Mazda Protegé

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Comments

  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    "Hee hee! Who's up for a beer at 8 a.m.?"

    And everyone wonders why Americans are "big, fat, morbidly obese."
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    That was a joke, my friend.

    I am proud to say that I discovered the error of my ways, believing for years that the government (under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) knew all about nutrition, about two years ago.

    Low-carbing has dropped my weight by 58 pounds since last January, and my bloodwork and labs couldn't be better.

    And the only beer I drink now, on occasion, is Michelob Ultra.

    I find it interesting that some people here don't feel anyone should have a personal opinion about anything and feel the desire to come back at every attempt at humor with some kind of lesson for the originator.

    Aren't we all big happy Protege fans? Some of us bigger and/or happier than others apparently?

    Group Hug time! Where's Dale?

    Meade
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    My, it's a little early in the day for huggin' and such, ain't it?

    And I worry that if we're all so big, fat, and morbidly obese that our arms won't reach.

    But here goes.......

    {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

    Now play nice!!!

    --Dale

    P.S. Turned 28K over the weekend on the Protege...woo hoo!
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    "That was a joke, my friend.

    I find it interesting that some people here don't feel anyone should have a personal opinion about anything and feel the desire to come back at every attempt at humor with some kind of lesson for the originator."


    How does that go? Reap what you sow? If you make a joke, expect others to come back with thier own. I am not into lessons. I am just having fun. ;-)
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    and dropped a whopping 30lbs in 4 months.
    It was a 100% carb diet.

    what say?

    carbs are good or bad?
    I thnk fat is worse. stop eating those steaks.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Some folks just ain't no fun.

    Let's talk about cars.

    Meade
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Ok, well I got my group hug, so I can go now, right? :)

    Dinu
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    I got smashed between Larry and Meade in that group hug and now I have 3 cracked ribs!

    Talking about cars. My P5 is running great. Since it's now my primary car, I bought a new Case Logic underseat organizer. And this weekend I'm going to add another 12V outlet that will be always on.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    IT'S

    A

    CAR

    The Protege is the essence of what a car is supposed to be -- it excels at its function of taking you from point A to point B, and makes getting there fun too! I don't need no stinkin' THX-certified "road theatre" sound, or Stay Puft (TM) suspension to isolate me from the road -- I'm there to drive, dammit!


    Obviously, you know very little about the G35 if you think it's some luxo cruiser. Sad when people speak from a point of ignorance. The G35 will literally run rings around a Pro in every performance category. Maybe that's not important to you? No, you clearly state you don't want to be isolated from the road and you want to have fun too. So where's the disconnect? The pro's a fun car (much moreso in ES and Mazdaspeed trims) but come on, to dismiss a performance sedan that resoundingly pummels the pro in handling, braking, acceleration, interior space, etc? I don't get it.

    But then again, you obviously don't either if you're babbling about seat heaters and such when you're driving a FWD econo sedan.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    HI DALE!

    Glad to see your Protege is doing well; I trust no open sunroofs, no new smash 'n grabs, and no "all four down" carwashes of late?

    Also nice to see everyone loving their Proteges, even those who now are receiving them as hand-me-downs!

    I have seen on the Mazda3 group that one Mazda dealer out in the Midwest is already listing his inventory of 2004 3s he expects to receive, and it is interesting to note that sedans, hatchbacks and wagons are all on his inventory list!

    Can't wait ...

    I just hope Mazda NA's marketing department is doing their pre-arrival homework here. Maybe Mazda would like to, uh, ADVERTISE this car? Call me crazy, but you know, I've seen TV ads for the 350Z -- several in fact -- but I have yet to see one Mazda NA ad for the incredible new RX-8. Heck, even the local dealers and their newspaper adverts here in the capital city of Virginia still list every model BUT the RX-8, which should be a calling card -- a reason to come out and consider a Mazda -- instead of being swept under the carpet and hidden from view as is the case here. I don't understand it -- why does Mazda go to all the trouble to design such a well-engineered, sophisticated sports car, and then apparently not want anyone to know about it? Why have one of the most -- if not THE most -- unique car on the road today -- and spend your advertising money advertising Tributes and Proteges? Heck, I haven't even seen that many ads for the Mazda6.

