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Mazda Protegé

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Comments

  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Yep still on the Poortenzas. I actually haven't found them to be too bad. Of course in heavy ice and snow, no all season tire is going to do very well.

    I actually haven't checked the rim yet. I'm fairly certain that it's not damaged though. I'm just glad I didn't have $500+ alloys!!
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Thanks for the info on the rear speaker replacement. I was thinking of ordering those myself. Did you replace the fronts with the Mazda Kenwoods as well? Are you using the stock head? I wondered if it would have the power to drive those upgraded speakers, but I guess it does, eh?
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Yesterday was a nice driving day...except for all the traffic, of course. :)

    Temp's good though. Should see 70s today, even though it's overcast. Drove my '89 323 with the sunroof wide open. It feels nice to have the air rippling along the roots of my hair. :)

    Anyhoo, for anyone who's checking the probs board, the squeaking noise from my rear drums seems to have stopped after I posted my msg. Must've scared it off. :) More than likely, the dust might've fallen out or the higher temps did something to expand some parts back together (or apart).

    Go Pro, Go Pro, Go Pro.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Now you can practice your Tim Allen "ARR ARR ARR" laugh and feel all brawny and wear old torn T-shirts and stuff! Just watch that message length!

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I just came in from outside, and it's beautiful here in Lanham, Md. (15 mins. from DC). I don't wanna be inside, I wanna get out and open the roof and take off. I had the sunroof open this mroning on the way to work, with the music blaring! :) Can't wait until 5:30, because I am opening all the windows and the sunroof, turning the radio up, and listening for my turbo whistle! :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    No, I didn't have the head unit replaced because of a stuck CD. I had it replaced in my 2001 Protege because the radio died when I turned it all the way up. I think that's what drained my battery though, the CD spinning when the car was off. I never listened for it that day when I got out of the car though. That's crazy. I had the stuck CD problem in my 1999 DX, but I would just take the heel of my hand and bang the dash above the radio once or twice, and it would come right out (and it was a clean, normal CD too). But even the second head unit couldn't handle high volume, as the sound would cut in and out and eventually disappear. I was going to upgrade the speakers, but I changed my mind and got a whole new car instead. :)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    How loud was your stereo to have it cut in and out? Max??
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Many car owners are reluctant to admit that their cars have problems. It makes them look like they made a mistake buying it. Even your best friend won't tell you everything about his, or her car, as he suggest you buy one, too.

    Buying the same car your friend has justifies his purchase. ;) Been there, done that, big mistake.

    fowler3
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    When my friend was recently looking for a new car, I was trying to steer him away from the Protege...call me selfish, but I wanted to be the only one with this great little car. However, I did try to talk him into a P5...he ended up with a Subaru TS Wagon instead.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Yeah, I had it almost all the way up. It was like one bar from all the way at top volume, but I had the windows and the sunroof open driving on the highway at 80mph too.

    In my current car, I do the same thing. I only have to turn up the radio halfway though, but of course I have a radio that cost $325 extra when the car was new too.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    What car do you own now? Just kidding!!!!!!!!!
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    I did not get the Mazda front replacements. I thought that they were too expensive at the time, and they were only supposed to be 2-ways according to the brochure. Perhaps I should have since the rears turned out to be such a good deal. I got Kenwood KFC-6808Cs for the front doors. They were on special at Crutchfield.

    I am still using the stock head unit. I find that I haven't had to turn up the volume as loud to hear it at highway speeds since the speaker upgrades. The sensitivity of the new speakers is obviously much better than stock.

    The stock fronts were not marked with respect to manufacturer or wattage. The rears were Pioneers that were marked as being 25W max. The new fronts are 45W RMS/200W max, and the rears are 75W RMS/ 300W Max. If I turn up the head unit too much, I fear for its life. Those 75W 6x9s could potentially draw too much and melt the tiny amp, but I suppose that is Mazda's problem since I used their accessory. They would just have to give me a new head unit.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    It't not the head unit you have to worry about. Your speakers will blow if you turn it up too loud. I would bet that you definately need an amp. I believe these speakers are powered by an external amp in the MP3. Then you can crank it!
  • fxashunfxashun Member Posts: 747
    That turbo whistle can be intoxicating. I used to love to accelerate on the highway with the median wall on the driver's side so I could hear the twins scroll up on my 300ZX.
  • pjd58pjd58 Member Posts: 366
    enjoy it today. It's raining in Ohio(70 degrees)...I'm sure it will be raining in the Mid-Atlantic tomorrow.

    Pjd58
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I know it's going to be raining here tomorrow, at least in Baltimore. I listened to the weather report this morning, and they said rain. My car's dirty as heck right now anyway, and I have no place to hand-wash it at home. Maybe it will get cleaned up some with the rain. :)

    PF: Very funny. I was not going to say the name of the car, because Pat said this is the Protege room and I didn't wanna get into trouble or start anything. :)

    Fxashun: You are right, I LOVE that turbo whistle sound. It is intoxicating. And the feeling of being pushed back in the seat is as well. My co-worker yells at me sometimes if we go to lunch in my car. I hit the gas a little hard on purpose, because that feeling always gives her "butterflies" in her stomach, she says. :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    If someone in the room wants the magentic bra from my 2001 Protege, I still have it. I will be glad to send it if you pay for the S&H from Maryland and the package for it (probably like $4 altogether or something). I paid $24 for it, but can't use it anymore. It's in the trunk of my car. It will only fit 2001-2002 Proteges though, because the headlamps and hood are different. And you will have to lie it out in the sun for awhile, so it will warm up and be able to take shape (I have it rolled up in my trunk now). Email me if you want it.

