Mazda Protege5

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Comments

  • reitrofreitrof Member Posts: 122
    I don't mean to bug you, but were you able to get a part number for the rear cupholders?

    Or did you post it and I missed it?

    Thanks
    Bruce
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    seems like you did a lot of bumper-to-bumper-driving type so that the mpg are rather low. I would expect a little better for city driving (25mph).

    I get 29. 2.mpg at 90mph in my last trip.

    Bruno
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I just phoned a dealer and he said he couldn't find anything for the Protege or Protege 5 in terms of a rear-cup holder. I even had him look in the '03 catalogue for both the sedan and the P5.

    Sorry! :(
  • spacecommanderspacecommander Member Posts: 8
    I have an automatic transmission and unfortunately my city gas mileage is very low too. I average around 18-20 mpg in city driving, not pushing it too hard or anything. Contrast that with around 29-32 on the highway and I'm just plain confused. Seems like there shouldn't be that big of a disparity. If only I could just drive on the highway non-stop...then my mpg would be okay.
  • reitrofreitrof Member Posts: 122
    Thanks for trying.
  • riopelleriopelle Member Posts: 132
    Zak, has the car felt any different since you installed the drop in filter? I'm hoping for a little more engine responsiveness.

    Thanks.
  • hardoohardoo Member Posts: 31
    I'm drawing closer to a decision in my search for a car that combines style, utility, and reliability, and I think that I have narrowed my choice down to 2 options: the Protege5 and the PT Cruiser. I am a 30 year old teacher who drives minimal miles (8k per year) and plans to buy this next vehicle with the hope of keeping it for 7-10 years. So, my question to the forum is why should I choose the P5 over the PT? Thanks in advance for your responses.

    P.J.Heff
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    IMHO, the P5 is more fun to drive, more reliable, nicer and more comfortable interior, more attractive, more standard features for the same price or less (alloy wheels, keyless entry, 4 wheel disc brakes, roof rack). It also gets slightly better gas mileage. The PT Cruiser is basically a Neon at heart, which took it off of my prospective list when I was looking. The only advantage I can see is that it may have a smoother ride.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    Styling beside, PT cruiser is probably better for ... cruising. It's quieter. and the suspension is smother, more civilized. However with the P5, you'll have a lot of fun, especially when cornering.

    Bruno
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    One thing to think about is how well the styling holds up over time. The PT Cruiser's trendy retro design might grow tiresome to your eyes as the years click by.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    I'd choose the P5 as well, based mostly on reliability history. Chyrsler is not so great in that regard. A quick look through Consumer Reports bears this out clearly.

    To be fair though, the PT is not a Neon underneath, though this is a common misconception. It uses the rear clip, and the engine form the previous generation Stratus/Breeze. Other then that, it is all new.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    That's just my opinion.

    I found the interior to be flimsy-feeling, and didn't find the controls to be as easy to use or comfortable as a P5's. I did think the driving position was good.

    Reliability of the PT is worse (some might say way-worse) than the P5's.

    However, you can remove the rear seats, and the cargo space is larger to begin with. If you need to haul lots of stuff often, then it may make more sense.

    In all other aspects, I prefer the P5 myself. But this is for you, so you'll to decide for yourself.
  • riopelleriopelle Member Posts: 132
    Car and Driver had a 5-door comparo three months ago you should check out. The P5 won, the PT was second. However, they are vastly different driving experiences.

    Car and Driver called the P5 a "sports car in wagon guise", which sums it up well. It's a driver's car, while the PT is a more versatile commuter's car. Good luck either way.
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Feel free to start up a Protege5 vs. PT Cruiser discussion on the Hatchbacks board if you'd like. Good luck with your decision.


    Revka

    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host

  • toddp_5toddp_5 Member Posts: 17
    I, too, was considering the PT (along with the New Beetle) when I bought my P5. Basically, my decision came down to two big things for me -- the P5 was the more "sportier" of the vehicles; and the reliability of the Mazda just couldn't be overlooked. I had the misfortune of owning a Chrysler in the past, and it left me on the side of the road more than once. I've had the P5 for a little over a year, now, and it has never been in the shop -- nothing at all has gone wrong with it. I'm very pleased with my decision to get the P5.
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    I've got over 30,000 miles on my P5 with no problems other than 1 warped rotor and I can't really blame Mazda for that. I replaced my front rotors on Saturday with cross drilled Brembos. I painted the calipers blue and it looks very sharp.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    do you know why the rotor get warped?

