Mazda Protegé

vocus

In both of my Proteges (1999 and 2001), it's only when you press lightly on the gas, at any speed. Not having to do with the rpms at all, just when pressing lightly on the gas pedal.

I am really glad I got the ABS and Premium Pkg. I was leaving for work this morning, and this jerk in this big old conversion van wasn't paying attention to what he was doing, coming out of a side street onto the main road right in front of me. I floored the brakes and turned the wheel, just in time to miss an accident. Good stopping too, alot better than my DX was (thanks to 4-wheel discs). I just got the car back the other day, and already someone's trying to hit it. UGH!

protegextwo

Crosswinds blowing through the right wiper blade assembly at high speed.

Larry

borgf15

Did you notice any decrease in noise with the application of your undercoat?

vocus

That's not it. My DX used to do it when I first started it in the morning all the time, and applied light throttle (about 1500 rpm). My new ES does it too sometimes, but not as much as the DX did.

chikoo

that has to be the air-suction then.....
it is going to suck air even when you are standing still

it needs the air for the combustion, right?

hboyd

My '01 only makes the dull, high-pitched whine when the accelerator is pushed down in the 65-80 MPH range (about 3500 RPM); When I release the pedal in that range, the noise disappears... go figure. It really doesn't bother me, sounds kinda cool... but would like to know what it is!!! Thanks Vocus/Chikoo/Larry for the input.

Also, still makes that buzzing/raspy sound in the morning when the engine is cold... however, I DO take it easy until it "warms-up" to normal range. The buzzing disappears completly in about 1-minute of driving! Someone said that the engine block is half aluminum and iron, and this may account for the engine "not within specifications" while it is cold. Still, it doesn't bother me... and just want to make sure everything is OKAY.

MARTIN

speedypt

Cd..only skipped once around a 25 mph ramp that was going 50 mph on...I'm okay with that. :-)

Whine noise...almost every car I've owned had a harmonic resonance frequency that was audible at some particular speed. My '92 did until I put on different tires...it's really normal and nothing to worry about. If it gets constant or happens at all speeds...worry.

Tinted windows...legal in Arizona up to 35% on front windows (65% tinted...pretty dark). NOT legal here in Illinois. I got a friendly reminder from the local gendarmes. "Strip it off within 30 days please!" It's under the "obstructed front side windows" law. So much for my beautiful tint job.....

MP3 Protege...still no official release date. I now have 4 separate salesmen looking for me, all promising me the first one off the truck. We'll see. I've tried to put a deposit on one, but nobody's accepting them...period. It may end up like the Miata or PT Cruiser when it first came out...grossly overpriced. I won't pay anything over sticker.

Protege5 (Wagon)...hitting Roto Mazda in Arlington Heights the first week of May!!! They placed orders for 10, including 1 of the 150 yellow ones!!!! That's right...only 150 Yellow will be made for all of North America! No pricing yet though....

Typing is a chore now...my right hand is in a cast. Don't trip over your feet in a parking lot and expect to catch yourself without injury. Temporarily glad I bought an automatic tranny... :-( ouch.

Glad to see so much activity here. New job doesn"t allow me much "board" time. But, I'll pop in when I can. :-)

Regards,

Pete

speedypt

...between a Daewoo and it's owner?

The Daewoo quits whining when it gets into the garage!!!

wayde

hi all! i've read the entire board from msg 1! Needless to say it took a lot of time (argh), but it was worth it. You guys are sure into your Pros - I like that.
Here's my situation: I have a 2000 VW GTI 1.8T right now - completely loaded (leather, auto, monsoon, heated seats) - but I'm going back to school and need a cheaper pymt. I financed this for 7 years (OUCH) and the pymt is 389.00 (it's a 22,000 car plus plus tax and license) - but for seven years at 8.9%. I want to get a nice/sporty ride for a decent price and while I am usually a Honda guy (I had 2 before my VW) the new Civic's are just plain ugly and too mushy and spendy. SOOO... being the car freak I am I've been reading all about the 01 Pro ES 2.0 and the improvements - I really like the body, the engine and the interior. So I thought I would get an ES with roof and finance for 48 months @ 0% (if I can get it... is it s plan only?)... and put the negative equity on a low rate (10%) card... I have about 5k to pay up.... This is a situation I never wanted to get into, but I'm here... so the car would be paid off in 4 years (I still have 6 left on the vw)... and I can make pymts on the card depending on how much I'm making.
Thanks for reading this long story - any suggestions/comments let me know - waydeschultz@yahoo.com or just post on the board.
Thanks!

