Mazda Protegé

fowler3

Right!! But I already have a G4 tower, just not online yet. Need to set it up for Internet: anti-virus and e-mail software.

The one I'm on now dates back to 1996, everything old. When I started on the Internet, 1994, I was using a greyscale monitor. LOL!

The G5 looks like an early electric heater. Those 9 fans will suck in a lot of dust I'll bet. The speed is nice though. Why is everything silver? Most cars are, all stereos are, what's next? Oh, the MZ3 shown at the NYC Auto Show was silver.

Here's another person's response to "marketshare" on a board other than Emunds. They were comparing computer manufacturers to car manufacturers, such as Mercedes not having a large marketshare and not worried about it. I thought the reply was excellent; for those worried about Mazda's marketshare.

**Automobiles are developed on a more or less open, standardized platform. There's not much that is proprietary with any car manufacturer. If certain roads were only available to specific car manufacturers, marketshare would get important real quick.**

A takeoff on this idea was Germany in the 1950s. Small car owners who didn't want to drive at high speeds on the Autobahns (Interstates) were required to put a sticker on the lower left side of the rear window with *55* on it. They had to ALWAYS drive in the right lane at 55mph.

A modern takeoff would be V6s and V8s on the Interstates and 4-cylinders restricted to rural highways and cities. THAT would make marketshare important!

It's almost like that now in Europe where 4-cylinder cars are King. I'm sure you have read that Mazda doesn't offer a V6 in the MZ6 in Europe. The reason, federal taxes on V6 and V8 engines are very high. more than many people can afford, and would put an MZ6s in the luxury class. It's also why Mercedes and BMW do not offer a 4-cylinder, they cater to luxury buyers. And why the MZ6 was built small for a medium size car, to run better with a 4-cylinder in Europe and great with the V6 here.

Isn't it amazing the great products we get, considering the compromises manufacturers have to make to sell worldwide?

fowler3

oskwi

Well, my mom finally broke down and bought a new Protege ES (loaded)last Thursday. This was by far the best car for the money! Her Corsica is on to graveyard...thank goodness. It's an absolute travesty that GM sells cars like that one. One of my friends just bought a new Grand Am and she made the mistake of asking me if I thought she got a good car. I said NO! Her comment was that she "had to buy a GM car because of the family discount." I responded that you chose to buy because of the discount, no one forced you to!

Best thing about the car...it's 97% Japanese parts content....worst thing about the car...it's not 100% Japanese parts content!

Anyway, car runs beautifully...it has 2200 miles on it so far...yes I know that's a lot for one week, but we had to drive from Green Bay, WI back to Buffalo, NY to find a home. Power is more than sufficient...it handled the mountains in Ohio/PA border very well once I found where the overdrive kicks in. (A little different than the Galant) Gas mileage is phenomenal...I averaged about 400 miles/tank driving with the air on and at speeds of around 70 mph or about 28.5 miles to the gallon with a 2.0 liter. I saw almost no change in mpgs when we were traveling in and around Buffalo looking for a house. The Protege is a great car and I can't wait to get my P5 or Protege when I relocate! I think my Mitsu is happier having a more worthy garage partner! I look forward to reading more posts from mdaffron, maltb, boggse...the regulars. Your advice is noteworthy and your banter makes me laugh! Thanks for all of your previous posts. It made the car buying decision more comfortable!

boggse

"I look forward to reading more posts from mdaffron, maltb, boggse...the regulars."

Hey! We're regulars! ...and I always considered myself a little unusual.

At any rate, good job on getting the ES picked out for your mom. I know the Protegé is extremely popular in Canada, so it should do well in Buffalo.

meinrad

"I look forward to reading more posts from mdaffron, maltb, boggse...the regulars. Your advice is noteworthy and your banter makes me laugh! Thanks for all of your previous posts. It made the car buying decision more comfortable!"

This should buy a free pass through the next off topic extravaganza!

dinu01

"This should buy a free pass through the next off topic extravaganza!"

Which should take place in the Posee discussion, right?

