Mazda Protegé

mdaffron

I drive a 2000 ES 5-speed and used to own a 1992 LX 5-speed. I used to downshift when slowing all the time, thinking I was saving my brakes, until someone pointed out a very prudent fact to me: new brake pads every so often are MUCH less expensive than a new clutch and/or transmission!

That said, I still downshift occasionally. When I do, I try my best to estimate engine speed at the target gear and get the engine to that speed before I drop the clutch.

Meade

duh_ster

oops...4got about that little tidbit of info!! guess that explains it then! thanx new..

md: i used to brake too...but ppl kept tellin' me to downshift...but i guess what u say makes sense too...maybe i just won't stop anymore...that way, nothing wears out!

do u ppl find your friction point quite high?

yooper53

Thanks for the info. I'd have never given that a thought in a similar situation. Be easy to lose big time not knowing this. I'm marking your post to my msg center for, hopefully, no future reference.

mdaffron

Yes, I find the shifter quite "sticky" when it comes to downshifting. I frequently just hold the lever in the "notch" of the gear I want with slight force applied, and when the tranny synchros with the engine, my gentle force pops it in.

Meade

bluong1

I downshift all the time. I use to live in a mountain region (Alpes in France). It's true that brake pads are cheaper than clutch, but:

1) I never had to change any clutch in my entire life (I own 5 cars in 15 years).
2) downshifting will slow down your car without the risk of locking the wheels, or at least make this risk lower. PS: I'm the one who prefer a car without ABS.
3) the engine run always in a right RPM, that means one could reaccelerate quicker (like when the traffic light turn green).

However, in an emergency break situation, it may be better just to focus on break hard. since the engine breaking does not compensate enough for time when the clutch is pushing down. As Tood has pointed out, one is not suppose to downshift to the first gear. The first is only used to start from stop.

Bruno

mdaffron

Helloooooooooooooooooo out there ...!!!

Meade

mdaffron

Meade

Sporin

Most 5-speeds don't have 2-1 synchros.

protegenic

I downshift sometimes. But usually only in 5-4-3 range, primarily for the reason #3 mentioned by bluong. I don't like the jerk you get when downshifting from 3-2 and never from 2-1.

bondobob

I downshift between the top four gears, but never to first. There is no syncromesh between 2 and 1. I too believe that brake pads are cheaper than drivetrain parts, but downshifting is still necessary to keep the engine response at the ready.

jstandefer

Actually, all 5 forward gears on the Protege are syncro'd. However, first gear is rather low and its just better to use you brakes rather than downshifting to first at 15mph. Unless, of course you double-clutch, but I can't see any reason to downshift to first (unless you are racing, but then you would double-clutch every gear anyways). Like Meade said, brakes are a whole lot cheaper than a clutch, tranny, or engine!

I do the same thing that Meade does during normal downshifting. Just apply slight pressure to the gear to want, and it will slip in when it's ready.

jstandefer

I was just surprised at the extreme difference between the Nitto NT450's I had and the Yokohama's I just put on. I was looking at the Dunlop SP Sport 5000's as well. They offer outstanding performance, quiet ride, and all-season traction (quite an interesting tread design). They do cost more and I didn't want to wait because they had to be ordered. Like I said, I do appreaciate the Yoko's quiet and comfy ride. Give me a few days, and I'll probably forget how much better the Nitto's handled.

kaiserhead

My neighbour just rolled up in his brand new 2001 ES, fully loaded and coated in a teal-ish green. Needless to say, my 2000 silver SE is feeling a little neglected!!

How does everyone feel about Ford demanding that the next Protege share its platform with the Focus? I'm tempted to buy one of the last true Proteges out of respect for Mazda independence.

iamz

Morrie's Mazda in MN has a YELLOW MP3. Absolutely beautiful. Better hurry if you want to see it.

fowler3

The manual says to use wax on the exterior bright metal trim. That isn't real chrome you know. It's clear plastic with something like Reynolds Aluminum bonded to the underside or on the outside. The so-called chrome gas filler door on Miata is the same thing. I have seen a couple of those cracked and pealing.

Real chrome hasn't been used on cars since the 1960's. With the exception of Bently and Rolls. Chrome plate is a five-step process. Prohibitive.

