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Mazda Protege5

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  • seminole_kevseminole_kev Member Posts: 1,696
    ..The 5-door focus coming out in around August. Should be cheaper than the Focus Wagon by a good amount. The thing I don't like about the Focus Wagon pricing is it comes with an Automatic standard (Thus upping the price!). The 5-door focus (I believe it will be called the ZX5) should be cheaper than the Protoge 5-door hatch. By how much though, I don't know.
  • silver_bulletsilver_bullet Member Posts: 1,339
    ...according to Car&Driver and AutoWeek. 130hp Zetec engine and five-speed will be standard. It will be interesting to see how Ford equips and prices this car in comparison with the Protege5.
  • handydoghandydog Member Posts: 19
    Actually, I think the Elantra compare pretty well with the Protege and makes the Protege a bit of a harder sell. With a few upgrades in the interior and in the handling department, the Elantra should be a reasonable alternative to the Mazda.

    In any event, it seems that Mazda is milking the Protege 5 a bit too much. The ES level sedan is already pricey for this class (nice to be sure, but still pricey), and then they come out with Protege 5 with no mechanical, equipment or interior improvements over the ES and they add on another $800. That wouldn't be so bad (maybe the different body style is more expensive), but they do not offer the car in the more affordable LX trim. Compare that with the Elantra GT, which is a $1,000 more than the Elantra sedan, but comes with a host of improvements over the sedan along with the bumb in price.

    Enough of that. I got a brochure on the Protege 5 from a dealer, and it has some specs. on the car, if anyone is interested.

    Highlights:

    Standard equipment: 16 inch alloy wheels w/ 195/50R16 V-rated tires; leather wrapped tilt steering wheel; power windows, locks; remote keyless entry; cruise control; 4 speaker radio/cd player; AC (more).

    Optional equipment: ABS brakes with side air bags (front); power sliding glass moonroof; 4-speed automatic transmission; (more).

    Engine: 2.0 L, 16 valve 4cyl. 130 HP @ 6000 RPM; 135 SAE torque @ 4000 RPM (25 mpg city, 31 hwy with manual trans)

    4-wheel disc brakes.

    Passenger volume: 92.6 cubic feet. Cargo volume: 19.8 cubic feet (rear seats up).
  • tocantocan Member Posts: 118
    I find the differences between specs quite strange for this car.

    In Canada, ABS is standard, and Air Conditioning, moonroof and automatic are options. Side air bags are not available at all.

    In the US, Air Conditioning is standard, and ABS with side airbags, moonroof and automatic are options.

    Just a little strange.

    Nomi
  • phaedrus1phaedrus1 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know if all 5 Door Sports will come with the ground effect trim as exhibited at Auto Shows and on the Mazda web site? Euro and South American models don't come equipped as such--and I'd prefer it that way as well!
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Std on all P5s sold in the US.

    Sometimes we wish we could hold the world in our hands...

    :)
  • cablesnakecablesnake Member Posts: 9
    hkchan,
    YOu mentioned the 'S-Plan', what's that? Also, I'm about buy a new Protege, any advice? I'm going to buy a book on purchasing a new car tonight, and I've read some of the stuff here on Edmunds regarding Dealer HoldBack, anything else I should know? How much should the dealer back off of the MSRP?

    Anyone have MSRP information for the MP3? Im going to call a dealer and I'll post it when I get it.

    thanks.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    18020

    Good luck finding one that's not pre-sold.
  • hkchanhkchan Member Posts: 420
    Not sure, but I think the first time I heard of it was from maltb. Anyway, join the EAA (www.eaa.org) for $40 a year and get to buy Ford, Volvo, Mazda, etc. at special proces. For the Mazda, it's 1.5% under invoice. Get the invoice information from Edmunds or other sources. Dealer participation is voluntary. Better call dealers and make sure before joining the EAA. You still get whatever rebate/special financing available at the time of your car's delivery. The last promotion expired on 4/2/01 and it was a $750 rebate or 0% for 48 months. I have no idea if there's one currently. maltb should know.
  • tocantocan Member Posts: 118
    cars.com (which seems to be part of USA Today) in its coverage of the New York Auto Show is giving an MSRP of $16,415 for the Mazda Sport Wagon. Here is a link to their page. This is a bit higher than Maltb's price, but is the first time I have seen a price on any site.


