Mazda Protege5

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Comments

  • mnkyboymnkyboy Member Posts: 108
    Anyone know if mazdastuff.com is a reliable source to purchase accesories? I want to order a moonroof deflector and a cargo net, and they are $20 cheaper then if I purchased the items from a nearby dealership.

    Are there any other mazda sites for accesorries?

    ALSO,
    Does anyone have a Magnetic Bra like the one that protege5online.com is selling?

    What are these bras made out of? I dont see it listed on the site, but most bras are made out of leather.

    Do these bras hold up to wind on the Interstate?

    If anyone can answer these questions, or has one that they can comment on, please send input. Thanks
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    If I have to bough winter tires, I probably go for 185/60R15. Tire circumference will be differ only by +0.27% to the stock tires, and it's provide more friction as it's narrower. Comments?

    Bruno
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I have a magnet bra that I used on my 2001 Protege. It never fit right on my car for some reason. I still have it, although I no longer have the car.
  • Rob360Rob360 Member Posts: 33
    Hi all. I am going to be in the market for a P5 shortly! What a cool little car! I have a third generation twin turbo Rx-7 that I love, so the Pro5 will be a great addition to the family as a daily driver!

    Anyway, I have seen a couple of people post here indicating that they obtained zero percent financing for 36 months! One of these posts was as recent as this month! Does anyone know if it is possible to get zero percent financing on the Pro5 at the present time?

    Thanks!
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Check www.mazdausa.com under the special offers link. I think 0% for 36 months is available on almost all 01 and 02 mazda's until Jan 2nd. Not 100% sure, though.

    By the way, anyone in Colorado who's interested in a yellow P5 (evidently a rare vehicle), there are two at Sil-Terhar Ford in Broomfield.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bruno: 185/60R15 would be good, but it is sort of a rare size. I know because my last car had them, and I had to go to a 195/60R15 tire. There was very limited selection in the stock size.

    195/60R15 would probably fit (ask, though), and you'd gain a 1/4" of ground clearance, which is good for the snow, especially since the front spoiler is so low to the ground.

    -juice
  • moo01moo01 Member Posts: 15
    Yes, I got the 0% for 36 months this month. It has been extended to Jan 2, 2002.
  • Rob360Rob360 Member Posts: 33
    Moo01, where do you live?

    I am in so. cal. and the one Mazda dealer I went to said that the zero percent financing only applied to 2001 models.

    I tried the Mazdausa.com site, and it appears to be down.

    Also, I MUST have a yellow one! Sounds like this could be a difficult proposition!
  • moo01moo01 Member Posts: 15
    I am in S. Cal too! The 0% financing is available for both '01 AND '02 models. You can also call Mazda USA and confirm the rates too (1-800-639-1000)...they are in Irvine.

    The dealership I went to had a yellow one on the lot as of Dec 8!! Don't know if it's still there...

    If you go back to my post around Dec. 10-12, I have mentioned what deals I found before I purchased my car.

    Let me know if you want more info.
  • mazdadude1mazdadude1 Member Posts: 49
    of course he did... :-) hard to keep the p5 under the limit in most situations... and anyway, the things I could tell my nephew about my brother(his dad) when he was young and driving our Dodge Charger...with a 383ci??? is that right? Memory fades. But it was a hot car... too.
  • Rob360Rob360 Member Posts: 33
    Thanks, thats GREAT news. I will probably have to make a quick decision if I want in on the zero percent financing!

    Could you tell me what dealer(s) you were happy with and who had yellow Pro5's in stock? I work in Sana Ana! I DONT want an automatic though!

    Do you think they will be as willing to deal on a yellow Pro5 as other colors?

    Thanks Moo01!
  • mmdorfmmdorf Member Posts: 8
    Rob 360:

    I know of 2 available yellow Protege5s located at:

    DAVID J. PHILLIPS MAZDA
    24888 ALICIA PARKWAY
    LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653
    (949) 837-2400

    I too, purchased my Yellow MP5 there back in July. I don't know if they are auto or manual trans????