Is there a chat tonight? 6:00PM PT -- 9:00PM ET?

fowler3

jstandefer

I am glad to hear that the soap and water worked for you. Did you rinse the area with clean water afterwards? The film may be dried soap. I apologize if I didn't mention to rinse the area afterwards. However, this film may also be areas where the soap has dried the plastic out. I would recommend trying a commercial cleaner made specifically for cleaning interior plastics. These cleaners usually include some chemicals that will moisterize the plastic, kind of like a hair conditioner. Meguiar's makes a few products like this, just as an example:

"Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant"
"Designed for people who want to maintain that rich "like new" look on their dashboards, trim, tires, and hundred of other surfaces. Unlike some protectants that leave an artificial plastic or greasy look, this formula brings back the original natural finish and allows you to control just how much shine you add. With one application, you create a perfect, "like new" shine. with two applications, you can increase the shine and darkness and create a look that goes beyond the standard factory finish. To help create a rich, natural shine this complex formula includes cleaning agents that help remove dirt and grime that dull or discolor your finish. We've also added UV protection to reduce damage from the sun." -Meguiar's product description

"Gold Class Vinyl & Rubber Protectant"
"If you're after a "new car" look, this is the protectant you want to use on your vinyl, leather, plastic and rubber. Gold Class used a premium, complex blend of ingredients to clean, shine and protect dashboards, trim, tires, door panels, molding, etc.. And, Gold Class does all this without leaving the greasy or plastic look left by some protectants. The conditioners in Gold Class help prevent the surfaces from drying, fading or cracking and we've added UV protection to reduce damage caused by the sun." -Meguiar's product description

I don't believe Armor All will damage today's plastics if not applied regularly. I may be wrong, but I have never had a problem with it. Armor All is a good product, but I don't care for the greasiness it leaves. The Low Gloss formula is better, but is still a bit too greasy for me. Normally, I just wipe the interior plastics down with my chamois after I have dried the car's exterior.

I have always cleaned the exterior silver accents (grill accent, rear Mazda logo, rear Mazda name, rear Protege plaque) with some Windex and a soft cloth. Two and a half years later, everything is still shiny and new-looking.

BTW, my local and favorite Mazda dealership, John Hine in San Diego, has draped the front of their main showroom with a gigantic American Flag. It faces the busy I-8 freeway and is both patriotic and a tear-jerker.

jstandefer

I do believe the 2004 Protege and Focus will be built on a strengthened version of the current Focus platform. I don't see any downfalls to this. The Focus platform is stiffer and more rigid than the Capella platform that the Protege sits on now. A stiffer and more rigid platform benefits the car in safety (look at the Focus's excellent NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings) and in handling (a rigid platform doesn't flex as much, leaving the suspension to deal only with the road, rather than fighting body flex). The Protege will continue to be built in Japan and the Ford engines (2.0L Duratec HE and 2.3L Duratec HE) will be built in Japan by Mazda (BTW, these engines have heavy Mazda engineering influence).

Mazda has been placed in charge of Ford's global small engine engineering as well as Ford's global mid-size vehicle engineering (new 626 replacement will also be a base for the next Taurus, Volvo, Jaguar, etc.). The new Protege will still be tuned by Mazda. My recent readings have led me to believe that Ford will use Mazda as their performance line, going head to head with the likes of BMW and Audi. The new Protege should easily out-handle, out-accelerate, out-brake, and out-class the current Protege. Expect to see prices rise as Mazda moves more up-class and take its position above Mercury.

BTW, I read a recent Motor Trend article regarding the MPS Miata and other Miata testing. In Japan, they test-drove two Miata's powered by Mazda's racing 1.9L DOHC producing 180hp. In Detroit, they found a Miata that Ford engineers have toyed with. Under a large, bulging hood, Ford engineers have stuffed a 220hp version of the 3.0L Duratec V6. That car achieved 0-60mph times of 5.8 seconds. Talks of a rotary powered Miata were also mentioned in the article. Mazda stated that the MPS (Mazda Performance Series) name will only be placed on Mazda vehicles with serious performance upgrades. Hence, the MP3's name rather than MPS like originally planned. Its performance upgrades were not substantial enough to warrant the MPS name. There were also talks that Mazda may resurrect the MazdaSpeed name instead of the MPS title.

jstandefer

I have read through some Mazda Corporate releases to dealerships regarding changes to the 2002 line-up. The biggest news for the Protege is the elimination of the 1.6L engine, as mentioned by a few previous posts. The DX, LX, and ES models will remain, all powered by the 2.0L engine. DX models will now get the 195/55R15 wheels and tires like the 99-00 ES models, but with hubcaps rather than alloy wheels. LX models will also have the same tire and wheel size as the DX, but will offer the 99-00 ES alloy wheels as an option. They will retain their moonroof and alloy wheel specials for 2002. The LX will also now be equipped with standard air conditioning and remote keyless entry. ES models will continue unchanged. Prices were not discussed in depth, but there was mention that pricing will remain similar to current pricing.