notminehers

To answer your question....YES! I was not expecting a significant difference but road noise and roar seem to be cut in half. The detailer who applied it said 70% quieter but I didn't believe him. I did a visual inspection while it was on the hoist and the coating they applied was very thick and thorough / guess it all depends who is doing the job. Road noise completely disappears when "Dark Side Of The Moon" is playing.....Greg

newcar31

Ouch, ouch, ouch!!! You sure are upside down. With your financing, you have yourself a $32,676 Volkswagen over 7 years. Those 1.8Ts are nice, but they are not that nice. If you are graduating within 6 months, you can use the $400 cash back and 6 month defered payment on the protoge. I am not sure if they are still doing the 0% financing on the 2001s but I know they still do them on the 2000s. If I remember right, it ends April 2. Hurry up and ditch that $32K mistake and borrow some money for free.

hkchan

You need to supply more information, but after running some rough calculations, you probably won't save any money by dumping the '00 GTI 1.8T for a '01 Protege ES. The very first question you need to ask yourself is whether you like the Protege better if there's no money saved. If not, place a value on this. For example, you'll go with the Protege if you save at least $1 K.

Was the original loan amount ~$24,250? Assuming you get a '01 Protege ES with auto and the Premium Package for $16,773 (through the S-Plan), how much would the tax and license be? How much do you think you can sell or trade the VW for?

norcan

I just took my 2001 ES in to the dealer to get the aftermarket remote starter/immobilizer programmed a bit differently. The service guy then says that while the car is there they'll check the recall. 'Recall?', I says. Long story short mine didn't need new brake hoses. Here's the details:

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 01V024000

Component: BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:LINES:HOSE:NON-METALLIC
Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
Mfg. Campaign #: 0301B
Year: 2001
Make: MAZDA
Model: PROTEGE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 13000
Manufactured From: JUL 2000 To: DEC 2000
Year of Recall: '01
Type of Report: Vehicle
Summary:

Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Some left side rear brake hoses were damaged during assembly. Brake fluid leakage could occur.

Brake performance would be degraded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the brake hose and, if necessary, replace the hose. Owner notification is expected to begin during February 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

protegextwo

Sorry to here about your hand, my friend. I hope it is not too serious. However, a great excuse for getting out of home chores, hehe!

-Larry

wayde

thanks for the suggestions so far guys....
yeah the loan was orig for something like 24.5K.... had since june of 2000... but I had 3 months deferred financing then 2more months over the holidays (courtesy of my credit union)... so out of nine months, only 4 payments... so you can imagine that makes it worse.
The car i'm looking at is 16534 - white ES with roof - that's the lowest pricing in my area (not much under sticker) since they are so hot here. The tax would be 0 if I trade my car in and license would be about 250$ (?) which I would probably pay. so, i would finance 16500 over 4 years at 0 percent. I want to get at least 18k for my car, trading it in, but don't know if that will happen (the sites i've looked it up on range from 17400-19000). If it did then I would go for it and put the 5k I owe on a lower rate card (about 10 percent). So, I would have the Pro paid off in 4 years v the GTI in 6 1/2.....

BTW - I already have my BA - I'm going back to school for my Masters in HRIR.

Thanks for the help - I'm going to look at it tomorrow (sat) morning!

hkchan

You mentioned the S-Plan and that you had read the whole board. Then you said the Pro you're looking at was $16,534, with moonroof, not much under sticker, and that was the "lowest pricing" in your area. Are you saying S-Plan pricing is not available in your area? And you're going from a 10-month old GTI 1.8T with auto trans., ABS, side airbags, leather, heated seats, etc to a new Pro ES with a 5-sp and moonroof, no ABS, no side airbags?

protegextwo

for 6 days of corporate meetings. No Protege Zooming for awhile, sob sob!! I washed and waxed my PRO-ES yesterday, hope he won't miss me, hehe. See you all Thursday.

