Mazda Protege5

ppk_ppk

Hi folks,

Has anyone test driven the Matrix? I had a look at the official site - and, in brief, "I am happy I didn't wait for it"!!!

I think the Pro5 is much more attractive than the Matrix. Feature-wise, I think both offer similar features, except for, maybe the 115v power outlet and the 6cd changer(?) in the Matrix, and that the Pro5 has lots of "standard" features as against "options" in the Matrix. BTW, the rear window of Matrix can be opened!!! Does this provide any utility???

The Matrix does come with an available 180hp engine - this is something which Mazda should consider...

Even though the Matrix is very competitively priced, I still consider Pro5 to be a better value - I feel it is still the best sports wagon out there in the market!!! - PPK.

meinrad

For about 10 seconds I considered waiting to check out the Matrix, but I like the looks of the P5 better, the P5 is less expensive, and I just can not stand the dash in the Matrix. I think the Matrix dash is one of the worst looking things in the automotive world. Now if they could just find the P5 I want to buy.....

ashutoshsm

I know someone on the hatchback board collects links of reviews of all P5s and MP3s and Proteges - here's another nice one ...

http://www.grmotorsports.com/mazdamp3.html

sunbyrne

Ashutosh, that'd be me that collects the reviews. Thanks for the link, it's been added to:

http://byrneweb.com/sunburn/newcar/

And I wanted to chime in on the discussion of the Matrix. I'm also glad I didn't wait, as I think the Matrix is pretty homely. I do admit I wouldn't mind the 50 extra horses or the ability to open the back window, but otherwise I'm not that impressed. The Matrix is based on the Corolla platform, which worries me, too, in that the back seats in the Corolla are dinky. Is there more rear legroom in the back of the Matrix?

esto

For those of you that have seen the Matrix, do you remember if there's a cargo area
cover? I saw a Matrix at the Portland auto show, and I know there wasn't a cover, and there
didn't seem to be any place for one. That would be a real blooper if they left that off.

Erik

cdnp5

I'm still glad that I bought the P5 and didn't wait. I find the looks of the Matrix ok from some angles (look like the car version of the Rav4 from the side) yet the P5 is amazing from all angles, very aggresive looking. Having another 50hp in the P5 would make it more than amazing but don't give it to me at 8000 rpm where I will hardly use it. The power in the P5 is great for around the city/hwy as you don't have to rev the crap out of it to get good power. I think the Matrix's peak torque is 120 @ 6800rpm where the P5 is 135 at 4000rpm, much more usable in the real world. I'm going to see the Matrix on Thursday night with a buddy (he wants one) so I will be able to see it up close. I wonder if they Toyota guy will let me park my P5 on their lot, they might loose a sale after people see my car.

d.

riopelle

I think this is a win-win choice, they're both excellent, inexpensive blends of sports car performance and 5-door utility. I am a P5 owner for 7 mos now, and I can honestly say it is the best car I have ever owned (it's the 6th overall, 3rd new one, 1st Mazda). I must say the nose of the P5 is just gorgeous, whereas the Matrix' nose is garish and the sides overstyled. Also, read Car and Driver's review of the Matrix and Vibe, I agree with them that the high-revving 180hp 1.8l is a bad choice for this car. I prefer the torquer Mazda 2.0l, or even the 130hp Toyota 1.8l. Love the cargo area of the Matrix, but prefer the cockpit of the P5 and since I don't sit in the cargo hold that's a no brainer. The P5's lower roof makes for better handling, less body roll. Drive em both and good luck.

maryboo19

I narrowed my search down to these two, and I think either one is a great choice. I ended up going with the P5 (just can't beat the styling). I compared the P5 to the 130hp Matrix XR, which I feel it is closer to then the 180hp Matrix XRS. The XRS, at about a $2,000 premium to the P5 is an awesome value though. The pro's and con's as I saw it:

P5 Pro's:
-Comparably equipped, about $700 less then Matrix XR.
-Better styling
-Special financing available through Mazda
-Rear disc brakes (only available on Matrix XRS I believe)
-Better steering and suspension then the Corolla-based Matrix.

