Mazda Protegé

vocus

My roommate drove my car today because his trusty, beloved 2000 Neon was in the shop for the 12th time since new (at 26K) for a new battery. He said in a couple months or so, he might be in the market again. So we might end up becoming a 2 Protege household. He already decided it would be the 2.0 model (probably the ES), but what color? We don't know yet. It just has to match my black.

hkchan

With his help, I was able to take delivery of a 2001 Protege owner's manual without "too much" hassle. With a trade-in, it still took three hours.

hkchan

$15,525 and $15,999 look like numbers made up by the dealer. I was off by $2. Actual S-Plan price on a 2001 ES with the Premium Package is $16,267 + TTL -$500 rebate(no rebate if you take the cut-rate financing). There's another $400 College Grad. rebate if you qualify. The car's MSRP should be $17,695 including freight. It includes a recently-introduced $700 off the MSRP for the moonroof. This is shown right on the window sticker. I think it's time to contact a different dealer. Don't give in. Don't let them charge you bogus fees, or for appearance packages, etc. Good luck.

newpro4me

What dealership in Charlotte were you dealing with? I bought my 2000 ES from Harrelson Mazda last July. We are currently looking for a White 2001 ES with Premium package and were thinking about driving to Charlotte this weekend. I was just wondering if it was Harrelson or Montgomery you were dealing with.

fowler3

That rattle in the dash near the right front door might be in the door near the dash. It’s hard to pinpoint rattles and squeeks.

It could be a loose connection in or behind the right speaker. Maybe in assembly they dropped a screw and just left it when bolting the speaker in place.

Before cars were connected to diagnostic machines technicians use to use a stethascope similar to the ones doctors have,with the business end being a hollow tube. If you could locate one of these and let a friend ride in the right seat, maybe he, or she, could pinpoint the source.

fowler3

mdaffron

Sorry I've been so absent lately, everybody -- but I think you'll understand when I say that my wife and I are now proud parents of an 8 pound, 8-1/2 ounce baby BOY! Sean Christopher was born at 2:42 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23!

I haven't quite gotten him to say "zoom zoom" yet, but I'm working on it!!!

He and Mom will be zooming home in Daddy's 2000 ES 5-speed, complete with fabric-nearly-matching Evenflo baby seat, on Saturday. I guess I've got to act my 36 years now and start being more responsible on the road ... doggone it. The days of "testing" my Protege at 100 mph on Route 288 are over ... NOT!!!! (I just won't do it when he's in the car!)

BTW, I stopped by one of our local Mazda dealers last Friday night and got a looksee at a new Protege5. Nice, nice, nice! But I do think the "aluminum" accents on the dash etc. are kind of cheesy looking. They don't look like they'll wear very well in the long run. But this one had everything -- automatic, roof rack (sweet!), rear wiper, ABS, moonroof, the whole bag o' tricks -- and it was just over $19,300 on the sticker. My wife needs a new car and she really liked this one! So there may be a Protege5 in our future. Since she absolutely detests moonroofs, that'll knock the price down into the $18's, and since this would be my FIFTH Mazda and FOURTH Protege, maybe I'll get some preferential treatment?

NOT!!!

Anyway, I'm floating several inches off the ground right now. I'm going to have lunch with Tammy and Sean in about two hours -- can't wait to do my two favorite things in life -- drive my Protege and now, even more, SEE MY SON!!!!!!!

Take care everybody, and keep 'em between the lines!!!

Daddy Meade

vocus

Congratulations! I am very happy to hear both mother and baby turned out fine. Please send Tammy my best and good luck to you as well.