Dinu

fowler3

mdaffron, malt, boggse, and Dale have dropped off the earth! Any word about them, maybe we should put out an Amber Alert (flashing parking lights)?

fowler3

boggse

I posted three before you! I demand that you acknowledge my existence! I think Meade is on vacation. Malt is obviously working too hard these days (thanks Malt!). Dale probably drowned in a random car wash.

meinrad

Meade is, but I'm not telling :-)-----

boggse

Meade is actually on-line.

chicagopro

I'll have you know that I had the car washed last night, as a matter of fact, and was all proud of myself for remembering to put up the window before getting hit in the face with the undercarriage wash. So there. :P

Stuck at work this summer, not doing much.

Oh, and I'm at over 25K on the Protege, and still loving it.

alternator

When I burn WAV music files to a CD-Data disk and play the resulting disk on my 2002 Mazda Protege (Panasonic?) CD player, I get momentary sound drop-outs every 5 or 6 minutes of running time (while car is stationary, and the drop-outs occur at the same place on the disk every time). I don’t get drop-outs when I play the same disk on various other cars’ CD players. I don’t get drop-outs when I play the same disk on my 10-years old Panasonic “in-house” CD player. And, most surprising, I don't get drop-outs on the Protege player if I burn music files onto a CD-R Music disk! Does anyone else have this problem? I am afraid that my dealer may not look on this as a fixable warranty problem in that CD-R media compatabilty issues are apparently legend.

boggse

Er... Since WAV files aren't compressed in any way, I don't see the point in burning your disks that way as opposed to the Music Disk method. Is there one?

alternator

I believe an uncompressed file is required to produce a CD that will play on normal home CD players and auto CD players. I don't know what "Music Disk method" means, but I'm willing to learn. I found that ripping to WAV rather than to lame mp3 was about twice has fast (I don't understand that process either.Ha!)

boggse

The difference is in how data is arranged on the CD:

Data CDs use the ISO 9660 disc format.

Music CDs use the Red Book disc format (IIRC).

WAV files are essentially AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format -- which is the music file format that CDs use) files with some Windows extensions (thanks, Bill Gates), so, theoretically, a CD player may be able to ignore the ISO 9660 disc format and search the CD for the music data and play it. It sounds like your Protegé CD player isn't as good at this as other players. When you burn your music CDs, be sure to choose "Music CD" as the disc type in your disc burning software. That should allow the Protegé player to read your discs accurately. Also, be sure to use discs that have a metallic writeable surface, e.g. silver or gold instead of green or blue. I find that they will play better in players that aren't specifically designed to read CD-R discs.

The advantage to ripping to MP3s is to save space on your computer, not speed or sound quality. If you have the hard disk space to rip all of your CDs to WAV files, you should end up with better sounding files since WAV files are just a bit copy of what is on the CD. I hope this made sense. If not, please ask more questions.

alternator

I burned using "Audio Disk" selection from Nero. I used TDK silver CD-Data disks. I don't keep any ripped music on my hard drive after I've burned to disk. The CD-Music disks that have worked so far with my Protege player are Maxell dark blue CD-R Music disks. Strange eh?

mdaffron

I was off for a few days. Spent Monday washing, vacuuming and -- finally -- waxing the 2000 ES. Meguiar's Gold Class of course. Then it was off to Costco for steaks and a tire rotation.

Yes, Zoomster likes his medium rare.

the_big_h

couple of our ol' Protege regulars have defected to the Mazda6 camp...

mdaffron

I knew about Ashu. Who else?

(And I have been back since Monday ... just thought I'd lurk for a while to see if you guys talk about me behind my back.)

(And you do.)

Meade

the_big_h

alternator

I would like to tap into the wire going to my back-up lights without removing the rear light housing completely (to install a back-up alarm). As near as I can tell, the available wires are black (2), black + white (2), green + yellow, red + yellow and green. Does anyone have ready access to the wiring diagram for the 2000-2003 Mazda Protege and will tell me which of these is the back-up light (or reverse light in Mazda vernacular) wire?

newcar31

I'm still on your side (the Mazda side). The Mazda6 and Protege/Mazda3 are brothers.