Matrix XR Pro's:
-Probably more interior room due to bubble shape of the car
-Toyota resale value
-better warrany (5yr/60k Powertrain vs 3yr/36k for the P5)

I'm leaving a few things out, but this is pretty much how I saw it. Again, I'd probably be happy with either, but the bottom line is the Matrix just didn't excite me, I saw it as more of an appliance. On the other hand, I can't stop counting down the seconds until I pick up my shiny new silver P5! Zoom-zoom!!

tincup47

My P5 has 36mo/50,000 mile warranty. This is also lited on Mazda USA's website

mdaffron

The powertrain warranty doesn't cover the rest of the Toyota, whose base warranty is worse than the Mazda's at 3 years/36,000 miles.

Meade
2000 Protege ES & 2002 Protege5

ateixeira

True, Mazda offers 3/50 bumper to bumper and 3/50 powertrain, while Toyota offers 3/36 B2B and 5/60 powertrain. I'd still pick the latter, but it's close.

The Matrix will be quicker 0-60 with high rpm launches, but in the real world the P5 will have far more usable power.

I think both are very attractive. Hard to choose, you like round or square?

-juice

mdaffron

I extended the bumper-to-bumper warranty on my 2000 Protege ES to 7 years/100,000 miles for $850. Similarly, we extended the warranty on the 2002 Protege5 we purchased last weekend to 6 years/100,000 miles for about the same price. When added into the monthly car payment, we're talking about 10 bucks a month. No worries for the price of two McDonald's lunches a month. Not bad!

Meade

reitrof

Has anybody ordered the Sport Muffler accessory from Mazda? If so, is it any good?

vocus

So how are you and your wife liking the new P5?

Sporin

It's just a muffler. For the price, you can probably get a true, cat-back exhaust system which will actually give you more power as opposed to just sounding better.

maryboo19

My mistake, the P5 does have a 3yr/50K warranty, not 3/36 as I typed. I was wondering if a lot of people buy the extended warranty on their P5's (or Protege's in general). Does anyone know where on-line I can find the prices of the different warranty's that Mazda offers? Also, is there a certain date that we must buy the warranty by, such as 3 years from delivery date?

Thanks

mustang87

You can't get a cat back exhuast for the p5 for 180 (mazdastuff) bucks. The cheapest one is 300 or 400. The muffler is by racing beat (same as on the mp3). I don't think its worth 220 (what dealers charges). If you can't find an mp3 owner who removed the muffler, buy it from them.

I am also interested in the exteded warranty. Would it also include free towing?

mdaffron

Paul, we're loving the P5. We got it undercoated, fabric-protected and paint-tefloned on Monday. We've also ordered the $32 rear bumper guard (a little black rubber mat, essentially) so we don't scratch our white paint when removing and replacing the stroller -- a daily occurrence.

The warranty we purchased from our dealer is the TotalCare package from Easy Care, Inc. It's basically a bumper-to-bumper warranty that also covers up to three days of hotel usage and meals if you're on a long trip that gets delayed due to car trouble. Once nice thing is, they don't make you pay first and then reimburse you -- they cover it up front. It's a nice warranty. You can read about it and see what it covers by visiting www.easycare.com and then clicking on "Vehicle Service Contracts" and then on "What is Covered."

Meade

Sporin

My mistake on the price, but I still think that's a lot of money for just "sound."

mdaffron

... interfere with replacing the car's battery? I've been looking at a pic I took of the engine compartment of my wife's new Protege5 this morning, and it appears that changing the battery will be a complicated procedure with that strut tower bar crossing right above it. Do you have to remove the bar to remove the battery? Or did I just take the photo at a weird angle?

Meade

mnkyboy

mdaffron, you say that "they" undercoated, tefloned the paint, and fabric coated your interior. Was this from the dealer? MOST dealers do not do this, even tho you may have payed for it. Teflon coated paint is a fancy way of saying "wax". As for the undercoating, that is not necessary. And the fabric coating for the interior, a 5 dollar can of scotchguard from Walmart would do they same. As for the warranty, sounds pretty good. I had a extended warranty that didn't make me pay out of pocket, but the bad thing is that some repair shops/dealers will hold your car until they receive payment from the warranty people. Good luck

mdaffron

To answer your first concern, no, it wasn't done by the dealer. It was done by a contractor for the dealer AT the dealership.

