Mazda Protege5

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Comments

  • nwngnwng Member Posts: 663
    tell your gf she is WRONG!

    Tell her your manhood is being challenged at every stoplight on Comm ave by those pesky college kids in M3s, or even worse, in a E55. How can you carry on with your life without a WRX?

    OTOH, I think you still need an extra set of snow tires if you have a WRX.
  • chicagoprochicagopro Member Posts: 1,009
    How rude!
  • plantsandbirdsplantsandbirds Member Posts: 8
    Hi folks--

    I am strongly considering buying a manual transmission P5. One thing that's holding me back is Edmunds' "true cost to own" analysis--it shows maintenance costs of $239, $488, $352, $973, and $1234 in the first five years! Any of you P5 owners have any idea if this is anywhere close to true, and if so, why it is? Is it the extra cost of the tires? Thanks!
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    What is that white stuff?
  • george2002george2002 Member Posts: 13
    My Protege came with the Dunlop Sports and I found them just great in the summer -wet and dry! So good that I bought four Dunlop Sports to go on my '99 Monte Carlo. They are much better on the MC than the original Goodyear Eagles and they are also very good in snow and ice. But the Dunlops on the Pro are terrible in the winter! I will invest in 4 snows for next winter. I guess the weight of the car has a lot to do with it.
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    I've had mine for almost a year and 22,000 miles, and so far I've only done oil changes, air filters, and tire rotations/balance/alignments. However, I buy "lifetime" rotations, balancing, and alignments, so my first year costs are exaggerated.

    I'm sure if you do all the recommended maintenance and take it to the dealer you could easily pay those maintenance amounts on any car. Is this higher than they are showing for similar cars?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    My 01 PRO ES has 32.000 miles and this is what has gone wrong with it:

    CD replaced in the first week - Mazda had a bad batch of Panasonic players that didn't eject CDs. Fixed ASAP.

    Three of my spoiler's lights went out and they were replaced about 6 weeks later.

    Last week the rear right brake bulb went out. Will replace it this week.

    I don't think these are problems, just things that can happen with any car. The CD issue was a common one on PROs built in June/July 2001 and was fixed promptly by Mazda w/out a fuss.

    The car has been great besides that. It handles REALLY well - I cannot emphasize this enough. It has no rattles, doesn't burn oil, the brakes are great and I still LOVE the black interior!

    What you should do is get 4 winter tires b/c the Dunlops the P5 comes with are probably pretty bad in snow. I had Potenzas on mine and they were horrible in rain/snow.

    Dinu
  • wongpreswongpres Member Posts: 422
    In 2002 Mazda showed a very near production Mazda2 concept vehicle in Geneva. They're doing the same this year with the Mazda3. Here's the press release with picture of the hatch:

    http://www.mazda.com/publicity/public/200302/0217ae.html
  • plantsandbirdsplantsandbirds Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the information--I didn't think there were any unusual maintenance requirements for the P5. I'm glad to hear it's just routine stuff.

    The Edmunds estimate is, for some unknown reason, quite a bit higher than the estimate for the car that is (at least at this moment) its closest competitor in my shopping around--the VW Golf diesel. The only reason I even checked is because I expected the *Golf* to have higher maintenance costs than a gas model.

    Of course, now that I've seen the pictures of the successor to the P5, that gives me a perfect excuse to remain indecisive for several more months. :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    So I guess we were right about the spy pics. I like it. Hopefully it will have a nice interior too.

    Dinu
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Not overly aggressive. I like it. :)

    Rear doesn't look as attractive as the current P5's though. I miss the well-defined wheel arches on the current Pro/P5 too. :(

    Can't see enough detail to figure how the door handles work. Are these faked (a la Photoshop) into the picture?

    Icky wheels. Hopefully, these are an option? I'll get my own aftermarket alloys, thank you.

    Sounds like they're trying to tie this in with the MX Tourer.

    Glad to hear it's got the new 2.0L. Cleaner-running, so maybe they won't have to starve the engine at start-up to clean up the emissions, which causes the "death rattle" sound some have experienced.
  • wongpreswongpres Member Posts: 422
    About the door handles, they are very suspicious in the picture. But I know for a fact that the production door handles will be identical to the type on the Mazda6.

    As for the wheels in the picture, those are just for the concept car and will be different (definitely smaller) for production.

    Can't wait until the Geneva show begins (1st week of March) to get actual photos of this car.

    Also, I believe the 2.3l engine from the Mazda6 will be available for the N. American Mazda3.
  • bubrrycrbubrrycr Member Posts: 2
    hi-
    I feel like I have read somewhere that ou sholdn't put the pro5 through an aoutomatic car wash with the roof rack on? Has anybody heard this or am I imagining? Does anyone do automatic carwash with the roof rack on? is it ok?

    please let me know...too much road salt, and too cold
  • subyaudidudesubyaudidude Member Posts: 136
    Personally, I would never take my car to an automatic car wash, but that's just me. I'd much rather go to the wash bays with the hoses and use the high-pressure sprays.