    If you do end up buying there, let me know, maybe they'll pay me for a referal, I'd love to split it with you.
  • moo01moo01 Member Posts: 15
    Let me dig up my notes and get back to you. Is your email address @kiwi current?
  • Rob360Rob360 Member Posts: 33
    Thanks for the info mmdorf! I will give them a call to see if they still have the yellow ones, and if they are stick shift.

    Moo01, the Kiwi address is no longer any good. My email is Rob360@aol.com.

    Thanks!
  • toddmontoddmon Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the various comments about tires and sizes. Tirerack seems to be just about out of stock in the 195/55/15 tires. They have a bit better selection in 195/60/15. My local tire shops don't have much in stock right now, either. I can get some Nokian Hakkapeliitta Q's or Hakka 1's, but not much else right now.

    At least we've had a mild winter so far and no major snow in the forecast, so I should be able to get by for a few days without the snow tires (but I won't want to press my luck too long up here).

    Todd
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We are supposed to get Canadian air for the next few days on the East Coast, and then even colder air in the coming weeks. It wouldn't be a bad time to order those snows.

    -juice
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Buffalo is under emergency alert right now with 3ft of the white stuff on the ground. Hope we get some of that here. (VT)

    IMO, if it's going to be so darn cold, it might as well snow! :-)
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    You just want it to snow because you have snow tires right? Me too. If memory serves correct, you live in the Twin Cities. Don't worry, we'll have more snow. At least the side streets are icy.
  • elec3elec3 Member Posts: 160
    How the snow is adding up here in Chicago this winter. We only have a few inches on the ground but we haven't had any substantial snowfall - just flurries that keep on flurrying for days and days. Makes me look forward to my return to southern New Mexico sunshine and 60 degree temps :)

    PS: And my poor lonely Pro5. At least she's got a lot of other cars to keep her company.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    I'm actually in Vermont, but it's a similar climate. Let it snow! :-)
  • mustang87mustang87 Member Posts: 129
    I am in Florida, we never get snow :)
    Don't have to worry about buying snow tires and wheels
  • mnkyboymnkyboy Member Posts: 108
    Why do you have a Ukraine flag by your nick, when you live in Florida? Anyways, I live in New Orleans, it only snows down here once every 10-15 years. The only kind of wheels that I may want to purchase is some wheels that make your car float in the water, since it floods down here almost everytime there is a bad storm. LOL...
  • chocodogchocodog Member Posts: 9
    Hi & happy holidays to everyone;

    To follow up on earlier messages (I was concerned about the harshness of the ride on the P5), I finally did buy one (silver, 5 speed, no other options for $16k and 0% financing).

    Well, my concerns about the ride were premature. The car, once prepped is fine. I really do think the tires are "over" inflated for transport -and both samples that I test drove were right off the truck. The ride, while "sporty" is not harsh at all.

    It's definitely a car that grows on you. The first week of ownership was a joy of discovery - the handling is superb, brakes are very responsive, acceleration is better than I remembered from the test car. It's gear ratio must be very different than my Honda - which can really go in 1st gear! The P5 seems to need to get to 2nd gear more quickly. Now I'm used to that, I'm getting better at optimizing it's "zoom." It's kind of "deceptively" quick.

    Another thing I'd mention to prospective buyers is, if you are tall and concerned about headroom (as my husband is) ... don't get the moonroof. We began to notice on quite a few cars we test drove (particularly the Hyundai elantra GT) that the moonroof takes up several inches of headroom. We never found a test vehicle without one so it was hard to judge. But once ours arrived without it, my hubby was pleasantly surprised at the added headroom.

    I'd highly recommend this car. For the price, it's hard to beat for driveability, options, versatility and looks (and hopefully, reliability).
  • revkarevka Member Posts: 1,750
    Thanks for sharing the details. We look forward to hearing more.... Happy motoring! ;-)

    Revka
    Host
    Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
  • geoinsdcageoinsdca Member Posts: 9
    Like everyone else, I have test-driven, and test driven just about everything under $25k. I had no intention on buying a small car (I was set to pickup a silver Tribute at the Mazda dealer in San Diego).

    Just then, I spotted a (rare) yellow P5 in the showroom behind a white Miata. The salesman was getting nervous because I stopped the paperwork and wanted to test-drive this P5.
    The styling was different, and I really liked the interior (especially the silver accents).

