Mazda Protegé

hkchan

Thanks fritz1224. I guess there's something to be learned everyday. From Chevron's web site.
"In addition to providing high octane, Chevron Supreme Unleaded gasoline has a higher dose of the exclusive gasoline additive Techron® compared to our regular and plus unleaded grades."

jstandefer

Here's a terrific article about gasoline octane by the United States Federal Trade Commission. An interesting quote from this article is, "Studies indicate that altogether, drivers may be spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year for higher octane gas than they need."

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm

fowler3

Send me an e-mail and I'll see what is available in the North Carolina area. There are four dealers here, meaning the Greensboro Winston-Salem area.

Or post your e-mail.

fowler3

fowler3

to find new cars...look on Autotrader.com for the year and model.

fowler3

fritz1224

Yeah, me too. Ain't the internet a wunnerful thing?

vocus

About a year ago, someone was doing the same thing, and this person lived in Florida. He ended up going to Russel Mazda on Route 40 in Baltimore and purchasing it. I have seen some there too (I bought my last Protege, a 1999 DX, there). Check with them. Their phone number is 410-744-2300.

protegextwo

Hey, maltb got the inside dope. You need to contact him. He owns his own Mazda dealership, Hehe! Just kidding Malty. :-)

Truthfully, I bet maltb can really help you. I will check out my local Mazda Dealership on Wednesday.

Goodluck!

Respectfully;
Larry

gitarzan

I have noticed on previous cars of mine that Premium Gas did seem to provide better MPG on the highway for long runs, but I never saw a difference on the streets, unless the car needed it for anti-pinging and run-on problems.

As far as cleaning agents go, I still suspect that most gas cleaning agents is methyl alcohol derived and most oil based cleaners are kerosene based. Don't believe me? Buy some and smell it. I've been trying to loosen up a stuck valve in an old chevy and I've tried everything. They smelled like I suspected...

protegextwo

"Since my baby left me"......"I'm so damn lonely I could cry".

Elvis (Heartbreak Hotel)

unmarkedcar

HELLLLLOOOOOOOOO IS ANYONE OUT THERE?

maltb

Busy, busy, busy...running my dealership.

lindathomp2000

The ES 2001, 5 speed with the premium package IS very difficult to find. If I were you, I would order one. The silver is especially rare so if you order it, you can specify just what you want. I have a nose guard that had to be ordered (it's new for 2001). If you want extras like that, order them also.

weisbe

I just got my loaded ES 2.0 Litre (Canadian) with GT package - (thats the top of the line one here). Silver color, 16" Dunlops with alloys - oh baby - it looks fine - it drives great! I can't believe the proper handling for a small car.

I was driving with the sunroof open, windows down, stereo up....There were BMW, Mercs, Lexus' passing me - and I couldn't care less!!! Ok, so they weren't staring at my car - but hey, I felt like a $ 1 000 000 bucks and paid more than 40 times less that amount! It's hard leaving the parking lot now and leaving the car behind - I swear, this car, after a few beers, looks like a BMW with those tires!

anyways................................................

drive on bro's and sis's

rfasani

I've read several times in this forum that the S-Plan pricing on either 2000 or 2001 models should be 1.5% under invoice. Is that an official, constant number or a result of people's experience? (e.g. Should I expect that if I head out to buy a Protege today?)

hkchan

Yes (until Mazda/Ford changes it).
Yes (until Mazda/Ford changes it).
Yes, that too.
Maybe. Participation by dealers is voluntary.

imohammed

I have a 1993 Mazda protegee. I had some electrical short circuit and since then the "HOLD" light in the dash board blinks when I am driving, the Auto transmission lock does not release when I press brake, the speedometer does not work, and milage meter is stuck at 123k. Can any one suggest where I should look for this problem. I have checked all fuses in the fuse box and they all have been replaced. Car runs as it did before this problem.

Thanks

hkchan

"...the Auto transmission lock does not release when I press brake...."?
That mean you can't even drive it, correct? Somehow I don't think that's you meant. Anyway, you need to page maltb.

imohammed

"...the Auto transmission lock does not release when I press brake...."?
[[[That mean you can't even drive it, correct? Somehow I don't think that's you meant. Anyway, you need to page maltb. ]]]

Yes I am able to drive by releasing the lock by sliding the unlock Trans lock button on the center console.

maltb

Would that be German or Japanese beer?

maltb

Well, if you have all of that you probably fried the PCM, BUT I would have a dealer put a breakout box on there to be sure before you go sinking big $$ on the control unit.

