Mazda Protegé

1…268269271273274…453

Comments

  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    That color is called "Fort Knox Gold" on the Focus I believe.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    looks like doodoo color to me....
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    ... in Sean's diapers.

    Why the hell are we posting pics of a FOCUS here? HOW DARE YOU!!!

    Meade
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    this board is the hottest board on Town Hall. Thank goodness they finally fixed that darn thing :)

    oh, I actually do have a on-topic question. I think I will need to realign my Protege soon. How much are people paying to get their cars realigned?
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    My first set of tires wore so evenly (but still wore out in no time in classic Poortenza fashion), I haven't had to align my car at all in 38,400 miles.

    I think the last time I had an alignment done, it was about $60 (it was a four-wheel alignment). But that was probably five years ago.

    Meade
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Here in Canada, my GF got hers done for about $50 and that was on a '91 Jed-duh GL.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    some solid responses to my question about the MS3.

    Would you buy it for $22k?
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Didn't mean to ignore you. No, I wouldn't. But then again, that's just me. I'd rather sink that amount into a new Mazda6 with more room, a larger engine (instead of squeezing the 2.0 even harder), and some more creature comforts. And that is what I plan to do as long as Ford doesn't @#%@#% the 6 up too much. That price also brings the Accord and Camry into the ballpark -- granted they're no performance equals to the highly tuned MS3, but they're still damned good bangs for the same bucks.

    (My opinion, OK?)

    Meade
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    NO.

    I hate orange. It may handle really good but a WRX HB has all wheel drive AND more HP. Now if it was a MSP5, maybe. (I love hatchbacks)

    Jeez, your too impatient.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    hmm, according to Edmunds TMV, I can buy an Acura RSX Type S for around 22k, which includes a 6 speed manual, 200HP engine (yeah yeah i know i know all the power's at the top), standard leather seats, brand cache (even if it's the lowest Acura available), and is widely available.

    MS Pro has turbo, LSD, killer suspension and sound system w/ MP3 capability. 5-speed short shifter is also cool, along with the Mazdaspeed special edition designation.

    sad to say this, but if they sell the MS Pro for 22k, I would have to go with the RSX-S.

    now if they sell it for 20k, then we're getting somewhere...
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    So my answer wasn't solid maltb??
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I just didn't want it to get let behind in yesterday's thoughts.

    I agree, it's just too much to pay for what the general public will use it for. I think Nissan is hitting this one a bit more accurately with a car that is in reach of its target.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I don't think the public would pay $22K for the car. It is nice, but basically a compact car on steriods, for lack of a better example.

    Hank is right, sell it for $20K (about what a basic 1.8T Jetta sells for) and they would be getting somewhere.
  • hobbs3hobbs3 Member Posts: 6
    Hey guys,

    My 01 LX Protoge is approaching 9600 miles and I am wondering when how often I should rotate and balance the tires. For all those Costco members, they only charge me $16 to rotate my wife's tires on her Saturn (dont blame me...she bought it before we met)even though we didnt get the tires there. They also patched a hole for free. My protoge is a wonderful car so all those reading these posts trying to decide, dont wait any longer. Thanks for the help
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    No!
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    I do it every other oil change. That works out to be about 3000-4000 miles between oil changes (limited by capacity of oil filter, not degradation of the oil) and about 6000-8000 for every tire rotation.

    Oh, prices for drive-wheel alignment is usually about $40-60. A four wheel starts at about $60. Not that I've needed one on either of my vehicles (except for when I slid off a snow-covered off-ramp into a guard rail in my 323). Pretty well-constructed vehicles.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    No, I wouldn't but it for $22K.

    #1. 170 hp from a turbo 2.0L is really a disapointment and the $22K price tag makes it even more disapointing. Ford squeezed the same output from their Zetec 2.0L without a turbo in the Focus SVT. Turbo 2.0Ls from various Japanese manufacturers have made at least 190 hp for years. ie) Toyota's 200 hp 2.0L turbo (which debuted in 1990, 12 years ago), Mitsubishi's 210 hp 2.0L turbo and Subaru's 227 hp 2.0L Turbo. All of these were or are available in the U.S. and made more power in other markets like Europe and Asia.