Respectfully;
Larry

chikoo

hope you get to impress some of your top bosses to the extent that you can get the Audi you so dearly wanted

lindathomp2000

that is the question....or it was the question a while back. I have driven both manual and auto 2001 ES and they both have power galore.I think you answered your question with your own question: is it worth the trouble? If the feeling you get from having the control as you shift gears is a problem, then you shouldn't get a manual trans. I have driven manual for so long ( I am in my 50's) that auto. leaves me cold. Perhaps in a few years, but not now. This car is amazing. zoom, zoom.
Linda

jdel2

I've been reading all the chat on the 2001 ES and have taken one out for a test drive. I'm down to chosing between the Honda Civic EX and the Mazda ES. I currently own a 626 ES and love the ride. Looking for a smaller, more fun car to drive. Toying with the 5 speed for the fun part, but need some help on the decision. Both cars have some pros and cons. Any help????

unmarkedcar

I had a civic EX 2000 4dr ( with V-tech engine). That car was a good car. I had no problems with it. I have not test drove the 2001 yet, but have not heard good things about it. Most people complaine of the ride quality. The 2001 has a new suspension system. I also felt that my 2000 which had 127hp, lacked speed. I have a LX 2.0 2001 protege, and the ride is much better. The car has a good pick-up and is smooth. The protege is also the only car in its class "that I know of" that is built 100% in japan. The parts are also JAPAN MADE. Stick with the protege...much nicer car. The interior is a lot nicer. And resale value is good on both. Hope this helps....check out my review on the 2001 protege:http://www.epinions.com/content_8225394308

yyue

Hi,
my new Protege Lx2.0 has a problem, I found the engine check light kept on yesterday, I checked the fuel filler cap, it is loosed somehow, so I closed it well, I thought this is the reason,however the light is still on all the time, I was told it will be off after two or three days, is this true? the car still runs ok, temperature and every other thing is ok. But driving with a engine check light on makes me uncomfortable.
thanks

hepworth1

I have read many posts about the I plan and as I live in Canada and am considering buying the AS 01, I was wondering if someone in Canada as well has used the plan to get the best price. If so, is it also the 1.5 % below invoice as it is the US. I live in Montreal and also don't know how many dealers here participate in the plan, if any. Would really appreciate any help any of you could give me.

tocan

Sorry I don't have any answers for you. I posted just about the same questions in posting 1216, so I hope that we hear something. If the plan isn't useful here (I'm in Toronto), I can't see the point of spending US$40 to join the EAA, but getting a car at UNDER invoice price sounds really appealing.

Nomi

jstandefer

If the check engine light was on and you found the fuel filler cap loose, then that was probably the cause. I believe the EEC-V computer used in the '99+ Protege's will shut off the check engine light if everything tests OK after a certain number of start-ups. Give it a few days- it should turn off. However, if it doesn't go away by Tuesday, take it to the dealer. Everything that would trigger the check engine light is covered under warranty. Most likely what they'll do is run a computer diagnostic and reset the light, and if doesn't come on again and the diagnostic doesn't turn up anything, you'll be on your way.

jdel2- Go with the Protege. You'll get more interior room and definitely more performance. The Civic's engine is rated with a high horsepower rating, but the torque is miniscule. The Mazda produces 135lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm while the Honda produces 114lb-ft of torque at 4,800rpm. That's a big difference in two cars with relatively the same weight.

I've also been reading reviews on the new Civic, and most reviewers beliefe Honda took a step backwards in the new model. It has become more family-like, with a mushier suspension. But the best thing to do is drive them back-to-back. Put both of them through their paces. I believe you will find the Protege more fun to drive, plus it has more room, a better warranty, and costs less.

gitarzan

My 2000 LX CD player sounds just fine and I've been burning CDRs like mad. (Thank you, Napster). Anyway I was wondering, has anyone tried CDRWs in it? I know some newer devices will handle them but some still won't. Someone posed this question to me the other day but I could not provide an answer. I'd try it, but I'm out of CDRWs right now.

the_big_h

well, I have tried it on my 2000 ES's cd player, and it doesn't work, just spits right back out. Assuming 2000 and 2001 have the same cd player under the skin, then I would say 2001's cd player wouldn't work with cd-rw's.

Actually, 2000's cd player is also rather picky regarding what types of cd-r's it can play (FYI: different brands of cd-r's sometimes use different types of "dyes" that data would be burned upon). I have 2 different brands/types of cd-r's and my car's cd player only works with one of them. So my best advice regarding cd burning is, try a few different brands, and once you found the one that works, stick with it.

borgf15

I don't know if you guys can get the plan or not. Your best bet is to call EAA or a local Mazda dealer and find out. Maltb, the resident Mazda expert, might have some info on this as well.

tocan

The EAA site says that the plan is open to "residents of the United States and Canada" so from that point of view we can get it.