    C'mon, Mazda!

    Meade
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    COOL IT!

    MOVE ON!

    Meade

    P.S. Since you like to quote me, and as a former newspaper reporter, I am honored, sir ... here's one for you ... "The G35 will literally run rings around a Pro in every performance category." ...

    Well, DUH!

    And while your G35 is doing its little Ring-Around-the-Econobox dance, I'll be dancing my own little Wave-My-Checkbook-And-Laugh dance. OK? Now let's talk about Proteges and not Biggie Fries.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Though I've seen several on the road already. I think they're waiting for inventory to build up a little more before they advertise them. Word-of-mouth seems to be selling them off the lots as quickly as they land on them so far.

    BTW, I still love my Pro, especially with its improved speakers and head unit (zoom zoom boom boom). :)

    44700 miles on my Pro and it's still chugging along great, though I'll probably replace the tires (another set of Dunlop SP Sport A2s, most likely) and brakes later this fall (still enough tread to last until spring, but I don't like driving on shallow treads through the winter). Guess I'll take it in for brake service. The rotors look like they could use a refinishing, and that's not something I'm set up to do. I'll have to make sure to ask them to replace the lug nuts by hand and not with an air wrench.
  • tomcivilettitomciviletti Member Posts: 207
    Has anyone driven the Falken Ziex ZE-512? They come in pro-able sizes and got good reviews at
    http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?tirebrand=Falken&tiremodel=- - Ziex+ZE%2D512
  • protegenicprotegenic Member Posts: 199
    That got the aftermarket exhaust a while back on this forum? My son is already figuring out how to modify the car when he gets it in March. Also, anyone had to replace a steering wheel on a 99-00 Pro ES? I have noticed that the adhesive between the grip and the core on mine is separating in a couple of spots and is making it squishy. I would like a nice 3-spoke wheel like the newer pros have, but alas, Mazda doesn't sell it.

    My 99 Pro is still sitting on 50K. But I get the green light to drive again this Friday!
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Chow-Chi ...

    You should consider the B.F. Goodrich Touring T/A VR4. I replaced my Dumflops with a set of four of these tires about 10,000 miles ago and they're very nice tires that so far show no signs of wear at all. While the SPitSportA2s only went 20K miles and were bald, these are shaping up to last quite a bit longer -- and they cost about the same. Nice wet traction, and better cornering than the Dumflops too.

    Tom ...

    We bought a set of those tires for my wife's Protege5 about three months ago. So far they're nice, except I have noticed some scrubbing on the outer area of the tread. I am nervous that these might wind up being another short-lived tire, but we had pitifully little to choose from when it came time to replace my wife's Dumflop 5000s at ... what's becoming a rule for Dumflop ... 20,000 miles.

    Sorry, but that's new tires every year for us with our commutes. I can't stomach spending upwards of $800 a year to re-shoe our two economy cars. I need tires that last longer but are as good (hopefully) as the OEMs, and I believe I have found that tire in the BFG Touring T/A VR4.

    Meade

    P.S. Marty ... Two words ... JUNK YARD!
  • SAR21102SAR21102 Member Posts: 29
    I'm getting so close to my Protege purchase...

    But tell me gang, what is it called when the car you want to trade in is more valuable (dollar-wise, of course) than the car you want to buy? There's a name for that, I think...

    Thanks.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    P.S. Since you like to quote me, and as a former newspaper reporter, I am honored, sir ... here's one for you ... "The G35 will literally run rings around a Pro in every performance category." ...

    Well, DUH!


    Obviously, it wasn't obvious given your penchant for describing the G as some kind of luxo-barge-like LS430. I wouldn't have bothered if your post hadn't appeared so completely off kilter from reality.