    Bruno
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    Still not sure what caused it to warp. I'm pretty light on the brakes. The shutter in the steering wheel was so mild, I think it took me a while to notice so I can't place it with a specific instance.
  • waynerpwaynerp Member Posts: 35
    Lots of comments that the Mazda P5 may be more reliable than the PT. My impression from long term tests in Road&Track and others is that the PT is extremely reliable - ie, no problems whatsoever during their test period (50K miles?). Also, the April 2002 issue of Consumer reports gave the '01 PT a perfect score (better, actually, than the Protege).

    Like others here, I am considering both of these vehicles. But in my mind, reliability has not been an issue for either one. Is there something I'm missing?

    My '96 Grand Caravan had plenty of problems, enough that I haven't considered another Chrysler product until now. I wonder if the PT is really like the previous Chrysler products or just a victim of their legacy.
  • vilainefemmevilainefemme Member Posts: 49
    Another thing to consider is engine power. My mom had a PT Cruiser and the first time she pulled on to the interstate she was scared because there was no power and a big semi was coming up behind her. She sold it after a week.

    On Edmunds the P5 has a better consumer rating of 9.2, compared with the PT's 8.6. Plus the P5 comes with more basics like radio/CD player, cruise control, keyless entry, power locks, roof rack.

    I find it weird that the TMV of the 2002 PT is almost $2000 less than the invoice price.

    Jessica
  • zukhovzukhov Member Posts: 34
    To further waynerp's comments. From a variety of sources, I understand that the PT's reliability has been excellent. I'm not traditionally a big Chrysler fan, just stating what I've read. I have a friend who has driven a PT for work, and runs it very hard on a regular basis. Not a problem yet, other than the brakes needing some work from wear.
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    Frequently cars look good the first one or two years out of the box. After about 5 years you start to get a better picture on reliability. The Protege line of cars have been reliable for years. I wouldn't read to much into the short history of the PT. You might be right though, it could turn out to be very reliable.

    Or not.
  • toddp_5toddp_5 Member Posts: 17
    And keep in mind that, while the P5 is new to the U.S., this car has been around for some time in Europe and has a great track record over there.
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    I've started having a problem with the transmission in 1st gear (I have a manual). For about the first fifteen minutes of driving when I try to start from a dead stop it shudders like the transmission is in a bind. If I put the clutch back in and try again it is OK. Is this what it is like when the clutch goes out? I've never had one go out before. Or could it be a more serious problem with the transmission? I have about 14K miles on it, and it is about 6 months old.

    I drove a manual Civic for about 8 years with no problem, just in case you are wondering if the problem is somewhere between the seat and the clutch pedal.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Take it too the dealer. "Stuff happens" and that's what the warranty is for. :-)
  • sarhjiniansarhjinian Member Posts: 3
    I've started having a problem with the transmission in 1st gear (I have a manual). For about the first fifteen minutes of driving when I try to start from a dead stop it shudders like the transmission is in a bind. If I put the clutch back in and try again it is OK. Is this what it is like when the clutch goes out?

    I have something similar in reverse gear (which the dealer dismissed with "they all do that". As the previous poster said, its probably worth having the dealer check it out.

    On a side note, I plan to test drive a new P5 duing my next service check just to benchmark it against mine to see if anything in mine has gotten out of spec. You may with to try the same.
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    Mine did that once about a week ago. I thought it was all in my head. Hasn't done it since.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Is this what you're talking about?

    http://www.protegeclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9700
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    that's what I'd be talking about. I'm not too worried right now, since I only noticed it once. I suppose I'll keep and eye on the boards and see if a real problem has developed.

    It's funny to me that everyone jumps on people for not knowing how to drive a stick, assuming any problem with a manual transmission must be driver error! LoL!
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I hear ya. I've actually had the clutch stutter a few times when the car is cold. It's funny because it wasn't there last year, but ever since the temps have started to dip down around here, I've really started to notice it. Although, this morning when it was -18 C it never happened.
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    Ouch, wicked cold that is. I'm complaining about the 1.1 C I'm going to have to deal with during flag football Saturday morning.
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    That's exactly what I'm talking about. The dealer also tried to tell me that "the transmission needs to warm up". What a crock. I'm going back and making them fix it.
  • riopelleriopelle Member Posts: 132
    Glad this came up. I've had it occur 4 or 5 times in the 15 months I've owned my P5, but I've always attributed to myself - undercaffeinated, different shoes ons, or somesuch. When one breaks it down to a percentage, 200 starts/month x 15months = .16% of the time, it seems insignificant. It feels like the car just needs a throttle tap, but I'll see my shop about it now too.
  • hardoohardoo Member Posts: 31
    Jessica wrote, "Another thing to consider is engine power. My mom had a PT Cruiser and the first time she pulled on to the interstate she was scared because there was no power and a big semi was coming up behind her. She sold it after a week."

