Mazda Protege5

protege_fan · August 2002

Just go over there and buy a LeCar!! Hahahaahaha!!!!!

ashutoshsm · August 2002

Is something common to all Pros - there was a discussion about it last winter. Prolly has something to do with the computer trying to get the engine quickly into its ideal temp range. Happens in my old 1.5l 95 DX too. Don't think its something to worry yourself over.

bluong1 · August 2002

It's normal when the engine revs around 2000rpm when just started. That's because the catalytic needs to be warm up quickly, otherwise the car will pollute like hell for a minute. It will go down to 1400 rpm very quick (30 seconds maximum). Change your CD, put you seat bell, put your sun glasses, turn off your cell phone and you are there. ;-)

Bruno

bluong1 · August 2002

are you inspired by the silly name "LeShuttle" of those underground trains crossing the Atlantic? They should call it TheNavette, much better! Yeah, I probably end up buying TheVoiture. ;-)

Bruno

dsm6 · August 2002

"I asked the dealer about oil changes, he recommended the first to be at 1500 miles, then follow the usual schedule. Said that the aluminum engines tended to have some metal flakes end up in the oil during the break-in period, so you should flush it out once that is over. "

That's an interesting piece of advice, especially since your Pro doesn't have an aluminum engine. The heads are aluminum alloy, but the block is cast iron.

The blank stare for the dino vs. synthetic question is starting to make sense.

silver_bullet · August 2002

The LeCar reference applies to the turd-on-wheels that Renault attempted to sell here in the U.S. several years ago - a truly vile little car IMO. Regarding taking your car to France, I'd call Mazda customer service and ask about the warranty issue. Gas shouldn't be a problem as long as you can find unleaded gas where you are. The only problem will be paying for it ;-) Shipping and the related paperwork hassles can be a bit much - why not sell it here and get a car over there?

protege_fan · August 2002

He loves his P5

bluong1 · August 2002

I'm not sure I could replace my deer by her europeen cousin. She is trully perfect for me. Nicely sculptured by sexy curves, dress nicely in her yellow outfit, no sophisticated make-up and jewels like ABS and TC. Elegant on her 16 inches legs. She takes care of my hair when I open the top (moonroof). Fun to spend time with. Dynamic and sporty. Sweater than the sweetest sugar. How can I not love her?

Bruno

maltb · August 2002

The warranty is not valid anywhere outside the US. Canada is the exception as MNAO and MCI have reciprocal agreements to honor each other's warranties. Once it leaves the US or Canada you are on your own.

LeCar
I'm still hoping for that R5 racer someday. Revile this!

protege_fan · August 2002

So you could import a Mazda across US/Canadian borders w/ no problems in terms of warranties?

bluong1 · August 2002

I'll see if I take a risk to bring her in France. Honestly, I think the probability that something goes wrong with the car in 2 more years is pretty small. I'm more concern about if I can get the correct part if something ever break down or worn out. If the replace part is not heavy, I can always get it shipped from here. I'll think about it.

Cheers,

Bruno

silver_bullet · August 2002

Nobody said anything about an R5! I'll gladly step out of your way ;-) One of my friends owned a LeCar that broke down so often he finally got personalized plates for it that read "LeJunk" - no lie.

maltb · August 2002

there are some exceptions, but I'd rather not bore the crowd.

maltb · August 2002

I know...but the LeCar was an R5 so they are blood relatives.

protege_fan · August 2002

Wha? Did ya say something Malt?

toddp_5 · August 2002

I spent about the last 5 years living overseas, just north of London. When I was there, I bought my wife a new Chevy minivan, and we were able to get an overseas warranty from GM. So, don't give up yet on being able to get warranty coverage on your Protege5. You should check with Mazda and see if you can get coverage overseas...obviously, I wouldn't just check with your local dealer, but try to find out how you can contact Mazda and ask the question. It may involve having to purchase some more warranty coverage, but it would be worth it. We were able to get the overseas coverage on our van, and we had no problems at all getting warranty work done -- now, we were in England, so I don't know how it would be in France; we were even able to get GM to send us a list of all authorized warranty garages in the country, and we were surprised that there were actually some we could find.

As far as gas, we had an American-spec minivan and I had my Z28 over there, and I didn't have any problems with getting fuel...other than paying for it

The dang stuff was about $5 per gallon in England. I drove through Europe with my Z28 and had no problem with the gas, and I got gas in Belgium, France, and Germany.

Obviously, I'm not saying you will definitely be okay with the P5 over there, but I'm just giving you the actual experiences I had...so don't give up yet on taking the car.

