Mazda Protegé

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Comments

  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    To sum-up what Mike, Michael and cdnp5 said: We like our PROs more than our Civics, as an overall package that is fun to drive, yet economical.

    Dinu
    ZOOM-ZOOM-ZOOM :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I'm not sure but it's likely we do. But at the end of it all, do heated mirrors do anything? I mean if you have frost on them you shouldn't be driving until you scrape that off anyways. As for heated seats: nice when it's freezing outside, but not worth more than $100 CDN IMO.

    Dinu
  • zoomzoom79zoomzoom79 Member Posts: 272
    I like my Protege as well .... but I think for $3000 my fiance's Civic serves the same purpose just as well.
  • zoomzoom79zoomzoom79 Member Posts: 272
    dinu: It's not the heated mirrors I care about, it's those heated seats. I longed for them in my Accord w/ leather in the winter. In the summer I wish for cooled seats though.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    "for $3000 my fiance's Civic"

    Maybe a couple more rattles and litle less comfort?

    If that were the case, why buy a new civic?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    What are we arguing here? That we like the PRO better than the Civic or the other way around? Just b/c after reading through tens of posts all throughout the day, I kinda lost track of it...

    BTW, I think we'll be making the edmunds most active polls tomorow :) (again!)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I eliminated the Integra from my search:

    1. too many issues with it
    2. unwilling to put up with costys associated with a "luxury" automobile
    3. didn't see one in Toronto for sale under $6500 CDN that didn't look like it came from the back of a guy's truck (you know what I mean)

    ON THE OTHER HAND:

    1. I saw a few 94 626s with 5spd that look tempting and for a good price. Now I'll have to drive one see how I like it.
    2. I'm liking the idea of the MX-3 (in red or black) more and more!
    3. The Celicas don't look bad also, but few are available to start with, and none than I found had under 200.000 kms!

    Dinu
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Can Canadians cross the border to buy cars, and if so, what legal problems do they have bringing them back into Canada? Used cars I mean.

    Larry: About beam suspension or beam axels, look under any Chrysler or Dodge minivan and you will see them. It's that pipe between the rear wheels that Dodge salesmen call *indendent suspension* -- in a pig's eye it is.

    Maybe one reason Mazda has held off bringing out a turbo engine, or one with more HP, is they are waiting for the other car manufacturers to field their cars. Then they can decide which one(s) to compete with effectively -- which engine and if turbo.

    When Mazda introduced the current series in 1999, they had way underestimated the number of buyers wanting 5-speed shifters. The 2.0L engine was meant for the AT transmission, not 5-speed. They had to hustle to get more manuals in their cars and didn't catch with orders up until late 2000. Now, there are more Pros with 5-speed manuals on dealers' lots than ATs. Ever see an SE with AT?

    If fuel economy is a buyers top priority they will shop Civics. If handling is tops they will shop Protegés and other cars.

    Which is better at what it was designed to do? Both are. You can't have more power and high fuel economy at the same time.

    On insurance: Luxury cars have lower premiums, comparatively speaking, than cheaper cars because fewer luxury cars are involved in accidents. There are fewer of them on the roads.

    The '98 Honda Odyssey I sold, and bought the Pro, its insurance was $570 a year. The Pro's insurance is $700 a year. I asked the insurance lady if I had gotten ABS and side airbags how much lower would it have been and she said, "$10.00". Sheeesh. That's State Farm for you.

    I have been in one accident, not my fault, in the 57 years I have been driving. Even without that accident it would not be lower. North Carolina has high insurance premiums because of the high accident rates here -- mostly rear-enders -- I have seen as many as three at the same interection in one day. And it isn't a dangerous intersection.

    fowler3
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    My Jetta is the first car that I have ever had that has both heated seats and heated mirrors. Since I have leather, the heated seats are very nice on a cold morning. It's nice to get warm within 5 minutes of entering a cold car even though the heat isn't ready yet. And I have grown to love the heated mirrors too. When it's raining outside, I turn them on and it dries the water droplets that make it hard to see in them up. Also does the same after a car wash. Very cool.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I've driven a few cars with heated seats (an old Audi and a Vovlo C70) and in the early morning those seats are killers...literally! They make me all nice and comfy and almost put me back to sleep!! Really nice in these Canadian winters though.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    73 posts in 24 hours?! That must be a new record!

