Mazda Protegé

hkchan

maltb should be able to answer the questions on the EBD when he comes back tomorrow. I trust him more than Mazda's ad agency. Hehe.

jk111

usually, wider/better tires will provide better lateral grip. But they don't last all that long either. My protenzas are almost gone after 30k miles.

browntrout1

Vocus, I think you mentioned that your old DX had a tough time comming to a stop form highway speeds. I think the 1999 and 2000 dx's and lx's had smaller brake rotors in the front and also lacked ABS. I'm pretty sure stopping distances will be almost the same between a 2000 ES and a 2001 ES. '01 ES packed on about 100lbs over '00 and rear brakes don't only account for 10-20% of the stopping power. I think someone mentioned that in repeated stops (like in race situations) that the rear discs will be better.

Personally, I think the best thing about the '01 rear disc's is the look!! It look's great with the 16 inch wheels.! If mazda parts weren't so expensive, I'd probably replace my drums with discs after they wore out.

Anyways, I'll update you all on my car repair status. Luckily after having the oil pan gashed open on a pothole, there was no engine damage...no engine knocking. Like I had said before the oxygen sensor and the exhast pipe were the most expensive things to fix...over 800$ cdn. Everything should be fine, car will be ready tomorrow...he just has to take it to an alignment place to make sure the frame is OK, I'm pretty sure there is no problem.

As far as the insurance goes, If I go through the insurance company, I have a 500$ deductable and my insurance will increase by about 20% for at 3 or 4 years. It ends up being more expensive that way...the repair is about 1500$ cdn. SO I'm suing the city of Montreal!! An evaluator came to look at my car today but I can only get compensated for things not related to the wheel or suspension...still, that's good. Most of the cost of the repair is the oil pan, O2 sensor, and exhast pipe. I just have to hassle the city to get approved for the money.

hkchan

Yes, but in this case they're the same width, 195/50R16 vs 195/55R15. The difference is the lower profile. The Potenza's (195/55R15) have a treadwear rating of 180(?) and the Dunlop's (195/50R16, forgot the model) have a rating of 400. Supposedly these ratings don't translate directly among different manufacturers, but I'm willing to bet the Dunlop's will last longer.

vocus

I am still waiting for my ES to come back form the body shop. The repair estimate (I think I said it before) was $620.75 for a little damn scratch! UGH! Anyway, I got a Suzuki Grand Vitara the other day to rent, and took it back because it blew around alot on the highway and bothered me. I now have a Saturn LS, and it's nice. But it's no Protege! I miss that ZOOM ZOOM feeling! My car should be ready either today or tomorrow. I cannot wait!

maltb

An earlier post was correct that the EBD allows modulation between all four wheels which brings each tire up to its friction threshold. I believe that most ABS systems these days have that otherwise it really wouldn't be worth the expense.

Zoom, Zoom is only half the fun if you can't stop...

maltb

Same configs as before: ES, A/T, Premium, No Cass

Emerald - Congressional Mazda Rockville, MD
Silver - Brown's Mazda Alexandria, VA

It's hard to come by many without Cassette players but it seems that the picture may be changing a bit in the future.

jstandefer

...for that link to the watches. I must be the total Mazda geek because the watch second from the left is currently on my wrist! For more Mazda logo items (even Mazda sport socks!!, here I'll put the pic below) check out this site:

http://www.corksport.com

Once the menu comes up, click on General Parts and then For Mazda Logo Items Click Here.

Here are those socks I told you about!



Did you know that a 2nd Generation Protege could look like this? This is the A-Spec touring kit which is also available through Corksport.com!



All pictures posted above are owned by Corksport.com and are used for reference purposes only.

hkchan

Thanks.

maltb

Thanks jstandefer for bringing the topic to this board.

Now for the question:

Why would a Mazda performance tuner call themselves Corksport?

The answer is out on the web but not at their web site.

Good luck!

Karen_S

Don't forget about the Protege Owners chat! It's tonight! Click on the link at the top of the page.