Calling dealers makes sense.

Thanks

Nomi

gitarzan

Thanks. FWIW, I've been using TDK, Kodak and Acers 74mins with the green dye. I've never had a problem with either yet.

norcan

Last week came out of the mall and saw a nice lookin' fella checking out my Protege, walking all around, checking out the exterior, then the interior. I get nearer, our eyes meet, a bit sheepishly he says, "Is this the new Mazda? How do you like it?" I hope he wasn't planning to steal it.

Got gas today, the jockey says "nice rims, where'd you get 'em?" I told him they came with the car. He looks at the car again. "Oh, this is the ES! Nice."

proboscis

I'm also in Canada, and have read many posts about the S plan. However, I still don't know what is involved. What is the S plan? What is the EAA? What's this talk about going under the invoice price? I've been shopping around at three Mazda dealerships and not one has made mention of this plan. Forgive me for being a rube, but I'm completely in the dark here. Can anyone take a bit of time out to enlighten me a bit?

Also, can anyone in Canada give me a ballpark figure as to what they paid for the 2001 ES (or any other trim level)? I'm looking to get one without the GT package.

digidave

I too have experienced the whining / whistling noise (here's part of my post made on the Protegé Care & Maintenance message board).

It's definitely present beginning at about 3200 rpm (~ 72 mph) and worsens through about 3450 rpm (~ 78 mph). It can literally be adjusted by how much gas pedal is applied or reduced, making it stronger or softer. It disappears after about 3500 rpm (~ 80 mph) or at least it's inaudible at that point.

Yesterday I took a 3 hour ride (round trip) on the NJ Turnpike and really got to "test" this. I've confirmed the sound is also there at other rpms & speeds as well, but it's at highway cruising in top gear when it comes in at just the right pitch to be a nuisance and frankly I find it very annoying.

I'm at a loss. So far, aside from a few personal gripes about the interior, I've found this new vehicle to be very well made and fun to drive, but this issue seriously impacts the zoom of it all. I thought it might be related to the installed Viper alarm, but others have also experienced it so it's not that. I was thinking that maybe I should disconnect power to the radio to eliminate any possible sound through the speakers just to make sure it's not coming from there (even though the system is turned off during testing); that way if no longer present I could look into a noise suppressor (?). If not, what's Mazda going to do, tell me it's an inherent design of the engine and nothing can be done? Or indicate that it can't be reproduced and it's all in my head? (literally - though I would say it is safe to assume that this noise may very well be inaudible to many of the other '01 ES Auto owners out there due to different hearing capacitie). Stay tuned...

Dave

norcan

S plan
Sorry, don't know about it. If it's available to Canucks then I missed out on it. If you read all through previous S-plan posts you'll find websites, US information. Just keep on digging deeper. See my post #822 for pricing I got in T.O.

Whistling sound - I must be playing the stereo too much because I haven't heard it. The next time I go zooming I will check it out

rsparrow

I've got about 10 different recordable CDs that have my burned music--no problems on my 99 Pro's CD player. All different brands too.

On that note: none of them would play on an aftermarket Kenwood CD changer I had on my old Corolla....

The only suggestion I can offer is to try burning a CD at single or double-speed. I have heard of some CD players out there that don't like CD's burned at higher speeds....

jk111

I don't think cd-rw works with our cars. Cd-r works, because it is predestined as a audio data disk. A cd-rw has to have some digital data written to it first (not to mention the grey reflective surface is really hard for the cd player to read it.)

Anyone use synthetic oil in their car? I changed my oil from castrol to motor 1, and a weird oil burning scent keeps on coming out at the front of the hood. I put in an extra 0.25 liter in during the oil change. I also checked the cap and bolt and everything seems to be fine.. anyone ever experience this?

theparallax

I had synthetic oil put in at my 15K service interval ($180!!!!) and I've noticed it runs a little smoother and quieter, haven't had any problems w/ it either.

Jk111 - has oil been spilled on the engine block? If it has that is most likely what the smell is coming from. Next time tell them not to spill oil all over the engine!

tocan

The EAA is the Experimental Aircraft Association. One of their member benefits is Ford Motor Company's EAA Partner Recognition Program.

Information on the plan can be found at http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/ford_partner.html

The S in -plan I believe stands for Supplier, but it is also for people who have some connection to Ford (and related companies) hence, the EAA.

