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If you don't want the spoiler do what fowler3 did, by the lx 2.0. At the moment you can get the lx 2.0 with a free upgrade to alloys and a free moon roof. If you get abs you will also have 4 wheel disc brakes. Check cars.com. The loaded with alloy wheels lx 2.0 is $15,124.00 invoice. If you make the effort to read back posts you will learn how to by pros for less than invoice.
1. If you don't think the pro is improved you haven't really looked at it. Do more research and take the time to drive it.
2. You can have a pro the way you want, I just outlined how above.
3. Also thoroughly research the other cars you are considering. The sentra has NO back seat room and some styling issues (free cigar with each purchase LOL). The civic has lost content and suspension, plus it doesn't feel nearly as powerful as the specs say it is.
Good luck with your car shopping.
When I gave up on my quest for the prem pkg, I called them and bought an Auto.snrf over the phone, drove 100 miles to pick it up. They are a Presidential club dealer and deserve it. If you are in the area I recommend them. Ask for salesman Keith Ray. Finally I think this room did me a great service for ciruclating info on the S plan and prices. Thanks very much
Just curious. Does yours have the newly-available colored outside mirrors?
fowler3
Aside from a minor, morning exhaust system buzz (goes away in 1 minute), my car has been problem-free at 4000 miles. Dealer will attempt to fix this issue again on next oil-change ("free" on this visit to make-up for their goof). ))
I see very few '01 Proteges in LA!! I have only spotted about 5 total... green, black, and white...
BTW.... I LIKE the A-pillar-mounted steel antenna; easy to retract quickly, strong, cheap-to- replace, and provides excellent radio reception!!!!! I've never had a problem with one in all three Mazdas owned. ))
BTW... I like the standard spoiler on the '01 ES because it DOES add a "measure" of safety to the car!!! The bright LED brake-light built into the unit lights up almost a second faster than the regular incadescent bulb fixtures. It could potentially prevent a rear-end collision or limit its severity.
MARTIN
Best looking alloys I have seen!! Thicker spokes than before.
They also have a Protege5 in Black Mica, AT, AC, luggage rack -- sticker price is $16,695. It looks a lot better in the “flesh” (sheet metal) than in photos, although I wouldn’t care for all-black. It was really HOT close to it.
They also have an Emerald Green ES with painted mirrors and moonroof. Forgot to look to see if it is AT or manual. Those painted mirrors are not like the black plastic ones, the finish is smooth just like the painted sheet metal. They are the same size as the plastic ones but look larger.
fowler3
Fowler: Glad to hear that you agree on Parks. I have the pin stripes no charge and you are right, I've seen charges higher than $40 at other dealers. Actually Parks is doing what every good dealer ought to do. These short sighted dealers around here have no idea what reinforcement means. I'm already saying to myself 'when my 93 Sable dies, perhaps in a few years I'll go down there and get a Millennia...'
You can get the oil change from any "reputable" outfit.
You need maltb to answer the last one.
You can get oil/filter changes at gas stations, just save the receipts. But take the same kind of oil used regularly with you, unless you are changing to another brand.
After the warrenty is out you can get your Protegé serviced anywhere. Some cities have garages that specialize in certain cars. There is one here in Greensboro that services Mazdas, but I wouldn’t take my car there now, may never take it there.
I keep thinking about that black Protegé5 I saw today.After seeing pictures of yellow ones for so long the black one looks like a hearse for midgets.
fowler3
New features: I went to the place in Md. where I got my car (Schafer & Strominger on Joppa Rd.) and they have 2 ESs now. One silver, one sandrift. Both have the color-keyed mirrors too, which I wish I had (of course my car is black, so it wouldn't make alot of difference in appearance).
Brake problem: Fowler, I notice my 2001 Protege creeps alot more than my 1999 DX did. It must be the increased torque. Keep your foot on that pedal at all times, because it does move a little on you.
Reliability: Someone asked about the 3rd generation Protege's reliability. I am on my second Protege now. I had a 1999 DX which I traded with 37,364 miles, simply because I was hurting for an ES. It was a great car, only in the shop 2 times. Once for a CD player that didn't wanna gimme back my disc, and another time for an automatic tranny that had sloppy 2-3 shifting. There was no problem found with either thing, but the car never had trouble with it in the time that I owned it. I dogged the car too, flooring the pedal and hitting the brakes left and right. Proteges are definitely good cars and last a long time, and also can take a beating.
ZOOM ZOOM!
Amen to all the other posts.
I've only got about 800 miles on my ES, but so far absolutely no problems. I love how the car handles, and I really enjoy driving it. No squeaks or rattles- it seems solid as a rock for a small car.The ride is definitely a tad firm but it's well worth the tradeoff for the handling you get. There is a little engine noise until you get up to speed but it's not significant or bothersome. It's probably just me but about the only "complaint" I might have (and this may be due more to the less accurate steering I've previously been used to), is that the steering is so precise that sometimes it feels a little twitchy when driving fast and making fine steering adjustments. I think in time I'll learn to get the feel for it.