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

hkchan

Thanks.

nikecar

well they started in 1920 as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co. someone said they maid Corks to start with (haven't seen that tidbit in their webpage other than the name).

in 1931 they began production of autos.. hence the Corksport keeping ties to their original name...

Is that close enough?

conheady

"Our name comes from Toyo Cork Kogyo which was the name of Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) before they ventured into automobiles. "

maltb

Taken from Mazda's web site which it seems Victor is familiar with:

http://www.mazdausa.com/aboutmazda/timeline/default.asp

I'll try to think of more of these from time to time.

protegextwo

Congrats on your new Protege purchase. Your Edmunds Town Hall user name is awesome, lol!!! Soooo... Greg; which one of you two drives the PRO and who drives the truck???

I love the white exterior combined with dark charcoal interior. I personally have not seen many white PRO-ES's on the road or on the dealer's lot. Enjoy your new car and keep posting.

Respectfully;
Larry

nikecar

AHHHH... it says that on the mazdaUSA website.. the first link someone posted was the main Mazda history page.. now its clear..

Seems Mazda's kept a lid on good things for years...

Keeping Wine good, now keeping the cars good.

cad6

Hello...

I'm presently looking at a new car purchase and the '01 Protege so far is at the top of my list... I did check out the Civic and really didn't like the new style so I didn't even bother to test drive it. I may check out the Golf but it's at least 6K more then the protege! I recently test drove the '01 LX version (5 speed) and found the ride very good. The car definately needs to be reved to get it going (at least this is what I noticed)... I just have a few questions and I'm wondering if I can get some answers...

1) reliability: How reliable is the Protege? We always here how reliable Civics, Corollas are, is the Protege as comparable, slightly better, worse?

2) resale value: Do Mazdas have poor resale values? Hondas maintain their value very well but some of the asking prices on their used vehicles are ridiculous! With a few more K's one can almost buy new Protege!

3) parts/maintenance cost: How expensive, typically, are the parts and maintenance say versus comparable brands? For example, replacing clutch, brake repair, etc.

4) can anyone direct me to any web sites that have write ups on the '01 Protege?

I really like the styling of the Protege and I think you're getting good value for the $'s, much more then say a Honda, Toyota and VW in the same class... just my two cents... hope to have another test drive soon!!

Anyway any help you can provide would be great! Thanks in advance!

chikoo

I started hearing metallic rattles whenever thecar goes over rough roads....

couldn't believe the PRO ES would start rattling at 27,000 miles....

After thorough investigation and elimination of rattle sources, it turns out my wife put some dimes, nickels & quarters in the ashtray...the coins would rattle and cause a omni-directional rattling sound from the ashtray!!!

Whoooo....

cad6

Hello...

I'm presently looking at a new car purchase and the '01 Protege so far is at the top of my list... I did check out the Civic and really didn't like the new style so I didn't even bother to test drive it. I may check out the Golf but it's at least 6K more then the protege! I recently test drove the '01 LX version (5 speed) and found the ride very good. The car definately needs to be reved to get it going (at least this is what I noticed)... I just have a few questions and I'm wondering if I can get some answers...

1) reliability: How reliable is the Protege? We always here how reliable Civics, Corollas are, is the Protege as comparable, slightly better, worse?

2) resale value: Do Mazdas have poor resale values? Hondas maintain their value very well but some of the asking prices on their used vehicles are ridiculous! With a few more K's one can almost buy new Protege!

3) parts/maintenance cost: How expensive, typically, are the parts and maintenance say versus comparable brands? For example, replacing clutch, brake repair, etc.

4) can anyone direct me to any web sites that have write ups on the '01 Protege?

I really like the styling of the Protege and I think you're getting good value for the $'s, much more then say a Honda, Toyota and VW in the same class... just my two cents... hope to have another test drive soon!!