How did you short it anyway?

fowler3

You have to sign up with EAA before heading out to buy a Protegé. Get a membership number by e-mail.
Then go shopping. Call ahead and ask if they honor the S-Plan. Saves time.

fowler3

fowler3

Those BMW, Mercs, Lexus drivers were zooming along worrying about their next service bills. =P

I got mail from my Mazda dealer today giving the cost of a Maintenace Special: Replace oil and filter, rotate and balance tires,check fluids, check brakes, exhaust, steering & suspension. US$59.95

The Honda dealer charges US$99 just to rotate and balance the tires. Their Maintenace Special costs US$260. Same service. Think what it is for BMW?

No wonder you felt like a million dollars, that's what you saved. LOL!

I know the feeling, I usually sit in my favorite beanery where I can look out the window at my Pro.
Two old ladies thought I was staring at them. “Sorry, madam, I was looking at a car.”

fowler3

fowler3

If you want to see where Mazda is headed with styling and design look at these URL's.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/geneva2001/featured/mazda-mxsport/index.html

The above URL for the concept sketch and description.

http://www.cardesignnews.com/events/geneva2001/gallery/index11.html

The second for what it looks like at the Geneva International Auto Show in February.

Far out! This one ZOOMS standing still.

fowler3

fowler3

You can copy any of the images from your screen after they load. Click thumbnails for larger sizes.
Mac users place the cursor on the image and click *Save this image* in the pop-up. PC users right-click.

To print them, they are 72dpi so reduce them to 50% for 144dpi. Smaller is less jaggied.

fowler3

imohammed

MALTB wrote(5/01)[[[Well, if you have all of that you probably fried the PCM, BUT I would have a dealer put a breakout box on there to be sure before you go sinking big $$ on the control unit.

How did you short it anyway?]]]

Response by imohammed:
My dome light went out, so I was trying to install it. Bulb slipped and some how it shorted two terminals. I saw a spark. I am not sure if it was bulb blowing up or spark from short. Of course bulb was burnt as it was evidence from its appearance.

proboscis

Hi Weisbe,

I'm also in Canada (Hamilton, Ontario) and am also very strongly considering the purchase of a 2001 ES, although likely without the GT package. I'm just wondering if you can tell me what you paid and in as much detail as you can. Whereabouts do you live and what was it like negotiating with the dealer?

maltb

Dome light:

Funny as it may sound, the shop manual recommends disconnecting the negative battery cable when you replace the dome light. This is done to protect the dome light timer as well as other electronics. I don't remember if the Pro had a timer in '93 although other models did.

Yetiracer:

I was joking with Larry about the dealership. Check here to find out about the s-plan:

http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/ford_partner.html

The S-plan price is printed on the dealer invoice. If your dealer accepts the S-plan, ask to see a copy of the invoice. Also, the s-plan price is a no haggle, very fair price.

protegextwo

HEHE!!! I do love you, man! ;-)

Larry

vocus

Don't forget about the Protege chat tonight at 9pm!! See you all there around 9.30.

hollenhorst2

I just got off the phone from my local Mazda dealer. I'm hoping to get a 2001 Protege ES, Silver with auto and the Premium Pkg (Moonroof, ABS, and side airbags). They agreed that I could purchase it on the S-plan (1.5% below invoice), and I was going to use the $500 rebate instead of financing it. I understand Mazda reimburses the dealer at least that 1.5% ($255), plus they'll get all the holdback (2% of Base MSRP, or $311). I was even gonna give 'em $349 in Doc fees (which I know is way, way more than it costs to do the paperwork, but even with that, I was still coming out about $400 under invoice, which I can live with). Now, my salesman calls back and tells me that there is another $290 charge for dealer prep (scotchguarding, rustproofing, etc. ),which I know is also bullcrap. That snapped my string, and I chewed the salesman out a new a**hole, telling him that there was no way I'd even dream about paying a penny more than the $349. Without the $290 charge, the dealer is still making what I think is a very decent profit of $895: the reimbursed 1.5%, the holdback, and the $349 (minus about $20, which is my guess for their actual cost of doing the paperwork and tagging the car). Should I stick to my guns and not give in to the $290 charge?

