Mazda Protege5

tgif888

Have it for almost a month now. (Silver, sport auto, leather) Needless to say I am very impressed with the build quality on my P5. It doesn't have any rattles and squeak. Enjoy it very much.

dsm6

Glad to hear you like it. How do you like that sport shift auto?

sunbyrne

Man, I hate it when people take up two spots, especially in overcrowded places where parking is already a [non-permissible content removed]. I was in a parking deck by Texas Children's Hospital that was full enough to cause several people to be prowling around looking for people to follow to their cars, and there was this SUV that was taking up two spots, and someone had keyed the hell out of it, one long deep line all the way across the tailgate. I won't do stuff like that (see the Golden Rule above), but I sure didn't feel bad for the owner...

silver_bullet

Small world - my earlier "anger mismanagement" post was Texas related too, as I live in Houston as well. People seem to be big on "instant justice" around here. The Benz driver probably deserved the mirror attack, but you have to wonder about bad parking around hospitals... maybe all the handicap places were taken, and someone needed the room to exit their vehicle? I suppose they could have managed it without using two spaces, but who knows?

mazdafun

Or people who dive into spaces someone has obviously been waiting for, just because the vehicle exiting the spot is obstructing the waiting vehicle? This type of behavior should be discouraged, not encouraged. That's why I try to exit a spot in a way that covers for the person who's been patiently waiting.

subyaudidude

"Maybe all the handicap places were taken, and someone needed the room to exit their vehicle? I suppose they could have managed it without using two spaces, but who knows?"

Perhaps, but if the driver took up two spaces, then he could've parked in one and used the other as room to get out.

Obviously, we all agree that there are inconsiderate drivers/parkers out there, though we seem to disagree on how to handle them. I have no problem with parking real close to the guy ... so close that they can't get into their car on the driver's side, even. Then I might sit there and wait for the guy to come out. I try to carry a disposable camera in my car, just in case. That way, if he were to scrape my car, I could get it on film. I do not, however, condone the kicking, keying, beating, etc. of the other person's car. That's vandalism, and it's against the law. What the other person did was inconsiderate, but by no means illegal. There's no need to stoop to illegal behavior in response, at least in my opinion.

cappyk

Has anyone noticed their clutch slipping in the morning when the car is cold?

Thanks,

Cappy

dsm6

No, sorry - haven't noticed any slippage when cold.

meinrad

never noticed clutch slipping.

jstandefer

It's almost here! It's almost here! It's almost here! Gee, I'm not excited...

For anyone in the area, I still have room for 9 more vehicles on my permit! Here's what's coming so far:

6 x 1st Gen Protege's
6 x 3rd Gen Protege's
4 x Protege5's
2 x MP3's
1 x 323
1 x 323 GTX (AWD Turbo)
1 x Sentra SE-R Spec V (turbo Protege is sick)

I just can't wait!!

pciskowski

Someone is selling a set of mid-year update rims & tires for $500 on Ebay. I don't have the extra cash or I would buy them. I really wish I could because I scratched one of mine. Here is the item number: 1838823897

tgif888

I don't use it much. I must admit it looks so cool though.

sunbyrne

The SUV I described was nowhere near an emergency room or even a stairwell out of the deck--if it was for some emergency, I can't imagine why they'd go up to the fifth level of the parking deck...

mdaffron

I have a 2000 ES 5-speed, and yes, my clutch slips in the morning for the first one or two engagements, especially when it has rained overnight or the air is humid. It always goes away after the first one or two engagements.

This is a well-known quirk of Mazda clutches (even experienced in the Miata), and it's been talked about at length over on the Protege discussion several times in the last couple of years. My '92 LX had the same quirk. I have spoken to my service manager about it, and it seems to have something to do with moisture forming on the clutch plate -- much like sweat on a glass of cold water. It in NO WAY affects the life of your clutch (my 1992 had 83,000 miles on the original clutch when I sold it, and my 2000 ES currently has 39,000 trouble-free miles on it).