In other Mazda vehicles... this last year of the 626 will continue unchanged. However, there will no longer be a 4-cyl ES model offered, leaving only the LX to carry the 4-cyl engine. ES-V6 models will carry a $1,300 price drop with the deletion of the standard moonroof, Bose audio system, and anti-theft alarm system. These items will now be part of an ES Premium Package. The recently redesigned Millenia continues unchanged except for the deletion/addition of a few colors. Don't look for any changes on the Millenia, as it will soon be discontinued, replaced by the RX-8. The MPV gets the 200hp 3.0L Duratec engine. The Tribute gets some new colors. The B-series truck gets a rename as just Mazda Truck and options and trim levels have been reworked to make ordering easier and reduce the number of possible combinations.

For 2003 and beyond, look for a complete rework of the Mazda line-up as Mazda unleashes a blitz of new vehicles with never-before-seen (for Mazda anyways) quality, design, and performance.

jstandefer

Can anyone tell that I haven't worked since the whole Attack on America began? Someone's bored...

vocus

The older patrons of this room know that before my 1999 Protege DX, I had a used 1996 Chevy Cavalier. Well, my ES is in the shop for a couple issues today. My best friend was nice enough to lend me his 1996 Cavalier with 111,000 miles, the 2.2, and 3-speed autobox. The only difference between the Cavalier I used to have and his was the color (white compared to his tan). And mine had 41K on it when I traded.

Boy, what a difference!!! I am glad I got the Protege before the Cav got too old. His car is tolerable, but you talk about squeaks and rattles. Of course, it is 6 years old. But if my Protege sounds like that at six, I will BURN it! I can not WAIT to get my little ES back. I will be going on a nice drive Saturday somewhere to get the ZOOM ZOOM back in my blood.

mdaffron

We now have FIVE confirmations (still waiting to hear from five of you and anyone else considering). The following Town Hall celebrities will be attending ... come on out and meet us!

mdaffron (me) ... Richmond, VA
protegextwo (Larry) ... Lancaster, PA
vocus (Paul) ... Baltimore, MD
krotine (Jason) ... Pittsburg, PA
yooper53 (Dennis) ... near Marquette, MI

Who else? If you're thinking about joining the Mid-Atlantic Protege Picnic on Saturday, October 6, in Northern Virginia, drop me an email at ...

mdaffron@the-rma.org

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!!

Meade

mdaffron

How exactly does a marriage with Ford give Mazda "never-before-seen quality?"

Meade

mdaffron

Be glad you got to drive an old Cavalier as a "loaner." Our driveway's still got one of these heaps in it. Every time I look at it I want to puke. BTW, you probably know what I'm talking about here ... who the hell designed the SEATS in that car?! You used to complain about feeling something in your back in your '99 Protege -- well in the Cavalier, the seatback is shaped in such a way as to make you arch your back backward! I took that car on a 6-hour trip to South Carolina for a wedding when it was only a year old, and when I got to South Carolina, my back was in such pain that I barely made it to the wedding the next day! I have never, EVER sat in such uncomfortable, poorly designed seats as in the current-generation Cavalier.

Meade

fowler3

Friday Night, September 14, at 7:00 p.m., in your time zone, step out of your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle. We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism. Please pass this to everyone on your e-mail list. We need to reach everyone across the United States quickly.

fowler3

protegextwo

Count on me for:
Fresh fruit zangria-
Charcoal and lighter fluid-
doggie's and burgers-
Buns and roll's-
Ketchup and mustard-
MAYO !!!! Dude, Sorry, I forgot it last year, yikes!
Wixon's Shoe Fly Pie-
Pa. Dutch Birch Beer-
I also hope to bring a couple other goodies-

Meade, thank you for arranging the get together. No problem with my share of the pavilion rental. I will send you my check up front. Get back to me with a final head count!