Let me know if I can give you any more detailed info, and I'll be happy to at least tell you what I went through or what I know about having a U.S. car overseas.

Todd

maltb · August 2002

It's clearly outlined in the warranty booklet and owners manual. Go on, take a peek, it won't bite.

toddp_5 · August 2002

I wasn't saying our warranty would provide coverage overseas. I simply said I'd check with Mazda and see if there is coverage he can get. The coverage I got overseas was not part of the normal stateside warranty, but a separate overseas coverage that I had to purchase...thus, reading my warranty book that I currently have wouldn't do me any good--it's only going to outline my coverage here -- that doesn't mean there is no way to purchase other coverage....so, I'm just suggesting he check and see if there is any kind of overseas coverage he can get. It can't hurt to check -- or as you say, it won't bite.

bluong1 · August 2002

I just read the warranty booklet, and indeed the warranty doesn't cover when the car is operated outside the countries that was built for, namely U.S, Canada, Guam, etc...

But Todd is right, it doesn't hurt to give them (either Mazda North America importer or the europeen one) a call to check. They might have some special coverage for people who travel oversea.

This board is awesome. People like Todd and maltb are so helpful. It already clear to my mind what is the next step I should do.

Bruno

ashutoshsm · August 2002

Buy them both beers, perhaps? And a round for everyone else here would be welcome!

maltb · August 2002

I get what you are saying and calling them is good reassurance. I have a couple years of Special High Intensity Training(smell the acronym) in warranty so I'm pretty confident in my answer.

I'd never turn down a beer though.

toddp_5 · August 2002

Hey, man, believe me, I'm more full of that acronym than most people

Also, the fact that I was able to get the overseas warranty on the car I had was most likely possible because I bought the overseas coverage when I bought the car, and I was having the car shipped directly from the factory to Europe.

Bruno - another thing to think about when taking a car overseas. If you have a loan on the car, make sure you check with the finance company that has your loan. In order to get my car registered overseas, I had to provide proof that my finance company approved me taking the car out of the country. I heard some horror stories about folks that got their car over there and didn't have the letter from the finance company, so they had a lot of trouble getting their car registered. Just trying to think of any other headaches.

And, hey, why are we worrying about warranty coverage? I bought a P5 'cause I felt confident in the quality -- this car ain't going to break down anyway, so don't worry about

subyaudidude · August 2002

Well, the "specs" on the 2003 P5 are out on Mazda's website. Some interesting observations:

(1) The ABS/side airbag package now available without having to get a moonroof ($490 option)

(2) Moonroof now packaged with 6-disc changer ($690 for package)

(3) Yet the 6-disc changer is still available as stand-alone option ($500 option)

(4) 16" polished alloys available, but requires moonroof/6-disc package ($500 for alloys + $690 for moonroof/6-disc)

(5) floormats now standard

(6) laser blue mica color option (from MP3)

For more info, go to http://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/2003_pricing.asp

subyaudidude · August 2002

For anyone who's interested, I finally got pics of my P5 with my Saris roof rack attached.

http://home.columbus.rr.com/sjskleinman/images/P5bike01.jpg

http://home.columbus.rr.com/sjskleinman/images/P5bike02.jpg

http://home.columbus.rr.com/sjskleinman/images/P5bike03.jpg

http://home.columbus.rr.com/sjskleinman/images/P5bike04.jpg

shrique · August 2002

That appears to be a completely seperate rack right? You didn't find one that would attache to the factory rack?

Just wondering.

ppk_ppk · August 2002

Will a bicycle fit "in" the P5?

btw, suby, r u in columbus??? im in cleveland... havent seen too many p5s out here... r there many p5s out there? v might plan for an ohio/mid-west meet sometime...

- PPK

subyaudidude · August 2002

The one I have is a separate rack. Thule makes an attachment rack. For $140.00 you get the attachment stuff and one bike carrier. Then, other bike carriers are around $80.00 (fork mount). I used the Saris rack because that's what I've had for about 6 years now. I've just transferred it from car to car. If you're interested in the Thule rack, check out their website ( http://www.thule.com ). Go into the North American English site and then click on "Fitting Guide" on the left. It'll take you through a bunch of steps and then show you what works.

PPK,
I am in Columbus. I've seen a few around town, but not alot. Of course, the yellow ones always catch my eye. I was thinking about a P5 meet. I think it'd be kinda cool. There were/are tons of Impreza meets and VW meets.

winlet28 · August 2002

HELP. Just got our PR5 in Leather, yep that solved that ol' interior problem with the dogs. Pure white with a nice tint on the windows, moonroof, etc. Sweet car.