Second -- I know the undercoating isn't "necessary." That's why I didn't get it on my 2000 Protege ES. However, it DOES help deaden sound.

Third -- A can of Scotchguard will NOT do the same thing. If you'd have bothered to ask, I would have told you the details:

This entire package -- undercoating, fabric protecting, paint protection and vinyl protection -- was a $795 package offered to us at purchase for $295 since this was the fifth Mazda I've purchased from this dealership in 11 years. (That's also the reason they sold it to me at a hair above invoice before I even opened my mouth -- it's great to be a preferred customer!) The reason we got it was for the warranty it carries, which I didn't mention in my above post. My wife has a tendency to spill drinks in the car, and we have a 9-month-old baby (read: puke, poop and drool). Now that we paid for this protection package, for the next five years, ANYTHING we can't get out of our upholstery or vinyl (including cracks) will be Mazda's problem. If we can't get it up with soap and water, Mazda has the option of using professional stain-removal stuff or replacing the affected piece of upholstery or vinyl. As for the paint, it's now guaranteed for five years against acid rain spotting -- a real problem here in Virginia. And thrice-a-year wax jobs with Meguiar's Gold Class has not completely protected my 2000 ES from acid rain.

I'm not one to purchase these kinds of things when I buy a car. I haven't EVER had a car undercoated before. However, due to the fact that my wife keeps her cars until they're nothing but piles of rust on wheels, and the fact that we got all this stuff for only $295 -- an increase of FIVE BUCKS A MONTH on our car payment -- I'm very happy to have five years of protection from our rug rat and any other unforeseen occurrences.

I don't need "luck." I've got a written guarantee.

So there!

Meade

mdaffron

The extended warranty I have takes care of payment on the spot with the warranty company's Visa, MasterCard or AmEx card via a toll-free number, 24 hours a day. No out of pocket, no waiting for a check.

Once again, no "luck" needed. As a former newspaper reporter, I like to ask questions -- and I asked all the questions I needed to ask to make an informed decision to purchase these options. As a result, we have a 2002 Protege5 whose interior and exterior are protected for five years/unlimited mileage, and whose bumper-to-bumper coverage is 6 years/100,000 miles, for a grand out-of-pocket total of an extra $15 a month. Peace of mind for the price of three burgers and fries at McDonald's. Not a bad trade-off in my book.

Meade

meinrad

Quoting Meade " (That's also the reason they sold it to me at a hair above invoice before I even opened my mouth -- it's great to be a preferred customer!)"
I wish I was preferred. I'm having trouble getting more than $100 off sticker right now, which is holding up my purchase. I tend to bounce from make to make so I never seem to use the same dealer twice. Would be nice to build up a rapport like you have though. This will be my first Mazda, so maybe I'll stick with them for a while.....

mdaffron

Do you live anywhere near Lancaster? Larry (protegextwo) has purchased two Proteges (hence his Edmunds username) from a dealer in Lancaster. Maybe he could "pull a little weight" for you ...

Meade

the_big_h

I guess it does somewhat interfere with access to the battery, now I think of it. But removing the bar is simple, 4 bolts and it's off, not a big big deal

mdaffron

Yeah, I guess I can live with that. I'm just scared that since it's my wife's car, God forbid she ever has to replace the battery out on the road somewhere at some shop. I'd rather do this kind of job myself than have some tobacco-chewin, greasy-handed mechanic fooling around under the hood!

(Nothing against mechanics -- but I've seen some even at my Mazda dealer who look like they just left the insane asylum -- through the sewer!!! And to think these guys actually SIT in MY car and DRIVE it in the shop ....)