newcar31

Does this mean that you have to disconnect the negative battery terminal when replacing headlights? I just ordered the brand new PIAA Xtreme white headlights, mostly because of the way they look. I know that they don't really light up the road any better than the factory bulbs, I used to have the PIAA superwhites in my integra, and they didn't work THAT great, but they sure looked cool. I also replaced the turn-signal/parking lamps with clear bulbs in my 2001 ES. (the lamps to the inside of the headlamps) IMO, it looks much better than the amber bulbs that came stock, but I have never disconnected the battery when replacing any bulbs on any of my cars. You guys have me worried now that I might fry my ECU by doing this. (I don't know how it would fry the ECU) By the way, since I got 33mpg on the highway going about 80mph with air conditioning on, I believe I can get better with the AC off and going a little bit slower. I was pleasantly surprised when I punched the numbers in at the gas station considering that Wisconsin has the 5th highest gas prices in the nation. I can't wait till the prices go higher; we will start seeing a lot of those SUV pigs in the classified section. Good luck selling them.

vocus

I changed the headlamp bulbs in my 1999 Protege (basically the same as the 2001s are) and didn't disconnect the battery. Had no problems after that. But, the ES models come with the dome lamp that stays on when you get in the car too. My DX didn't. Come to think of it, you better check first before you do any electrical changes.

maltb

Under the S-plan, the dealer is not allowed to charge you for documentation(bogus charge). The s-plan price is non-negotiable, but any dealer options are negotiable.

maltb

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is a simple step that can save you, well, thousands. It takes seconds to do. As a note, when you are changing headlight bulbs, you do that with the switch turned off. With dome lights, your feet are hanging out the door so it is switched on. Just use caution, a little common sense and take that extra step with the battery cable.

vocus

Well why can't you just turn off the switch to the dome light so it won't be on with the door open???

hollenhorst2

Thanks for your response. What about license plate fees?

newcar31

While I am not an electrician, I have done these kinds of things many times, but there is always a first time to screw things up, and with my luck, it will be my car that I screw up. For instance, I have done many, many, radiator flushes on peoples' cars while working at J-lube and never screwed anything up. When I did the second flush on my integra, I crushed the plastic part of the radiator that the upper hose attaches to, by tightening the hose clamp too tight. What kind of luck is that? I think I will disconnect the battery terminal this time because reseting the radio station presets is easier than paying for a new ECU.

mazdafun

Don't know if this is the case in your ES, but in my 99LX, the dome light (no moonroof) has a 3-position slide switch for the following modes:

1) Always on.
2) On for a period after the doors are open or when the ignition key is turned if that's before the timer goes off.
3) Always off.

If your dome light has this switch,moving it to position 3 opens the circuit, so it should prevent any short circuits when you replace the bulb. You can verify the terminals are at ground before removing the old bulb by using a multimeter (clip one probe to a ground, such as the car's frame, and touch the other to each terminal in turn).

hkchan

If I were you, I would definitely not pay the $290 for the "Pack". In fact I would not pay the $349 doc fees either. Sounds like the car already has the "Pack" applied/installed. Chances are you can bargain it down to $50. $349 for doc fees is excessive, but each state is different.

BTW, your claim that the dealer makes $895 is wrong. $255 S-Plan reimbursement (Your guess is as good as mine on this one) + $311 holdback + ($349-$20) (profit on doc fees).

The dealers sells it for 1.5% under invoice, so the reimbursement (assuming 1.5%) only brings it back to invoice.

If I were you, I would go to a different dealer and file a complaint with Mazda against the first dealer.

maltb

Dome Lights:
Yes, you can turn it off, but if you use a small screwdriver to poke in there and remove the bulb, you may hit a live contact. Really guys, the battery cable is cheap insurance and is allways step #1 in the repair manual.

License fees:
Sounds like a state fee so that is between you, your state and the dealer. If the dealer accepts the s-plan, don't pay the doc fee(Mazda's terms-not dealer's).

protegextwo

Paul, I will try to stop in tonight. If all goes well, hehe! I will explain tonight.

-Larry

newcar31

I just finished my last "regular" class periods. I am going to graduate!!! Two more finals, one more assignment, and I am done folks! Now all I need is a job in SoCal.

peregrine_11

Hi all,

I've been lurking on this board for a few weeks, just reading up on what people are saying about their Proteges. I've really enjoyed it and look forward to participating a bit more!