BTW, want to let you know that you can't get ABS on the Protege5 if you don't get the moonroof. Something to think about...

vtcoach

I called my local dealer today about the $10,750 Protege DX they were advertising and as predicted, they don't have any on their lot. He did say they can locate or order one for me and the only additional cost would be a $90 documentation fee. When I started talking about LXs and ESs though, the prices shot right up to "normal" levels. So I'm wondering how or why they might be selling (if you can actually get one) basic DXs for what appears to be a loss.

unmarkedcar

I appreciate your help. I will try to get one as soon as possible. I messed up the rubber ring (washer) that came with it. I sprayed some water on my trunk to see if it would get inside the trunk, and I found some water on the inside of the trunk lid. Thanks.

vocus

They are selling basic DXs at a loss because no one wants them. Next time you see a Protege on the road, look at the front quarter panel, right behind the front wheel before the door. There will be a model label there. Guarantee you most of them will say LX (they do in my experience anyway), because most people don't want a stripped down car like the DX is. I think, personally, they should just shelve the DX model and make the LX the basic Protege. But since they have kept the DX model around since the 1999 redesign, they must be selling them somewhere.

IMO, they should shelve the DX model line, and turn those DX models they were going to make into ES 2.0s. I seem to hear of more people on this particular forum wanting ES 2.0s than any model. And also, they should have cut the 1.6 engine and just made the 1.8 standard in the lower models, and the 2.0 standard where it is now, but with a turbocharger on it. Or at least give the MP3 turbo or supercharging. That would have been sweet!

maltb

The DX target probably doesn't have enough passion for their car to care to post here. Of course, there are exceptions, you being one. With all the cheap entry level cars out there, it is important for Mazda to compete there as well. Besides, the strip models in any make are necessary for those crazy dealer adds that say you can get a car for $0 down and $150 a month.

BTW, a thought on your roomies transportation woes. Why don't you have him take over payments on your ES and then you can get a P5? Peace and tranquility will abound.

panamaltd2

Actually, I see more DXs on the road then anything else. Not very many ES 2.0 so far. I have noticed that my dealer carries more DXs then anything so this makes me think that the DXs sell the most. My dealer just got a black P5 and let me drool over it on their lot. Let me ask you, is it a crime for a 17-year old to like a hatch back/wagon? Oh well, Zoom-Zoom! -Sam

unmarkedcar

Not if it looks like that

vtcoach

I for one am interested in a low priced car for my family (kids mainly) as a third vehicle. Don't want to spend alot, but a new car with warranty, good gas mileage, airbags, etc. is great. So I think there is a market for entry level models. My girls could care less whether a car has a turbo-charged race engine, or a little 1.6 liter 4-banger. They may not sell as many of each, but choice is the key.

hkchan

Well, tell us what you want. Stripped DX, LX, LX2.0 or ES2.0. You need to do a little homework yourself. Go to any of a number of web sites such as Edmunds. Definitely don't assume a dealer advertising an incredibly-low price on a base model would be willing to give you comparable deals on other models.

chikoo

CONGRATULATIONS MEADE!

in a short time, you will hear a small voice whispering 'daddy zoom zoom'

proteger

The brochure of Protege ES2.0 says that recommended fuel is regular(89). But the manual recommends me to use premium fuel (at least 91).

What kind of fuel you guys are using?

unmarkedcar

I usually do not buy low end models. I think about the future. If I try to sell it later, most people would rather buy a higher model. Used cars are a lot closer in price betwen models. I would have purchased a ES, if I liked the interior and ride. That is why I went with the LX2.0. I bought the civic EX also. I did not need the power stuff, but I knew I would want to sell it later down the road. Just my openion.

maltb

but the fact is that resale value on the lower grade models is actually higher (percentage wise) than the fully equipped models. I think this is due to to the fact that there is less information that is readily available describing options on a 5-6 year old car than a new one. Of course, that is my opinion too.

vocus

I already tried to get my roommate to take over the payments on my ES so I could get a P5, but he won't go for it. His 2000 Neon payment is $335 a month, and mine is $425 a month so there is too much difference to him. Of course, if he trades the Neon on a P5, he will end up like $30 a month or so cheaper than my $425 probably. Also, I don't think I could qualify for another car loan so soon, because this one has a 12.7% rate now. Also, I am not trying to give up my little dream ES so quickly!