    And while your G35 is doing its little Ring-Around-the-Econobox dance, I'll be dancing my own little Wave-My-Checkbook-And-Laugh dance.

    To each his own, chief. I don't pick my primary car based primarily on price. If I did that I'd loathe my vehicle because it wouldn't offer the performance I want.

    The Pro's a sensible choice for someone who wants decent handling, a low price and good reliability. Not everyone wants to be sensible with a purchase that's gonna plummet in value anyway...
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    You have a nice day.

    Chief Meadeball
    (Thanks for the new title, my liege!)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Yep. It's called finding what you should've found before you bought your last car!

    How did Car & Driver say it back in 2000?

    "BMW verve for less than half the price. What's not to like?"

    Gawd, I love that line!

    Meade
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Under "2003 Frankfurt Motor Show" at caranddriver.com ... a snippet about the U.S. Mazda3, which included a line about trim levels that I found, well, surprising (and exciting) ...

    "Based on Mazda MX Sportif concept—which was showcased at the Geneva and New York auto shows—and built at Mazda’s Hofu Plant in the Yamaguchi Prefecture of Japan, the 3 features distinct, muscular proportions and an athletic stance. The Mazda 3 will be offered as a four-door sedan and five-door hatch, but it is the latter that will first come to the U.S. Engine choices will be a 150-hp 2.0-liter and the 2.3-liter four-cylinder from the Mazda 6, upgraded to 170 horsepower."

    Meade
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    They're wrong - no 170HP in the 3 (:

    There's some incorect info floating around the net regarding the 3. So far, I have to say that the boards here at Edmunds hold the most info (more so than what we commonly refer to as "other sites").

    Cheers! I could use a cold brewski.
    Dinu
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    But I'll check the price on the BF Goodrich Control T/A M65 at my local warehouse club as well to see how they fall out.

    Luckily, my smaller tire size gives me more options. I should get something out of it...well other than lower cost. :)
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    It really wasn't the HP that was exciting to me, although 170 would be schweet! I'm more excited about the 5-door arriving first.

    And too late -- I got drunk at 8 a.m. Man, these 4 p.m. hangovers are awful.

    :D

    See you nuts tomorrow!

    Fellow Nut
  • theparallaxtheparallax Member Posts: 361
    I have the Mazdaspeed Axle Back exhaust on my Protege.

    Here's a picture of it:
    image

    I like the sound up to 3K, then it resonates for a bit unil ~3.5K...after that it's pretty quiet. I have a sound clip on my website: http://www.morrownet.net/negatize/
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Back in the Top 10 today.

    Chief Meadeball
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Let's never forget.

    Rather than rehashing "what were you doing two years ago today" here, and going off-topic in a big way, I think everyone should take a moment and go back to message 4576 (Vocus) and read the few dozen messages that followed.

    Meade
  • protegenicprotegenic Member Posts: 199
    Thanks for the picture and the link. Man, you have really made some modifications to your car! I'll have to keep my son away from your site lest he gets some bad ideas!
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    You obviously love your Protege. :)
  • theparallaxtheparallax Member Posts: 361
    Thanks guys...lol!
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I know I will never forget driving to work the day of 9/11/01 (late, as usual) and hearing about the crash of an airplane into the WTC tower. I even said aloud, 'what a horrible accident' as I buzzed down the road in my then-new 01 ES. Little did I know...

    Never forget the unfortunate souls who lost their lives in what is, in my opinion, the worst showing of hatred in milleni.
  • danpearsondanpearson Member Posts: 12
    I saw a TV ad for the RX-8 last night. Well done. Would be tempting for anyone who loves cars and has 30k to spend on one (which excludes me).

    Unfortunately I'm driving car-pool in the morning every other week and I'm on this week which means I'm driving the Grand Voyager instead of the Pro. (I also have to get up an hour earlier). What a difference! Can't wait til next week.

    Dan
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Boy, that Mazda3 is starting to elicit some real "ZOOM ZOOM" feelings in yours truly! Can't wait to drive one!