In short, friend, don't worry about it. It gives your car character!!!

Meade

dsm6

its a feature, eh? My car is missing this feature - maybe I should see if Mazda will buy it back as a lemon! Maybe it doesn't slip because it is so dang dry where I live.

vocus

Speaking from experience, you do NOT want to have to go through that ordeal, even as a joke. It's not pretty at all.

mdaffron

Like I said, it's intermittent and seems to be linked to humidity. I wouldn't be upset if it DOESN'T happen, LOL ...

Meade

hurler4

I just returned from a week in North County and San Diego. I was initially supposed to rent a Mustang, but when I saw a yellow P5 with sports shift in the lot, I made a last-minute change. I'm sure glad I did.
That car has a SOUL. Edmunds is right when they call it "utterly charming." I can't tell you how much pleasure was derived from driving up the old seaside highway (route 101) around sunset, putting the P5 through the twisties, and seeing the looks from people on the beaches.
The sports shift was excellent. I've always driven a stick, but wouldn't hesitate to switch after experiencing this. The only two irritating things were the power (need at least 10 more hp) and the inability to be able to put quickly put the back seats down flat.
I have rented many cars, but this is the first time I've actually felt sad to part with a rental. My 1996 Altima seems pretty lifeless after driving the P5.

bluong1

to put the back seat down flat you must rotate the cushion up and forward first. You can even remove the cushion completely which release some additional cargo space (I like to put my tents, water, etc.. down there when going camping).

Bruno

silver_bullet

Sounds like there may be an Altima on the Mazda dealer's used car lot before too long ;-)

shrique

except I bet that Altima is (almost?) paid for.

I really like to see that people like the car. It's nice to know that I'm not the only person that really loves the P5.

Well and all the regulars around here of course.

audia8q

I don't normally order too many P5's with the chrome wheels (we have a theft prob. in our area) but I slipped in a mid year refresh unit with the "new" chrome wheels and they look really good.

rich

silver_bullet

My local dealer tells me he "can't" order a P5 the way I'd like it -- basically, I want a base 5-speed with just mats, but I'd like the yellow (well, maybe leather as well). Is he just blowing smoke? Also, is it too late in the year to order a car equipped a certain way? Thanks!

bluong1

I haven't seen the new wheels, but in the old design, I prefer the unpolished version of the wheels. I don't like shinny part in the car.

subyaudidude

I've never seen a base yellow P5. Now, I'm not a dealer/salesman but I do frequent my local Mazda guy quite, well, frequently (much to the chagrin of my wife) and all the yellow P5s I've seen have been tricked out.

silver_bullet

My guess is every yellow P5 is shipped with lots of options, and you can't get one any other way. I'm sure the thinking is that enough people will want the yellow that they will accept a car with whatever options they can load it with... not me!

subyaudidude

I just went to Mazda's US website and did inventory searches in random zip codes and found no base P5s in yellow.

rbrooks3

Some basic questions if you guys can help me out. I have an 02 Pro ES. Unfortunately, I have a knee problem that means I will most likely have to give up my 5 speed. I bought the car in January so I'm going to get killed on trade-in depreciation. I just got a call from my dealer because he got in a few used Pro5 models. Now, I originally wanted the Pro5 but it was too much money. This one he got in is dark blue with a 4 speed "normal" auto. I just checked out the cars.com research info and it sounds like the interior of the Pro5 is the same as my ES ie., faux carbon fiber and silver trim. but I have some questions:

1) did the early 02 Pro5 models all have 4 whl discs?
2) is the interior cloth the same as the ES? the black with blue "waves"?
3) I assume the standard stereo w/ cd player is the same except the rear speakers are in the doors?
4) did the strut brace come on the early Pro5 models?
5) the Pro5 has 50 series and not 55 series tires?
6) anyone drive the car in the snow or slushy stuff and if so, how do the 50s handle?
7) anyone know if the tires are Dunlops or Potenzas or both for OEM?

I'd also appreciate your thoughts in general on the automatic since this would be my first. The new "sport" auto would be too expensive for me since it would require a new Pro5.