Zoom Zoom Zooming Respectfully,
Larry Kline

protegextwo

I posted an off-topic cantankerous diatribe to PAT_HOST, Wednesday. I was upset and hissed off, that a group of scum bags decided to attack our country and kill innocent people. I suggested Pat should "butt-out" of our conversations, here at Town Hall. My contentious post, was way out of line. I was wrong and I'm sorry. In the future, if a disagree with our host, I will E-mail them directly. No excuses, I was 100% WRONG.

Respectfully,
Protegextwo

mdaffron

I'm not Pat, but I think I can speak for everyone here, under the circumstances. Larry, everyone was confused and shocked at what unfolded this week. No apology needed. Besides, Larry has another reason to have been upset and shocked this week ... but I'll let him tell that story when he's ready.

Just send Pat some of that Sangria and all's forgiven.



Meade

chikoo

>>>>>How exactly does a marriage with Ford give Mazda "never-before-seen quality?"<<<<<

It certainly gives never-before-seen-quality from MAZDA....pure crap quality is what they mean, i suppose.

newcar31

Let't not get too worked up about this. According to jstandefer, the Pro will still be built in Japan and the engines are Mazda designs. That's not so bad huh? It's better than having NO Mazdas at all, which would be the case if it weren't for Ford's deep pockets. Do you think Mazda would have been able to absorb the losses that they have incured if it wasn't for Ford? I'm perfectly fine with a Mazda designed, Ford funded car. I think the marriage with Ford will give Mazdas better quality because Ford is providing a lot of R&D money for Mazda to play with. It levels the playing field among Japanese automakers. Mazda would have been dead meat against powerhouses like Toyota that seem to have an endless supply of cash on hand. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you"

jstandefer

Take a look at the Jaguar S-Type. Here is a vehicle that sits on Ford's DEW-98 rear-wheel drive platform shared with the Lincoln LS and the new Thunderbird. The engines are either the Ford 3.0L Duratec V6 or Jaguar's AJ-series 3.9L V8. Jaguar has never built a V8 before, so this new V8 had heavy influence from Ford.

The new Protege is being designed and built by Mazda. I have no doubt it will have better quality than the current car. We do have to face the fact that when it comes to Japanese quality, Mazda is not up to par with Honda and Toyota, except for the Millenia. The new Mazda's will, at the very least, meet Honda and Toyota. Don't degrade Ford too much. As newcar31 pointed out, without Ford's deep pockets, Mazda may not be here in North America today. What we have seen in the past 10 years is a stabilization effort by Ford to stop the cash bleeding. Products were cut and quality has suffered a bit. But now that Mazda is back on its feet and an image solidified, we can look forward to Mazda's onslaught on new products and a push for higher quality and reliability.

vocus

My car is in the shop today for a few issues I had, including a funny squeak from the tranny on a 3-2 downshift, pulsating brakes, a driver's window that won't go down all the way, a cigarette lighter that's not as hot as it used to be, and a "rocking" driver's seat. I got a call from the service guy, and he said they are trying to figure out what's going on with the tranny. he said they might have to give the car back to me and wait longer before they can fix it. I think NOT! I told him I am not about to drive a car out of there that's knowingly not repaired. Not gonna happen. They better act right and put a new tranny in there if need be. I ain't havin' it.

protegextwo

I waited to post this news, out of respect to the victims, friends and families of the "Black Tuesday: Day of Infamy Attack". I pray for those folks hourly. I hope this post doesn't come off self-indulgent baby puke. Nonetheless, I needed a place to vent. You folks are my friends & comrades and I hope you understand?

I hit a White-tailed Deer Monday evening, after leaving work. I was traveling on Route #283 going about 70 miles an hour, when out of nowhere a fairly large White-tail ran out in front of my car. For pete's sake, I could do nothing and I hit him dead on at full speed. This happened at 6:15 PM in broad daylight, on a very very busy four lane divided highway. A called a Penna. State Trooper and Three A's, on my cell phone. The Trooper arrived in no time. In stark contrast, Three A's let me sit until 10:45 PM, along side the road for my %$##@%! tow back to Lancaster! Trust me, I'm hissed off at Triple A!

The car has $3,650 in damages. It looked like my beloved 2000 PRO-ES was punched in the nose. I felt like crying, I spent many many hours detailing that car, trust me it LOOKED like new. It will be fixed by Sept. 26th, however. The Auto Body shop I picked is top-box. I trust these guys and they know I'm very fussy. BTW, I hit a deer in a late model Toyota Celica at a much slower speed and the damage was much worse. I'm very proud of the Mazda build quality and the Protege's ability to withstand a very hard impact. For now I'm protegexone.