    http://cars.com/carsapp/usatoday/?srv=parser&act=display&tf=/features/autoshow2001/production/mazda/sportwagon.tmpl


    Nomi

  • cablesnakecablesnake Member Posts: 9
    maltb, can you provide more information on the "S-Plan"? Also, I if I were to stumble across an MP3 that wasn't presold, would you expect dealer markup on this car, considering how many were produced? When I was at my local VW dealer two weeks ago driving the 01 GTI VR6, they had a WRX there with a $4000 ADMU on the sticker! that put it over 30k! ouch!

    tocan, thanks for the link to the protege5, nice car! THey have a link to a yellow MP3 too.

    maltb, thanks for the price.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I happened to see one yesterday and as I looked it over I kept thinking that there is way more than 18k worth of content on that car and it is all covered by factory warranty. With that in mind, and the fact that there are only 1,500 this year, I expect that dealers will have no problem getting over MSRP. Given the vehicles target buyer, I don't think it will get as outrageous as your example of the WRX.


    Concerning S-plan: Check http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/ford_partner.html for some details if you join the Experimental Aircraft Association.

    BTW, I don't think any dealer will accept the S-plan for the first 6 months of the P5 and definitely not on the MP3.


    :)

  • cablesnakecablesnake Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for your response maltb. Yeah its a nice car; and true, it seems like a lot of car for <1000 over a loaded ES' MSRP. I went and test drove an LX2.0 last night. Wow. I can't wait to buy a Protege! :) What a fun car. The fit and finish was high quality IMO.

    I did inquire about the MP3, and they said they'd get some in at the end of next month. THey were vauge though and thin on any details, like price. They said they'd be allocated a certain number of them and that they could put my down on a waiting list for them. (I'd be first on the list they said, since there isn't a list as of yet). She also said that we could make an agreement to purchase one of the ones they'd get in, but the agreement would be contingent the car coming in a color I'd like and options I'd accept. Also, of course, it'd be contingent upon them acceptiong the S-Plan for the car. She mentioned that right now they accept S-Plan purchases for all vehicles except the Tribute, because of demand. :( She seemed to be setting me up for the fact that they wouldn't take it but would not say so outright.

    Thanks for your information on the S-Plan. Looks like becoming a member of the eaa is a wise thing for me to do regardless, since I'll purchase an ES if the MP3 thing doesn't work out. (fingers crossed) I've heard different descriptions of exactly what the S-Plan equates to. Linda, on one of the boards here (can't remember which) said its 500 below invoice. hkchan said 250 under. My "friendly sales person" said 2% under invoice. Do we know which one it is? does it vary?

    Thanks.
  • cablesnakecablesnake Member Posts: 9
    maltb, BTW, where did you happen to see one?

    Just curious.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I used the S-plan to buy my 2001 ES, and it's 1.5% below dealer invoice, which adds up to be about $250 or so.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Some of you may notice that a number of posts made yesterday, throughout Town
    Hall, are missing. Rest assured, every effort is being made to rectify this matter...,
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  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Tocan and others: Some very cheesy interior pics...


    image

    Just for those who need to see the whole thing again.


    image

    Nice Polished Alloys


    image

    image

    image

    image


    Sorry that the shots aren't the best but I didn't want to spend my whole day off taking pics of the P5.


    :)

  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    What's up with image posting?????


    Oh well, go here to see them:


    http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1605334&a=12239699&f=0


    :)

  • aardvark_markaardvark_mark Member Posts: 95
    Hi guys, first time poster.


    I stopped by a local Mazda dealer today (New Jersey) and they said they were expecting 2 Protoge5's will come in the first week in May. I scheduled a test drive for myself as soon as they come in.


    The salesman also gave me a spec sheet and price schedule sheet. If anyone wants this info posted just reply and I'll post it. I only have MSRP for the base and options because the salesman covered the invoice prices when he photocopied it..


    ciao
  • tocantocan Member Posts: 118
    Maltb

    Thanks for the pictures. They are much appreciated.

    Nomi
  • otis12otis12 Member Posts: 171
    Mark, would the dealer you're referring to be on Route 1 in South Brunswick, i hope, i hope.
  • otis12otis12 Member Posts: 171
    oops, I meant Edison.
  • aardvark_markaardvark_mark Member Posts: 95
    Otis, no this is the Mazda dealer in Shrewsberry.. ttyl
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Would love to see how much the Protege 5 is going for. I just bought a 2001 ES, so I wanna see how much waiting for the 5 would have cost me. I guess that;s the only way I will NOT feel bad about not waiting for it. :)
  • hkchanhkchan Member Posts: 420
    2002 Protege5 prices (both MSRP and invoice) are available at www.kbb.com
    maltb was right.
    They have prices for the MP3 also.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,923
    yup. 16,335 plus the 480 destination.