    That's interesting because the PT has 150 hp and 162 ft-lbs. of torque compared to the Protege5 at 130 hp and 135 ft-lbs. of torque. While the PT is 400 lbs. heavier, even Car and Driver said the two cars ran neck and neck.

    P.J.Heff
  • vilainefemmevilainefemme Member Posts: 49
    Well, that was my mom's opinion of her PT a couple of years ago, I never got to drive it. Maybe my mom was too spoiled by her other (more powerful) vehicles, a Chrysler Concorde, manual transmission Z24, Dodge Ram cummins turbo diesel.

    Jessica
  • ppk_ppkppk_ppk Member Posts: 19
    Did any one have a chance to check this out?


    Go to http://www.circuitcity.com/ and you will find a link, at the bottom, that states "Enter to Win a Mazda Protegé!

    Check out our Protegé decked out with car audio gear."


    What they really mean is the Protegé5. They have a few pics of their modified Pro5...


    - PPK

  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    I also read C&D, and indeed those 1/4 mile time and top speed are comparable to P5's. However, I double this reflects trully the day-to-day driving aptitude. Here are a relevant highlight from Edmunds PT review:

    "Even with the manual transmission we questioned the PT Cruiser's ability to hold highway speeds over a serious mountain pass. While the vehicle maintained 80 mph on freeways in and around Los Angeles, it took some work to get it there. Far more troubling was how a loss in momentum required a long time to get back to 80 mph, especially if anything more than a slight incline was involved. And what happens with an automatic-equipped, fully loaded Cruiser taking advantage of those 76 cubic feet of storage? Well, just remember that NHTSA classifies the Cruiser as a truck...so we suppose it's OK to use those truck lanes when climbing mountain passes."

    I can swear that the P5, at least when coupled the manual tranny, doesn't suffer any of those issues. It seems that the gear ratios of the PT is too tall (I read it's run about 3000 rpm at 80mph). Sure, this makes the car a little quieter, but the engine runs almost always at the low torque zone.

    Bruno
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    there is no way I put those huge and ugly speakers in my car. I love music (own more than 3000 CDs), but for me, car is certainly not the right place to listen to.

    Bruno
  • estoesto Member Posts: 136
    I've done a bunch of calling around and going here and there, and I finally got a set of steel winter wheels and studless snow/ice tires to put on them. I ended up getting 14 x 5.5 inch steel wheels (yes, a 14 inch wheel DOES fit, despite what Tire Rack claims). I got these locally - you Pacific Northwesterners can also, at Les Schwab. The tires I got are 185/65-14 Michelin Arctic Alpins from Costco (Costco is running a $60-off-a-set-of-4 special). The whole package, with tires mounted and balanced, was $425; cheaper than Tire Rack.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    The only time I have ever needed to drop down into 4th at highway speeds was when I had 4 adults and a long weekend's worth of luggage fo rall of us coming home from Stowe. And that was only up a very steep hill, trying to pass someone.

    In my P5, going from 65-85 is mearly a crinkling of the toes. :-)
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Effective today.....

    All 2003 Mazda's get a 4 year / 50K bumper to bumper warranty!!!!

    If you already purchased a 2003 you will get the warranty also

    zoom~zoom
    Rich
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    that matches that of the luxury plates such as Audi, Lexus, and Acura, doesn't it????

    good work Mazda!!!!
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    I'm not sure tacking on extra years without upping the mileage is that big of a deal. My warranty will expire just over 2 years from my original purchase date because I drive more than 24K a year. I know most people don't rack up the miles I do, but I think the current average for yearly miles is in the range of 15K - 18K.

    How about a quick poll? How many miles do you drive every year?
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    I'm on track to do about 20K for the first year. I bought in March, and I am now at 14K.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    so I usually only get about 10k miles every year, hence this 4/50 deal would be very good for my situation :-D
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    Who out there has experience with snow tires and their P5??

    We have a customer who needs snow tires for some northern snow driving and nobody in our area carries snows for this car, including outr suppliers.

    So if you purchased snow tires online for your P5 send over some suggestions I can pass along.

    Thanks
    Rich
  • reitrofreitrof Member Posts: 122
    I bought Artic Alpins from TireRack.com. Came mounted on steel wheels and balanced for under 500.

    195 55 15's I think.

    HTH
    Bruce
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    I don't have them, but from most of the posts around here, Artic Alpins size 195/55-15 on 15" steel wheels seem to be the popular item. Just purchase as a package from tire rack.

    Don't think any company makes a snow tire in the orignal equipment size.
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    A year ago I couldn't find snow tires for the P5 16" rims either. I had to order 15" rims like the folks above, but opted for the Michelin PILOT Alpins over the Arctic Alpins. I found the Pilots worked really well on ice or in snow without sacrificing dry pavement handling.
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