    That said, I would not take any car with a roof rack through an automatic car wash. There's too much of a chance that the brush strands would get entangled and wrapped around the roof rack. It's pretty easy to take the roof rack off. I highly recommend you do that before taking it to an automatic wash.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    around here have the brushes anymore, they-ve all gone brushless. Perhaps we ain't heerd of that new-fangled technologee herebouts. :)
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    the auto car wash all the time with the roof rack on. Hasn't harmed it a bit.

    I haven't tried the quickee at the gas station yet, I usually go to a bigger car wash only that's around here.
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    I took mine through the touchless car wash twice a week last winter with the roof rack on. Never had a problem. The washes were free with a fill-up last year but this year it's 6 bucks (what a joke). I'm doing the hand washes with the pressurized water like subyaudidude this year.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    We are having a big P5 sale this week...if you can drive it out, its yours. No shovels allowed.

    http://community.webshots.com/photo/64163245/64163299dYVPYE
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    and we'll get those babies out!

    Now I just have to find you!
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    That is so funny! ;-) Although, I suppose it's not too funny for the folks in that area....

    Revka
    Hatchbacks & Wagons Host
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I'll take the white one...

    :-)
  • croy4croy4 Member Posts: 14
    I've got my local dealer down to $300 over invoice with the 0% for 60 mos. They have located a car with the specs that I want( Mica Black, 5 spd, airbags/abs, moonroof/6 cd, and leather) that is currently in transit. On the factory options list it also has code MCR, 100 watt subwoofer. Based on the invoice and MSRP, there is no additional charge for this? Is it part of the 6 cd system now?

    Thanks.
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    The way I understand it, the roof rack has become an option which offsets the cost of the subwoofer.

    Therefore no price change.
  • cpcjohncpcjohn Member Posts: 2
    My wife and I have a 2002 P5 w/ auto tranny. We have noticed a very annoying high pitched whine that becomes excruciatingly obvious at speeds above 65mph. The dealer has given me a "Dealer Repair Info" sheet that says that the problem is recognized but no repairs are to be made. i have been reading posts all day and I cannot find any rference to anyone else experiencing this same problem. ARGH!

    Also, I would love to know how any of you are getting 25 to 30 mpg. We just drove from Atlanta to Orlando and did no better than 25 (75mph and below).
  • mudflatmudflat Member Posts: 47
    Sorry to hear about your problem. I have close to 19k miles on my P5 w/auto and have experinced no transmission whine at any speed. I do get a lot of tire noise, however. When it comes to mileage, I typically average about 24 in town and 29-31 on the highway. The best I ever got on an all highway tank was 32.1.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I hear a high pitched noise when cruising on highways at certain exact speeds, but it's from the windshield. Could it be you're hearing that noise, not a tranny noise? There's a TSB out for it. Go to ownerships and fill out the data to get all TSBs on P5s.

    Dinu
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    I get about 26 around town in my 2003 P5 Automatic. I'll me making a trip to Orlando in March. I'll report on the fuel economy when I return.
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    The only noise I hear is from the roof rack which my wife won't let me remove. (It is her daily driver) Is yours the sport shift? Is there a difference between the old automatic and the sport shift other than some circuitry?
  • cpcjohncpcjohn Member Posts: 2
    The noise sounds like electronic interference, like the bad old days when after market sound meant expensive chokes and filters on distributors. It does not change pitch, regardless of speed or engine rev. The noise is so noticeable that we have to travel with the radio turned up uncomfortably loud to drown it out. We can also hear it over the noise from the luggage rack. The dealer(s) here in Atlanta have basically told me that according to "0002993 Dealer Repair Information" (not actually a TSB but similar) they are under no obligation to do anything. The sheet they gave me reads as follows:
    "Some customers may hear a high frequency whine that occurs at approximately 45 and 75 mph (SORT OF TRUE), this noise usually can only be heard with the radio and blower motor off (NOT TRUE) and when the customer feathers the throttle within a very narrow RPM and MPH range (NOT NOT NOT TRUE).
    This whine is considered normal and no repairs should be attempted.
    This whine is not the result of any abnormal wear occurring within the transmission but is a result of a resonance that is generated at varying levels between the primary and secondary gears and does not affect the use, safety or value of the vehicle."
    This to me seems a cop out on the part of Mazda and as for affecting the value of the vehicle, we can only pray that when we try to sell it, it does not crop up while test driving. Also, Mazda has given me the impression that this is a common issue and I need to go away and deal with it, but my research to this point has shown that I am apparently the only one complaining. Mazda is not earning my loyalty with their attitude.
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Here is a phone number:

    1-800-222-5500

    Call and complain. Tell them you will contact your State's Attorney General if they aren't cooperative. Did you ever say which Transmission you have, sport shift or standard auto?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    that wont help the guy get his car fixed,...all it will do is get the dealer to dig in and follow the mazda line.