Now if I would have gotten that Bimmer, that would have been a defection.

mdaffron

... or saying Proteges don't hold their value. We've already been through a year of that. Let's keep this discussion "f"ocused on the Protege, not how it compares to the 6, OK?

Meade

tomciviletti

MP-3 is inferior to CD in sound quality. The compression results in lost detail and audibly machinelike sound. Not that CD is perfect. The increased info on DVD, SACD, and other formats makes them superior.

newcar31

I haven't said a word about the 6 vs. Protege since I bought it last Thursday night. This is not another Paul situation. There are key differences:

Paul's car was A LOT more money than my 6.

Paul was upside on his Protege loan.

Paul didn't have 0% for 48 months on his Protege.

Paul didn't get 0% for 60 months on his Jetta.

Paul sold his Protege because he didn't like it anymore.

I sold my Protege because I got a really good deal on a 6.

boggse

Depends on the codec used and bit rate. 320kpbs MP3s are pretty hard to discern from CDs. Of course, the size isn't that different at that sampling rate. I personally prefer the AAC format, but few if any head units support that format. An AAC file at 128kpbs sounds as good or better than a 192kpbs MP3, but it is about the same size as a 128kpbs MP3.

ashutoshsm

Awesome!
I'll follow your responses on the mazda 6 forum

s or i (I imagine I could go there and find out - just got to edmunds for the first time today!). Stick or auto *duh - I think I can guess the answer to that one.

I bought pretty much for the same reason - an unbeatable deal that I may never again have access to And a car optioned out almost to the T as I wanted it (except it has a wing - ugh! And chrome appearance bars on the sides and back. double ugh!)

Required content: Still own my Pro, looking for a great new home for it, and still think its one helluva incredible car. Loved not having one cent of extra work required to be done on it in 3+ years of ownership, and not having any payments at all for over 18 months!

newcar31

03 Silver Mazda6i manual with premium package, $16850 @ 0% for 60 months.

I still liked my Protege too, but Mazda made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

ashutoshsm

Did you get the rebates? Are you including the rebates in that number? TTL? Should we move this to the Mazda 6 - How Much Did You Pay discussion, or offline? Am I too full of questions?

newcar31

That includes rebates, doesn't include TTL.

MSRP: $19,970
Invoice: $18,365
Edmunds TMV: $19,248

So, about $3100 off of sticker or $1500 below invoice.

All you out there in Protege land, Mazda wants you to buy a 6!!!!

maltb

That's a great deal; congrats!

I have been way too busy to get around Edmunds much and the 6 forum is daunting with 700+ posts to read. I'll catch up at some point. Of course, I need to get past all of Ted's e-mail requests still. :-p

newcar31

haven't heard from ya in a while.

Yeah, when I saw your 6 zoomin around, I liked it so I figured I'd get me one them too.

the_big_h

$2500 rebate on regular sedans!

$2250 rebate on Protege5's!!

$1500 rebate on Mazdaspeed Proteges!!!(!)

it's Mazda Discounts Galore!!!

so tempting! yet I must wait for the RX-8!!!!

maltb

and silver too! I'd like to think that I influenced that but I know better. Of course, my Steel Gray is due in shortly. The perfect color, IMO, would be the one you saw.

gee35coupe

Congrats again on your 6 purchase. That's a heckuva deal. Especially with 0%.

Deals like that was why we bought our Protege. That's also why I didn't buy a 6 when I test drove it earlier this year. I'd be ticked had I bought one and taken that huge depreciation hit the early owners are going to get.

newcar31

if I could have used the college grad rebate again, but it's been too long. I used that on the Protege.

sfrat

I got a 1250 customer loyalty discount in the mail. Did you get that too?

I might go test drive one this weekend just for the heck of it.

newcar31

Yup, there's a $1000 customer loyalty rebate and $250 rebate for financing through Mazda American Credit. They're paying you $250 to take advantage of 0% financing.