I am just wondering what people pay for yearly insurance....ours seems a bit high. I mean it only has 130 HP and it's not a speed demon. (Unless I am driving of course, hee hee) No accidents or tickets here for hubby and self. We are both over 30.

subyaudidude · August 2002

I can tell you that my wife and I pay about $1200/year for both the Outback wagon and P5. We have max liability coverages ($100k/$300k), but low medical payments coverage ($1000).

winlet28 · August 2002

Mine is 1482 with a 2000 Proto ES and the 2002 PR5 both with 200 ded. on all and min. medical. They both include gap coverage and the 2000 has rental car on it.

mro · August 2002

hey P5ers,
I've had my P5 for only two weeks now, and i think there is something wrong with the AC. I'm hoping there is, anyway. I'm driving around in 95 degree heat, and i have the AC on full blast and all the way to the cold side of the dial. The air is a bit cooler than when i turn off the AC by pushing the button, but it is no where near as cold as any other vehicle i've driven. this seems a bit ridiculous to me. has anyone experienced this problem? my dealership is an hour away so i'd like to get some feedback before heading up there. thanks.

alternator · August 2002

Be sure to use the "recirculate" mode with fan on "high" initially during really hot weather.

subyaudidude · August 2002

Is this a constant thing or do you sometimes get good cold A/C? I know some people have reported having A/C "freeze up," where the output temp would rise and the airflow would decrease. They just turned off their A/C for about 15 minutes and then turned it back on.

Here's the thread from the ProtegeMP3/P5 forums:

http://forum.protegemp3.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6272

mintzdiesel · August 2002

I am 17 years old and live in LA. When I was looking for my first car, one of the issues was headroom (I'm 6 foot 3), so it got narrowed down to the Mazda Protege5 or a Ford Focus ZTS. I test drove both and my comfort in the Pr5 was much better than in the Focus.
So I got the Pr5 in black mica with the ABS/airbags/moonroof option. This car is really a lot of fun to drive. Even though some might say that the 130 hp engine isn't powerful enough, I beg to differ. You can easily accelerate and it's got quite a lot of pickup. The handling is amazing too. Even the sound system is really sweet with its 6 speakers, which really deliver excellent quality sound. I also got my Pr5 with the sport automatic transmission, which is a lot of fun to use (it also looks really nice too).
The best part about the Pr5 are the looks I'm getting from other drivers (the black mica is really a nice color). People just stair in awe because either they don't exactly know what I'm driving, or that they are in love with its design and looks. Speaking of looks, at night, the red illuminated gauges look really sleek.
Overall, I am really satisfied with my Pr5. I did my research and read auto magazines' articles, which raved about this car, and I can see why. If you are looking for a new car that gets the room of a small wagon, the handling of a sports car, and the looks of a customized car, then consider the Mazda Protege5. Just test drive it and you'll fall in love with it. Also, if you are in the "over 6 feet" catagory, then I suggest looking at this car.

bluong1 · August 2002

No, I do not finance my car, it's mine!!! So one less thing to worry. Yeah, I'm rather confidence about the quality of the car that will not break down any soon.

I'm visiting Paris right now (negotiating my salary there ;-). Driven about 400 miles last sunday on my old Citroen ZX which equipped with one of best suspensions design ever. More comfortable, less stiff than P5's, but I beg the handling is superior. They have cool car here: the new Peugeot 307 is awesome. Citroen Sxara Picasso looks really cool. I only saw one 323F (P5) with diesel engine driven by a guy from Geneva. Road surface is very well maintained and french drivers behave much better on the highway (inside Paris is another story.) It's good to be able to drive 90-100mph. I still feel pretty safe at this speed than 80mph in Houston.

Bruno

Sporin · August 2002

Comparing insurance is a bit of a shot in teh dark. Insurance rates vary greatly based on about a zillion different factors (age, record, geographic are, etc)

I am 30, married, wife is 28, we have only the one car, the same insurance company covers our house too. high coverages, low deductables, 2002 P5 = $700/year ±

mazdadude1 · August 2002

Know you are out enjoying your new p5. Have had mine one year and have around 13,000 miles on it. Enjoyed everyone of those miles too!! Have taken mine several times up on the Blue Ridge Parkway in western NC. The P5 is fun to drive on those twisting curves. And I agree on the power... I find it fine. From a stoplight, it is like a sling shot. Check out the acceleration numbers in the June issue of Car And Driver. Did well against the competition. And I get the looks here on the East Coast too. Don't see many my way... yet. It is one sweet looking and driving car. later

toddp_5 · August 2002

Good luck in Paris, my man. I gotta tell you, a Protege5 would look awesome on the streets of Paris

