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Comments
Thanks,
Don
I just bought a 2001 protege ES 2.0 with GT package! The problem is, it's black...salesman said UV protection is a must. Is it really that necessary? Have any of you had problems with body paint fading?
Thanx!
1) Meguiar's Clear Coat Body Scrub Paint Cleaner ($5.99 US)
This outstanding product removes stains and oxidation that doesn't remove with washing or waxing. This product works chemically so it can be applied by hand and is 100% safe. I just rejuvenated my friend's 1986 Escort with this product. It turned the oxidized finish into a just-painted finish. Works wonders. For any of you with 80's or early 90's vehicles with yellowed headlight lenses, I have found this stuff takes the yellow right off and you once again have nice clear headlights!!
2) Meguiar's Deep Crystal System Step 2 Polish ($5.99 US)
This polish removes oxidation, swirl marks, and light scratches. This is a must for a black car. It is best applied with a buffer (random orbital for novices, rotary for professionals). This is applied after chemically cleaning and before waxing. This is what gives your car that glossy like-new look.
3) Meguiar's Gold Class Clear Coat Wax ($9.99 US)
This is by far the best wax I have ever used. It really adds a nice gloss while protecting the paint from contaminants, oxidation, and UV rays. It applies easily, dries to a haze, and removes easily. Absolutely wonderful!!
Even if not, I'd stick with jstandefer's regimen since the UV would have to be applied periodically.
So far as TP goes, I stick with 32psi. Handles OK where it's at (alright, the edges on the stock Firestone FR680s roll over a little when I push it) and going higher makes the bumps harsher than I like. Now, if I were to drive on entertaining roads I'm sure are smooth, I'd bump it up to 34 or 35 (if the tires can handle it).
I went to a dealer not far from where I work (Old Orchard Mazda, for those in Chicago), where I know a few people with Mazdas go for service because they are good.
We got:
Protege ES
the package with the moonroof and ABS (just what we wanted)
Black (wanted emerald mica, could not find it).
Price:
We got screwed in our trade in - but... well, the reason we bought a car was that the car we were trading (a 1989 camry, 177K on it), was not safe at all in the winter; the doors froze shut (you either were locked in until the car got REALLY warm), the heat didn't always work (so at least once we got really stuck in the car) and the windshield wiper fliud holder was cracked, and you basically had to take out the engine to replace it ($$$, and if you've ever had a layer of salt on your windshield you know how easy it is to see out of ... NOT). So, while we were screwed somewhat, we had to get rid of it (and I'd rather sell it to a dealer who could fix it up then sell an unsafe car to someone off the street).
So ...
Protege ES
Black
moonroof/ABS (package with those)
price:
16432 (with the tax, doc fee, title, etc.)
4300 down
NO extras (except as noted above)
0% interest
$284.90 month for 48 months.
(I'll have to double check those numbers, but I think I have everything okay)
I'm SOOO Happy!! and my daughter loves the moonroof more than mommy or daddy :-)
Also, the black is mica, not clearcoat. I don't know if it's the same, but know it's mica. It gets dirty really easily, so be prepared for many, many washings. But nothing on the road looks better when it's cleaned up and shining.
automatic
keyless remote
alloy wheels
sunroof
LX Comfort Package plus destination for
$15320 plus 0% for 48 months. Thanks to all of you for the great posts. I've been reading/comparing/researching for months. These messages have really helped me out.
My Dad had bought a Honda LX a week earlier and had to pay considerably more for the same stuff. . .and he still has the smaller engine. Needless to say he is a bit jealous.
Thanks again
Respectfully,
Larry
I wonder why anyone would trade a "new" car in so soon! What a hit on depreciation they took.
Or then again, someone may have just traded it in. We usually don't see this on sedans such as the Protege. This would be typical of a Miata or small coupe like a Celica. The wives are not too happy when the husband is supposed to buy a family vehicle and shows up with a Miata...
Zymol is rated excellent for hazing and swirling, two definite problems of dark finishes. We've had a lot of problems with swirling with various waxes on our 99 Supermarine Blue CRV (a deep, rich blue, not like the crappy one they are selling now). I could clearly see the difference between where I had waxed and buffed and where I had not yet gone. The only problem is that it is not rated well for durability (as many softer, liquid waxes are not), so I would recommend frequent application (every month or two).
re: your screw job on trade. I propose we start a new forum, How I Got Screwed On My Trade-In. Then we could be brutally honest on just how much we got on our particular vehicles while avoiding the embarrasment of admitting this in person. Whaddayuh all think?
Unlike the rest of you I had a good reason.
re: Black Up here in the boonies I rarely see a new Pro period and have never seen a black one. Although I've grown quite fond of my light sandalwood whenever I see a freshly washed and waxed decent black car I'm convinced nothing looks better. Sadly I'm too lazy too ever own a black one.
Enjoy! Dennis MI
Any suggestions on buffing that out? The door was not dented at all, just the paint scratched through.