Respectfully,
Larry

vocus

Sorry to hear about your little incident. At least you are okay from the accident though. Oh, and now that you know, AAA will leave you sit until you grow hair down to your butt. Never use them. Get the Auto Club from Allstate or Sears. Had both of them in the past, and they are pretty good and on time too.

Did you take the car back to the dealer's body shop or not? And why not if you didn't?

newcar31

My driver's seat is loose too. It squeaks and the butt cushion moves back and forth. There is also a rattle behind the dashboard. I am taking it in on monday to get it fixed. What did they do to fix your seat? Did they give you a rental car?

vocus

They didn't gimme a rental, I have to get my car tonight. They said they had to order a part for the seat or something, and I have to take it back. They also resurfaced my front brake rotors too, replaced my cigarette lighter, fixed my window track, and don't know what they did about the transmission noise.

I am 6'3, stocky, and 270lbs. and thought the seat might have been loose from me. But I see it's not now. How about you Todd? You a big guy too?

pat

Thank you - I appreciate your post to me earlier today, please don't worry about it, okay?

I am so sorry to hear what happened to your car - keep us posted on how things go getting it repaired.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

protegextwo

I live in Lancaster County Penna., this area is know world wide as one of the most productive farmlands in our nation. However, this is the second White-tail deer I've hit, in Lancaster County. Few know of the inordinate amount of deer/vehicle accidents in the Northwestern part of our County. You expect trouble, dusk thru dawn. But, 6:15 PM during rush hour? I had the cruise control set at 69 1/2 mph in a 65 mph speed zone. I barely had time to lift my foot to the brake, before impact. I'm sure the deer is very sorry, up there in "Bambi Heaven". Nevertheless, I had plenty of time to rue my bad luck, sitting in my car, in the dark, on the shoulder of the highway, waiting for over 3 hours for Triple A to show up! Sweet Jesus, "I was fit to be tied"! Well, in any event "my bad" on popping off to you the other day. I'm glad, all is good. Have a great weekend!

Respectfully,
Larry

jstandefer

John Hine is San Diego just got a yellow MP3 in today. It is selling for sticker price ($18,500). They are also getting a blue MP3 in a few hours that was part of a dealer trade (other dealer gets one of Hine's MPVs). They have confirmed invoices on two more yellow MP3s that are coming plus another blue one. They should all be there next week. This is typical. John Hine always gets more than their fair share of special editions (they got 38 10th Anniversary Miata's when only 3,000 were imported). This is what terrific customer service, excellent sales numbers, Mazda Elite status, and Mazda President's Guild status will get a dealership.

mazdafun

That's a major bummer. Sounds like your Pro did a good job of protecting you though.

mazdafun

Meade,

I'll have to make my reservation tentative at this point. I blew out my knee a few weeks ago; had surgery last Friday. I'm still going to re-hab. Don't know if I'll be driving by then, but I'd like to get back to ZOOMing ASAP (I haven't ZOOMed in what seems like forever!).

I made a sudden stop while playing basketball with some friends and did quite a lot of damage. The surgeon repaired the two pieces of cartilage I tore up and replaced my ACL with some tendon borrowed from the lower part of my kneecap. Guess my body's getting too old for such showy moves.

Anyway, assign any non-perishables to me as I'm coming from southwestern Ohio. I'll have to keep an eye out for deer, seemingly.

fowler3

you may see many deer and other beasties. I lived in the city and several times had deer grazing in my backyard. And a black bear wandered around downtown through the City Market area on one cccasion. Virginia is for lovers...of wildlife.

fowler3

chicagopro

...although here in the city, I don't have white-tailed deer bouncing off of me; instead it's ten-year-old Toyotas. Happened this spring, Pro held up well (crumpled left front fender, and knocked out of alignment). About $1100 worth of damage to the car, exactly nothing happened to me. Other guy was okay, thank goodness.

It was during this repair that my Pro got put back together upside-down. (Some of you may remember me mentioning that in my first post a couple of weeks ago). After I picked it up from the body shop, I noticed a creaking noise coming from underneath the front end--sounded like a freaking haunted house. Bad strut, perhaps? I took it back the following week.

"Oh, just give us 20 minutes." Forty minutes later, service manager came out and asked if they could keep the car a little longer.

Seven hours later, the car was ready.

