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Comments
2. Does the Pro still need a chassis lube?
The owners manual does not address these issues.
The Protege's (and most new cars') suspension is lubed for life, no lubes needed.
fowler3
I heard some place if that disaster happens gas prices could stay high for a year or more. Hope our guys from Ft. Bragg get there in time.
fowler3
BTW, my PRO is doing great!
Dinu
I was like....man out of the prison
WoW....the sweet roar of the 1.8L with the windows down...simply magnificent....My personal opinion is that this sweet throaty midrange roar cannot be accomplished by any ALL ALuminium engine... never.... CI block rules when it comes to tuning the engine for a sweet sound under acceleration & which does not peter down when shifting gears.
http://www.knology.net/~negatize/images/Protege.WMV
That's all I have to say.
Dinu
So let's not go there, okay?
-Larry
If we're so concerned about mileage, but bring those high mileage cars back.
- providing better public transportations,
- lowering the number of cars that driking the most of fuels: V8 SUV and pickup truck,
- introducing more diesel engines.
With respect to the car like the Protege, the hybrid will save 1-1.5 gallons per 100 miles, at most, and those V8-SUV consumes 2-2.5 gallons more. Pick your choice.
The hybrid is a nice technological showcase, but it won't do much for environment, at least not for now.
Bruno
If the US looked more into diesel fuel like Europe has, they'd be doing something. Diesel engines are a little 'dirtier', but alot less complex than hybrids and get a consistent 50mpg. The engines also require less maintenance and last along longer than their gasoline counterparts.
Another thing no one mentions about the hybrids if the fact that those batteries have to eventually be replaced. Recycling those is not good for the environment at all...
Also, even with the govt. discounts, you will have to drive a 'hybrid' vehicle for years to make up the difference in fuel cost savings vs. initial cost and maintenance of that hybrid system.
If the Metro was still made today, and was as substantial as the Civic, I bet they would sell out of them.
The only diesel-powered cars on the market right now are the VW TDIs, so maybe the US will start producing more diesel powered cars as the diesel emissions gets cleaned up, and Americans gain more interest in diesel engines. That remains to be seen though.
Speaking from experience, the TDIs run on biodiesel or reconstituted vegetable oil (I have seen it in person, otherwise I wouldn't believe it either), they produce a consistent 50mpg, their maintenance is lower than a gas engine, and they last longer (a good 300K miles). With the right tuning, they can have as much power as a gas engine too, and their torque is astronomical.
Bruno
The thing that makes diesel popular in Europe is its price and economy level compared to gas, which are lower and higher, respectively. BMW, VW, Mercedes, all makes sold in Europe have reglar and 'sport' models with diesel engines.
I have seen firsthand what you can do to a TDI engine to make it perform. Its torque level would put a Dodge Ram V10 to shame...
I also apologize for speaking off-topic in the Protege forum, just trying to spread some little known info about diesel engines.
(in real city conditions, it gave me 17-18 km/litre)
Thus 50mpg sounds about right.
My highest was on an all highway trip, I recorded 62.
Drove the HF in high school and all through college. I wish I could buy one brand new today.
In addition, if one can get 50-60mpg in a car that's going for $10-12,000, why pay $20,000+ for a hybrid vehicle with its more complex (and expensive) powertrain and the same performance/fuel economy??
Also you might want to check out Is it time to buy a hybrid? Are they up to the chore? and Hybrid vs Diesel over in News & Views.
The RX-8's ratings are what give me pause about getting one. I'd love to get one (if I fit), but I still can't easily swallow getting lower fuel economy than I get now (28+mpg).
If I want a specific option/colour combination how early in advance should I order the car to ensure I get it? Reason I'm asking - Mazda3.
"Retail Financing
Mazda Owner Appreciation Program: The Mazda Owner Appreciation Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.25% rate reduction towards the purchase of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details.
Leasing
Mazda Re-Lease Rate: The Mazda Re-Lease Rate Program presents qualifying customers with a 0.50% rate reduction towards the lease of any new or non-registered demonstrator vehicle. Please contact your local Mazda Dealership for details."
http://www.mazda.ca/english/38220.htm
When I was down there, I saw a guy wrap his new BMW 3 series around a light pole at about 4:30 in the morning. I was in a cab and the guy flew off the road into a pole and got stuck in the ditch. The cabbie pulled over to offer help. The guy in the BMW got out and he looked crazy. He kept sniffing, his eyes were wide open and his nose was red. The cab driver though the guy might have been tired. I have a feeling the guy was wide awake. The guy was on something and I told the cabbie to just leave him.
Not expecting huge gains w/ the intake, but man does it sound great.
At least I got you to post something.
The weather is too nice to be stuck in a dark cubicle today. Time to head out.
This warm weather we've been having is definitely zoom-zoom inducing though. My foot seems to have become more lead-like.