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Comments
On the topic of the CD player, mine has worked flawlessly for well over a year. However, my parents have had some problems with the unit, the transport mechanism constantly makes crunching sounds when a disc is being inserted or ejected. Mabey we can pursuede Mazda to look into this and possibly offer a recall or reimbursement.
Cheers,
Kaiserhead
Speaking of twisties, we have a few here in Monmouth county NJ. I stretch her legs a little bit. It affirms that I made the right choice.
I'm getting into street racing. I've seen the 170 hp Protege and was really impressed on what those people have attained with bolt-ons and a turbo
I'm thinking of converting my auto into a standard manual( of course this project would have to wait 'till the end of my warranty). Is this possible, even thought of?
I must say, I didn't see too many Proteges during my journey, although the Canadian car in front of me as I crossed the border/customs was a yellow Pro 5... I distinctly heard the border folks talking to the driver..."Is this new?" :-) I was surprised to see a couple of Toyota Priuses and Honda Insights...I think up here they're still basically demo cars for power companies...
Anyway I just thought I'd post a positive reliability report...It's just a '99 1.6l SE (and auto, to boot) but it's never given me grief. I ended up getting an aftermarket moonroof installed a couple of months back (no problems so far) and I'm still debating the spoiler issue.
Rick
The quibbling between the guys there -- not the newcomers, mind you, but several established posters whom many of you would recognize -- has been incessant and definitely below-the-belt. (Makes this VW guy look like Winnie the Pooh by comparison.) -- er, sorry, just had a baby. Anyway, the host just had to shut down the Leganza topic again for a "cooling off" period.
Go have a read -- It's a great way to relieve tension and have a laugh when things are dull here!
I wrote a little verse about it (apologies to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel) ... er, this is "Bridge over Troubled Water" for all you kids.
When your warranty
Is feelin' small,
When your transmission dies
We won't let you fall.
We're in your town,
Oh, if you can find us --
And used cars can't be found,
Le-gan-za drives like a used Maverick
Daewoo's best? I groan,
Le-gan-za handles like a Pinto
Daewoo needs a loan!
Sorry, couldn't resist a little morning humor. My by-gosh wonderful, 5-year-old Rheem air conditioning system quit last night and I'm waiting for the repairman to call. Guess I'll get "Rheemed." So I'm in a crappy mood. Hey, does that make me a commode-ian?
If only Mazda made heat pumps ...
Meadeball
4/50k bumper-to-bumper
5/60k powertrain
No more "free" maintenance, but I don't think that's a bad thing, given how generally incompetant and overloaded the dealers are.
I still think that ANY 2.0 engined VW is a worse buy then a Protege. Now the 1.8T is a different story, but it is also a whole different price catergory ($20k min.). VW just doesn't compete well in the $15k-$17k range IMO.
Meadeball
-Larry
We may now try to do our test drive next week in Michigan (on vacation!). Has anyone dealt with Crown in Holland MI or Siemans in St. Jo? If we can't spend an am doing the test drive, we won't have time 'til August 11!
I'm hoping we test drive it, it's so fantastic that I can get everything lined up to go buy it Aug 11.
TIA - OH, and thanks for the spoiler info - it helps me a lot!!! We need more moms on the board .
Julia
"Satisfaction: Overall, owners are satisfied, but complain of the rapid wear of clutch and brake linings, as well as the poor quality of some rubber pieces."
http://carpoint.msn.com/Vip/Heraud/Mazda/Protege/2001R.asp
It just makes me feel better that I am apparently not the only one complaining about the rapid wear of the brakes and clutch... rubber pieces? I have had no problem with any in mine, unless the tires count!
THE BASICS-
VALUE: We own fuel efficient, inexpensive cars ($15,200 a piece) with up-scale amenities (moon roof, full-power, CD player, alloy wheels, keyless entry, cruise, etc.
RELIABILITY: We have a well built car. At 25,000 TROUBLE-FREE miles both cars have been completely stainless. Zero, zilch, no problems. Consumer Reports, a nonprofit 2001 Annual Auto Issue rates the Protege as follows; "The Protege is one of our top-rated small sedans. Overall, the Protege is a solid, refined car, with excellent reliability."
ROOM TO ZOOM: We have room! Great seat travel, cabin space, and leg room. We have the largest interior of any 2000 model year auto in the small sedan segment. With Mazda's "OptiSpace" interior design process, we have 95 cubic feet of interior room.
-Larry
First, let me answer your first question: Yes, bluff and jake are still there, along with some other cheerleaders and doomsayers. Of course, most of the really funny stuff can be found in the topic, "Daewoo Bankruptcy." But why am I telling you this? You won't get damned for going and taking a look for yourself.
Second, I'll semi-ditto your comment on your Proteges. I have 23,500 on my 2000 Emerald Mica ES 5-speed. I have taken it in twice for warranty work, but to be honest (forgive me Father, I have sinned) -- I think I was to blame for breaking the plastic clip that holds the trunk springs up under the parcel shelf (er -- snagged it with a tall box). I did encounter the early virus known as Squeakydooritis, but it was fixed painlessly and permanently while I waited.