    #2 There are too many alternatives in this price range, most of which have already been mentioned.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Can anyone say yes to that question? Please, closet lurkers, now is your time to chime in.

    This place is filled with people who love the Protege, but I think we are all realistic as to how far that devotion goes.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Probably not. Probably get a 6 at that price point. Then again, I'm probably not the target for the MS3. I prefer a naturally-aspirated engine and don't like all the body clad-ons. I also don't like the two colors being offered.

    But there may be a small market for this. It is a decent price, and is less than what one would lay out to equip a Protege sedan this way. For sure, they'd get a lot more attention at $20k (about $2-3k more than an ES sedan).
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I don't like the fact that Mazda farmed out the turbo devolopment to Callaway. Why couldn't they do it themselves? Mazda has a rich history with turbo vehicles. Why did they stop using IHI turbos?
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    No, I wouldn't. I agree with others that this puts it too close to the WRX and RSX-S. Comparisons to these vehicles, especially the turbo 2.0 L WRX, will be all too natural at $22k. However, since Mazda is producing a limited number, basically to get the MazdaSpeed name back out there, I'm guessing they'll sell all of them anyway.

    I think the press will have a two pronged beef with the MS3 - we know they'll love the suspension, but I think they will complain about both the price and also the power, especially as it relates to the price. I understand why only 170 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, but understanding why doesn't head-off comparisons with other compacts in the same price range (wrx,rsx-s) - or worse yet, less expensive compacts (spec V, si, svt).
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    I would spend 22 or even 32K if Mazda would come out with a Hello Kitty edition, as Daihatsu did in '99 and '00.

    I don't care how many ponies, don't need turbo, don't like orange, don't want no crazy spoilers.

    I just want Hello Kitty.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    For 30k, I'll make you the best darned HK(hello kitty not hank kuo) edition car you've seen. Picture the steering wheel like the kitty's face; the turn signal, wiper switch and cruise switches would be whiskers. The shifter would be a furry tail. The seats would be of kitty hides. I'd go the full nine yards(or lives).
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Maybe you could get a local custom paint shop to do some Hello Kitty air brush work to your Pro's exterior. I don't know - those guys like to do flames and firebirds and the like. They might be to embarrassed to do Hello Kitty. Money talks, though.

    At the very least, you'll need a cat back exhaust.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    i'm flattered yet irritated at the same time. How dare you to compare my namesake with a fricking cat??? On the other hand it would be pretty cool to have a special edition car named after me, like Eddie Bauer :)
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Um, Malt?

    You had me until you got to the kitty hides. Shame on you.

    But if we could work around that little detail, you've certainly given me something to think about.

    Hmmm...checking the annuity fund now....
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    cat back exhaust...oh, you are tooooooo funny :)

    Hank: if I were you, I would be HONORED to have the same initials as the great cat.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    the cat back exhaust would give it a nice purr.

    And I forgot the Uniroyal Tiger Paws, the finest tires K-mart sells.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    HK Edition??? Muwhahahaahahah!! How about "Hello Kuo" or "Hank Kitten"????? LMAO!!!!!

    Dale I'll "Kitty" your car for much cheaper. Bring it up here....I know a ton of places that sell HK cra....I mean stuff.

    Umm...Since I'm not in the Posse topic...
    I think Mazda will have NO trouble selling the MS3, but I won't be getting one. Sure I'll give myself whiplash checking one out as it drives by, but I'd never buy it.

    BTW, I can see the future. I can see the Nissan Sentra vs. Mazda Protege topic and how it's going to turn out...
    Mazda lover: "The MS3 outperforms the Spec-V in all aspects now. What you got to say now, Chump?"