    Meade
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Insurance rates for Accord, Civic and Camry are directly related to sales. How? They are 3 of the biggest selling cars out there so there is a huge market for PARTS. Thus, they are the most stolen, stripped, and parted out.
  • snagy1snagy1 Member Posts: 55
    my two cents also on insurance

    1999 ford expedition $ 550 / yr
    2001 protege lx 2.0 $ 505 / yr
    1981 transam $ 2,200 / yr

    (ps, transam is actual pace car from daytona 500), insurance company loves me
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    fowler3: Wow, I'm not sure NC has as high insurance premiums as you might think. Have you seen what people in other places are paying for insurance? I pay:

    2001 Protege ES Side Airbags/ABS: $450
    1998 Jeep Cherokee ABS: $405

    I have a $250 deductible and highest available coverage. I'm 28 & married. My insurance is through Erie. They also insure my house so I get about 10% off for that. I get considerable savings for the extra airbags and ABS, and because my wife & I haven't had an accident in over 10 years. The other nice thing is, if you do screw up, your rates don't increase for the first incident. Screw up twice though, and I'm sure they skyrocket. I was paying almost $650/yr. for the Jetta. When I got a quote for the 2001 Civic EX w/ABS & Side Airbags, it was $489. BTW: there do seem to be a lot of rear-end collisions in NC.

    As for performance vs. Civic. When I bought the Protege with the 5 speed, the plan was to use it for autocross once it was broken in. Well, the season is coming up, so I guess I'll get to see how it stacks up against the Civic soon. I expect to do pretty well considering the handling characteristics of the Protege. We'll see if the lack of high-end power is an issue.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Happy Birthday!!!
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Yep, maltb too :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
  • zoomzoom79zoomzoom79 Member Posts: 272
    maltb: Actually his Civic has fewer rattles than my car ... especially when it's cold outside. As for comfort ... the only thing the Protege has over his Civic is a center armrest and the adjustable seats. People buy new Civics for the same reason they buy new Proteges. The 2002 Civic is probably a little quieter, more room, etc. The new Protege probably drives better, uses better materials, etc. But just for the record he wouldn't buy a new Civic either or any other new car for that matter. For some strange reason he thinks that there are no cars better than 93 Integras, 93 Civics, and 92-93 Accords. But at least we got him out of that 82 Tercel.

    Lest anyone think that I dislike my Protege I came up with a list of "pros":
    1. Comfortable seats
    2. Sporty looks
    3. Great brakes
    4. Good handling

    fowler: The Civic doesn't have more power but it is faster and it gets better gas mileage. The sacrifice, the not-so-great styling on the rear of the new sedan (front 3/4 of the car is great though).

    Our LS400 was more than my 01 Accord because according to our agent the LS400 would cost alot more to fix in an accident.

    boggse: I'm sure the Civics you will see at the autocross are not going to be stock. I'm sure they will have aftermarket tires and wheels which will even up the handling.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I was thinking on my way to work that I might beat ya to it Dale. Thanks for the well wishes.

    HAPPY B-DAY to you!
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    If mods are done to an autocross car, then the class in which they compete changes. I will be in a stock street tire class. If I were to put on competition tires, I would be in a "street prepared" class. The more mods that are made, the tougher class you get placed into. Best case for the current Civic that would be in my class are better street tires, shocks, and wheels as you say, but they would be stuck with the stock suspension and engine. My expectation is that it will probably depend a lot on the course in a given event as to whether handling or power is a deciding factor. A slow, technical course would probably favor the Protege, but a fast, open course would probably favor the Civic. There is only one way to find out. They are revamping the classifications right now, so I don't know yet if I will actually be competing directly against Civics, but I can at least compare raw times and PAX scores. Of course, the driver has a lot to do with autocross results as well. There is an excellent driver of a '73 Pinto that consistently is in the top 5 fastest times at local events.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    happy birthday!
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Dale, I remember you saying you were 39. Does that mean you crossed the threshold into darkness today?