Larry, have you noticed the wear on your Bridgestone Poortenzas? Mine are wearing thin -- getting close to replacement time, and you know I have a good reason -- unless I need to post the pic of my hydroplaned-and-totaled former Poortenza-clad Protege. I've been doing some research -- actually went to the brand-new Merchant's Tire & Auto about a mile from my house last week and checked out the Kumho Ecsta Supra 712. It comes in our 195/55VR15 size, looks really awesome, and rates pretty darn well considering the Michelin version (which admittedly is a superior tire) was twice the price. (The Kumho is $84 out-the-door, including valve stem, mounting & balancing, etc.) The tire almost looks like a Goodyear Aquatred when it comes to water displacement, with a huge groove running down the middle. And I'm, understandably I hope, VERY CONCERNED about wet-weather traction -- something our beloved Poortenzas DON'T have. Oh -- and the Kumhos have a treadwear rating of 340 -- more than twice that of our Poortenzas -- AND they have a traction rating of AA, highest in the business.
I'll probably buy a set by the end of the year -- certainly before bad weather arrives -- and give a report.
Meadeball
http://wwwintellichoice.com/
I checked their 5 year ownership insurance projections on several different small sedans.
2001 Mazda Protege ES $9,240
2001 Ford Focus SE $8,390
2001 Dodge Neon Highline $9,240
2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS $10,034
2001 Honda Civic EX $9,005
2001 Toyota Corolla LE $9,240
My 2 cents, insurance cost for the PRO-ES's is not out of line with other small sedans.
-Larry
Meade, please tell Tammy; The Kline's said hi! Give the baby a hug and kiss for me.
God Bless,
Larry
And I may be doing this for my baby, but I'm doing it for me as well. I don't want to experience that August day in 1992 all over again.
Want some visual proof of how 28,000-mile Potenza RE92s perform at 40 mph in the rain? Take a look at:
http://www.geocities.com/negatize/media/specialty/meade92_totaled.jpg
As I've said before, I *LOVE* going ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!!! But I equally enjoy going STOP STOP STOP!!!
Meade
Meade
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010703/latu061.html
THE ZOOM ZOOM LIFE STYLE-
STYLING: My wife and I wanted a new car that looked great, pleasing styling. The Mazda PRO-ES has the handsome Euro-looking style. A fresh look, we didn't want to see two or three cars just like ours at every traffic light.
HANDLING:The Mazda "Kaansai engineering"(oneness of design and function), results in a nice little econo-performance sedan. The twin-trapezoidal link rear and stiff stabilizer bars keep my PRO-Es's on rails during hard cornering. BTW at 25,000 miles the car still feels nice and tight. No squeaks, groans or rattles yet.
Ok, I'm forty two years old and my wife is 6 years younger, however we truly love our "good little cars". IMHO, the Protege is a well thought out, comfortable, fun-to-drive car even at 25,000 miles.
Respectfully,
Larry
Thanks in advance for your help.
In terms of color, choose wisely! I love the look of my black Pro, but it is a pain to keep clean! But when it is clean, man does it look good!
Before I bought my Pro I looked at Civics and Corollas. In the end I chose the Pro because after the test drive I fell in love with it! I think that it's all a matter of personal preference, because the 3 cars you mentioned are all very similar in terms of preformance, etc. Of course there are areas where one car will shine over another, but that is why I say it is personal preference. Good luck with your decision.
If you have any particular questions ask away. It is much easier to respond when people have an idea of what kind of information you're looking for.
BTW, If you do pick a Pro, get ready to Zoom Zoom!!
Protege_fan
Sentra 2nd in mpg. Slightly faster but rear seat is MUCH smaller. Front also felt cramped to me.
Protege (my choice) if you are willing to let a few mpg go in exchange for more lively handling and spritelier feel in local driving (thanks to lower gearing). I also think the interior is much better laid out, IMO.
I purchased my Pro 2001 ES manual on July 6th & the premium LESS than the prices I was quoted for the above cars = $313 (6 month premium). FYI: I am a 46 yo female w/an immaculate driving record.
(although I did get stopped for speeding the SECOND DAY I had my ES!! No ticket though. Whew.)
$195 a month is ENORMOUS!! Is your driving record clean? Got anyone under 25 on your policy? Deductable too high? (mine is $500)
coverages too high? (mine is 25/50/25 on everything).
PROTEGEXTWO: I really enjoyed Part 1 & 2 of your 25,000 mile recap. Thanks.
RUKEITHA: Totally concur w/#3332,3333 & 3336. I've had my Pro ES for 3 weeks but did homework for (I hate to tell the truth here) THREE YEARS. (I had a Toyota Corolla that just wouldn't die!!)
Obviously I am the Compulsive Type & I actually read ALLLLLLLLL 3000 posts at this site before I bought my new car. My summary: buy it & buy it soon because you are wasting time NOT DRIVING THIS GEM OF A VEHICLE!
My mom was a nurse, I noticed from your profile that nursing is your chosen profession, God bless you. I know what a tough but rewarding job you have. Jumping into your Protege after a tough shift must be an awesome stress reliever.