unmarkedcar

Here is a price list for 2000 used protege values ( per edmunds.com ):
DX 8,270
LX 9,252
ES 10,403

I would much rather pay the 2,133 for a fully loaded car than go with a base model. What would you do?

hkchan

Why would someone take over your payments (unless you give him/her a lumpsum for compensation)? Wasn't your loan amount around $21K? The balance must still be over $20K.

fowler3

That’s a house payment! Mine is $183.00.

fowler3

maltb

I'm just making a comparison. Of the many private party used cars I have seen for sale, about half don't even list the grade level. If the world went by Edmunds TMV, maybe it would be different. But the story still remains that a 5-6 year old DX is overpriced and the ES is underpriced.

hkchan

Paying $2,133 more for a 2000 ES is a perfectly-fine preference, but it's not necessarily what Mr. Joe Average wants.

hkchan

Part of it is similar to the idea that if you build a $200,000 house next to a $300,000 house, one gains (a little) in value while the other loses. It's a market of hundreds or thousands of different opinions. Some people feel a used ES is a bargain. Some can't feel the difference between the 1.6L and 1.8L engines and don't want power windows and locks because they don't want to spend money down the road fixing them.

jstandefer

A house payment? fowler, I want to know where you live. Here in San Diego, the average apartment rent just climbed to $950 for a one-bedroom and the average home cost is $380K!!! I think it's time to move!!!!

unmarkedcar

You also have to keep in mind the HUGE part that engine size plays. Some people keep associating engine size with speeding. I need the 127hp engine ( which is not turbocharged )to get out of a mess. How are you going to get out of the way of a speeding truck with a slow engine? I would never put my girl in a slow car....what if she needs to get away from someone that is about to rape her?

hkchan

What are we talking about here? We're not talking about a single person's own preferences. I may want to pay $13K for a one-year-old Protege ES. OTOH, as strange as it may seem, I won't even pay $5K for a one-year-old Explorer (providing that I'll have to drive it. I can't sell it for "fair" market value), but my own personal preferences won't prevent the next guy from paying $25K for it.

maltb

You may want to check the tires on that Explorer before you take it for a test drive.

hkchan

Yes, I'll remember. The Tribute on the dealer's showroom floor had raised-white-letter tires - Firestone Wilderness blah blah blah.

maltb

Those are Wilderness HT tires and are not subject to the recall. Unfortunately, the name alone makes them guilty by association.

unmarkedcar

hkchan

But can I assume Firestone will no longer supply tires to Mazda either?

cpaulyee

Although with only 410 miles so far on my LX 2.0, its the least of my worries, but heres my question - does anyone have a rough idea how much those 195/55/15 tires cost? Most tire ads here dont include that size which makes me wonder if its a special order size. And yes, its a Bridgestone, whose parent is ugh-Firestone.

Otherwise love my zoom zoom.

maltb

Bridgestone is the parent of Firestone. That, and I wouldn't right-off Bridgestones as being bad tires. Every company makes a dud and factory tires are no exception, rather more of the norm.

cpaulyee

Thanks for the correction, too much Firestone in the news lately.

newcar31

What do you mean you can't do anymore "testing" with Sean in the car? Those baby seats have 4 point harnesses don't they

unmarkedcar

I would invest in a roof rack and tie the little bugger to it...just kiddin

pampope

I need to decide about the engine choice in the LX model, the 1.6 Liter or 2.0 liter 4 cylinder. I can sure use some input. Thanks! Also, any opinions concerning the choice of 14 or 15 inch wheels?

unmarkedcar

2.0 is the best choice. I am VERY VERY VERY VERY happy with mine.

cpaulyee

I am very satisfied with the 2.0 engine. Its the best of two worlds - good mileage and snappy acceleration

tocan

There was some discussion of this earlier in this discussion. It was confirmed that all Proteges use regular fuel (87) and that the manual is incorrect.

