Mazda Protege5

1…132133135137138…154

Comments

  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    fom http://europe.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=5024

    [ ...
     The defect was found inside a sensor in the engine that could lead to a short-circuit and stop the engine from working. There have been no reports of accidents caused by the problem. ...

    The recall affects many popular cars manufactured between 1998 and May 2003, including the Sunny, March, Cube, Primera, Presage, X-Trail, Skyline and Fairlady Z, as well as two cars built for Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries and Mazda Motor Corp. on an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) basis ...]

    It seems it concerns Mazda Familia, aka Japanese Protegé(5). I'm not sure which market cars are specifically concerned.

    Bruno
  • protojasonprotojason Member Posts: 13
    Do the protege5 's have a feature that keep your battery from draining if you do something stupid akin to leaving a dome light or map light on?

    It seems like it. Once I started my car and lo and behold the dome light was on apparently by itself. I gather I left it on previously..but hey, the car started and I wasnt left stranded due to a dead battery.

    Same thing happend this weekend with a maplight. This time the car started but not as crisply as normal...little sputter, but it turned over.

    I think it's a neat feature. Perhaps all new cars have it, and I just never noticed.

    Or, maybe I'm hallucinating.

    Jason.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    I have "tested" this feature too.

    Though I never "try" with the headlight. It shouldn't work with the headlight, but then there is an annoying bipping that reminds us if we forget to turn the light off and exit the car.
  • thelthel Member Posts: 767
    Hello all. Due to circumstances (financial) beyond my control, it appears I may have to trade in my 02 Miata LS and my OTM for a new car... :(

    I'm looking into getting another Pro5, yellow, leather, 6cd/moonroof, polished bling-bling wheels. Does $15,000 sound good?

    I'm also looking at a 2003 Ford Focus SVT. They now have $2500 rebates like the Pro5, so I'm htinking that about $18000 might be doable (the ones the local dealer has are fully loaded models)

    The advantage (as I see it) that the SVT has over the Protege5 is power (of course), 6-speed (love the one in my Miata) and traction control.

    The disadvantage I see is the whole Ford thing...I just think that Hiroshima can build a more durable car than Hermisillo.

    My next step is to test drive the SVT )don't need to test-drive the Pro5, I had one in late 2001) and see what kind of a deal I can strike up. This will be a real PITA with 2 trades but I haven't had any luck selling my OTM (97 F150).

    Any thoughts? opinions? info on deals to be had? comparisons between the two?
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    I too considered the SVT Focus and went w/ the Pro5. Here's why the SVT lost:

    requires premium fuel
    MPG was pretty low
    I didn't find it's 170 hp that impressive
    just felt 'cheaper' than the Pro5
    less cargo space
    recalls? (Pro5 has none)
    more expensive than Pro5

    Don't get me wrong, the SVT is a nice vehicle and it was a tough choice. But I LOVE the Pro5 and am VERY happy w/ my decision. If you choose the SVT though, you can get em much cheaper than $18k, probably $16k range. There have been a couple at my dealer sitting for quite awhile now. Make em an offer. I got my new Pro5 for 13400, but I didn't trade. $15k for the options you list sounds ok, but then again, make em an offer!
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Since they're being discontinued. One local dealer is advertising 25% off list for all P5 sport-wagons and Protege sedans in their inventory.
  • cuttingedgecuttingedge Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a new, Laser Blue PR5 with AT4 and 2AB packages from a MileOne near Baltimore ;)
    Price was a bit more than should have payd (over 15k), but considering what prices some dealers around D.C. offered, it was a good deal.
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    The Ford Recall is impressive on paper and on a test drive, but isn't a good candidate for long-term ownership. We all know what Ford stands for, except now it is fix or recall daily. On the other hand, the P5 may not have any recalls, but there sure are some annoying TSBs to contend with.

    I have seen some incredible deals on P5s now that the Mazda Vibe is coming out.
  • ibookibook Member Posts: 3
    I posted first on the "troubles" forum, but I realized that most people don't go there.

    I bought a new MP5, red, MT, only option of ABS/Side Airbags few weeks ago and the engine can't seem to maintain constant speed. For example, if I carefully hold the accelerator at say, 2000 RPM, it will go up and down around it at about 1 second intervals. Variation is about 1900 to 2100 RPMs, give or take since it's not very accurate. I can feel the slight studder at each ~1 second cycle. The variation is actually more noticeable at higher RPMs than at idle, as if it's a percentage of the current speed or something.

