Mazda Protege5

17879818384154

Comments

  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    "And no, I doubt they looked at every bolt, but they are a great shop, who has done lot's of work on my past cars with great care... I think it was worth every penny to have them look it over with a trained eye."

    I'm with you Sporin, that is the exact same reason I brought my car to the dealer. The expertise of the mechanic guys could detect something wrong in the car at the early stage: any abnormal of tire wear, break pad thickness, etc... BTW, I was in the shop the whole time they look at my car, yes, he look at the bolt and put some lubricant into articulations. What the heck, I pay just once a year for a big maintenance service, and it buys me some tranquility.

    Bruno
  • blinker13blinker13 Member Posts: 4
    Anybody had the stock single-disc player swallow a CD and lock up on them?

    Mine did 3 days ago; took out one, put in another, and NOTHING. It won't eject, it won't go to CD mode, and the CD-insertion servo has been humming away ever since. Radio works fine.

    Pulling the radio fuse does not kill this servo. I can grab the edge of the CD firmly with tweezers, but the unit has a firmer hold.

    So far it hasn't killed the battery, but I'm sure I'm spinning life off whatever motor is humming. I've been tempted to disconnect the battery and see what happens, but not sure what other cans of worms that opens.

    Dealer is next on my list, just not a convenient trip.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Somebody earlier had a CD stuck in the stock player. Disconnecting the battery did the trick (the negative terminal I believe).
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    disconnecting the neg terminal on the battery is the same as Ctrl-Alt-Delete on your Bill Gates OS computers :D
  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    didn't kill the CD player? I double check that you have the right fuse. I try to avoid avoid disconnecting the battery since your car spends a little bit "relearning" how it's suppose to behave under your control.
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    Hey folks - I've been reading this board for quite some time. I am the VERY HAPPY owner of a white P5 - Toby. I have owned: 96 civic coupe ex, 98 integra gs-r, and 00 gti 1.8t -- this car ranks just as high (well, a little higher than) as the gs-r (the price is better and people fit in the back :-) The handling is amazing... the interior is awesome (seats, shifting, lighting, material quality), the wheels awesome (just saw the 'new' 5 spokes, I like the original ones better!), and the exterior is beautiful IMHO. I tinted the windows pretty dark and it looks great on the white. I have been stopped at the gas pump several times by people inquiring about what it is and how I like it.
    One question I have is about MPG - I seem to average right around 330 mile per tank, which is about 24-25 mpg - is this consistent w/ others?
    Thanks for the input, and letting me "vent" about how much I love my P5.

    OH - did you see the latest comparo - June issue of C&D or Automobile - the P5 was #1... beat out the Matrix and the Vibe (neither of which I like).
    P5's ROCK!!!
  • riopelleriopelle Member Posts: 132
    I love the look of the white P5, but have never seen one in person. I have a silver. My mpg used to be poor - 24/25 too. But it has jumped up considerably in the past two months (warmer weather?) and I am getting about 28 mixed driving now. (driving fast of course)

    Loved the C&D comparo, it was very fair, although I was suprised the Focus didn't rank higher since they have had it as a 10Best for three years. Too bad they didn't include an Elantra GT or Golf GLS in the mix.
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    I just bought a Mica Blue 2002 Protege5 today, with the older 4 speed auto, how different is this from the 4 speed sport tranny? The ones with the sport auto all had moonroof and many other options, so I bought a stipped one. Did I make the wrong choice?
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    if you could care less for the ability to up/downshift your automatic manually :D

    I bet you must got a good price for it, what did you pay?
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    I paid about $15400 + freight + plus some fees. I also got a CD changer/floor mats/alarm/wheel locks. The dealer didn't have much available in blue or black, lots of yellow though.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    you really aren't missing out much, all the mid-year updates are all just cosmetic upgrades except the sport shift automatic. Under the hood they're still the same.

    lots of yellow? hmm I thought that's the hot color for the P5, where are you located?

    I sure would like to have a Yellow P5, People would see my car miles away! :D
  • blinker13blinker13 Member Posts: 4
    Got it - pulling the negative battery terminal worked - thanks for the confirmation(s). Now I'll see what other effects the lobotomy had...