Meade

meinrad

Thanks for the thought Meade, but Lancaster is a long way off. I didn't realize I hadn't put Pittsburgh in my profile. Waiting for a call from an Autobytel dealer now, so we'll see what he offers. New kid makes it tough to go shopping dealer to dealer, so I'm working through as best I can.

mdaffron

You oughta look him up. (That's his Edmunds Town Hall username, if you've never heard of him.) He recently purchased a 2002 Protege5 and drove it all the way to last fall's Mid-Atlantic Protege Picnic here in Virginia.

Meade

audia8q

Mazda is now offering some dealer cash in some regions on the P5. Not available with special finance rate.

sunbyrne

You live in Pittsburgh? My condolences. Seriously, though, have you hit the Mazda dealer on Baum? If we had stayed in Pittsburgh, I think that's where my wife and I would have bought from...

meinrad

Actally I'm north of Pittsburgh in Harmony, but it's just easier to say Pittsburgh so people know where you are. Haven't talked to the one on Baum yet, went to two local dealers then got kind of fed up and just put in an Autobytel request. The one on Baum might be the next place I call though, you're the 2nd person that gave me a positive view on them. I can't remember where Krotine told me he got his.
As for condolences, lol, I love Pittsburgh and the surrounding area probably never leaving here....
Thanks alot for all the ideas and such, I'm sure you'll all be happy when I'm done since I've been hanging around here for months yapping about buying. It's just a little frustrating when you finally decide and can't get it done.

mdaffron

When it comes down to it, it's your money -- take your time and get a good deal! We don't mind talking to you about the car at all!

Meade

krotine

Go see Jeff Pepper or Al White at Don Allen Mazda... it's not alot, but I bought my pro5 for $300 under invoice. Email me if you have any other questions -- jason_krotine@limbachinc.com or instant message me on AOL with redprotege5.

krotine

krotine

Hey Meade...
When is MAPP3 so I can drive that far again...

krotine

mdaffron

Good to hear from you my friend! Go check out the Protege topic -- I'm giddy with excitement; I just purchased new tires -- and really great ones -- from TireRack! I can't wait to get them installed next week!

You know, I keep dropping hints about a springtime MAPP3 but no one seems to be taking me seriously. I AM SERIOUS! Wouldn't an April or May meet be nice, with nice spring weather instead of a repeat of last October's event held at Pneumonia Park on the Influenza River? (Not to mention our wonderful stay at Motel Hell?)

(Hee hee)

Let's plan on meeting in a coupla months -- especially since now I'll get to show off my new treads!!!

Meade

vilainefemme

Don't know if I'm going to catch hell for this, but I just wanted to mention the site I'm using for research on buying my new MP5. it's http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

I've never bought a car before and it's helping me straighten things out.

Jessica

meinrad

Well the dealer called me back, they almost have the car I want, but it has abs/side airbags which I didn't want. He offered a price of about $200 less than Edmunds TMV so I think thats pretty fair. I'm still spending money for something I really didn't want, but the price is about the same as the first dealer offered on a car without the abs/side airbags. I'm not much of a negotiator so I'd be pretty happy I think.

krotine

April is probably out for me unless you want to hold it down in Orlando this year... ... I'm going to Disney World Apr 24th - 30th.

krotine

nuszilla

Does anybody have any info on the alarm option for the P5? Mine came with an alarm and I am wondering about the sensitivity of it. It beeps sometimes for seemingly no reason. Maybe it's a strong wind or loud traffic going by. Is there a way to decrease the sensitivity of it? Also, sometimes when I unlock my car, it beeps five short beeps. I'm wondering if this means the alarm was activated during the time between locking the car and unlocking it.

Any help? There's no info on the alarm in the owner's manual.

Thanks.

mnkyboy

mdaffron, i didnt say or think you were stupid, I was just trying to warn you. I dont know you, so how would I know if you are a smart buyer or beginer buyer. Sounds like you got a good deal. Have fun with your P5. I do .

mnkyboy

My owners manual came with an alarm booklet, but it doesnt say much. I also question the sensitivity of the alarm. I shake my car and hit it a little, and it doesnt go off. If I unlock the car on the passenger side with the key, and dont deactivate the alarm, the alarm (horn) sounds.

Anyone know if you can adjust the sensitivity of the alarm? I was told my someone on the protegeclub board that CodeAlarm made the Mazda alarms. Is this true?