    This is my first new car (1990 Civic Si all this time and still have it!), so I was hoping for the perfect car, but maybe that's not realistic. Should I take it in? I hate when I have to deal with the mechanics with subtle problems....

    Could other owners please tell me if similar things happen on their cars?

    Thank you much.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
  • cogs25cogs25 Member Posts: 39
    "the P5 may not have any recalls, but there sure are some annoying TSBs to contend with."

    Where can I find out about the TSB's? I hadn't seen them mentioned before this.

    Thanks
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    try the ALLDATA site
    http://www.alldata.tsb.com/TSB/33/02333863.html
    nothing that alarms me, and some issues have probably been corrected for the 2003.5 models
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    I don't want to encourage anyone to buy an unreliable car, but the Focus has gotten much better if you believe CR:

    http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0311/04/c01-315932.htm
  • JGT74JGT74 Member Posts: 28
    Has anyone tried to add XM to their Pro5? I have an 03 Pro5 with the in dash 6 cd changer and no cassette deck. Does this radio have auxillary inputs or do you need a FM modulator to make XM work? Any sites I should visit to get more information?

    Thanks
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    Theoretically, you could wire an aux-in for XM. Knowing a good EE should help. Otherwise, an in-line FM modulator is the best bet. IMO, if you are going to add XM, I would go ahead and get an aftermarket head unit anyway.
  • nickg4bruinsnickg4bruins Member Posts: 12
    Does anybody know where I can find technical specs for my '03 MP5? Im looking to get information on everything from brake parts to the size of lug nuts. It doesnt matter if it is in the form of a website or even a book. The manual doesnt really have that much useful information in terms of specs for replacement parts. Also, does anybody recommend any online stores to get parts for P5's? Every major store I go to doesnt seem to carry any parts. Thanks
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    It sounds like you need to get the service manual. I have seen some CD-ROM versions for sale on eBay, but I am not entirely sure those are legal. Alternatively, you can order the paper version from the a dealer. Some on-line OEM parts stores are: mazdastuff.com, and trussvillemazda.com. If you are looking for performance parts, I recommend Corksport.com, RacingBeat.com, and Flyinprotege.com.

    I hope this helps.

    Ted
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Tons of info on Proteges here:
    http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    I think I've pushed the factory Dunlops as far as I am willing to go at 34K. They handle just fine on dry pavement, but safe cornering in the rain is highly compromised now. They would be scary as hell on snow or ice I'm sure.

    Bruno, how are your Exalto's holding up? I'm thinking of switching to them for my summer tires next spring.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    Terry, so far I rode 8000 miles with the Exalto, so it's still too early to tell anything concerning the tire wear. But the handling is good. I even rode on snow with the Exalto (which is a summer tires), and it's OK. I'm impressed by low the road noise.
  • riopelleriopelle Member Posts: 132
    An update if anyone cares: I just got back from a quick jaunt Boston to Baltimore and back, with stopover in NYC. At 26K the car is still vault solid and handled all those miles and tri-state commuters with aplomb. It really ate up the miles, averaged 73 mph and got 31mpg back. I still want traction control or awd for winters up here, and look forward to a more powerful engine, but darn i can't imagine a more reliable or easier car to own.

    Hope the 3 is as good as the P5, for Mazda's sake. The P5 is distilled essence of car.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    like whisky? ;-)
  • cogs25cogs25 Member Posts: 39
    Some months ago, there was a post here that gave info. on replacing the P5 wiper stalk with one from an MPV so that you could have variable intermittent wipers.
    Is this something that could be done by a dealer?
    If they refused, and it was done by the owner, would it void the warranty?
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    If an owner completed that mod, it would only void the warranty if the modification was the direct cause of the damage (whatever that may be).

