Mazda Protegé

1…264265267269270…453

Comments

  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Oh...I've never turned that on....weird! Cool to know. Thanks. :D
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Good luck at the dealer. Hopefully they will surprise you and be reasonable on prices.

    Commuting in an F250 diesel, eh? I borrow my freind's F250 turbo-diesel from time to time. Great for towing, and when it doesn't tow it sits. As far as I'm concerned, that's the only way to use such a vehicle. Did you break to him the bad news that the MazdaSpeed 3 will easily top $20k?
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Am I to take it that VW bought your Jetta back? Sorry it didn't work out. What's next, if I may ask?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    They have not bought it back yet, but they are pretty much going to. The car has been in the shop 7 different times to be repaired, and not fixed right (still rattles!). I have to meet with some people from VWoA, then take it from there.

    If they do not make me get another VW, I won't be. I hope they don't, because I don't wanna go this same thing again. If they make me get another VW, it will be another Jetta or a Golf. But if not, then it will more than likely be a bus pass. I am tired of dealing with and paying for cars. :) Just kidding. I really haven't decided yet.
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    What you should do now is buy a car that you have NO expectations for. You know something that will just barely get you where your going. That and a membership to AAA. How about a nice Dodge Omni?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Gee, thanks. :)

    My dad said I should just buy a cheap little car to get me back and forth to work. But the thing is, that's ~35 miles, along a road that has no phone booths and is hardly travelled by police. I want a car that's reliable, but also cheap.

    I was actually thinking of buying something like a 1998-99. I want to spend $250 a month, but no more. But that's if VW buys this car back. If not, then I will just have to keep taking it in I guess.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Two horses at once? Yeah, its called Roman Riding. You stand with one foot on one horse, the other foot on the other horse. I'll have to try it - well, maybe not. My two horses fight too much. I'd end up on the ground eating dirt. I think I'll stick to one at a time for now.

    BTW, something tells me you're not Mazda's idea of the target audience with their Zoom-Zoom campaign. I'm not sure I am either, but I will say this - if I wasn't interested in the occasional zoom-zooming, I would have purchased a Honda Civic. The Pros handling characteristics, which really show best when pushing it a bit, are what sets it apart IMO. Seems to me that if you're not ever going to push it at all, you're putting up with its stiffer suspension with no intention of really putting it to use - well, not entirely - I guess it may help to avoid accidents.
  • rbrooks3rbrooks3 Member Posts: 174
    yes I did. He wondered what market there was for a 20,000 Protege. Small, that's why there a limited number. It's always the same thing. Enthusiasts want more power and better handling from their cars. Gee, wish the factory would do it. Then they do and at the price of your factory-authorized hotrod, you start getting into price ranges of cars in different classes. the Protege is best hands down to me at its price, now add some $4,000+ over an ES and I start comparing it against other cars that I didn't compare the Protege against.

    But, at least it does say something about the car company. To me, it says a lot of good. Mazda is not just the Miata car company.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Paul - I have a great suggestion for a cheap and reliable commuter. Relatively safe and fun, too. A used Mazda Protege! Ha, wouldn't that be funny?
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    that way you would come FULL CIRCLE in your search of a car :D:D:D
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    I agree, Ron, that this re-investment into MazdaSpeed says good things about Mazda. If they get this Mazdaspeed street car tuning parts distribution off the ground, you'll be able to pick and choose how to upgrade an existing Pro. Speed isn't cheap, but it's good to have options, and its good to know that Mazda is keeping driving enthusiasts in mind with cars other than just the Miata.
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    I wish I fit into a Miata. (sigh) My eyes are over the top of the windshield. I would have to wear gogles to just drive the dang thing.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That would be funny, wouldn't it? :) I was looking on the internet actually, and found a 2000 ES with ~21K, for $11,500. It's dark green with automatic, but no ABS. I really want ABS, so I probably wouldn't go for this car. I don't know what I am going to end up doing yet, I also have to wait for a decision from VWoA as well. I wish they would come on.

    There is also a 2002 dark green Protege ES with 8500 miles, automatic, ABS, side air bags, for $13,997. I can get a brand new one for $16,000, according to CarsDirect, though. So why spend that much on a used one, right?

    Like I said, we shall see what happens in the next week or two.
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    Hope everything works out for you, and VW buys your car back. Its a shame they have those problems with them, because they would otherwise be a great car. Imagine if they had toyota reliability with what they have now. I think even more people would be driving them.

    I think your dad's idea is excellent. Its obvious that you need a car that's good on gas. I'd go for a used, slightly higher than average miles corolla, sentra, protege, civic, or even saturn. Something reliable. You coudl work out a better deal since it is slightly less desireable in the miles department, but wont' matter to you because you put them on so fast. Then pocket the rest of your money and put in the bank, or go on vacation or something. I would shoot for the 12 to 14 price range.