    Spec-V lover: "But it costs too much now. I'm much happier in my ugly a** interior and I love the torque steer because I got all this for much cheaper."

    Etc...etc...etc ad naseum.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    nevermind...
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    standard dual kitty litter bins and a horn that goes "MEOW"?
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    You don't want to cash in and then find out you forgot to read one important claws.

    Meade
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    ... The first-ever collaboration between Mazda and Meow Mix. The car races buy, the "Zoom Zoom" music begins, and the little kid turns to the camera and whispers ...

    "It's BAXTER!"

    I think you have something here, Dale. BTW, have you considered getting a vanity license plate for your car ... "PURRTEGE"?

    Meade
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
  • sfratsfrat Member Posts: 208
    And to the original question, 22k is more than I would pay for a Protege. I would go for the WRX or something already mentioned.

    I would pay 19 or so for an ES or Pro5 with the turbo engine in it though, and otherwise the same.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I, like yesterday, just had the lack of class to perpetuate this nonsense.

    ;-)
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Enough of this scratch, this topic has grown legs.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    that damn cat can bite me.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    In the not so distant future (IIRC, maybe in about 1.5 years), MazdaSpeed parts will be sold for Mazda street cars. So supposedly you will be able to get that $19k turbo Pro - assuming you pick up a 2.0L pro around 15k, that would leave 4k for the turbo kit and instal - warrantied by Mazda too.

    Of course, that 19k won't get you the MS3 suspension, the LSD, the wheels/tires, the beefed up half-shafts and clutch, (or that rad stereo - hip, ain't I?), but it will be a true turbo Pro with a factory warranty. That's if this MazdaSpeed thing flies. I hope it does - having performance options is a good thing IMO.

    Plus, its good press for Mazda as a performance car brand. That, and the MazdaSpeed Miata and RX-8 should both be a real kick in the pants.

    Next question: Would I buy a MazdaSpeed turbo kit for my existing Pro?

    My answer: No. I'd use the money to buy an early model Miata and tune that instead.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    You keep talking about her that way, and I'm sure she will.

    Hello Kitty will NOT be dissed.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Is changing the bulb in the dome light something even one as life-impaired as myself could do?
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    The cover just snaps off. Look in your Owners Manual to see which side you should pry on. There's also a list of all bulbs in the car -- your local car parts store should carry them; they're common.

    Just do yourself a favor. After you get in the car, manually turn off the dome light and wait a few minutes before doing this. The way the bulb's in its socket, you have to touch the bulb to get it out. Gonna be hot if your dome light was just on prior to doing it!

    Meade
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I say YES to MS3 if they fix my auto tranny ;)
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    And, um, I don't think I'll have to worry about the dome light bulb being hot before I change it, since the whole reason I want to change it is because it seems to be burned out.

    :):)

    --Dale
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    There's that LOGIC crap again!!!

    Meade
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    I'm not ALWAYS a dumb girl.

    :)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Well, Dale, since we're not supposed to read anything into what anyone's saying, let me point out that you NEVER SAID the present bulb is burned out. If I remember correctly, you said you wanted to CHANGE it. You gave no reason why. For all I know, you wanted to put a black light bulb or a Hello Kitty night light in that socket. Or maybe you just had a personal problem with the one in there now. Or maybe you wanted to just take out the current bulb to eliminate any possibility of electrocuting yourself the next time you're at the car wash ...

    Meade
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    A bit dimly lit?

    You know, if it is burned out because you got water in it, it may never work again. ;-)

    Easy job. Check your owner's manual for instructions.

    Edit: oops, Meade beat me to it - guess I'm too slow today.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    Meade!

    I HAVE a Hello Kitty nightlight!

    Thanks for the awesome idea!

    Sorry, Malt...I may end up modding the Pro myself...guess you'll have to find some other sap to pay you 30K for the HK edition.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    all those references to car washes, and my unfortunate experiences with them...
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.