I just ordered my first new car, a 2001 ES in Sunlight Silver with the Premium package. Order went in at the tail-end of March and now I'm just biting my nails waiting for the new zoom-baby to arrive.

I have a historical affinity for Mazda, and have been driving my father's old '88 626 LX for the last 2.5 years. What a great old car--I have mixed feelings about getting rid of him because he's been such a fantastic car. But, I'm selling him to my uncle as the "first manual tranny trainer" for my cousins... so I'll be able to check in on him from time to time.

Anyway, I wanted to respond briefly to rfsani and recommend a few sites that really helped me as I was making my purchase (from the negotiation/information side, at least). Check out http://www.carbuyingtips.com and http://www.fightingchance.com for some very solid advice on how to make an informed purchase decision. These two sites were my Bible as I was buying the new car. It was my first new car purchase, and I'll end up getting the car for at least $400 under invoice (depends on whether Mazda bumps up the $500 rebate by the time I take delivery). I highly recommend you use faxed offers to several dealers to get the price down as far as possible.

I found the 01 ES with Premium package and 5sp extremely difficult to find, as well, so I just ordered one. I wasn't in a big hurry to get it, and I like the idea that I'll get the car as a "clean slate" with only a few miles on it. I JUST got a call from a dealer in Milwaukee saying they just got their first 01 ES to my specs in on the lot. Mazda evidently can't make this particular configuration of the Protege fast enough.

I was wondering about the grad program, as well, as I've been out of school three years, as well. I called Mazda and the nice customer service rep told me they were firm on the two-year limitation, but I may press my dealer a little bit more, as well.

Good luck, and I'm looking forward to speaking with all of you more on this board!

vocus

You said that you wanted a car with a clean slate. I was lucky enough that when I went to get my 2001 ES 2.0, it has just come off the truck that day. I got it with only 2 miles on it. Good luck with your new car. If you are like any of us in this chat room, you will quickly fall in love with your new baby.

mpgman

The Pro-5 or whatever they call it is 170 inches long, making it shorter than the sedan. Anyone know for sure where they took the room from? Thanks.

hkchan

Where did you get that information?

hollenhorst2

hkchan,

thanks for replying. The $895 included the $349(what I agreed to pay in document fees)-$20(estimate of dealer's actual cost of doing paperwork=$329---actual dealer profit on doc fee. The car I'm interested in- an '01 ES with the Premium Package (ABS, side airbags, moonroof) and Automatic Transmission) invoices for $17,021 (dest. fee included) 1.5% of that =$255. That, plus 2% of base MSRP (which according to Edmunds' is the holdback-and the dealer would get all of that back, because I'm probably going to end up having to request it on a dealer's future allocation, and since it'll be sold the day it gets to the dealer, the dealer will get all of the holdback (I think that's how it works), or $15,535=$311. These three added together equal $895. Without the doc fee, the profit would be what you stated, or $566. As I stated in a post earlier today, I was willing to give them that extra $329 profit, for the $895. But, as maltb most kindly and graciously stated, Mazda does not allow dealers to charge doc fees on S plan deals!
I can't wait for my salesman to call back (if he does call back, because I wasn't exactly polite when I talked to him this morning when he tried to add the $290 pack for dealer prep), so I can let him know I know about that. The power of the internet!

hollenhorst2

not to pick your brain too much, but am I right in assuming that Mazda reimburses the dealer the 1.5% under invoice amount that S plan buyers get? Do dealers get any other payments/incentives over and above that?

hkchan

No, as you already know, S-Plan means 1.5% under invoice. The reimbursement from Mazda later only brings it back to invoice (again assuming 1.5% of invoice is what the reimbursement will be). I'm saying if that's true (the 1.5%), then the dealer's profit is ($349-$20)+$311(holdback)=$640, not $895 or $566.

The dealer paid (or will pay) Mazda the invoice price for the car. Sells it to you for less than invoice ($255). Gets the difference back from Mazda ($255?). Gets $329 in profit for the doc fees. Gets the holdback ($311).

maltb

They don't get the doc fees. Those are bogus to start with. They basically get an administration fee for the total sale. Don't ask, I don't know how much, and it's irrelevant anyway(s-plan is nonnegotiable).