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ashutoshsm: Wait for the new Acura Integra RSX. It has Protegé’s hood and grille styling and comes in the MP3 blue. Only problem is it’s a coupe.
Check out http://www.newcardesign.com for Auto Show New York pics.
fowler3
Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestions, all. I have be thinking about the Audi/WV (Jetta or Passat), Subaru Impreza (RX powerful but too bare bones inside), and used BMW. mm, 2002 models for many cars (including the Mitsu Lancer and the Pro ES) will be out soon, before I'm ready to buy, so I may add to this list soon)
But it'll be a while before I let go my trusty 95 Pro DX! Gave it a wash yesterday, and as a result of the wax I gave it after the previous wash a couple of weeks ago, its looking amazing! The white color really ages well - I'm surprised I don't see more people buying white these days :-)
-ashu
I'm scheduled for the BMW Performance driving school in early July. I guess I'll have to watch these again before I go so I'll get the most out of the experience!
Star has the best driving stunts, but the Ang Lee directed one has the best story (if a 6 minute movie can have a story!) and ending! Pretty self-effacing role for Madonna. And Guy Ritchie seems to be an ok director!
A must-watch for all car buffs! The have all formats (RealVideo, QT MOV, and Windows Media Destroyer) at different resolutions/connection speeds.
Although the Pro ES is possibly the only sub-20K car in which you can (to a small extent) mimic the performance of the 330i's, M3's and 530i's used in these films - drive safely!
-ashu
Respectfully,
Larry
See ya later, I'm jumping in the Protege, opening all the windows/moon roof and hitting the road. It's 88 degrees at 2:30 pm and I'm going to the swimming pool. Too dang hot in Lancaster today.
-Larry
If I was to move up to a V-6 mid-size car TODAY, I would purchase a 2001 Honda Accord LX V-6. the handling is fairly firm and sporty, however the real selling point for me, is the combo of price to value. GREAT re-sale, GREAT reliability, GOOD safety scores, priced in the $22,000+ range = VALUE to me.
Paul and the rest of the gang, which V-6 mid-size would you purchase in the $20,000 to 28,000 range?
-Larry
As a comparison, I tried to talk my brother-in-law into a Miata. He came home one day with a 2001 Z3. I gave him a little lashing and then went for a test drive. With the V-6 and the improvements from the early models, that car was too sweet for words. Of course, the key thing is that he had the cash to make that choice.
Zoom Zoom Zoom,
Larry
Soooo, if you were to purchase an auto V-6 mid-size family sedan, in the $20,000 to $28,000 range what would you need to test drive?
Respectfully,
Larry
for value -> 01 honda accord lx
for style -> 01 lexus is300 base (27.5 TMV)
for fun -> 01 vw jetta glx vr6 w/ sport suspension, 17 inch wheels
-M
My opinion(only my opinion):
Vanilla: Accord, Camry, 626(can be fun with m/t, but extremely vanilla in looks).
Better: Maxima, Altima, Galant, Acura TL, S40
Exciting: Jag X-type, Passat, A4
Obviosly, I left off a bunch but this is my take and prices vary greatly.
Quite a little car this 00 ES of mine. Thanks Mazda. The wife wants to look at MPV's to replace the Quest. This could be the beginning of something?
Mark.
I turn off O/D when going up hills so it stays in 3rd and not jump back and forth between 3rd & 4th. I also turn off O/D momentarily on highways to force a downshift for passing purposes, but most of the time I just leave it on.
The Mitsubishi Galant falls into this class, but is a bit smaller than most. The company has some workplace issues though.
-Sam
And what companies don't have workplace issues?
I never considered a Galant though. The space inside is too small, and I just don't like their design.
http://www.zing.com/album/review.html?id=4292630681
Good pics of the new Protege5.
Now have over 3,000 km and the ride is still firm but smoother than when new.
Hey! I thought you guys were dedicated Protegé owners? Here you are talking about medium sized cars as your next buy. What about the Millennia S,
isn’t that in the same ballpark?
vocus: I didn’t know there was more than one “older persons car” -- read Buick anything? I bought Buicks when I was young, wouldn’t have one now. My second Riviera (’68) had a 400ci V8 engine and I use to drag race at stoplights with Dodge Chargers, left’um while they were between gears with those Hurst shifters.
Personally, I don’t like the current Accord series, bought a ’98 and hated it. Sold it back to the dealer in 30 days. The seats are cloth-covered rocks,absolutely no soft foam. I took it to trim shop and they tried to put in a layer of foam with softer density, but it didn’t work. It was just a block of solid, high-density foam that you couldn’t put a dent in pressing down hard with your thumb.
I, also, didn’t care for the noisy engine. More power and VTECH starting that year in the LX, but way too noisy. Reminded me of the sound a ’49 Ford made. When you buy a “refined car” you expect a refined sound, not the sound of a chicken car.
I call Fords chicken cars, because local farmers use to haul live chickens into town, in their Fords, to sell on Saturday’s for city folks Sunday dinners. (I go waaaayyyy back before refrigerators had freezers. In fact, that was before grocery stores had freezers and none sold chicken in packages.)
First impressions can last a lifetime. The one time I almost bought a Ford, the dealer sent a car to my house that was right off the truck. Still covered with gunk, so dirty you couldn’t see through the windshield, no mats on the bare steel floor. I sent it back. Never bought a Ford...never.
fowler3
Respectfully,
Larry
I was not looking for a $16K BMW 330i, I was looking for a $16K Acura TL. In other words a compact luxury car at a budget price.
fowler3
Writing to companies is the best way to get your ideas to them. They want to know what buyers like and do not like, and what they would like to have in their next car. It tells them a lot more than those generic surveys.
Don’t complain about your car, it’s a done deal as far as the current model goes. Too late to make changes.
fowler3
What I do miss (or more like my daughter misses) is a lack of storage cubbies and cupholders for the rear-seat passengers. I don't miss the fake wood and fancy entertainment/HVAC control systems the mfrs. tend to pack into this class (and higher) of vehicle.
The 626 is one heck of a bargain. With rebates and discounts, you could pick up a fully loaded model for under $23k. Sure, the V6 isn't as powerful as Accord or Camry, but the 626 is lighter. Also, don't let the numbers deceive you. That Mazda V6 has an awesome torque-band that just keeps delivering. Hine has a 626 ES-V6 5-spd for just under $21k. That's with leather, 16" alloys, wood, Bose 6-CD/cassette, power everything, moonroof, alarm, etc. Not only is it a blast to drive (5-spd + V6 = loads of fun, handles great (not as quick steering as Protege, but it'll stick in the corners longer and harder)) but it's quiet, has a great ride, and is a great price. Now only if they could sharpen the styling just a bit more...
To get the free jersey, you go to a mazda dealer, test drive a car, and the dealer fills out your voucher.. offer only good til' July 15th if my memory serves me correctly.
-Mark
not too thrilled about the huge wing in the back though, doesn't fit the overall shape of the car too well.
very nice car
I'm also considering waiting for the new MP3 version in a few wks time OR the upcoming new
civic hb si (160 hp) due in early 2002 or the bland but quiet and reliable toyota corolla...also considering the new 2001 nissan sentra se (2.0 liter, 145 horses).
My question for your mazda protege 2.0 litre owners: is the protege quiet at hywy speeds and is it a comfortable cruiser for long period hywy cruising?...also any likes/dislikes would be appreciated to hear of.
Cheers,
Joe Collins
Vancouver BC Canada