Don't go test drive one unless you plan on buying it because that's what you'll end up doing if you drive it.

dinu01

"Don't go test drive one unless you plan on buying it because that's what you'll end up doing if you drive it."

After I drove that M6 V6 GT (6s in the US), I had that stupid grin/smirk on my face. I can only imagine what would have happened if they had 0%/60mths and some solid discounts...

I have less than 1yr now until I graduate and I'll be able to use the grad rebate then. By then financing rates should get a bit lower to 3%-4% and using the loyalty credit, I could very well get myself an M6 or an M3 - that's a Mazda3 BTW

But in the meantime, the Maxima's fine.

Oh yeah, the Protege's doing great BTW!

Dinu

gee35coupe

I was ready to sign after my test drive. Love that 6. Don't drive it or you'll buy it. I might have to add that you must enjoy driving for that to be the case. From all the "plain" cars on the road it's obvious real "drivers" are a rare breed.

kaiserhead

I've made a pact with myself to stay away from Mazda dealerships this summer. My 2000 Protege is returning to Toronto after three years in South Florida and even though mechanical it runs like day one, it is well scared from the South Florida experience: numerous door dings, it's tainted from the fender bender at the toll plaza, sun faded seats, dirty and stained interior from no emission controls on other vehicles. I've been seriously considering trading it in for an '03 and getting the 0% financing for four years or waiting until next year for the current generation's clearance when the Mazda3 arrives.

gee35coupe

Check out the cover of autonews.com. There is a Mazda3 on it. It may be as nice as a 6 but smaller and more nimble. May be just what the doctor ordered for the Protege replacement.

newcar31

Minneapolis, you'd think there are tons of "real" drivers. There are BMWs and Audis everywhere. Of course, how many of those BMW owners bought their cars for the driving experience and not the image? I'd guess that there's a good chunk of those owners that bought a BMW because it's a BMW and could give a rip whether or not it's the "Ultimate Driving Machine".

Honestly though, I swear I am getting more looks in my car than I would have gotten with a 3 series. 3 series seem to be about as common as Accords and Camrys.

newcar31

is gonna freaking fly with that 2.3L.....

gee35coupe

Mitsu is adding the 2.4 to the Lancer too. There's a serious hp war going on. I mean a 2.3L engine in a car that small?

newcar31

much about the Mitsu 2.4L. I do know that it's been around for a while, so I'm guessing that the 2.3L Mazda is a better engine just because it's newer.

Anyone know how the Mitsu 2.4L stacks up against Mazda's 2.3L?

the_big_h

puts out 160hp in the Lancer RalliArt edition.

newcar31

how does it compare to the Mazda 2.3L as far as refinement and power characteristics? I know they have similiar peak power numbers.

Is the Mitsu 2.4L pretty smooth and quiet? Does it like to rev, or does it make it's power down low? How's the mileage with the 2.4L?

vocus

I never drove the Galant 2.4, which I am guessing is going to be the same engine in the Lancer. The 2.0 rental Lancer I have now feels pretty slow, but the engine is smooth and quiet until you get to about 5000rpms.

Remembering back to my '6 test drives, that 4cyl sure does sound sweet. Not even close to the Lancer.

fowler3

...you get to try out a dozen loaner cars. Experience is the best *test drive*, eh Paul?

Saw a good example of instant learning today. Two drivers in separate cars, parked directly opposit from each other, backing up, without FIRST looking behind to see what other drivers are doing. Both backed up using mirrors only -- maybe just relying on others to stop.

On foot, I waited to see what happened. Thought it would be a good lesson for both if they banged into each other. So many drivers NEVER turn around and look before backing. Fortunately, the Civic driver spotted the Beetle and honked just in time inches apart. Shucks!

fowler3

mazdafun

Would've served them right for being so lazy while driving.

Some drivers are really dangerous to others and themselves the way they whip around without being aware of their surroundings.

Then again, some pedestrians are similarly clueless, but I find there's a lot of overlap between these two groups (usually the same people).