I've got the auto trans which is certainly adequate, but I definitely feel to get the most out of the engine, the 5 speed would be the way to go. For the most part, the auto does a good job up and downshifting, but at times it seems to hesitate a little kicking down into first or second after depressing the throttle. However, I've sort of been babying it a bit during the break in period, so I would expect it to be more responsive if I were to floor it.
The 4 wheel disc brakes are superb.
As for the mirrors, I suppose they could swap them out if you were willing to pay. I was actually thinking that maybe the body shop could paint them. First though, I'm getting mud guards and window tints.
-Larry
Sunday I drove into the north Georgia mountains. Why can't my commute be like that each day! Lots of tight S-curves, many of which are banked to boot. I was grinning ear to ear the whole way while my brother held on tight. The only people to pass me were those on cycles, who I have decided have a death wish! Too bad it stormed so I wasn't able to do the same on the way back home.
-Larry
My daily commute is 80-90% highway and I did
1 flat land blast to......lets just say somewhere in the three digits. I used cruise control as much as I could at 65mph. I want to be the Protege ES 2.0 (auto) gas mileage king.
Could this be the best commuter car to date in the price range?
Anyway I enjoy my 250mile Auto Sand Mica. You have ABS and I don't. I expect the braking is tighter even in normal circumstances with ABS? There is some wind noise around the window. I don't think it's a bad seal,it's aerodynamics. It's a little more than my 93 Sable but not as bad as my 82 Jetta Diesel in which you can't hear the radio unless you turn it up. I'm babying it too, I think you guys got me spooked about properly breaking a car in. My wife is getting a little impatient with out sub speed-limit outings. I did whip it into a few curves faster than I normally would and loved the way the Pro took it.
Finally Customer Assistance is always busy or you are on hold. I was calling for info, but wondered if I could get them on the phone if I had a problem. Also can they please change the 'hold music' at customer assistance from something other than that 'Zoom Zoom Zoom' song played ad nauseum. Some of the guys buying their cars are old geezers like me.
I'm not fond of fixed antennas (they seem to catch everything) or power ones (they seem to bind often and get stuck in some lame half-mast position).
The antenna mounted on the A pillar is probably there because it uses the car’s roof as a ground plane. Some radio signals are received directly along with reflected signals from a ground plane, providing better reception when far from the stations.
Put some silicone lubricant on the mast so you can raise and lower it by opening the window and reaching out. Another advantage of this style antenna.
(1) I would like cruise control buttons like ones found on other cars; rather than the stalk-style. (2) Larger outside rear-view mirrors.(3) Twist-type windshield wiper controls that work like the lights control on the left.(4) Top of windshield tinting. (5) A leather trim option. (6) And an alloy wheels option, post-purchase, with Mazda logos.(7) Higher quality carpeting and mats.(8) Courtesy lights in the lower door panels for getting out at night.
Have you noticed that the dome light is dimmer when the doors are closed, but when you open one the light gets brighter. It isn’t the window tinting. Open the rear door and press the black rubber button near the seat.
fowler3
I have been researching the Protege and haven't found many complaints. So, for anyone that reads this, if you have had any problems with the car I would like to know. Thanks!
The Mazda web site is the ugliest I have seen for a car manufacturer, very depressing colors. The others use a white background and brighter colors. Far more cheerful.
And wouldn’t it be cool PR if Mazda included a CD with every new Protegé with the Zoom Zoom song; a “Welcome to Mazda” message; and more music to play.
Mazda, are you reading this?
fowler3
I totally agree with your suggested changes regarding the dash lighting and trunk opening button on the key fob. I find the seats quite comfortable as is, although I'm not that tall.
ZOOM ZOOM!
fowler3
I noticed another deep scratch on my car, on the right side this time. At the very edge of the front bumper just ahead of the front right tire, it looks like someone hit it. I don't know how that is possible, but it looks as if someone hit it there. I am so mad! I need to move out of the city badly!
What a super marketing tactic, eh? Have this fresh CD waiting in every new Mazda so the first sound a new owner hears reinforces the Mazda brand image.
Unfortunately, VW has beaten everyone to the punch...they're offering a CD of all their advertising songs on their website for $10.
Oh well...Mazda's never been a marketing innovator. They save their innovation energy for the actual cars, thank goodness. I'm actually fine with Mazdas being under the radar of most buyers--makes it easier for smart buyers like us to negotiate sweet deals on sweet cars.
Thanks.
Larry
Also is anyone using synthetic? and what kind? any AMSOIL users? Can anyone advise as whether this is preferable, I've never used synthetic. My cars usually have had other problems that caused me to get rid of it before the engine had any problems.
Later all - Greg
fowler3