Anyway any help you can provide would be great! Thanks in advance!

jstandefer

Gee. What can you do with Photoshop when you are bored? Why, create a Protege background (wallpaper) of course! This background is 800 x 600. It is in a JPEG format so it should be available for Mac, Windows, and Linux users. Here's a pic of it:

If you would like to have this on your computer (and no, I will not be offended if you don't), send me an email at jstand6@yahoo.com. I will send you the background plus instructions to put it on your computer. Enjoy!!

protegextwo

Very nice job! I will e-mail you today.

-Larry

vocus

I talked with my Mazda dealer here in Maryland, and they finally have a part number for the alarm system for the 2001 Proteges, I think. Two said it was the right part number, but one other said it was for the keyless entry system. Anyway, the number is 0000-8F-C03 if anyone's interested and the MSRP is $195 is that's right. I will let you all know if it is.

Malt: I know you have some connections from what I see in the posts with Mazda, so can you tell me anywhere to get the security system cheaper? And also, list the part# you have if mine isn't right.

One more thing: The repair shop (Darcars Mazda, College Park) said my car might be ready tomorrow afternoon, but probably Monday. They still have to paint it. I am missing it so badly! I am having some serious ZOOM ZOOM withdraw! I might just go to Russel Mazda and test drive a 2001 ES tonight just for a fix.

ZOOM ZOOM!

chikoo

looks like you have withdrawal symptoms.....:)

maltb

Paul, you should know that I'll always refer you back to your local dealer. The P/N and price look right. I think I posted that on this board a few weeks ago.

I bet if you call the folks at www.mazdastuff.com (Mazda Dealer) they would be more than willing to give you a break on the price.

Also, if you go the factory alarm route, I highly recommend adding the shock sensor to the system (P/N 0000-8F-C16) which runs you an additional $30.

protegextwo

Well, today is my birthday and I treated myself to a very nice test drive in a 2001 Mazda Protege 2.0 ES. I had a great time and I'm still grinning ear to ear! As a owner of two 2000 Mazda Protege 1.8 ES's, it was only natural to compare the vehicles during the test drive and in a long walk-around after the test. I started the comparo, both pro and con from a 2001 model perspective. This is only MY opinion and I do not want to hiss anyone off, however I am pretty straightforward and I have been very passionate about the PRO-ES since, I purchased my first one. So here goes,... my 2 cents!

2001 ES-PRO 2.0

CON's:
1.) I do not care for rear spoilers, on any car. My personal preference, however buying decisions or often made from the heart as well as the head. This feature should have remained an option.

2.) The charcoal cloth upholstery does not complement all of the exterior colors of the ES-PRO. I really like the dark cloth with the sunlight silver, black mica, emerald mica and pure white. Nonetheless, the sand mica, light sandalwood and seabreeze green are not suited for this very dark interior. I am not sure I care for millennium red color and I could not decide if that color combination was complementary.

3.) The white faced gauges and the silver centered-dash panel, I am sorry to say, not for me. Not in this car.

4.) The 16-inch alloy wheels, the style is very similar to the smaller alloys on the Mazda Miata, nonetheless I do not like their more "open styling". They show to much of the wheel hub and the disc brake components for MY taste.

PRO's:
Added Content-
1.) Standard halogen fogs lights, very handsome.
2.) Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes.
3.) Ignition keyhole light.
4.) Locking glove box and rear seat back, now have locks.

Improved Content-
1.) 16-inch alloy wheels enhance the muscular stance, of my favorite econo-sport sedan!

2.) The Dunlap Sport 5000 tires are surely a better choice for performance and road noise. The 2001 ES, I tested seemed on rails going thru corners at speed, however to be honest, I did not notice if they where more quite than the 2000 PRO-ES's Bridgestones. Sorry, my bad!

3.) I guess you can debate the extra ponies are off-set by the slightly heavier vehicle. But,... the 2.0L engine seemed buttery smooth and really zoomed with the lightest of touch. I liked the increased torque and horsepower! Time will tell on reliability.

4.) The larger 14.5 gallon fuel tank is larger than last years 13.2 gallon tank. I hate to stop for gas, hehe.