    PS: The website for the thing is http://www.magnetbra.com
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Whose birthday today? Meade's wife you mean? One of my co-workers has a birthday today as well. Happy Birthday Tammy! :)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Tammy's 35 today. (Ooops! Oh well, she doesn't have Internet access at work YET!)

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I really like having a white colored car now. It doesn't get that hot inside when it's warm outside (which is good, because I have leather seats), and it doesn't really get that dirty (except for the lower body panels). It's dirty as heck right now, and it still looks pretty nice.

    I tell you, I used to HATE the black on the Protege I had. I loved it when it was on the showroom floor, but the second it rained or anything, that car looked like crap. And it was hotter than Hell inside in the summer, so hot I had to get the windows tinted in it. (The AC was still pretty cold though, but killed the power totally.)
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    You have a WHITE Jetta? why did I think it was silver or something?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I don't know. My 1999 Protege DX was silver, but that has been the only silver car I have ever had.

    My first car, a 1988 Dodge Aries America, was light blue. The 1996 Cavalier (before the DX) was white, but it looked cheaper (it's a Cavalier, so what do you expect?). Then the silver Protege, then the black one, then my mom's ruby red Bonneville SSE (sold when she passed away 1/01), then the white VW.

    My mom had a dark green Bonneville SE before the red one, and I had a dark green 1995 Explorer Eddie Bauer when I had a company car (at 20 years old, I thought I was the man with that one!). :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Sounds exactly like most womens' wish list for their birthday. :) She just wants to feel pretty after having the baby I guess. :)

    Don't feel bad about the cups in the cupholder. I still leave junk in my new car sometimes too. As long as it doesn't make a big mess, it doesn't bother me.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    You better hope Tammy doesn't get internet access at work or at home for awhile now. Otherwise, you might not live to see her 36th birthday. :)
  • gandalf17gandalf17 Member Posts: 348
    I got your email. I think I have 2 and possibly three of the LX hubcaps for the 2001 Pro.

    Talk to you soon.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    :) Thanks Tim!
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I'm not sure what your deal with Mike is, but like him I damaged one of my hubcaps this winter in another slide. Now since you would like a Cuban CD, and I would like a hubcap, can we make a CD+$ for a hubcap deal?

    Let me know.
    Dinu
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    What?? Are we bidding on these hubcaps now?? I hope not! :(
  • gandalf17gandalf17 Member Posts: 348
    I think I have three of the plastic LX hubcaps for the 2001. Actually, they will fit on any of the Mazda Pro's provided your wheels and rims are 15".

    Anyway, it is really up to Mike (Protege fan) if he is willing to forego one of them. I'll try and confirm this weekend the exact number i have. They are down in my garage and i haven't looked in a while.

    Mike, How about if i have three i give you two and Dinu one of them? Your call since I already said i would send you what i had.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Sure...I'd hate to leave Dinu out in the cold! Sounds fine to me.
  • gandalf17gandalf17 Member Posts: 348
    Okay, gotta go. have a great weekend everyone.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    ...must...control myself....but it's too hard...the good vibes are overwhelming me....

    GROUP HUG!!!! (((((((())))))))
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    You all have a great weekend. I'm gonna take my little putt putt ('89 323) home before it starts raining down here.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Thank you soooo much Mike! You think your hubcap is damaged? Gotta see my front left one. It's like someone took a bite out of it (well almost).

    Tim: We can trade in May when I'll have your CD ready. Is that ok with you?

    Dinu
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    at least you guys have hubcaps. I can't even put mine on because they trap too much snow and then the balance gets thrown off. Summer can't come soon enough.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    How does that happen? We've had some ugly snow up here and I haven't had that happen to me yet (Knock on wood).
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Just how much snow do you have there? Are there no snow removal services (ie: the city)?

    Dinu
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    We haven't had that much this winter, but last friday we had rain, thunder, lightning, sleet, and snow. That really messed up my wheels so I took the hubcabs off. Last night we got about 12 inches of snow. We have tons of snow removal equipment, but they don't start plowing until the it stops snowing. What happens is the snow gets stuck between the hubcaps and wheel and inside of the wheel, especially if it's an ice storm. When that happens, your wheel balance is screwed.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Sorry to hear about all your bad weather...that totally sucks, considering this is the middle of March. I like different seasons as much as the next midwesterner, but enough is enough already! :)
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    "Return of the Rotary Rocket. Gone but not forgotten, the rotary engine returns to the Mazda fold wrapped in the stylish new RX-8 sports car."