    It wasn't until I drove this sophisticated machine that I knew I had to have it! It's only a matter of time before I get a ticket, so I am trying to blend in with traffic. But, everyone else is always looking at my P5, so who knows what will happen.

    Yesterday, (12/27/01) I drove from San Diego to Disneyland and enjoyed every mile of the trip. I have heard Mazda is raising the price in 2002 to $19k, so if you want one buy it now!

    I am very pleased with the quality and finish - although I have the same minor complaints as other owners - arm rest is a joke, too low and too short; stereo is very powerful, but you MUST replace the speakers (Infinity or Polk) to make it usable; air fan is noisy; engine needs 150hp+.

    This car is the best deal out there - I do not work for Mazda and I totally recommend this vehicle. I went from an Isuzu Trooper (5,600 lbs) to the P5, and I finally feel free! I also love the yellow color - hope you can find one too!
  • Rob360Rob360 Member Posts: 33
    Hi all!

    I just got back (a couple of hours ago) from purchasing a Vivid Yellow PR5! All I can say is "Zoom, zoom, zoom...."!

    This car really brings a grin to my face! I have wanted a yellow car for about 18 years now (since I was in high school) and finally snagged one!

    I love the styling of this car. Not only on the outside, by inside as well. In fact, I think just as much thought went into the interior design of this car as the exterior. I love the red dash lights, the simulated carbon fiber, the silver accents, the seats (with headrests that are actually USEABLE). The car handles GREAT! My only minor complaints are that the car could use another 10-20 horsepower, and the noise made by the roof rack just shouldn't be there. No big deal, I will just remove it since it is very unlikely that I will be using it anyway.

    I did a LOT of looking around to get the Vivid Yellow. They are rare, but they are out there, especially if you are willing to take an automatic.

    Anyway, I am very glad to be a part of the PR5 family! =)

    I will post more on my buying experience and what I paid later...after I have time to catch my breath from all the running around I did to get this car!

    Zoom, zoom! =)
  • syzygysyzygy Member Posts: 1
    OK, I'm blown away by this car...

    My yellow MP5 (manual, all the options)is a dream! It truly is amazing to me how a HATCHBACK draws crowds! The yellow draws them in, then they get caught by the styling. They say, "What kind of car is that?" and then "So, how does it drive?"

    I just smile at that one...

    Sure, it could use more power. But it makes my '98 Accord V6, which is a pleasure to drive, seem boring in comparison. I was pushing 60 into 25 MPH corners - no body roll and held on like a pit bull on a terrier!

    This is a hoot! When I started looking for a new small car, my friends warned me about the "mid-life crisis". I said not to worry, I'm looking at hatchbacks. Now I'm snickering at picturing their reactions when I describe how "efficient" and "common sensical" this car is.

    Mid-life crisis...hah! You've got it! This car convinces me - I'm full-blown... :o)
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    "...held on like a pit bull on a terrier!"

    I like that. hehehe. ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Download the "zoom zoom" song in MP3 format, it's on the "Only the Strong" movie soundtrack. It's a cool song. I cut a CD with it and listen to it in my Miata, and it draws a lot of smiles.

    Of course, where can you download MP3s from nowadays? Napster is gone, Aimster is fee-based, who's left that is free?

    -juice
  • mp5freakmp5freak Member Posts: 51
    Great to hear you love the car!

    Out of curiosity, how did you come to the conclusion that the stereo was powerful? I replaced my speakers with Infinity Kappas and it's now dreadfully obvious how underpowered the stereo is! With the old speakers I got somewhat loud, but muddy sound. Now I get clear sound, but no power! At half volume its not loud at all, whereas my girlfriends Ford Ranger would make your eardrums bleed if you ever put the stereo past half!

    I just wanted to point out my observations so that noone goes out and blows all of their money on new speakers, only to be disappointed with the power from the head unit!
  • mnkyboymnkyboy Member Posts: 108
    I think I posted this before, but you can download the song from the website.

    http://www.bucklescomic.com/2001se.html


    Its a Miata Special Edition page, but if you GO NEAR THE BOTTOM , it has a link for the "Zoom Zoom" song. The song was taken from the soundtrack from "Only The Strong " cdnow.com Check it out, its pretty cool....

