deal. Also, what is this S-Plan everyone is talking about and where can I get more information about this??

hkchan

http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/ford_partner.html

jag2001

My wife Picked up a loaded Emerald Mica (Green) LX 2.0 (ABS, sunroof, keyless, side air bags, Auto)last night. No ES, and hardly any 2.0 LX available in the midwest. These babies are selling like anything. Yes got the S plan, $400 rebate, 0% financing, and 180 day deferred payment. First payment not until September Labor day, and we are still in winter. Thanks Mazda.

Only thing I didnt like are the steel wheels. Should have alloys for LX higher end version, No bolt down hub caps are way too 70's / 80's and will pop away. I guess I could put some of the money we saved to good use and get some nice alloys, and aftermarket foglights and bam !!!! a very sporty looking LX. We didn't much care for the white gauges, and the wife hated the spoiler obstructing her view. So went for the LX 2.0 !

No Honda, Slow-Pokecus(Focus), Sentra owners can match this deal !!

Looking forward to 150,000 miles of pure enjoyment until the 2010 Protoge arrives !

Zooom Zoommmmm.....Now have a 2001 Tribute + 2001 Protoge. Guess we can be called loyal Mazda owners.

maltb

Congrats Jag,
I'm puxxled as to why there is no alloy wheel option on the LX. I think to appreciate the car it needs some nice wheels and tires, but I wish you many miles and smiles in your Protie.

jk111

anyone know when the mp3 is going to come out? if it is coming out at all?

drew_

is on now! (5-6pm Pacific/8-9pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/freewaychat.html


Drew
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pygmalion

Does anyone know if this S-plan is available in Canada? Also, is 0% financing available here, too? Finally, I would appreciate any info regarding how much I should pay for a '01 Pro Es Auto w/ prm. pkg...canadian invoice info would be greatly appreciated!