    Regarding the fuses - I misread the diagram and had to pull two before the radio was silenced, and still the load/eject servo was humming. I figured this must be full-time hot so you can eject a CD even when the car is off.
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    Sorry, got it wrong...got mixed up with my Mitsubishi Lancer list...Dealer had mainly black and silver. No yellow, sorry to get your hopes up.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Yeah, you can eject a CD without even a key in the ignition. Don't let the CD thieves know, or all our windows will end up being busted.
  • pciskowskipciskowski Member Posts: 155
    You got the changer and alarm for $15,400?

    How do you like the alarm?
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    Actually haven't tried it, pick the car up tomorrow, as I didn't have a ride today when I bought it.
  • scozimscozim Member Posts: 10
    Per an earlier post with C & D having the P5 with faster times than the MP3. Motor Trend has stats on both since January this year. Not sure if it's been posted before - but thought I'd list it here:

    From the Car of the year Tests:
    MP3: 0-60 8.9 seconds and the 600 ft slalom had a speed of 64.8.
    P5: 0-60 9.37 seconds and the slalom speed of 65.0.

    Now, the interesting thing is the May issue has a comparo with the P5, Matrix XRS and WRX wagon. In that one the 0-60 time of the P5 is 8.82 and the slalom is 66.4.

    My opinion is to take those tests with a grain of salt - it's driving the cars that really make the decision for me.
  • mustang87mustang87 Member Posts: 129
    my dealer charges more than $200 for 15k service. and i figured that its not worth it for a couple of fluid checks that i can do myself and an air filter check, which is a k&n btw so no need to check it. i can do it myself. as for the door hinges, my dealer does that for free when i have an oil change done. tire rotations are also free, i either get their advertisement in the mail or i go on mymazda.com and download the coupons. you can even use coupons from other dealers. about independent mechanics, you show me one that is good and honest and i will give you my car for free. they don't exist. also when you bring it in for lube, oil, filter, have you ever seen them lube your chassis. NEVER. mechanics are a bunch of morons who don't care about other peoples property and have no decency just like 99% of car salespeople :)

    regarding top speed. i had my auto up to 108 on i-95 and at that speed there is no accelleration at all. its all the way down on the floor and you just sit there and wait untill eventually speed picks up. i would have probably gone faster if i had more room.
    mpg: i average about 25-26mpg. i would like it to be 30 but i guess its the way i drive. yeah, doing 108 doesnt help it either :)

    i am looking forward to the mazdaspeed parts, accessories and the like that the dealerships will sell though.probably will charge an arm and leg plus your lungs.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "also when you bring it in for lube, oil, filter, have you ever seen them lube your chassis. NEVER. mechanics are a bunch of morons who don't care about other peoples property and have no decency just like 99% of car salesman"

    Well, they probably "NEVER" lube your chassis because Protege's have NEVER had grease fittings to lube. They are sealed. So unless you have greaseable fittings installed, your chassis NEVER will be lubed. And you called them "morons". Lol.
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Yes, please do. It is difficult to hold all conditions (tire wear, driver, temp, humidity, same exact track, etc. etc.) the same from test to test, car to car. At some point, you let your own logic and your own senses dictate the comparison. Logic dictates that a car with the same weight, same general layout, but 10 more hp will be marginally (ie only slightly) faster if all other conditions are held equal, which of course they cannot be.

    Logic also dictates that is also quite possible if conditions aren't equal (e.g. different driver, different road surface, different atmospheric conditions, etc.), with only a 10 hp difference, for the less powerful car to go from 0-60 faster than the more powerful car.

    Just call me Mr. Spock. ;-)
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    Doh!

    Just noticed that while I was changing the oil, yet another way to save money (changing oil/filter yourself). A way that works just fine for some, but certainly not all, nor should it. To each his or her own.
  • SporinSporin Member Posts: 1,066
    Yikes! I think somebody got burned by a mechanic heh?

    My mechanic is great. They run a first class shop specializing in Foreign cars. They have been in business a long time, have better equipment and computers then most of the local dealers, and have won many, many awards. The owners actually wrench on cars and nearly every mechanic there races some sort of old sportscar.

    Many times I have given them the opportunity to cheat me though my own ignornance, and they haven't.

    Northeast Foreign Cars
    Rt. 4
    Hartland, VT

    A good, trusted, independent mechanic is worth his weight in gold... clearly mustang87 hasn't found such a mechanic.
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    Probably a stupid question, just took delvery of my Protege5 and read through the owner's manual and cannot find what weight oil it takes? Is it 5W-30?