Respectfully,
Larry
Thank you,
Larry
You are correct: getting into this car IS a stress reliever. I get all excited walking up the ramp of the garage towards her. I've never felt this way about a car ... it's almost embarrassing. BUT after reading thousands of posts in this forum, I am not alone in my sentiments. (correct me if I am wrong -- aren't the majority of the posts in here from MEN?)
About tires:
Guys, I'm gonna change my tune, now that I've just made a major discovery! After hearing all of the rave reviews about Tire Rack about a year ago, I went to their site and looked around. Great prices, yep. But what about installation? At the time (summer of 2000), the *ONLY* installer their installer search engine recommended in Richmond (not too small a city!) was some seedy old garage in the not-so-great part of town. I got discouraged and started looking at local tire stores and got sticker shock. Well, to my amazement this morning, I went back to the Tire Rack Website and now there are about 10 installers in Richmond -- one of which is the Midas car care center about two miles from my house! I called up the manager and he explained the whole process to me. I'm sold on Tire Rack again, and I'll be looking at those Michelins and Yokohamas now!
Alas, but never again a Bridgestone ...
Meade
Most of the posters here are men, you are right.
PROx2
The Civic LX is still underpowered and the seats are uncomfortable (too firm), back seat leg room not enough for the average adult. Black steering wheel no matter what interior color.
Sentra GXE has the 126hp engine which produces most of its torque at 2000rpm which means there will be precious little power available for passing at highway speeds. Back seat has NO leg room if two average adults sit in front. Poor build quality on interior trim (the glove box door fell off on the one I test drove, it's made of flimsy plastic with no real hinge).
The Protegé LX 2.0 has plenty of power for everyday driving and passing at highway speeds. Larger, comfortable seats and usable leg room in back even with a 6 ft.adult driving. Good fuel economy.
If you have to choose between high fuel economy and handling/performance take the latter, you won't be sorry. Nothing gets OLD faster than a car with no performance when you need it.
Manavi -- Buy the Silver Pro, it looks terrific with the alloy wheels! It will be almost as cool as the white and will get more attention, it looks like a classic. Another white car on the road is just another white one, lost in the crowd.
Patrice -- My insurance is $319 for six momths. Insurance rates also depend on the number of accidents in your area, if the rate is high the premium is higher, plus other considerations such as driving record, age, etc.
It's difficult to choose a small car considering there aren't many good ones available. There are more crappy ones that one should just ignore and not have on his or her list. You know the ones.
The Protegé LX 2.0 and ES offer the buyer a small car that has the power, handling, performance, comfort, styling, interior ammenities, and entertainment value found in more expensive cars.
And as you read here, pride of ownership is a HUGE PLUS! I,too, look back at my LX 2.0 everytime I walk away from it in parking lots. And look for it as soon as I leave a store. Sometimes just looking it over as if I had never seen a Pro before, risking being reported by other shoppers for suspicious behavior.
fowler3
1. open up your windows - all four and drive 1/4 mile before bringing them up.
2. start your a/c in recirc mode at '4'.
3. try to keep the engine RPM above 2500 (at 3000 it really freezes out my hands on the steering wheel)
4. if you are below 2500 RPM, you may feel it is not effective(comparatively, of course).
btw, I have the a/c on for 6-7 months of the year.
and it's a tad more than 2 years. Still chills as it did on day one.
my 2 cents on how I use the a/c.
I checked Tire Rack last night. Here is my issue. I would prefer to compromise and go for a set of replacement 195/55vr15 All-SEASON PERFORMANCE tires. That way, I would enjoy the zoom zoom zoom capabilities of the performance tire and save the expense of the SNOW TIRES. The best bet with that segment at Tire Rack, seems to be the Michelin XGT V4. They seem to be a very good compromise, at a hefty $128.00 price? Remember, I'll need to change the OME shoes on both of my Protege's at the same time. With shipping, install, and nuisance fee's; it will cost me aprox. $1,379 to replace my 8 OME tires with the Michelin XGT V4's. I'm willing and able to do that, if the Michelin's are "all that"? Chime in Maltb at any time, your insight is always respected and appreciated by me! Meade, I did not see any other ALL-SEASON PERFORMANCE tires at Tire Rack worth considering, what do you folks think?
PERFORMANCE TIRES:
I guess with the extra choices in this segment at Tire Rack, personal opinions and price needs to play a roll. Seems to me after an hour or so of research at Tire Rack's web site a couple of PERFORMANCE replacement tires interested me. However, I pretty sure, I don't care to drive these very nice tires, thru a PENNA. winter. So, I will have to spring for snow tires, yikes. Chime in Maltb, Meade, Victor, Jerry or anyone else; I'm searching here? Nonetheless, in the PERFORMANCE tire segment; I valued tire wear and wet traction, and stability as need to haves. The two PERFORMANCE tires I found:
Pirelli P6000 at $83.00 each, and total to replace my 8 OME tires and install etc. $994.00 replacement cost.
Dunlap SP Sport W-10 at $70.00 each, and total, yada yada $860.00 replacement cost.
What our your opinions? Everyone feel free to share!
Respectfully,
Larry