    Malt(trying to make himself feel younger by teasing those that are older)
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Thanks, Todd & Ashu :)

    And Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Actually, I turned 39 today...and I'm never going to cross that threshold into darkness.

    39 is going to last a veeeeerrry long time! :)
  • Boris2Boris2 Member Posts: 177
    Just a little food for thought:

    '01 Rodeo LS
    '00 Pro ES
    I pay $200 per month (including $3 processing for not paying it for 6 month in one payment). I'm turning 25 this month and my policy expires the day before I turn 25 :-) They new policy that they sent me already shows $177 per month. These guys also insure my home - not sure what discount I got though. I'll try to find lower rate though by the time the policy expires.

    P.S. it's American Family Mutual by the way
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I'm 25 and I pay $102 a month for full coverage for my 2001 ES 2.0L.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    did I miss your review on the Dunlop SP sport A2?
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Well, did you? I can't answer that for you.

    ;-)

    I posted a preliminary review on the Yahoo! group, along with some photos of the tires. Have you joined the group yet?

    Meade
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    and Malty, Happy Birth Day to you!!!!" O.K. make a wish and blow out the candles. ALRIGHTY NOW! Who wants ice cream with their cake? Yea baby, lets see ypu open your presents, folks! Cool, Malt got a 6-pack of Champale! Dale, WOW...a box of Red Delicious apples for our school teacher! I love Birthday parties!!! :-)

    Happy Birthday!
    -Larry
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    you mean with a name like Maltbarley I can't even get a 6'er of Harp Ale?

    And to think I had high regard for you Larry.
    (yes, I saw the spelling)
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Not Champagne? CHAMPALE, It's was kinda popular in the late 60's. Fortified sparkling beer. Kind of like Colt 45 for the middle class. ;-))))

    -Larry
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    For the under 21 set out there. NEVER, drink and drive. Unless, it's Juicy Juice in your sippy cup! ;-)))!

    -Larry
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Sorry in advance I'll not be able to make the chat tonight. Got to work! Have fun and keep it kinda clean.

    :-{

    -Larry
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Go check out the Yahoo! group. A little surprise there for ye.

    And btw, Malt -- one day I'll have to ship you a six of Legend Lager, produced right here in Richmond. (They also make a killer Pilsner, stout and ale)

    image

    My mouth's watering already. Here's to you, birthday boy!

    Meade
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Does anyone know the rim size on the 2001 ES? Is it 16x6, 16x7, etc.? According to Dunlop the 195/50R16 takes a 6 inch wide rim, but that doesn't mean Mazda didn't use something wider.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Thanks for the birthday greetings! And I really hope that your advice about drinking and driving applies to the 21 and OVER bunch as well as those under 21 :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Happy birthday to both of you, and best wishes always. :)
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Thanks!

    And you should stop by the yahoo chat sometime!
  • narenjinarenji Member Posts: 161
    Wow, I didn't check edmunds for two days and over 120 posts! you crazy Protege owners... My fiancee and I actually leased a 98 626LX with the 2.0L and 5 spd, and it sounds just like the 2.0L we have now in the protege. It did have better fuel economy even though it was heavier. It didn't handle quite as well either. The gearing must have been different. It gave around 26/34. I do think the Protege 2.0l could be tuned to give slightly better economy. 2.0L engines in the Sentra is around the same, and the Elantra gives better fuel economy (26/33). Honda's 2.3L is more efficient(26/33). The Civics and corollas are tuned for efficiency and thus provide those great fuel economy numbers, but they don't feel as lively around town as the Pro.