    Thanks....
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    5W30 or 10W30 depending on what the temp is.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Up here in Western Canada I was told to run 5-W-30 year round.
  • bluong1bluong1 Member Posts: 1,927
    is good enough for texan weather all year round (hot).

    Bruno
  • dsm6dsm6 Member Posts: 813
    My maual (02 ES - but I think its the same as the one for the P5, 'cause it has sedan and P5 pictures in it) has a graphic and a paragraph discussing oil weights to use as a function of air temp. Maybe check the manual again.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    You are right. There is a pic in there showing which oil to use according to your temperature range. Can't remember which page off the top of my head, but I do remember looking at it and made sure 5-W-30 would work for my area.
  • dwryterdwryter Member Posts: 87
    If you installed a K&N filter on your P5, I and perhaps others would appreciate knowing how it affected 1) Low-end power, 2) High-RPM power, 3) MPG, 4) Noise Level, 5) Warranty, 6) Anything else you'd care to share.

    Also, if you've added a cold air intake tube, what were its affects? What did it cost, how thick is it, and where'd you get it?

    Thanks!
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I believe Krotine has installed a CAI on his P5. I think he said his was custom made though. I know for sure that Injen makes a CAI for the 2.0 L Pro's.
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    Yeah, after getting home I read it front and back and found the chart - looks like 5W-30 for me. Any reasons I should not switch to synthetic?
  • sharonfsharonf Member Posts: 120
    Well, I've had my P5 about a 1 1/2 weeks now and have gotten some looks in it....but today was the first case of strangers actually gathering around it. I went to Kragen's, and when I came back out to the lot, all three mechanics working in the shop behind the store were looking at and in my P5 =) It was a nice feeling....especially since I was not in the best of moods...was on the way home from getting bad news at the doctor. And being that I'm not having the best dealings with my dealer(now that they have my $$)...this made me feel better about my purchase as well.
    Anyways....it lifted my spirits and just thought I'd share...I know some of you have mentioned the same type of thing.
    Now....if only my Sharks can win tonight....that would REALLY make me feel better!
    Sharon
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Sorry...hate to break it to you but the Avs are winning Game 7 :D

    Dagpotter: There's just to much opinion on the whole regular oil vs. synthetic oil to get an unbiased answer. I'm running regular oil (5-W-30)and doing changes at 5000 km (3000 mi).
  • sharonfsharonf Member Posts: 120
    Okay...u were right...but I'm still proud of my guys...they fought a good fight(except when Selanne blew it for us). Anyways, I know you only wanted the Av's cuz you didn't want Toronto to have to face us in the end!!!
  • sunbyrnesunbyrne Member Posts: 210
    I have a K&N drop-in, and I'll try to answer as best I can:

    1) Low-end power seems about the same, but the throttle might be a touch more sensitive.
    2) High-RPM power I haven't noticed any difference.
    3) MPG is hard to say--I put it in the car about a week after getting the car, so I don't have much to compare against. I seem to get mileage that's comparable to what other folks here have reported.
    4) Noise level: a little bit louder, but also a deeper note--sounds more aggressive. I like this aspect of it for sure.
    5) Drop-in filters do not affect your warranty in any way. I think a cone filter with a short ram probably would, but I don't know for sure.
    6) I did mine mostly out of curiousity, and would keep it just for the sound alone since it certainly hasn't hurt performance or mileage.
  • turtledoveturtledove Member Posts: 2
    How much did you pay for your P5? I'm looking at purchasing one in about 2 months and have been pricing, researching and all that. I finally found a board with tons of info (here) and am SO excited! I LOVE THAT CAR!!!!! I'm still undecided on the color but know what options I want. Any help is much appreciated.
    Turtle
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    I paid 15400+520 freight+263 fees+taxes. That included the current $600 rebate and $750 dealer cash Mazda is offering right now. I don't see these going away any time soon as my dealer had about 8 P5's. Mine was cheap as it didn't have moonroof/abs, I think most of the other autos did.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Actually, I would have rather have had Toronto playing against the Sharks. But, honestly, I don't think anybody is going to beat the Red Wings. They are too much of a bought team...I hate them even though they have some of Canada's best players (Steve Y., Shannahan, etc.).