The one good side to this is I have some amunition to use for my wife everytime she complains when I park out at the end of every parking lot. I'll just show her the scratch and say "See what happens when I park up close next to all those careless drivers!"
Mike.
I would be wary of using a high power buffer to get it out because that could easily do more harm than good.
Sorry I don't have more to offer.
Pro_fan
By the way, since many of you don't list where you are in your profiles, I can't invite you individually to the second-annual Mid-Atlantic Protege Picnic! If you live within a couple hundred miles of Northern Virginia, you may be interested in joining us at this year's picnic on Saturday, October 6. So far we have about 10 Proteges and 15 or so people on the list. If you want more information, drop me an e-mail at:
mdaffron@the-rma.org
New subject ... waxes and polishes. I tried a bottle of Meguiar's Gold Class when I bought my Protege and found it a very nice polish -- unfortunately, as with most Meguiar's products, it washes off with only a few washings. It doesn't last long at all! I then set out to find the best polish I could -- and guess what, I wound up right back with my old standby -- Nu Finish. Just as easy to apply and remove, just as good a result, and lasts MUCH longer. I haven't waxed my car since March, and it looks fantastic and washes very easily. I'll probably give it another polishing before the MAPP.
Meade
Quick trades: Some people just tire of their cars quickly. My cousin bought a Jeep in 1998, and traded it in 1999 with only 10K on it. Same thing with a Celica he bought in October of 1999. It was gone by June of 2000, with less an 10K on it. I know he had to lose alot of money on the trade, but it's not my business. His foolishness.
Jerry: Do guys really come in and buy cars like Miatas and Celicas, and have to trade them for others because of their wives? That is too funny!
I do love this car, though. I've got near 500 miles already, and it seems to get more fun as each mile tacks on. I can't wait until she's fully broken in so I can let her loose a few times. I find it getting harder to hold myself back from reving her up and driving aggressively when the opportunities arrive!
As far as car polishes are concerned, I've used a product called Liquid Glass in the past. It's not cheep, but it's worked well for me on past cars. The only place I've seen it is through Pep Boys. Any feedback on that product from others out there?
(Ooops, I'm picking on you again ...)
Meadeball
Tip: You can buy a retractable soft brush at AutoZone or Pep Boys. nice to carry in your glove box. Painted dashes can be easily scratched.
Tip: When washing be sure to clean the valve stems and caps thuroughly so you don't get brake dust on your fingers when you check tire pressure at service stations. There might not be paper towels available.
fowler3
Mike
fowler3
Meade: Funny.
I used a small art brush to fill a HUGE scratch on the front of my car right by the Mazda symbol. Now the paint dried, and I can't get it off. What can I do about it?
Meade
Meade
It is black mica with a clear coat.
And I forgot to mention a few things about Old Orchard dealership: they have about 4 p5s on the lot (including yellow) - they said only the yellow is selling at about MSRP, but the others at a hundred or so over invoice (I did not ask if they'd do the s-plan with them, but since the p5s have been on the lot for a few weeks they may). They also mentioned they had a lot of the Protege LX line still, don't know if that is true or not, but it may be worth checking out if you are looking for one.
I am wondering now if I should have gotten the extended warranty stuff because we hope to keep this car until it dies (10 years?) ...
I love the car, the zip, the roominess, everything. I am so so so happy we got it.
Now to start looking for a car to buy in 4 years for my husband ... I'm thinking a mid-life crises black miata ....
julia
Of course, you have a clearcoat. Mine is classic red, so I too have ruddy cloths etc. after I polish and wax it. I guess this is the same for my '89 323. Luckily, I haven't yet worn through the paint yet. Hope the same goes with my '99 LX.
The ONLY way to drive safely in wet weather is to slow down and don't make any sudden changes in speed or direction. Once you start hydroplaning, it won't make any difference in the world whether you have ABS or not ... because your tires will not be touching the road surface at that point.
The ONLY thing I see helpful about ABS is that it's beneficial for people who have a tendency to slam on the brakes. ABS prevents brake lockup, and that's it. It won't increase your traction or correct hydroplaning once it has started. I decided to forego the ABS (I was too tall for the moonroof anyway) and instead get some decent wet-weather tires as soon as possible ... so my 2000 Protege will be getting a set of Yokohama AVID T4s next month.
Drive safely!
Meade
Now, our car has about 48,000 miles on it. Over the past few months, the tires have become VERY noisy. The tires still have a good amount of tread left, but I did notice that the tread looks like it is "blocking," which I think means that the toe-in is off. I called my local Mazda dealer who said that their policy was that as long as the car had less than 12,000 miles on it, they will check and re-align for free, if necessary.
Try mentioning that you had a friend with a Protege and relay the 12,000 mile "standard" above and see what happens. You might also mention the comments others have made about alignment shifts during overseas shipping and such.
Good luck!
The only thing that helps us here in Virginia ... we get lots of ice as opposed to snow ... is tire chains. Chains can BITE into the ice and give you traction that tires alone cannot.