    A six speed transmission would solve our fuel economy issues, and with more and more cars getting them, maybe we can look forward to economy cars getting them in a few years. Cars like the RSX, Miata, and even the new Tiburon can be had in six-speed. I find the Pro engine gruffy, but well suited for city duty. It's still relatively behaved on the freeway, but my WRX is quieter than the Pro. Our Pro 2.0L engines do feel different than earlier Mazda 2.0l's, as I have in my 93 Mx6. It doesn't sound so gruff at high rpms. I think that the 98 626 was one of the first to get this new generation of 2.0l engines. The earlier 2.0L's and 1.8L's are more rev-happy. But this is all IMHO.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Why would boggse's insurance on an SE be lower than mine on a ProLX -- by $250?!! he's probably in his thirties, but look at my age -- 71. And State Farm insures my house, too.

    fowler3
  • pjd58pjd58 Member Posts: 366
    you young whipper snappers:)

    Pete
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    going home to celebrate!
  • alternatoralternator Member Posts: 629
    I'm still breaking in my new 2002 Pro LX (600 miles), so haven't had it up to speed as yet. However, I am expecting the automatic overdrive to make highway cruising relatively quiet and non-stressful to the engine. Am I right or ? Are all the messages about engine stress and/or noise at highway speeds referring only to manual transmissions or ?
  • zoomzoom79zoomzoom79 Member Posts: 272
    The Pro is designed for around town. After spending a little over 4 hours of my day driving around town in an attempt to get a DL ... I came to appreciate the easy torque and easy shifter. But for a highway trip I still want the keys to a Honda.

    BTW: Happy Birthday to you birthday people! j/k
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Fowler3,
    As I said in my previous post, I am 28 and married with nothing on my driving record. I also live less than 10 miles from work, west of RTP (Durham County). People who live in Wake County pay more for their auto insurance. Perhaps your county is the same way? Although I didn't have the Protege at the time, my insurance went down about $50/yr. per vehicle (2000 Jetta GLX & 1998 Cherokee Classic 4WD at the time) when I switched from State Farm to Erie. I also no longer had to pay the $3/month payment fee that State Farm was charging me. With Erie, I pay 3 months up front and then the rest in 9 monthly installments. Then I have 3 months without an insurance payment. The reason I switched was primarily the homeowners insurance. Again, Erie was about $50/yr. less than State Farm for BETTER coverage. While the coverage State Farm quoted me was more than adequate, why not get more for less? When I went back to State Farm to give them the opportunity to match the rate & coverage, they took one look at the quote, saw it was Erie, and told me to have a good day. Up until this point, I had never heard of Erie, but a friend recommended them to me.

    Another thing to note is that Geico quoted me the highest rates of anyone I talked to for auto insurance. I believe they were almost $150/yr. per car more than Erie. I thought they were supposed to be inexpensive!?
  • rbrooks3rbrooks3 Member Posts: 174
    Just did my first fill-up that I checked the mileage on (now have 643 miles on her) and I got 31 mpg. Not bad. I know it will get a bit better once everything is broken in and seated properly. I noticed that the car is pulling slightly to the left, so it will be time to call the dealer. This will be my first test of the guaranteed loaner car thing. I'll let you all know about customer service AFTER the sale. According to the info on my 2002, Mazda guarantees me a loaner or they'll pay for a rental for me. They did this for me when I brought my wife's 2000 MPV in for hard starting and its THIRD cd player unit!
    The third unit is only a few months old and alreday the little "pop" you feel when pressing the radio pre-set selection buttons is gone. I cannot believe how poorly built these radio units are. Total garbage and not waht I would expect for 25k. I was happy to see the design of the unit in the 2002 Pro is different. The rear speaker are horrible though. they will have to be replaced.

    Of course I have a few questions:

    1) Anyone have a recommendation for replacement 6x9 speakers? I don't think I want to spend the money fo a component speaker system. It's annoying enough to have to change them after spending 16k for the car.

    2) I have gone through the owner's manual several times and no where do they list the output of the stereo. Anyone have any idea?

    3) I have also been unable to find a hp/tq map on the 2001-2002 engine. Anyone seen it on a website?

    One more thing: 13 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE FIRST F1 PRACTICE IS AIRED FROM MELBOURNE!!!

    I'm a big F1 fan, so I had to get that in.

    Ron B.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    So I'm still a whipper snapper, eh?
    Thanks--that made my day! :)
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