5.) The Mazda new "Service Transportation Solution". This program was designed to offer loaner cars for SOME longer warranty repairs. My service tech at Lancaster Toyota Mazda did not have all the details on this program, nevertheless a nice complement to Mazda Emergency roadside assistance and the 36 month or 50,000 mile warranty.

THE VERDICT:
For my taste, Mazda did not increase the curb appeal for me, with the new changes for 2001. However, for a $495.00 increase in the base price of a 2001 PRO-ES 2.0 ($15,040 vs. $15,535), they added and IMPROVED a lot of content. I really like the 2001 ES and would buy two more in a heartbeat! ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!

Respectfully;
Larry

newcar31

I agree with you about many things. I now own a 2001 ES 2.0L 5sp in silver with no other options. Here are my own pros and cons:

Cons:
-I don't like the red illumination, I would rather have white like my old integra.
-The fake aluminum center stack does not look good, I am going to paint it or get a different one as soon as I figure out how to take it off.
-It needs the J-spec 2.0L with 170 hp, come on Mazda, you know what Nissan is coming out with right?
Pros:
-The styling is gorgeous, very German like IMHO.
-The rims really are over and above what they needed to be in this class.
-Nice factory tires
-0% financing, can't beat that.
-Built in Japan (don't know if it really matters, but it gives me piece of mind)
-Handles great for this class or any class.
-Good price
-Decent gas mileage
-Not a Honda Civic
-Coil on plug ignition
-4 wheel discs
By the way, it should be reliable, the 2.0L has been around for a while in the Probe/MX6/626. As far as which is faster, a 00 or 01, neither of them are that fast so it doesn't really matter to me.

newcar31

whos gonna be chatin tonight? Oh yeah, Maltb, how do you take that plastic piece that covers the center stack out? You have the shop manual right?

vocus

Thanks a bunch for changing the color for me, I appreciate it wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, my car still sits in the repair shop waiting for its front bumper and left front fender to be repainted. Now my withdraw symptoms to ZOOM ZOOM are even worse!!! God, I hope it's done tomorrow. I am going to die on the highway of boredum behind the wheel of my Saturn L-200 before I get my ES back!

-Hurting like hell

L8_Apex

Although your collage is most appreciated, it was assembled from copyrighted material. If you have pictures of your own or those in the public domain that you'd like to post, you are most welcome to do so.

Thanks,

L8_Apex
Host
Sedans Message Board

sfrat

Your post reminds me just how personal opinions on cars are, and I don't mean that in a bad way! I agree with you for the most part about the interior/exterior color combos. I prefer a light/dark contrast. I do think the sand mica looks good with the dark interior, its fairly close to the silver I think, but then again, that's the color I have. I do think mazda would be well served by offering a tan interior choice in the ES. I feel that would look good with the red, blue, and black. Again that whole contrast thing.

Steve

sfrat

I was just thinking.....some of the stuff listed under the 626 engine modifications for the 2.0L engine should work on the 01 Pro ES since it uses basically the same engine, right? Not that I have the money or desire to void my warranty; just being philosophical.

Vocus: Thanks for the alarm info. I'm trying to decide whether to get the alarm or tint the windows first. With summer coming, I'm thinking window tint. If I don't do it now, when the car is new, I probably never will.

notminehers

Thanks for your post....my wife likes your user name!! She is the primary driver and if I'm on my best behavior she will let me drive. I worked hard on my "honey-do" list so was able to drive it to work today. Nobody at the office had seen one and were impressed. Took 3 of them for spins and they had to hold on tight. Took it up to 80 by mistake passing a truck on the way home....the acceleration is so smooth. We almost got the seabreeze but the white was so sharp at night under the dealerships lights. His and her PRO's though....hmmmm, I will start working on my wife - that is great you have two!! Thinking about a long road trip to L.A. next month..ZOOM_ZOOM. Interesting about your dream car - an Audi. My ex-roommate just flew home from Pittsburgh - he found a mint condition Audi on E-Bay and flew back to test drive it. He bought it on the spot and is having it shipped home now. Take care - will provide more feedback and pros and cons soon.....still in that "newborn" phase when everything is perfect!! Take care - Greg

protegextwo

I understand what you are saying. ;-)
Surely, more time spent test driving and doing Sunday afternoon walkarounds(when the dealerships are closed), would allow me more time to think about color choices. My "Con's" on the color combo's were based on an hour or so of observation. I am sure my opinions would change after a few more comparos.