    Steve
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Thanks for the well wishes. Actually, I thought about the economy class. I can't fit into a Saturn, a Sentra, or a Corolla though. The only small car I was comfortable in when I drove it was a Cavalier, a Matrix, and the Protege. The Matrix isn't available used yet, the Cavalier is crap from what I have heard and experienced. That leaves me only with the Protege.

    I don't know what's going to totally happen yet though, like I said.

    Anyone know someone who had their car bought back? Was this person made to get another of the same make of car? Thanks for the help.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Gee, I didn't think of that. How tall are you? I've been saving up to buy an early model Miata that I plan to then through parts at to make it better, smarter, faster, etc. I guess I'll need to see if I fit first.
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    I'd imagine that would be up to the MD state lemon laws, as I'm guessing that's what they'd be buying it back under. I doubt they can force you get the same car. If they do make you get another VW, I'd go for a base 1.8T Passat GLS. Bigger car, for about the same as the Jetta with all the fancy stuff you had. Not to mention the fact that they're made in Germany, even though some claim it has nothing to do with reliability.

    FYI, I did a search on autotrader in area code 21042, and found a 99 4cyl Camry with AC, auto, usual power steering, brakes, locks, cassette, CC, 42k miles for 11,6k. Maybe you need something midsize.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I had a Passat loaner and hated it. The seats were very uncomfortable, to the point where I took the car back and got another loaner. I am glad I did, because I kept it for FIVE weeks. I have had as a loaner EVERY car in the VW lineup but the Eurovan and Cabrio, and like the Jetta best.

    They would be buying the car back under the lemon law. And I would get a Jetta wagon if made to get another VW, because they are built in Germany as well. That's if they force me into the same make. If not, then I am going to shop for a used car. I can use a friend's car while I am waiting, he only lives a mile from work and can take other transportation.

    Also, I don't want a Camry. I have enough trouble staying awake at the wheel! :) Just kidding.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I am 6'3, and do not fit in a Miata either. I am too tall. I think the max height in that car is like 5'11 or something like that. Over that, and it's really hard to fit. Also, there is really not alot of room to recline the seatback either.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Where have Meade and Dale been the last couple of days? Have not seen any posts from them. What's up?
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    I'm only 6' tall but I have a really long spine and short legs. You can say it this way. I have the back of an average 6'3" footer. A Miata is actually a very small car.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Um, boy, my Protege needs waxing!

    :)

    --Dale
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    You should take your car to the car wash or something, and get it waxed. You could do it where you live, but it would be really tight getting around the car and all. Good luck. :)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    You don't need that much space. You HAVE to be close to apply/buff the wax out. As long as you can walk around your car, then you're ok. Just get it washed at some car wash place and GET IT DONE WITH!!

    If your only motivation is to make me shut up about it, then that should be enough!! WAX ALREADY!! :P

    Seriously though Dale, if you don't inted on waxing it yourself, don't bother anymore. This is because you will have to spend some (read: A HELLA LOT!!) money getting supplies.

    If I were you, I'd take Pete up on his offer and try waxing it at his place first. Then, if you like it, buy the necessary equipment. If you don't, take it to a good detailer.

    My $.02 for the day on this :)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I'm here; merely sitting on the sidelines chuckling a little "I told you so" chuckle to myself.

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Just wondering how things were going with you and yours, that's all.

    And, of course, I expected that from you. Ugh.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    who is 6'7" drive a Miata. He can't with the top up.

    Otherwise, I know a few 6'1 people who fit no prob. Driving them does take a little getting used to as you are much closer to the ground than you'd normally be.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Maybe this isn't the place to ask this, but how come I occassionaly lose one of my subscriptions? IE. I am no longer being brought to the MP3 board when there are new messages there. When I resubscribe it's ok, but once in a while I lose one and then it's a HUGE PITA to go back, find the board (If I remember about it) and then re-subscribe.

    Thanks!
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Honestly, if ind my friends' 99-99 corolla as spacious(and more comfy seats) in the front than any other car in it's class. The headrom is also more than in my protege. The backseat is another matter altogether.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That's the thing. I need a car that's going to have room in the back seats for passengers, in case I need to carry them. I have to push up the front seats in the Jetta I have now in order to make room for the back seat riders. That's not practical. Also, it might be the way that I sit, but I can not seem to get comfortable in the Corolla for some reason. I don't know what it is.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    A PROTEGE!!!

    Actually, I have a suggestion: In your own fickle way, you were musing over a Jetta wagon for about a week or so up until a few days ago. Why don't you get the rear seat room, sportiness and cargo area you want: Buy a Protege5!

    Meade
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    In 99 when I was out buying a car, I sat in the jetta, got claustrophic and ran out of the dealership.....i don't know how u survived...i am only 5-11 and 190lbs.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    the bank will own him for 30 years if he goes upside-down AGAIN with a new P5.

    I think a nice 99 DX will solve Paul's dilemma!!!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    The second-gens had a wee bit more room inside ... maybe he could get a 98 ES with about the same mileage for about the same price as a 99 DX.