    CPC....email me your vin# and a paragraph on your problem and I will look into it for you. I can't fix it from CT but hopefully I can get you on the right path. my email is on my profile...

    Rich
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Actually calling that number has helped a lot of people on this board get their cars fixed when the dealer balked. MazdaUSA Customer Service is usually very receptive to these sorts of requests. I meant the Attorney General comment as a last resort.
  • moo01moo01 Member Posts: 15
    i am tired of putting my mountain bike or snowboard inside the car...can anyone suggest a roof rack? i have never bought one before and don't know what or where to buy and what's a good price. anyone? anyone?
  • altersysaltersys Member Posts: 56
    To Whom It May Concern:
    My Wife and I are nearly content owners of a 2002 Mazda Protege5. We purchased the car with the sport AT transmission, and are one of the many owners out there who have the dreaded transmission whine problem detailed in the "0002993 Dealer Repair Information" text:

    "Some customers may hear a high frequency whine that occurs at approximately 45 and 75 mph, this noise usually can only be heard with the radio and blower motor off and when the customer feathers the throttle within a very narrow RPM and MPH range. This whine is considered normal and no repairs should be attempted. This whine is not the result of any abnormal wear occurring within the transmission but is a result of a resonance that is generated at varying levels between the primary and secondary gears and does not affect the use, safety or value of the vehicle."

    I find this situation unacceptable. While the whine does not necessarily result in damage, it is NOT a "feature" that I purchased when the car was new, nor did I expect the car to perform this way. In my humble opinion, saying that the problem is not damaging and therefore should be lived with is a flagrant example of avoidance. I am considering purchasing a new Mazda6 for myself but this situation is making me reconsider… I expect a problem of this sort to be addressed regardless of whether damage may ensue as a result. This is not acceptable performance, and it is a result of poor workmanship. That is preceisely what new car warranties legally cover.
    __________________

    feel free to copy this email and send it to mazda usa. the more noise we make, the better.

    -Alt
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    If you are refering to a roof rack for the P5, Mazda sells one, as well as Bike and Ski attachments. I haven't seen any aftermarket solutions specifically for the P5, but Thule is a common brand that I see on various people's vehicles.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    part #0000-8L-G01.

    Bruno
  • subyaudidudesubyaudidude Member Posts: 136
    I have a Saris and I love it. If you want pics, email me.
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    Good letter, altersys. Saying that you are hesitating in your purchase of a Mazda6 was a good idea. If anyone else plans to write to MUSA about the same problem, I have two suggestions. 1) Do NOT copy altersys's letter without changes. If Mazda sees it as a form letter, they're less likely to treat you as an important individual with a common problem. 2) Be sure to state what it is that you want Mazda to do; some people are satisfied just to complain. In this case, tell Mazda you expect them to fix the problem under the warranty. You might mention that the whine has a profound effect on the resale value of the car, as no one who test-drives it will buy it. And that makes them responsible for fixing it under the warranty. altersys, please keep us posted on the progress of your battle. Best of luck.
  • chuyler1chuyler1 Member Posts: 2
    I pick up my new MP5 on Saturday! I can't wait. Laser Blue with AB/ABS, Moonroof/6CD, and Leather for $17667 (minus $500 for the student advantage). Everyone's comments here really helped with the decision process. It has been hell driving to work this week in my old beat up 1990 Grand Marquis.
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    Wow, that will be quite a difference. Congrats and enjoy.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    at 26 kmiles. Time to change (vibration on the steering wheel even with balanced tires). Not sure getting a Dunlop again, looking into Michelin.

    Bruno
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Bruno,

    What Michelins are you considering? The only ones I could find that would fit were the Pilot SX GT, and they have horrible treadwear: 180! Let us know.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    I see you are going "plus 0." I will be interested to hear how it handles with the new rubber. Keep us informed.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    the main reason I'm going "+0" because it's a pain to find good tires at P195/50R16.
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    I understand. They nice ones that are out there in that size cost an arm and a leg. I hope you like the new tires.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    Such as Toyo, Falken (I have these), Kumho, Yokohoma, Sumitomo etc - you get different tradeoffs in terms of tread-life or handling characteristics, but they almost always will provide you with an option that has a better price/performance ratio than anything Michelin or Dunlop can provide :)

    Read some reviews on Tirerack.com (hey - its a featured advertiser on edmnuds - so don't delete my post :) and other similar tire sale/review and opinion websites before you pick one.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    is a lesser brand? hmmm
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    yes, I realize that I probably spend around 100 extra bucks for Michelin name.

    Being serious road biker during my free time, I know that Michelin trully manufactures awesome tires. Sometime I break my own rule and buy others brands but I always come back to Michelin.

    I was in internship at Clermont Ferrand/Michelin to get my BS degree. I can tell that they put serious effort into the research and the designs of their products.

    Bruno
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