"Oh, it's all fine now..."

"Yeah? So what was it, the strut?"

"Um...er...the control arm [I think that's what he said, please forgive my ignorance if there's no such thing] was reinstalled upside-down; it was rubbing on the strut."

Needless to say, when the customer satisfaction folks called a few weeks later to do their survey, I couldn't exactly give this place high marks.

Hope your place has at least heard of Mazdas, Larry.

And on a more serious note...still trying to get over the events of this week. Happened to be at home Tuesday morning, and got to see more than my fair share of TV coverage. Truly chilling. My friends and family out east have all been accounted for, and for this I'm truly thankful. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

iamz

Larry,

I responded to your post #4505 with the following post #4506;

"I'm with you Larry. Our lives in the USA have forever changed. There is no business as usual anymore. Give us some time. Give us some space. "

I sent Pat a private e-mail explaining that the "I'm with you Larry" was in support of allowing people to continue to vent and talk about Tuesdays tragedy. I was afraid that even though Pat thanked me for my post #4503, he was going to curb postings related to Tuesdays events.
Pat's post #4507 cleared up the fact that he was planning on intending to let people continue to talk out their thoughts and feelings.

Tuesdays events (an event none of us could prevent) has left us all a little shaken. Your accident with the white tail, (an event you could not prevent) I'm sure, only increases your personal frustration this week.

So, even though I really have no idea who you really are, I'm still with you buddy, just as every American and everybody who supports Americans and what this Country stands for, is there for each other in this very darkest hour.

Louis Rukeyser said it best last night on "Wall Street Week" when he mentioned of a merchant who was selling American flags displayed in his shop window. The merchant had placed a sign next to Old Glory, Old Red White & Blue, that said;

"These COLORS, don't run."

And to those that did this to our Country, I say, you better run.

Terry

newcar31

Well, I consider myself a big guy, but I'm only 6'0, 200 lbs. It shouldn't matter though because none of my other cars did that. I thought they are supposed to give you a rental. I need one because I don't want to sit at the dealer for hours. Speaking of deer, I hit one in my first Mazda. Even in suburban Minneapolis, there are quite a bit of deer. Minnesota is also for lovers...of wildlife. Deer, bears, moose, timberwolves, bald eagles, mosquitos, etc. It is true that our colors don't run, but for some reason I think that these fools who did this are daring us to do something. Let's hope this doesn't get out of hand.

pat

be careful of gender assumptions.... ;->

(just kidding with you, no issue here at all)

pat

Some of you may be interested in this article from yesterday's Chicago Sun-Times: The spirit of America: bowed, but unbroken. I found it quite powerful.

(I've posted this in several places; my apologies to any of you are sick to death of this message!)

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

chikoo

it's really sad to know that your Pro met with an accident......and happy that nothing happened to you....
Let us know in little more detail how you reacted to keep the car in control at rush hour when you hit the poor deer....

Also just make sure that the bodyshop does a good job....especially with the paint job

curiously, what parts were damaged?

duh_ster

i just found a rock chip on my hood!! i have no idea when i coulda got it!! i haven't even had the car for 2 weeks yet...and this happens! mind u, it's NOTHING compared to a deer...hope it all works our, larry! anyways, i'll have to buy some touch up paint from dealer for $5...*sigh*...
yea, dat's it..
'duh'

protege_fan

The exact thing happend to me when I took the Pro on a trip to Kelowna. Make sure you take your time when doing the touch-up. My is kinda blobby....I didn't have the patience. Oh well.
BTW, did you see that they have an MP3 at North Hill Mazda for sale? I walked by there last night. It looks fantastic.

Larry, my condolences. I hope that the repair shop does an excellent job on your Pro.

PF

vocus

They will only give you a rental when the keep the car overnight. And 99% of dealers won't even do that, so be happy Mazda does.

On the slip from the dealer, they said they had to order a "high priority" part for my driver's seat. I don't know what that means, but it sounds pretty important. As long as it stops squeaking, I will be happy.

When I had the car serviced the other day, they resurfaced the front rotors (pulsation, and at 15.3K too for free), they fixed the driver's window track, and they listened to the transmission's little "squeak" on its 3-2 downshift at low speeds. They said they couldn't find anything, and we would have to wait until the problem worsened. I vented a little on that answer, and told the dealer maybe they need to replace the tranny if there's a problem. We will see what happens. And God help that service manager if my car breaks down and strands me because of the transmission.