  • tcisdvstcisdvs Member Posts: 1
    I bought my Pro5 since july and i have been searching for a ski/bike rack since then. i havn't been able to , because either thule or yakima makes it yet. if any one been able to get a sport rack that fits please let me know.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    The odometer of my yellow manual P5 indicated 10026 at one point in time yesterday (Dec/30th). I drove totally 10000 miles since June/16th. The car is equipped with moon-roof, wind reflector, tinted window, after-market rims, and a "zoom-zoom" sticker. ;-)

    So far the car performs as nicely expected. Regular maintenance consists of 2 oil changes and one tires balanced and rotation and washing with high pressure water hose every week. Few paint chips are observed on the hood. They are corrected by touch paint.

    - The suspension get a little bit softer, more civilized without compromising somehow the handling capability. (Pat, are you reading?)
    - The engine continue to break in. I heard few critics about the 2.0L engine rev not as happy as the 1.8L, but I don't think it's true. The engine begs me to push it to 4500 rpm or plus, and, zoom..., the car just takes off. I personally think 130 hp is enough. Maximum speed is 111 mph (with 3 passengers with luggage) at 5200 rpm. It's limited electronically since the engine torque is still larger than the loading at this rpm.
    - The mileage does not *seem* to improve, it's stay constantly around 28.3mpg. I use the word "seem" since it may just be an illusion, giving that I drive more aggressively now. Even if it's improved, I don't think the gain is significant.
    - The break is working more efficiently than the beginning, since the pads start to take the permanent shape.

    Bruno
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    Oh I really dislike this site sometime as there is no searching feature on Edmunds. Check back the message #871 and #888.

    Bruno
  • westy5westy5 Member Posts: 24
    You can purchase Yakima's Mighty Mounts (vertical or horizontal) from your local Yakima dealer. These attach to your factory rack and allow you to add a bike or ski rack.

    I saw a Yakima bike tray (Steelhead) attached to a Mazda Tribute's factory rack when I was at the dealership, so I would assume that Yakima mounts will work on your P5.

    www.yakima.com/products/dynamic/8003501_7.html

    Let me know if it works or what you find out as I will be purchasing the same come spring time.

    WESTY
  • mnkyboymnkyboy Member Posts: 108
    How long is the break in period for the car? I have about 500 miles on the car. What exactly are you supposed to do/not do with the car. The owners manual states that the car doesnt have a break-in period, but several people on this board have mentioned it.

    ALSO, I have a Vivid Yellow MP5, and would like to tint the windows. What shade of black looks the best on the yellow? Also, if anyone knows a good place int the New Orleans area that tints windows, please tell me.

    One last question, what price should I expect to pay for all of my windows being tinted, and the windshield to just be tinted on the top?
  • th003gth003g Member Posts: 149
    at a local dealer here on LI they advertised the P5 auto for 14,995. I wondered what the catch was so I wandered over there to take a look. Apparently it was a specific car. A white P5 auto. seems weird that they would offer any P5 for over 2k under invoice. any ideas? would there be something fishy with the car? and anyone actually have a white p5? how does it look in normal daylight? ( saw it after dark)
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    is the car used? Did the fine print in the ad say $14,995 with your $2000 trade in or down payment?

    Which dealership? im not far from LI a couple dealers would send up all the red flags.

    Rich
  • reitrofreitrof Member Posts: 122
    Happy New Year,

    Anybody heard or seen any new info on the optional sport muffler for the P5 that comes from Mazda?

    Thanks
    Bruce
  • iamziamz Member Posts: 542
    If I remember correctly, the break in period is the first 500 to 600 miles. I think you were supposed to keep the RPM's under 3K.

    I have a yellow P5 with windows tinted at 50%. It looks sharp, but I saw another yellow P5, when I was visiting in Seattle, that had it's windows tinted even darker, and it looked really, really sharp! I would go with as dark as is legal in your state.