    Anyway, on a Protege note...
    I've explained this before. The only way an aftermarket part can void your warranty is if it is that part specifically that causes the failure. AND in that case, your entire warranty would not become null and void; rather only the repair for that part would not be covered.

    BTW, when I had my car serviced at the dealership where I bought my car a while ago, they had a sweet yellow P5 that they had modified. It had an Injen cold-air intake (which I think is a bad idea in Calgary...), custom exhaust, new rims, different pedals, and a new shifter knob. Looked really nice.

    I asked the assistant service managaer about air intakes. She said that they don't have a problem with them (in terms of warranty) and she said that they work closely with an import tuner shop in town to get that kind of work done for customers.
  • shriqueshrique Member Posts: 338
    How does someone go about finding the name of a GOOD import tuner shop? I've got some questions and such that i would like to ask someone with professional experience but I can't seem to find a good shop.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    I looked in my phone book for "car accessories" and called around to various shops. I think it's tough finding a good, reasonably priced shop...thus my search continues.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I paid 15400+520 freight+263 fees+taxes. That included the current $600 rebate and $750 dealer cash Mazda is offering right now.

    Per Edmunds, I know there is a $750 customer cash back, not dealer cash. Where is the $600 rebate coming from? Is this something only in your area?
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    People in the States seem to always get things that we don't in Canada (ie. 0% financing). Sucks, but it's all too true.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    I'm a Canuck living in Florida. I apologize for the confusion.
    And people living in the US can argue that Canadian residents pay less for the same car in Canada due to the exchange rates. :) I know of a number of people who bought Nissans in Canada since they were savings thousands of $ by just buying across the border.
  • sharonfsharonf Member Posts: 120
    What $600 rebated did you get. I only knew of the $750 =(
    Sharon
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Ah...gotcha. You're a traitor...i see now :D
    Just kidding!

    I thought there were some ugly legal issues when you try to buy a car in Canada and import it to the US (and vice versa)??
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    Ok, I got it backwards. The dealer website says:

    "$750 incentive from the factory PLUS AN ADDITIONAL BONUS OF $500 ONLY UNTIL MAY 31, 2002!!!" or Special Financing in lieu of the $750

    They could have made up the 600, or it is a dealer incentive. None of the other dealer websites I looked at in the Northern VA area talked about any incentives. Maybe I got suckered by the 600, but still am very happy with the total price.
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Just being competitive with others. For instance, Kerry and Kings Mazda typically add their own discount to bring the price of a DX to just under $12,000 (MSPR -$1500 -Dealer Discount). I don't think they've started adding their own discounts to the P5 around my area, but some elsewhere may have.
  • crikeycrikey Member Posts: 1,041
    Hey, I still cheer for the Raptors, the Jays and the Maple Leafs (obviously, I'm from Toronto. The rest of my family is still up in Mississauga).

    Sorry, if this will be off-topic to a lot of you...

    Some manufacturers do not honor the Canadian warranty in the U.S. so you're kinda SOL on fixes under warranty. Honda/Acura is one that I know of, and recently, Nissan/Infiniti followed suit. One can possibly still buy in Canada and bring the car to the US, but it's a buyer beware situation when it comes to warranty.

    Although, I can argue that I did not experience such difficulties with warranty claims. I imported my Acura 1.6EL (possibly, the only one in Orlando) in 1998 and have taken the vehicle to 2 Acura dealers in my area. Both serviced the car under Canadian warranty and never gave me grief about it. Bear in mind that the Canadian warranty is shorter than the US warranty so I was only covered until the Canadian warranty ran out.

    For anyone interested, here is the NHTSA guidelines for importing a vehicle from Canada: VEHICLE IMPORTATION GUIDELINES (Imported From Canada)
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Toronto, USA....what's the diff?? LOL!!! Just kidding!!

    Thanks for the info on the importation. The warranty issue sounds like the biggest problem.
  • dagpotterdagpotter Member Posts: 71
    The dealer as of this morning was listing 12 P5's on it's site - 8 Auto and 4 Manual, 5 black, 2 red, 2 blue, 1 white, and 2 silver. So they probably are ready to deal. They also said that they have a hard time selling strait Protege's as everybody wants the P5. Mine had been there almost 3 months (it was delivered in Feb). The prices (including the 1350 discount) ranged from 14384 to 16,785)
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