Also, what is the easiet/best way to set the alarm to the hatch? Nuszilla, does your hatch set off the alarm if you open it without deactivaing the alarm? Mine doesnt, and I was told that its not suppose to. Im thinking about getting a aftermarket with more features, but I am short on cash for the time being. Any suggestions on the OEM alarm???

maltb

what a joke. For the money it costs I don't see the point. It has no shock sensor unless you add it which is like another $50. Code alarm does make that unit, but it's overpriced.

The problem with the aftermarket alarms is that most of the installers at these chop-shops could care less what your wiring looks like when they are done. Chances are(very high), they will screw your car up and the Mazda dealer will laugh you out the door when you have an electrical problem.

Beware!

mustang87

I totally agree with you. Thats why i haven't bought it yet. Actually is this just a muffler or a complete exhuast?

>My mistake on the price, but I still think that's a lot of money for just "sound."

mustang87

Meade, i hope you did get good deal on the warranty but i am more than sure they offer that 295 price to EVERYBODY even though they say its 700, or so.

Alarm can be adjusted, just go to mazdamp3.com and ask around. Maltb is right about the alarm. My dad had an alarm installed at brandsmart usa (big place) here in south florida on his then new 94 dodge and the automatic passenger belt quit working a couple of days later. The dealer just said good luck we dont give a ... you know. Luckily, brandsmart people were good enough to fix it but the moulding inside had to come. That is the reason i haven't gotten an alarm yet, people will mess your car up. They don't give a damn.

Also there is North American protege meet being planned for the summer on mazdamp3.com. Its planned for the summer in michigan so plan on attending. Its going to be huge. Mp3, protege5, protege any year. There might also be an autox and drag racing.

ppk_ppk

Hi

My car didnt come with the OEM alarm - I wanted the alarm, but the car didn't have it (had everything but the alarm) - and the reason I'm bringing this up here was that when I insisted that my car have the alarm, the salesman said that there were problems with the factory-fitted alarm - that it was very sensitive and that it would go off if therez a strong breeze. At that time I thought he was just giving excuses to sell me the car without the alarm. (In fact, I got some "discount" because the car didn't have the alarm )

Regarding adjustments to the alarm, I do remember a post earlier (sometime early Jan) where someone had said that he had felt that the alarm was a little over-sensitive and that the dealer was able to adjust it. Have you guys spoken to your dealerships? They might be able to adjust the sensitiveness of the alarm.

I have got a PYTHON alarm system - the installer did a pretty good job - and he had lots of good things to say about the car too - PPK

boopoppa

shout outs to my fellow yinz'ers!

I bought my blue 5spd moonroof pro5 in November from Don Allen mazda on baum blvd from Mr. Katz. I was very satisfied with his service and Mr. Pepper is also very nice.

I had to have my car factory ordered and bought it at sticker price minus 400 grad rebate.

be careful when you do the paperwork however...the finance guy really tried to rush it, and when I checked the numbers...it wasn't the same as promised and the grad rebate was not deducted as promised.

zoomin'
boopoppa

PS: i'll keep a lookout for my fellow pro5'ers in Pittsburgh!

bluong1

boopoppa wrote: i'll keep a lookout for my fellow pro5'ers in Pittsburgh!

That's what I did too in Houston. Usually when I came across one, I gave the driver a friendly wave. Until one day I drove along a white P5 in downtown driven by a young man. His P5 has a dirty porno picture stuck in the back mirror (sorry, I don't want to describe the picture to you all). As there was a lady passenger in my car, I didn't dare to hand wave this guy. ;-)

Bruno

Sporin

I'm pretty sure it's just a muffler and tip.

sunbyrne

Yeah, the price tag for this package is pretty hefty, but if I still lived in Pittsburgh I'd really want the ABS, and with Pittsburgh drivers I'd be very happy to have side airbags. I love the moonroof down here in Texas but I don't think I'd be all that excited about it back in the 'Burgh...

However, less than Edmunds TMV sounds like a pretty good deal to me, so it sounds like you'll do just fine. What color are you getting?