I love hearing "Northern" folks (er, damn Yankees) make fun of us "Suthunuhs" not being able to handle a couple of inches of snow. What they don't understand ... and I frequently get to see the humourous results of this ... is that "down here," we get a couple of inches of snow OVER AN INCH OR TWO OF ICE. Every year I see damn Yankees wrecked on the side of I-95 where it comes through Richmond. They're so used to the nice, powdery stuff that they speed right through it, and the first little bend in the road sends 'em careening off into guardrails, ditches, trees ... it's amusing to see them speed by me, so I can leisurely roll by a few miles later and shout, "So sorry, Y'ALL!!!"
Meade
I agree with Meade that abs, snow tires, all-wheel-drive, etc, will not substitute common sense when driving in icy conditions. Up here in MN, I've seen too many situations where drivers feel they are invincible because they have 4 wheel drive. You can't change the laws of physics.
"New Breed of Winter Tires
Bridgestone was the trailblazer for the new breed of premium winter tires in North America. Its Blizzak, a single-purpose winter tire that clawed its way through deep snow and stuck like glue on ice, quickly developed a cult-like following. "
My father has these Blizzaks on his '91 MPV. Although I've managed to make the van slide on ice it definitely stuck much better than the all-seasons he used to use.
I agree though. Nothing can beat common sense. However, when you do have to make emergency maneuvers in snow AND ice, chains/studded tires are not the only options, and winter tires DO behave differently on ice than a regular tire.
Pro_fan
"What is most important is the level of improvement they offer over standard all-season tires. Even at 20 km/h, in tests we conducted on an icy surface, the vehicles equipped with winter tires stopped from a half to a full car-length shorter than identical vehicles on all-seasons. That could be the difference between a safe stop and a bumper-basher at a traffic light. At higher speeds, those differences get more dramatic.
Similar improvements were apparent negotiating a loose slalom course--not unlike typical parking lot manoeuvres. Not only were the vehicles on winter tires measurably faster (by 10 to 20%--an indication of the added margin of traction they provide-- but they were noticeably easier to control."
Lessee here ... the article says that on average, vehicles fitted with Blizzaks stopped from 25 mph in 118 feet, as opposed to 128 feet with all-season tires. Man, I don't know about you, but if it's going to take my car that far -- the dry-pavement equivalent of stopping from 60 -- to stop on ice, then that extra 10 feet isn't going to make much of a difference. That's less than a car length's difference from almost half a football field away. Does anyone follow that far at 25 mph, even on ice?
In Virginia we'll get an ice storm one year; some flurries another; no winter precip at all the next; and 20 inches another year. Maybe these Blizzaks are great for places where you can count on winter weather by the truckload, but for where I'm from, common sense and careful, defensive driving will make more than enough difference than those Blizzaks. And at no cost.
I'll keep my all-season radials and my $20 set of chains for emergencies. Oh, and another thing ... when we do get those ice storms, I'm not out driving. I'm sitting by the fireplace, wrapped up in an afghan (or my wife), sipping bourbon ...
Dammit, when's winter gonna get here???!!!
Meade
OH! Almost forgot:
http://www.usroads.com/journals/aruj/9712/ru971202.htm
I wouldn't believe it myself until I actually experienced it. It happens!!
Basically the entire car is covered under warranty during the 12 month/12,000 mile adjustment period. That includes brake pads, alignment, clutch, etc. If you have a problem with them, take it to another dealership or give Mazda a call. They are really cracking down on dealerships right now as they establish their Mazda Elite program. Hine Mazda in San Diego has always been one of the top selling Mazda dealerships in the area and has outstanding customer service ratings. They have been a Mazda President's Guild dealership several times and is currently a Mazda Elite dealership. They've been selling Mazda's since 1972. Mazda recently came in and made them add additions to the very large showroom to separate the Mazda's from the Pontiac vehicles. They ended up building a tinted glass wall and overhead connector that spans the width and height of the showroom. Expect to see a lot of changes at Mazda dealership nationwide.
grubbs1: I've been talking about organizing a West Coast or Southern California Protege Picnic, but haven't received much of a response. I don't think there are a whole lot of Protege owners here in Town Hall from the west coast, let alone Southern California. Even Edmunds said to let them know and they will offer a surprise at the meeting.
Dave
topazmoon
csuftitans
hboyd
pcalvin
Some haven't been seen around these parts in a while and may not be interested. If you decide to do it, I'll be there.
Of course, when it's so cold that there isn't much water on the ice to begin with, or if the ice is submerged under a visible layer of water, there won't be much difference. The pores do make a difference when the conditions are such that ice liquefies under pressure (as when a tire rolls over it), creating a thin slick layer of water.
Of course, the best thing to do is not to drive on the stuff, and if you have to, to take it easy. Most people seem to do this. Some people push the limits and usually end up screwing up traffic for everyone, at the least. Of course, most vehicles I see stranded off the side of the road are 4WD or AWD types whose owners thought they were invincible.