    The wiper mod is a quick and easy mod to do from the "how-to's" that I've seen on other internet forums. The wiper mod is also easily reversible.
  • boggseboggse Member Posts: 1,048
    If you can use a screw driver, you can do this mod. Don't bother with the dealer. It should not void any warranty since this is the wiper stalk Protege5s get in other countries where it is a more upscale model for Mazda.
  • barich1barich1 Member Posts: 143
    The manual for my '03 P5 seems to be under the impression that my car is equipped with a low washer fluid warning light. It does not say anything about this being an optional feature, and last I checked there was no option that included this. Yet I ran out of washer fluid yesterday with nary a blink from the mythical light. So does it even exist? Or is mine just broken?
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    I have it on the 2001 ES (seen it a few times), so you must have it on the P5.

    Dinu
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    The one in my ProLX works, though I've only set it off two or three times.

    The one in my wife's P5 also works. I've seen it at least once.

    I try to avoid running the washer fluid pump dry, so I check the washer fluid when I check the oil. And on extended trips away from home, I pack a gallon of fluid in the trunk (as well as a couple quarts of oil, just in case...I've never had to use any).
  • vilainefemmevilainefemme Member Posts: 49
    Huh. Weird. I've got a 2002 P5 and once ran out of washer fluid with no warning. Didn't know such a light existed. Maybe not on the 2002?

    Jessica
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    I've run out and never seen a light either. hmmmmmm? (2002 P5)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    It's only on the Canadian models.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    That could explain it, but why make different warning lights for the US and Canada? Those cars should be identical except for the speedo.

    Dinu
  • barich1barich1 Member Posts: 143
    Could you guys check your manuals and see what they say about it? Mine makes no mention of it being an optional or regional feature, but I can't believe that it's not working on so many cars unless that is the case. I would love to hear the rationale for leaving the light out in cars destined for the USA. Apparently our windshields don't get dirty?
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    Canadian cars use international symbols for some of the warning lights in the instrument cluster, so there's another difference on top of the metric speedo/odo. This is the case for most cars. It would be unusual, however, for us to get a completely different warning light that doesn't even exist in US vehicles.
  • cogs25cogs25 Member Posts: 39
    I checked the owners manual for my '03, and it shows the light. However, when I turn on the car and all the warning lights typically flash for a moment, I cannot see any such light.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    That's one light that never flashes unless the fluid is low.

    Dinu
  • kauai215kauai215 Member Posts: 190
    We own a 2002 P5. It is the "early" build. In the Owner's Manual, copyright 2001, printed in Japan June 2001 (Print 1), the washer fluid warning light is described on pages 5-24 and 5-28.

    I have never seen this light turned ON, but I have never run low on washer fluid either.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    It's should be on a Hatchback, because it's an hatchback!!!
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    I believe it is shorter than the protege sedan, yes?. I agree. Hatch hatch hatch
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Dinu
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    I believe it is shorter than the protege sedan, yes?. I agree. Hatch hatch hatch
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    zoom zoom zoom
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    I've always thought of a hatchback as a 2 door with a hatch opening or a 4 door that looks like a sedan but the whole hatch opens. But a 4 door with a straight back like the P5 will always be a wagon for me.
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    hatch·back (h?ch'b?k')
    n.

    "An automobile having a sloping back with a hinged rear door that opens upward."

    Pro5 qualifies. :-)
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    so what's a "Station Wagon"?

    For me it must have a substantially straight rear door and a long enough rear overhang. Pretty approximate definition I must admit.

    People in my country don't call the Protegé as Station Wagon, I know that for sure. We are the hatchback country here.
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    station wagon
    n.

    An automobile having an extended interior with a third seat or luggage platform and a tailgate.

    hmmm
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    in my Britanicca Encyclopedia, but they have "Wagon":

    "Four-wheeled vehicle designed to be drawn by draft animals. Wagons have been used from the 1st century BC.; early examples used spoked wheels with metal rims, pivoted front axles, and linchpins to secure the wheels. 9th-century improvements in suspension made the wagon preferable to the two-wheeled cart, especially for carrying freight and agricultural produce."

    I'm 100% sure the Protegé5 is not a Wagon. LOL.
  • meinradmeinrad Member Posts: 820
    There is a 6 hatch and a 6 wagon. To me the P5 is equivalent to the 6 wagon in form and function.

    Also, according to the definitions you guys are posting, it seems to me that the 6 hatch and wagon meet those definitions.

    I'm even more sure now that the P5 is a small wagon.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    eh no, the 6 hatch doesn't have "substantially straight rear door". So my definition still hold for the Mazda6...
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    ...I love it
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.