    Expect to pay $200 to $300 dollars depending on the quality of the window film.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    Sorry to use the word "break-in" in my previous post. What I wanted to say is the engine performs better at 10k miles: smother, willing to rev more, and providing higher power. Actually you are right, there is no official break-in period according to Mazda. However, as the manual recommends, you shouldn't accelerate hard, break hard, and run the engine at high RPM for the first 600 miles. Also do vary constantly your cruising speed on the Hwy (so don't use the cruise control).

    Beside that first period, I'm still apply the same precaution when the engine is still cool. I saw a lot of people start their cars then accelerate as soon like they compete a rally during a chilly morning. I wonder whereas they are late for work, and may get fired for that. But I'm sure it doesn't do any good for the car.

    Bruno
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    I though there is someone here has a white P5, and according to the owner it's gorgeous! Anyway, I saw P5s in all colors, and they are all gorgeous with distinctive personality.

    Check if the car hadn't been test-drive intensively. Why don't you ask the dealer the true reason of the $2k debate. He should be able to give you an honest answer, otherwise ask him why can't he sale another P5 for the same price. Does it sound logical?

    Bruno
  • th003gth003g Member Posts: 149
    apperently my father would have to finance it at an interest rate above 10% for 48 months but I can pay it off after 90 days in full, no prepayment penalty. I went to see it again today.. nice car. My father wants to buy it for my mom. I already have a Elantra GT. It will be interesting to own and drive both these cars to see which one excells at what. Still wondering why the white one only though.
    it had "christmas special" written in the windshield. The dealer also had a few other cars (protege, truck, MPV) marked the same way.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    It sounds like the dealer had the white P5 seating on the lot for long time and wants to get rid of it. I haven't seen any white P5 anywhere but at the dealer. So may be it's an unpopular color? Still I don't understand why they can't tell you that. It looks like you are on a real deal.

    Good luck.

    Bruno
  • th003gth003g Member Posts: 149
    dealer is open at 9am tomorrow... gonna be the first one there to make sure we get the car.lol
    yeah the only white p5 I have seen was a picture of a japanese version on some website. this is the only other one i've seen and there are a few on the road where I live. Nice even when it's dirty. I am encouraged by the fact that my Cuz has a tl type s in pearl white and she manages to keep in looking good with a wash every other week or so which I can stand since I am doing that right now with my Blue E-GT
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    7300 miles on my P5 with no major problems to report. Lot's of single-digit cold days ... starts right up.

    1 annoyance though... a buzzing-rattle from around the pass-side door, maybe near the speaker grill, at certain RPM's. Anyone else have this?
  • mp5freakmp5freak Member Posts: 51
    I have the exact same rattle, but I assumed it was my new speakers that were installed. I took the car back to the folks who installed the speakers, and they tightened them up. This stopped the rattle for a few days, but now its gotten progressively worse. I assumed that I just got a bad install job or maybe the aftermarket speaker just didn't fit perfectly, but now hearing your comments I'm wondering if its something to do with the door panel, and not the speaker or the install job. I'm going to add some dynamat between the speaker and the door frame to see if that stops the rattle. I'll send along an update when I do, but it may not be for a little while yet...
  • westy5westy5 Member Posts: 24
    My P5 hit the 1,000 mark yesterday. I have noticed that I am having a hard time shifting into the next gear (first to second, second to third), especially during initial startup/when the car's is cold. The temps around here have been in the high 30s to high 10s.

    This is definately not as smooth of shifting as when I purchased the car, but at that time the temps were in the 60s. Is the "stuborness" of my gear shifter due to the cold temperatures??
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    I've noticed similar problems with mine. Personally I'm chalking it up to cold weather. I know that when it warms up it get's much better.

    Has anyone noticed how the sunroof on the P5 isn't tinted? I've never owned a car that didn't have a tinted sunroof. Is that something that you can have done?
  • cpa222cpa222 Member Posts: 9
    Mp5freak: I noticed a buzzing after my son and I changed my speakers out. It is heard mostly from the outside. I noticed that the speaker connection does not rest where it did before. The new connection is longer than the old and we let it rest inside the door. I know on mine that this is the problem and will fix it later.

    Shrique: I also noticed the sunroof is not tinted. The place where we get our vehicles tinted quoted me an extra $35 to get the sunroof tinted. Here in Louisiana this is a must
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