    April: Road & Track


    http://www.roadandtrack.com/RoadAndTrack/features/bts/0402_bts_mazda_rx-8_p3.html


    http://www.roadandtrack.com/RoadAndTrack/features/bts/0402_bts_Mazda_rx-8_p2.html


    I read the whole RX-8 Road & Track article, while standing in a grocery store check out line. The writer calls the RX-8, the best looking Japanese vehicle, EVER! Prolly will MSRP for base $26,750 to loaded $30,000ish.


    -Larry

  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
  • number42number42 Member Posts: 67
    As some of you might be aware, I purchased an '02 Pro LX sometime just before the first of this month. So far these are my impressions, Good, bad, and indifferent.
    1. Good handling: Both the brakes and the steering are smooth and efficient. I've been doing a lot of mixed driving and often my wife cannot tell that I am using the brake when I am coming to a slow halt. The manueverability is outstanding and quite neccesary on some of New York's fine (sarcasm) roads.

    2. Horn: Anemic and hard to trigger. My wife comments to me that I seem to hate using the horn (Not a problem in horn friendly NYC, as far as I'm concerned.)

    3. Headlights: For whatever reason, it seems like the car only seem to illuminate about 150 feet in front of me with any kind of clarity. Likely I will change this when the bulbs wear.

    4. Power: Decent power to the engine, So far (800+ miles) I have seen it hit 3k RPM only once and that was when I was accelleraqting past 70mph.

    5. acceleration: Not sure, It seems to accelerate just fine on flats, but not any decent hill. Maybe I just need more leads in my foot though.

    Last Wednesday I washed the car, sorta.... it was raining and I decided to have some fun. did a run withthe car, dryed it off with a towel, then thouroughly dried the entire car, to remove the water. Looks very nice with a good sandlewood color.
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Erik, nice review. In my experience with my Protege's when they were new,... many of the quirks like the horn, head-lites, and incline acceleration will not seem so different as you get used to this nice econo sports sedan. Enjoy your new 02 PRO-LX, BTW that new car smell is verry cool?

    -Larry
  • zoomzoom79zoomzoom79 Member Posts: 272
    definitely have too much time on your hands. That or I REALLY need internet access at work.
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    Cindy, some of the "guys" are very naughty when posting from work. Nevertheless, that's what happens when the Zoom Zoom Zoom spirit gets in your blood! Did you ever notice how clever our gang is? I think the Mazda Protege attracts a pretty bright bunch of owners. :-)

    -Larry
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    I changed over to 205/55/15 V-rated(BFG Touring T/A V4) instead of 195/55/15 Portenza tires... No difference in steering response at regular speeds, although it does feel a bit heavy during parking which I attribute to the wider tire, which is Ok by me..."
    by Chikoo Feb 19, 2002


    Nick, I got a couple of questions for you. My local B.J.'s Whole Sale Club is offering a $7.50 per tire discount on the BF Goodrich All-Season Touring T/A VR4 in stock. They are listed regular price of $73.99, not to bad.

    *My out the door price:
    $73.99 per tire
    -$7.50 discount
    -----
    $66.49 x %6.0 PA sales tax= $70.48
    ------
    $70.48 and $10.55 total install fee (mount, balance, new stems, and disposal of old tire)=$81.03

    *$81.03 total per tire

    Ok, B.J.'s only carry this tire in the 205/55-15 size.

    1.)How do your 205/55-15's tires fit?
    2.)How do the 205/55-15's tires look?
    3.)How did it fit on the OEM alloy wheel (rim fitment)?
    4.)Any issue's with tire clearance in sharp turns or bouncing roads?
    5.)What are your impressions of the 205/55/15 V-rated(BFG Touring T/A V4) tires, you purchased?
    6.)Nick, any comments or tips would really be appreciated!

    Your Friend,
    Larry
  • curt3curt3 Member Posts: 101
    Hello,

    I have 60,000 on my 2000 LX with manual transmission. In the service section of the user's guide there is no mention of having the wheel bearings re-packed. The local tire store seems to think that they are sealed and therefore do not need to be greased. Any comments? Thanks.
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    In the Town Hall, my username is hkchan. My name is Henry K.

    or

    In the Town Hall, my username is nikecar. My name is Victor.

    Henry and Victor were verrry frequent posters in this discussions prior to the late spring of 2001. What ever happened to them.

    -Larry "Love Train"
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Just thought I'd say hi... :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Ok, another day at work 9-5. Another night doing school work. At least I get to ZOOM home in 45 mins... F1 Sepang race at 2AM EST tonite...

    I forgot to say this: The PRO seems to be enjoying the mild weather we're having. Less of that rough engine noise.

    #42: The lights seem good to me in the city. Our highways are also lit at nite, but I know that with any car you will see little/not enough in complete darkness at nite, unless you have an extra 4-6 bulbs like the WRC cars have for nite stages. The fog lites from MAzda help very little IMO, but they're on b/c the car looks better IMO with them on. Might wanna get HID lights if you're driving on unlit roads at nite (even though they're annoying for others).

    As far as acceleration goes, give the engine and tranny a break for a few more miles. The more I drive mine, the better it seems to be. I have 25000 kms (?) on it so far.

    Dinu
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