Thanks,

Ron B.

mazdafun

1) Always had 4-wheel disc brakes.
2) Don't know.
3) Yup.
4) Always had the strut tower brace.
5) 50.
6) Don't own one, can't say.
7) Dunlops are stock. SP5000s I think.

Sporin

1) did the early 02 Pro5 models all have 4 whl discs?

There is no difference between the "early 02" and the later ones. The ONLY changes are taking place right now. So yes.

2) is the interior cloth the same as the ES? the black with blue "waves"?

Black with grayish waves.

3) I assume the standard stereo w/ cd player is the same except the rear speakers are in the doors?

I believe so.

4) did the strut brace come on the early Pro5 models?

Yes.

5) the Pro5 has 50 series and not 55 series tires?

Standard tire is a Dunlop SP5000 195/50-16 on alloys.

6) anyone drive the car in the snow or slushy stuff and if so, how do the 50s handle?

I put snows on for winter. (195/55-15 Arctic Alpins on 15"Steelies) No way I'm driving a 50-series summer tire in Vermont winters. If all you get is occasional snow, you might be ok.

7) anyone know if the tires are Dunlops or Potenzas or both for OEM?

Just the Dunlops as far as I know

re: Trim.

We have faux carbon fiber and bronze-ish trim, not silver.

re: "Normal" automatic

I haven't seen any data that indicates the "sport" auto provides any measurable increase in performance. Either way, you lose a noticeable amount of power from everything I have read and heard.

mazdafun

If it's the same unit as in my '99 LX, then it's a good AT. Pretty smooth, fairly quick shifts. Not as "free-wheeling" as in my '89 323 (i.e., there's more engine braking when I lift off the accelerator). Only problem I notice is when coasting to a near-stop and then stepping quickly on the gas, the transmission stumbles hard. Same thing happens if you step on the gas within about 1 second of coming to a stop. I've learned to avoid this hard stumble by easing up on the accelerator, so this has happened to me only 3-4 times right after I got it in early 99.

rbrooks3

That must be something common with their trannys because my wife has a 00 MPV that does exactly what yours does.

jstandefer

I know there are some California owners other than maltb and sharonf lurking around in here. Once again, I still have room for 9 more vehicles on my permit... Here's some more information to entice someone...

Kartboy.com has donated several parts to raffle off:

2 x Short Shifter Kits (retail: $100)

5 x Shifter Bushings (retail: $35)

1 x Kartboy ShifterBall Hat

Dozens of Kartboy.com logos and stickers

We also have Mazda water bottles, Mazda cameras, and gobs of various Mazda stickers to hand out!

There is more than enough burgers (meat and veggie plus all the fixings), hot dogs, chips, potato salad, sodas, and water to shake a stick at!

Anyone in California? Anyone?


-Jerry

 http://www.caliprotegemeet.1hwy.com

meinrad

"No way I'm driving a 50-series summer tire in Vermont winters."

The standard tires are actually all season tires. I'm sure not the best for bad weather, but all season rated anyhow. Seem pretty good in rain, but I haven't seen snow yet, since I got my car after the snows were all gone this year.

rbrooks3

Well, my plans for the Pro5 just took a hit. The slaesman just called me back and said the dealership wants 16,000 for the car. He said he called me because it has about 7500 mile son it and lacks the sunroof so he figured it would keep me close to the payments on my ES. He thought the dealership would want about 14,000 from me since they got the profit on my purchase of the ES, would get more on the sale of my trade in when they sold the ES plus the profit on my buying the Pro5. I can't believe they want that much for the car! Guess it just goes to show that demand for a nice product takes the price up.

protege_fan

Is there no way of negotiating the price down with them?

rbrooks3

I would have to say no because the salesman said he himself was shocked at the price. He spoke directly to the manager and that's what they want.