Anyway, that is what I can find here. Other postings say that the price is 1.5% below invoice, but since invoice isn't shown in Canada I'm not sure how we could tell. Keep us posted if you get a dealer who has heard of the plan.

Nomi

scottdude

Has anyone heard if the 0% financing offer will be extended past April 2nd?

vocus

What's the big deal that the engine whistles at a certain rpm? I am telling you, my 1999 DX did it too. I drove that car for 37,400 miles (and beat the living hell out of it, zooming like hell) and never had a problem. The engine in that one used to whistle too, like it does in my 2001 ES. It's air being taken into the engine what's causing it, probably. I had it checked out by the dealer too, and they said it was totally normal for the engine.

hepworth1

A few people have asked about invoice prices in Canada. I have posted below the prices for other Canadians who might be interested, since they are not readily accessible here. I am also interested in using the S-Plan and will call some local dealers in Montreal tomorrow to find out who offers it.
Base Vehicle Price M.S.R.P Dealer Cost
2001 Mazda Protege ES $17,610.00 and dealer cost is $16,355
Auto transmission $1,000, dealer is cost $929
Gt package and air $3,880 with $890 dicount=$2,990 and dealer cost is $2,777
Feight, prep, air cond and tire tax is $929

48 month leasing financing is 7.25%
36 month leasing financing is 7.00 %
Hope this helps other Canadians and will let others know tomorrow what I find out about the S-Plan here.

chikoo

are very typical to "MADE IN JAPAN" engines...don't ask me why.

I have driven Suzuki, Toyota and Mazda "MADE IN JAPAN".

all of them whistle and whine...maybe because there is no other engine noise to cover them up(like the GM rattles ans shakes) Not joking.

Toyota whistles and whines the max. because it has the quitest engine.

So don't worry...be happy....just put some music on to cover it up.

And don't complain to anybody...be thankful that you can hear the engine whistle and whine - instead of shaking and rattling.

I don't mean to be rude...but I beleive my message sure sounds like that

vocus

I am worried now about the recall thing. How can I find out the build date of my car? I looked at the price sticker, and at the stickers in the right and left doorjambs, to no avail. But I have no received a recall yet? Has anyone else?

jk111

actually I changed the oil myself, and I don't think I spilled oil on the engine block. At least I hope I did, because if not.. what else could it be? could it be because I put in extra oil?

the_big_h

I would like some comments on something I've noticed since the first day I got my 2000 ES, regarding the low beam projection of the headlights. I've noticed that the headlights on my car project the beams much farther on the right side of the car than on the left side. My question is, is that by design, or do I just have a misaligned left headlight?

thanks in advance for comments

H

vocus

It's just a problem with the headlights, because neither my 1999 DX nor my 2001 ES had/has that problem.

conheady

Anyone had experience with an aftermarket moonroof? Does it really weaken your car's structre- enough to void th warranty or make noticable differences in driving. I was shopping aaround for one. Ziebart claims theirs are %100 OEM approved.

lindathomp2000

Have any of you noticed a draft of cold air coming from the right side of the passenger's side, near the floor? My husband was sitting there during our drive to Lake Placid yesterday and he said he could feel cold air. The heater said that the floor vents were employed and the heat was working fine on my side.
Otherwise, it was a fantastic drive. The car took those mountain/type hills with no problem. I had four adults in it too!
Linda

vocus

I had an aftermarket sunroof in the 1999 DX I traded in on the ES. It worked fine for me, with no problems at all. The car had 37,400 miles on it, and there were no squeaks or rattles from the interior at all (except the door panels) when trading it in. I went through the dealer though, and he got someone to install it. Ziebart would have been about $300 cheaper though, because I priced them. And also, Ziebart guarantees the sunroof for the life of the car too.

The warranty on the car would only be voided if it were found that the sunroof, for instance, was not installed correctly and caused problems with electricals or something. The warranty can only be voided for an accessory if it causes problems with other parts in the car. That's why everyone advises against "chipping" cars and so forth.

maltb

Paul, your Pro is not affected by the recall. It was only on a few of the early '01 Proteges with rear disc.

Headlights:
It is actually ideal(when you drive on the right side) to have the right side illuminated more than the left where oncoming traffic is. I believe that the lights on the Protege are designed to do this, but I'll have to look at lunch. On older cars that I own/have owned, I upgraded to European H4 lights for this reason.