-Larry

protegextwo

Well, the Audi A6 is too salty for my income! But, I have a unrequited weakness for German sport sedans. The A6 is tame enough for the family, yet the handling is competent and responsive enough to raise a little hell here and there, hehe!!! IMO, Audi builds the best looking upscale euro sedan, period. Anyone got $40,000 to spare?

-Larry

nikecar

same thing happened with my wife and her previous car.. she would hear a clunk during turns.. ended up being a roll of deoderant under her seat...

lindathomp2000

I read in USA Today something about Mazda replacing the Protege. Also, dropping the Mellenia and introducing 11 more models in the next few years. I don't have the article here but I am wondering what that means for us--Protege owners?
Meanwhile, I will continue to zoom, zoom. Today is the trip up Tongue Mtn. in the Adirondacks.
Linda

borgf15

What will happen to the protege??

http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/auto3/0103AUNCWFCP.html

Here's a popular mechanics article about it...

hmmmm.....

skip616

Does anyone know where I can get a ZOOM-ZOOM sticker for my car....I have seen these stickers on a number of cars and would like to get one for my 2001 Mazda Protege ES

Thanks, Skip

vocus

I have one of those ZOOM ZOOM stickers, and I am debating whether or not to put it on my car. I really don't want to, because it's no new that I don't want anything stuck on it. I shall decide soon, when the car returns home to me.

Still going through ZOOM ZOOM withdraw! Not going to get my car back until Monday probably. God, if I get a hold on the person who hit my car, so help me, I will choke them with my bare hands!!!!!

sfrat

I share your love for German cars, Audi's in particular. The 5000s I had rode, and looked good for a car that was 17 years old. It also up until recently still looked "new" because the design was so ahead of its time aerodynamically. The Audi's are pricey, but cheaper compared to equilalent BMW's. I have to admit that the car I really wanted to get was an A4, but it was way out of my price range, even used. I've convinced a friend whose parents are buying him a car for graduation, to get the A4, so I'll get my Audi fix that way.

maltb

Send me an e-mail Skip. I think I know where you can find one of those stickers.

sfrat

Do you think you could scrounge up another one of those stickers for me as well? Let me know, and I will send you an email with my address.

Thanks,
Steve

chikoo

with 2.8 v6/Quattro and 80,000 miles still runs without a single rattle on any road.

That is what I call "Build Quality"

maltb

to you Steve.

norcan

Any tips on getting the glass moonroof tinted?

Since the moonroof has a tilt option, there are times I'd like a bit of shade. I can always open the thing if I want a sunburn.

Spring is here, yahoo!!!

newcar31

I was reading some earlier posts (too many to read them all) and saw that many of you do not like the shiny look of armorall. I use "3M vinyl cleaner and restorer". It leaves the dashboard looking "stock" and not shiny. It cleans, conditions, and protects vinyl and plastic surfaces. It is kind of hard to find but you can usually find it at shops that specialize in auto-body repair products. It is also expensive (about $9 for a pint) but IMO it is worth it. It also leaves a nice lemony scent that goes away after a little while. Have fun Zoom Zoomin.

hkchan

Doesn't ArmorAll sell a "low-luster" version?

newcar31

Yeah, ArmorAll does sell a low-luster version, but it still has "luster". I wish they sold a no-luster version because I am sure it would be cheaper than the 3M stuff.

hboyd

My '01 Protege ES is so far trouble-FREE at 1200 miles. The off-black interior does get a little hot during the day... oh well... will spring for 20% tints in the rear soon before summer arrives. My Mazda dealer is already hounding(!!) me for a service appt. in MAY!!! Believe that??

MARTIN