But I'll give you a little advice -- you have to be a madman to drive around the Arc de Triumph!!! When I drove to Paris, my insurance company told me I had coverage over my entire trip, except for the roundabout that goes around the Arc de Triumph. They said if I got in an accident there, they wouldn't cover it. For those of you who want to see why, take a look at a picture I have that shows you what the traffic is like there -- there are no traffic lanes in this big circle, so it is every person for them self

But, as we all know, a Protege5 would stop the traffic, and the cars and trucks and buses would just part and make a path for the great P5

http://www.black3.com/arc.jpg

toddp_5 · August 2002

Just curious if anyone has been autocrossing in their P5. I did some autocrossing several years ago in my other car, and it was really fun. And, I will say, it taught me a lot about my car and the limits of my car. The Protege5 really handles well for a stock car, and I'm just wondering if anyone has been autocrossing in their P5, and how it went. If you have been, what other cars (i.e., what types of cars) were in your class?

Thanks,
Todd

the_big_h · August 2002

well at the autox events here in DC area, I have seen several P5 run the course. P5s, as all Proteges, are in the H Stock class. We run against other compacts such as Civic EX, Ford Focus, Mini Cooper(!), and non-turbo VW Jetta/Golf/GTIs.

here's me in a recent autox event...

the_big_h · August 2002

you asked how they do. Well for the most part most of the P5 drivers are novices, and since autocross is 90% driver skill, they usually end up at the rear of the pack **shrug**. But based on what I've seen, in the hands of a good driver, the P5 should be very VERY competitive

a set of competition R-compound tires can SIGNIFICANTLY improve lap times....

the_big_h · August 2002

here's the list of cars in their respective stock classes for autocross, courtesy of SCCA.

http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2002/stockc.html

shrique · August 2002

Here's another Mazda racing team if anyone cares.

http://www.tripointengineering.com/index.html

toddp_5 · August 2002

Thanks for the great info on autocrossing. I went to the SCCA page and tried to find the classes, but from what I could tell, you had to pay for the full rule book. I know when I did some autox in the past, it seemed like the tires really made a big difference....the first time I went, I went with my stock tires and really found out how bad they were in that situation. I'm thinking about trying to get back into it, and will definitely get some other wheels and better tires. Thanks again for the info.

patm317 · August 2002

After having looked at the p5 for a while, I decided that I like the front faschia of the "regular" protege better. The deep airdamn , along with the "ground effect sides" makes the car too much of a boy racer to me (okay, I'm 51 but still like a tight responsive car. Seems to be a trend (evidence of an extreme example , the suzuki aerio...

the_big_h · August 2002

the 'official' rules are listed in the SCCA rule book, but the stock class classification listed on the URL I gave is basically identical to the book's listing.

I may be installing the MP3 rear sway bar this weekend, one extra toy to use for my autox event on the 18th!

(btw, I've abandoned stock class and is now in STS

)

silver_bullet · August 2002

I agree with you - the trend toward attaching "ground effects" plastic nonsense to common grocery-getters has gotten out of hand. It makes me wonder what came first - bad taste among the general public or bad design in the studios. The solution is to go for a Protege ES sedan optioned like a P5, but you are still stuck with the dorky wing on the trunk. It would be great if manufacturers would let you order a car without all the junk attached.

mdaffron · August 2002

At least my 2000 ES was.

But I got the spoiler. I think it makes the car look nicer in the rear without too much overstatement -- as long as you're talking about the regular ES optional spoiler and not the MP3 spoiler, which makes the car look like some high school kid with too much allowance and a penchant for coffee cans and subwoofers has gotten his hands on it.

Meade

silver_bullet · August 2002

At least on the current ES, you get the spoiler whether you want it or not. Before I considered the P5, I looked at the ES, and was disappointed when I found out you had to take the spoiler. I even asked the dealer if they would consider swapping trunklids with a matching color LX if he was so sure that "just about everyone wants the spoiler". It seemed like a win-win to me, but they just laughed and said no.

mdaffron · August 2002

I just visited Mazda USA's website and sure enough, the trunk spoiler is standard on the ES now. Oh well.

What do you find so wrong with it anyway? It's not a huge "wing," the LED brake lights are cool, and, in my opinion at least, it spices up an otherwise boring rear of the car.

Meade

Mazda Protege5

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