    If I were to get it, I'd be looking at $18,395 with just a few options. Man! Those anti-locks and that moonroof sure is expensive!

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • aardvark_markaardvark_mark Member Posts: 95
    Just checked the prices at www.kbb.com on the protege 5.. thanks for the info!..

    Was disappointed to see you are forced to get the moon roof option if you want Antilock brakes and side airbags..

    Is this just a marketing thing or do the front side airbags come out of the moonroof mechanism? (Whats this do for headroom?)

    thanks
  • bpibpi Member Posts: 120
    Never mind. aardvark_mark answered it. I missed the fineprint. I guess I was too excited.

    The Protege shown in the first picture doesn't seem to have a moonroof. Am I correct? What's the prospect of getting one with ABS and no moonroof? Thanks.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    You can't...ABS option requires moon roof as Mark posted earlier.

    Glad to see that I was vindicated... thanks Henry.

    :)
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    EXPENSIVE!!!
    Judging by the price and option grouping it's obvious that Mazda never intended to sell the 5-doors in volume.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    16.3k is expensive? They could de-tune the suspension, loosen the steering rack, strip it, weld the rear doors shut, sell it for 13k and call it a Focus.

    I'll take the Mazda version, thanks.

    :)
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    The Focus ZX3 doesn't look like a stripper to me and its steering rack is so tight. BTW its suspension geometry is the best in the class.
    Anyway, the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport wagon similarly equiped (minus moonroof and side airbags which are not avail) costs just approx. 1K more.
    And that car comes standard with the 165 hp boxer and legendary AWD. ABS is standard too.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    is 2.3k more. Yes it has ABS but it also has rear drum brakes and keyless entry is an option.

    However using your argument, Subaru wants to sell even fewer hatchbacks than Mazda does.

    I would think that a fair comparisson for this vehicle would be the Golf.

    :)
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Impreza $17.690 (invoice with destination)
    Standard equip:
    Air Conditioning
    Brakes, Power Front Disc
    Braking System, Anti-Lock
    Bumper Cover, Rear
    Cargo Cover
    Cargo Tray, Removable
    Console w/Storage
    Cup Holders, (2)
    Defroster, Rear Window
    Door Locks, Power
    Drivetrain, AWD
    Engine: 4-Cyl., 16V, SFI, 2.5 Liter
    Fog Lights
    Fuel Tank, 15.9 Gal. Cap.
    Headlamp Control, Auto-Off
    Light, Cargo Comp't.
    Lights, Daytime Running & Glove Box
    Luggage Rack
    Mirrors, Dual Power & LH Visor Vanity
    Moldings, Body Side
    Paint, Two-Tone
    Power Outlet, (1)
    Radio, AM/FM Stereo w/CD
    Restraint System, Dual Front Air Bag
    Seat, Split Folding Rear
    Seats, Cloth Bucket
    Speed Control
    Spoiler, Rear
    Stabilizer Bars, F&R
    Steering Wheel, Tilt
    Steering, Variable Assist Power
    Suspension, H.D. Raised
    Tachometer
    Tires, (4) P205/55VR16
    Trans., 5-Spd. Manual w/Overdrive or 4-Spd. Automatic w/Overdrive
    W/S Wipers, Variable Intermittent
    Wheels, Alloy
    Windows, Power
    Wiper/Washer, Intermittent Rear Window w/De-Icer
  • handydoghandydog Member Posts: 19
    I am also disappointed with the way Mazda is equipping and pricing the 5-door model. It is not that is not a good car or that it is not competitive with other cars in its price range. It is just that at 17k - 18k + the car begins to fall outside of the economy class and begins to bump up against some pretty decent cars (Subaru Impreza Wagon, 17.5 with good equipment; VW 1.8T Golf, 17.5K, 150-170 hp engine, handles great, has a great interior, and is similarly equipped). Additionally, I hate paying a premium for cars equipped with a bunch of stuff that does not enhance performance and that I don't want. How much am I paying for all of the plastic crap glued to body of the Protege 5? And to link luxury items, especially ones that many do not find desirable, such as headroom stealing sunroofs, with safety options just makes me mad. I have no problem with Mazda making money on their cars or even charging ridiculous prices on things like spoilers, but to gouge customers on safety items isn't right.
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Not according to what I've read. There is an ABS option that is coupled with Side Air Bags with no requirement to get the moonroof. Now, the trick is to find one that way if that is true. I suspect everything that hits the lots loaded will have a moonroof. Might be better off waiting for the Toyota Matrix. 180 horses and 6 speed manual in the same price range for the sport model.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    AB3 Braking System, Anti-Lock
    (Req's Moon Roof-MR1) Includes Dual Front Side Impact Air Bag Restraint
    System.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    When you find one, do let us all know. We are all eager to see it.