    Meade
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    He could get a P5 for a pretty good deal know. It would only be a fraction of the cost of his previous car, but I don't think he'd be happy with the 2.0L engine.

    BUT, he could strap on a turbocharger (isn't there one out there for the P5 now?) and that P5 would STILL cost less than that other car.

    Hell, leather is supposed to even be an option now, so I can't see any issues there.

    Then again...if there are gonna be more "Vocus-isms" about the P5, then forget about it. :D

    Just messing with you Paul!!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    It's not going to be going upside down though. If VWoA buys my Jetta back, that's it. There will be no more to owe on it. It will be paid off. So I would start all over again.

    I don't want the P5, I want a car around $13K because I want the payment to be around $250 or so a month. I don't want a 1998 or less Protege, because I drove one before and the seats were too hard (although it wouldn't hurt to check another out).

    And Meade, I was only getting the Jetta wagon before because it's built in Germany, and I thought it might have better build quality than the Jetta sedan, built in Mexico. Now after all this drama, I wouldn't have another VW (on my own, anyway) if they gave me a truck full of them. They are great cars, but workmanship sucks. If they buy this one back and don't make me get another Jetta, then I will not be getting one.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Actually, the Jetta has more front seat room than the Protege did. I don't care about the back passengers, or at least I didn't until my friend's kids grew up some, I have had more client trips in the car (from work), etc. So I want more room in the back, so I don't have to pull up the seats for an average sized adult to sit in the back.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    They'll give you what the car's worth now -- or in the absolute best-case scenario, they'll buy it back for MSRP. You'll still have your negative equity to deal with yourself.

    BTW, don't fool yourself about them buying your car back. Your rattles don't satisfy Maryland's Lemon Law requirement. I hate to tell you, but your Monday meeting with the VWOA reps is probably going to make you even more furious.

    I'm saying it now -- so we have a record of it: "I told you so."

    Meade
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have thought about that as well. But other people have had their Jettas bought back because of rattles. I am below 15K (14,730 right now), so I am under that law. If they buy the car back, they will buy it back for MSRP. There is no negative equity. I paid that in the down payment when I bought the car. So if they buy it back for MSRP, I would have $1000 or so to play with. Would make a nice DP. I hope this meeting doesn't turn out to be bad, but we shall see I guess.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    There's more headroom in the rear than in the sedan.

    Elantra hatchback (used) or sedan might be an option. Pretty comfortable interior (although the leather is very, very thin) from what I remember.

    But, you'll likely end up in a Pro, and what's wrong with that? Fits well, handles sportily, fairly economical and (statistically) extremely reliable.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have seen two used P5s in my area. One was stick for like $15K, and that's out because I can't drive stick. The other was a white automatic with 12K or so, for $18K! NO WAY! Too much money. I can get a new one for that.

    I am just going to wait for the meeting on Monday before I decide what I am going to do.
  • jstandeferjstandefer Member Posts: 805
    The 626 has amazing rebates on them right now, since production will cease on them next month while the factory retools for the Mazda 6. Plenty of front and rear room... way more than the Protege or Jetta. The interior is quiet, the ride is refined, and power from the V6 is plentiful. John Hine in San Diego has nearly $5,000 off MSRP with the $3k rebate plus dealer discounts. An excellent buy!

    -Jerry
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    How much would a 626 be then?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Checked on CarsDirect.com for my zip code (21230), and they said even the basic model is above $18K with all rebates included. Too far out of my range, and I don't really like 626s anyway.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    They won't buy it back at MSRP. They will pay you fair market value. Be sure to talk to them about it before it's too late and you find yourself in the hole with no car.
  • jstandeferjstandefer Member Posts: 805
    Hmmm... A few weeks ago, the dealership had a 2002 Mazda 626 ES-V6 for $19,999 after discounts and rebates. This 626 was fully loaded with leather, wood trim, 6-CD Bose system, traction control, ABS, side airbags, V6, automatic tranny, moonroof... basically, as loaded as they can go!

    MSRP for a stripped LX 4-cyl 5-spd model is $19,305 including delivery charges. Invoice for this same car is $17,847 including delivery charges. With the rebate, you should be able to get one for $14,847. However, I've seen the dealership sell them for as low as $13,999. The base model still includes AC, CD, cruise, power everything... plus it gets 32mpg. It's a heck of a bargain for what you get!

    -Jerry
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Holy Crap Batman!!!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have been trying to find out some information about how this works. I don't know anyone who has gone through this, and I have never done it before either. Maybe you can give me some idea of what will happen? I know you don't have all the answers, especially since laws differ between Ca. and MD, but I would appreciate some help. Email me using my address in my profile if you could. Thanks again! :)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    $13,999 would be a great price for a 626. If I were to find one priced like that, I would definitely snatch it up.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Why can I post but it tells me to log in before I can view member profiles?

    Paul, e-mail me...I can't get your e-mail addy.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.