Nomi

edmund2460

You are exactly right on the price HK it's 15767 for ES/AUTO/ES before TTL on S-plan. Been on the phone all day and more than one dealer confirmed that price. Trouble is finding one. Don't have a recent college grad at home right now. Newpro: The dealer was Montgomery. At first I thought these guys were straight arrows since the S.man said he would get me an S plan price - no problem. He wrote up the deal in an official form, conveniently said he couldn't give it to me, transcribed it to a note pad and 3 days later swore he didn't do any of that. He does have an ES emerald green without ABS/side bags with the moonroof. I found that the dealer with the most ES's is in Asheboro. Look em up on MazdaUSa.com after first getting a zip code for Asheboro area. They don't have Auto/Es pack but they do have, I believe a 5spd/ES pack and I think they said they had a white. Good luck.

ajb4

anyone notice that the rear looks like an audi A4 and the front looks like a lexus IS 300?

fowler3

jstandefer: A house payment? fowler, I want to know where you live. Here in San Diego, the average apartment rent just climbed to $950 for a one-bedroom and the average home cost is $380K!!! I think it's time to move!!!!

LOL!, Well-l, I did fudge a little bit. Maybe in the 1980’s house payments were that low. My house payment is $895 for a two-bedroom, two bath house with a one-car garage. I paid more down on the Protegé than I did on the house. I live in NC. I’ve been to San Diego and San Francisco, know how expensive the latter is...$14.00 hamburgers! Sheesh.

pampope: DEFINATELY get the 2.0L engine and the 15” wheels.The more powerful engine will save you in close-calls and the 15” wheels/tires provide better grip/traction and a more comfortable ride. NOt to mention that they look a lot better and more in scale to the Protegé’s size.

I learned from a 1994 Honda Civic DX, 5-speed...NEVER buy a car with less than a 2.0 litre engine, not enough power when it’s needed most. If you expect to never drive faster than 45mph get the 1.6L, but I doubt you will. It’s a commuter’s car. Most of it’s power is used by the time you get to 65mph or 70mph. The 1.6L zooms, the 2.0L ZOOMS!

fowler3

fowler3

anyone notice that the rear looks like an audi A4 and the front looks like a lexus IS 300?

Noooo, but I did notice that the front end styling with the creases down the hood have also been used on four Show Cars shown at the February Geneva International Auto Show in Switzerland. And I think Mazda did a much better styling job than Audi, and Lexus’ IS 300, which just came out. So who is copying whom?

Those four cars are: The Buick Bengal, Honda Civic Si hatchback, Fiat Stilo, and the Acura RSX.

And the Acura RSX, which replaces the Integra, has the Protegé’s five-point grille?

I think the front end styling on the 2001 Protegé establishes the brand’s styling theme for the next Protegé, which should carry the trend even further. It’s a nice change.

fowler3

fowler3

Congratulations! Just think, if you had gotten a Nissan Sentra you would be driving your own cigar!
jk.

fowler3

vocus

Speaking from experience (I have had both), the ES is a better deal IMO. The 1.6 engine in the DX/LX has a lot less power than the 2.0 does. Also, it uses just as much (if not more) gas. It did for me anyway, because I was constantly prodding the car to get it to move.

I think the back of the Protege looks like a cross between the Audi A4 and the pre-2001 C Class Mercedes. A couple of my co-workers mistook my black 2001 ES for a BMW when I first got it. Imagine that.

Also, the 4-wheel disc brakes on the ES models are much better, IMO, than the disc/drum setup. I used to have to hit the brakes a little harder in the DX when I had it than I have to in the ES now.

I just saw the commercial on NBC for the Protege 5. I liked it, but think they need to have one time where the car sits completely still, or has one of those slow passing pics, so you can see more details of it.

I tried to log onto the chat room feature tonight, but couldn't get in. Is it not up, or what? Someone post and let me know.

ZOOM ZOOM!

newcar31

worked for me----kind of