    :)
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    "Mazda North American Operations is hoping that the lure of cash will buy increased share of mind from its dealers, most of whom are dualed with bigger, more dominant brands."


    I wonder about the source of extra funding.

    Increased prices?


    http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories/mazda416.htm

  • vellyvelly Member Posts: 8
    Face reality Guys!

    If we weren't big-booty car fanatics we would all have cars by now. Its tough being a hatchback fan in the US. I was just about to give up on all these new cars and go with a 1.8T Golf GLS with all the options for around 20K. I will test drive the Protege if it is around when I'm ready to buy. If not I'm getting some good old fashion gen X yuppy luxury; I'm going to get the Golf.
  • hkchanhkchan Member Posts: 420
    Do you ask the same question if a McDonald's that you go to renovates its restroom?
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    First: hate McDonalds. (I mean the food :] )
    Second: as far as I know McDonalds doesn't loose money (millions) in its core business while renovating the restrooms.
  • hkchanhkchan Member Posts: 420
    Just because a business (Ford in this case) spends millions to jump-start the operation doesn't automatically mean higher prices. In fact, most likely they can't raise prices until the consumers' opinion of the brand is elevated (as a result of the millions spent). If consumers will go for higher prices, more power to Ford. Quite often, companies spend millions to save millions. Problem (to those who look for results today) is that results come later (if at all).
  • tocantocan Member Posts: 118
    I just got Canadian prices from Mazda Canada. (Of course we only get MSRP.)

    Base price is $19,895 which includes ABS

    There are only 3 options available, and all combinations are (theoretically) available.

    Automatic transmission $1,000
    Air conditioning $1,000
    Moonroof $ 600

    My comparison to comparably equipped ES sedans is that the hatchback is $895 more.

    This is fairly comparable to the 2 liter Golf GLS (which would be about $23,000), but the 1.8T is considerably more, listing at $23,820 + $1,100 automatic + $300 sport suspension VW prices include air conditioning but not moonroof. (The VW warranty is only 2 years/40,000 km while the Protege has 3 years/80,000 km.)

    Nomi
  • hkchanhkchan Member Posts: 420
    Candian VW's don't get the 10-year(?) powertrain warranty like their US counterparts?
  • tocantocan Member Posts: 118
    The powertrain warranty on VW in Canada is 5 year/80,000 km.

    What I have found is that for many cars Canadian warranties are worse than American ones.

    Nomi
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    With the 3% that the Mazda Elite program offers, the dealers must meet certain criteria. Dealers are required to meet certain standards in customer satisfaction as well as standards related to the dealership site as well(signage, display, etc). Some dealers will have a tough time meeting that standard and some never will. However the purpose of the plan is to stimulate growth of the Mazda brand which would in turn pay for that 3%. Besides, VDAP, how do you know that they aren't just re-allocating some of the marketing budget to handle this?

    :)
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Well, because it seems that there is not that much left in the marketing budget to be relocated.
    I don't think that Mr. Hughes would want to cut the company's highly successful "zoom-zoom" advertising message.
    Also Mazda N.A. Operations just signed a five-year, $7.5 million deal with the owners of Laguna Seca raceway in Monterey, CA. Mazda has become the title sponsor of all racing activities there.
    And let's not forget that Mazda now forecasts (May release) a group net loss of $1.25 billion for the fiscal year.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Which includes a one time hit for the early retirement package that they offered this year. If the Yen stays close to where it is now, Mazda distributors around the world will be able to implement special programs like this without an increase in prices or a negative effect on proffit.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    The Yen weakness would also benefit the Mazda's competition.
    I hope you're right.
    Mazda deserves a bigger share of the US market.
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