    Meade
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Oh yeah! Giddy up! :)

    I'm pretty excited about this car. I've been playing with the M6 configurator on mazda.ca but the pymts are too much for someone just out of school, so since I prefer smaller cars to start with and LOVE the PRO, with the equipement of the 3, this car sure looks good!

    And best of all, if it's not much more expensive than the PRO, this car will be IT!

    Dinu
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    A Cautionary Tale

    My cousin Brian Faus and his best buddy went to a Philadelphia Philly baseball game last Saturday 9/6. While driving back home to Lancaster, PA after the game his car was hit head on by another car. The Penna. State Police estimated the other driver’s speed at 90 mph right before impact. The accident occurred on Delaware Ave, a couple miles from Veterans Stadium. Brian was doing nothing wrong and by all accounts was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. His buddy was rushed to Jefferson Hospital were, at this writing, is paralyzed from the chest down and fighting for his life. The other driver and passenger miraculously escaped serious injuries and have been released from the hospital. At 6:00 am, Sunday 9/7 two Penna. State troopers knocked on my Aunt Joann’s door to tell her, her only son Brian died from his injuries Saturday night. My Aunt Joann lives a couple of blocks from my home here in Lancaster. We spent some time with her on Sunday and Monday doing our best to make sense of this tragedy. Brian was 26 years old and two weeks from graduating school. The other drivers was also 26 years old was charged with homicide among several other criminal charges (he was not DUI BTW).
    The funeral was last Thursday 9/11 and over 175 people attended the memorial service. Many were friends; he attended school with and/or worked with here in Lancaster. Many in attendance were family he left behind. Brian Faus loved F1, Rally and most forms of Auto racing. He loved cars especially his beloved Honda Si Coupe. Brian was our kinda guy! Well, three live were utterly destroyed last Saturday. For what? Only God knows for sure. I respectfully ask you to pray for all involved in this horrific tragedy. Lastly, give your loved ones an extra tight hug and remember life can be very fragile.

    Your friend,

    Larry Kline
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Our thoughts are with you and your family Larry.

    Dinu
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    Accept my heartfelt sympathy.

    Bruno
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Oh Larry, I am so, so sorry.

    Pat
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    That is a really sad thing to have happen to anyone - my deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    and your family, Larry. I have heard this story many times and wonder why so many are interested in more power and more speed.

    fowler3
  • jimsxnjimsxn Member Posts: 108
    I have only been a browser of messages here up to now but this moves me. Please accept my condolences and heartfelt sympathy.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    God Bless my friend.

    Meade, Tammy and Sean
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    I am sorrowed for your loss. Please accept my condolences.
  • protegextwoprotegextwo Member Posts: 1,265
    ....for your prayers. Brian's mom and sister will press on, I'm very sure. I shared this grievous event only as a reminder of how fragile life can be.

    -Larry
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I am shocked. Life can be so fragile.
    My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the people who were near and dear to Brian.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    This 33 year old has never heard anything so beautiful in his whole life. I think I'm a changed man. I got mad at some idiot speeding through the parking lot. 2 months ago I would have been the idiot.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    ...well, if you're not a total idiot. :)

    Seriously, it's good.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    glad u see the the light now. honestly.
  • steven39steven39 Member Posts: 636
    hi larry, sorry about your loss and yes life is very fragile unfortunatley, most people dont realize this unless a tragedy has happened to them or to someone they know and care about such as yourself. we as people still think that its always going to happen to someone else not themselves. last year my cousin was killed in a motorcycle accident cuz he was not wearing his helmut. in fla you are not required to wear one if you dont want to. anyway, my cousin always used to say that he can get away with not wearing a helmut cuz nothing was going to happen to him. well i hope now that he is playing the harp and flying around up there that he is wearing one now.
  • steven39steven39 Member Posts: 636
    hey folks, i was wondering how is the sound
    quality on the stereo thats with the 6disk-
    moonroof package on the pro es.
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