I have resigned myself to the fact that I'll have to make due with the 5 speed until enough of the autos come up for sale. I could drop down to the 4 dr LX, but while it's a nice car, I would still consider it a step down from the ES. I liked the interior and other minor touches. That's why I bought the ES and not the LX. While the Pro5 is more than the 4dr ES, the saleman and I thought that more miles and the lack of a sunroof would bring the price well below 16,000. I'm sure someone will buy it. The dark blue is a sharp color.

silver_bullet

Maybe the demand is big where you are, but my local dealer here in Houston has over 20 P5s in stock, some of which have been on their lot since last fall. NEW base P5s can be purchased for under $16K + TT&L, taking advantage of the current rebate. I think your dealer is just greedy.

subyaudidude

w/ 31 miles on it for $15,900 (approximately). Now, it's a base model with only floormats as an option, but it's also brand spankin' new. I'd find myself another dealership if I were you.

vocus

You might wanna check out a site called http://www.getauto.com. I found a 2002 Protege ES auto on there in MD for $13,997, with like 8500 miles on it.

Also, try selling your car privately. It will take longer, but you will get alot more for it.

ashutoshsm

If I remember correctly, they lowballed you on your trade, and are quoting high prices on vehicles they want to sell. Signs of a dealership thats out to make a quick buck and doesn't give a flying ^%*# about relations or impressions with customers.

I seriously think you can get MUCH better trade-in value on your almost-brand-new ES by selling to a 3rd party, and an agreable price on a replacement used (or new - with all the incentives, rebates and low APR) ES or P5.

Keep looking & good luck!

mazdafun

Local dealers are selling Pros and P5s at mfr invoice (and you get the financing or cash back rebate too). Must be slow in the car market, as all dealers around here are making deals (pun not really intended) on most makes and models.

I think a couple here sell over the net too. Try browsing through MazdaUSA's web site for dealerships.

subyaudidude

You said your dealer thought he could work a deal to keep your payments where they're at w/ your current Protege ES. May I ask what those payments are? I only ask because through July 8 (IIRC), Mazda's offering 2.9% financing on a 60 month loan on the P5. Thus, you could conceivably keep your payments low even if you step into a new P5, depending on how upside-down you are on your ES. Just a thought.

riopelle

So I got my yearly insurance renewal,and my premium skyrocketed! I immediately called MET to see what was up, and was informed that the P5 was mis-classified last year,and it is actually a premium small car with a comparable insurance level as the Jetta GLX or Acura RSX. Nice it's so well thought of, but I thought I was buying a reasonable to insure vehicle! Anyone have this same experience, or am I getting shafted? Thanks in advance.

iamz

I have Illinois Farmers Insurance, and my agent insured my P5 for almost the same cost as my Pro LX sedan. I don't think my LX sedan was considered a "premium" small car, so I doubt the P5 would be either. Rates vary depending on alot of things, but for reference, I'm 37, male, single, home owner, no tickets, no accidents, and pay about $800 a year to insure the P5.

subyaudidude

My insurance actually dropped by about $3.00/month when I dropped my 2000 RS in favor of a new P5.

audia8q

Starting yesterday....Here in the northeast mazda is offering 48 MO at 0% on the P5 plus no payments till Jan 2003.

Very strong incentives!!

Rich

kad6

my insurance is CRAZY!
my mom says we pay one price for our two cars, one protege5 with full cover, and one dodge caravan with liability.
my mom is like 40 with no tickets
and i'm a brand new driver at 16.
and the two cars combined 6-month insurance price is 1300... for two cars.
before when she was only insured on the van and had full cover she had to pay 300.
expensive!!!!!!!

reitrof

I have a yellow P5 that is base. The only option was the wheel locks. Took 5 months to get it though!

silver_bullet

I'm guessing from your flag that you are in Canada? If so, you folks may have better luck getting a car built to your order than we do in the U.S. I saw the post mentioning that Laser Blue will be a P5 color for the 2003 models - I'm not a big "blue car guy", but Laser Blue might change my mind. However, I'll bet that LB is going to end up being like Vivid Yellow, in that you are only going to be able to find this color on fully loaded cars... sigh.