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Mazda Protege5
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Comments
I chose my aftermarket unit for the following: front AUX input (rears need not apply), rotary encoder, minimally-distracting display. What I got isn't the best (wanted bigger buttons and dials, dedicated clock display, ability to play MP3-encoded CD-Rs), but delivered most of what I wanted at a decent price (I wasn't about to spend $500-700 on some makes' top end units that included a front AUX jack). Thus, I was limited to Aiwa and JVC.
Seriously, I am in love with my iPod and won't consider a car that doesn't either come stock with an AUX input or allow me to easily put in an aftermarket unit with one. The FM transmitters are junk, IMO, so don't go there. I could burn CD-Rs of my collection, but I've got over 5GB of MP3s (all legal, BTW), so they'd take up a bit of space. An MP3-capable head unit might work, but not all software burns MP3-encoded discs that work with all players. Plus, new formats come out all the time as they improve compression schemes (like AAC and whatever format that Microsoft is trying to push to replace MP3).
I still remember when cars didn't even have tuners in them. Now the "baseline" is a 4-speaker system with a tuner/CD-player, unless you've got a real "stripper", which still include at least a tuner.
Oh well, enough said here. I've gotta send a bunch of requests to Mazda NA to drive this point home.
And the iPod is no longer the only deck-of-cards size MP3 jukebox out there. These things are only getting more popular and should be considered by auto manufacturers to differentiate their product. Will they be leaders or will they hang onto someone else's coattails?
I remember seeing this topic earlier, around October or November of last year??? You might want to search and see what you find.
Good luck.
the bad part is I don't have any word as to availability yet. But I suspect the 2004 model year will offer at least some models with sat radio.
This is one of those features that I am hearing from some customers...not huge demand yet, but certainly enough interest to offer the feature.
rich
I actually use the plastic advertising plate from the dealership (the one they give you for the front with your temp tag) under the license plate. It seems to dampen the rattle fairly well.
Once you put the tape on, you can't get it back off, can you?
You leave it on during washing (just don't aim a pressure washer jet at the edge) and waxing. No wax required on the film.
You can remove the tape, but you're not going to get it back on after that.
I'd have put it on my '99 Pro, but they didn't have the pre-cut forms until after I'd already gotten several stone chips. Oh well. Price of being an early adopter. My wife waited until after we'd applied the film to driver her P5 around. The rear bumper cover has been very useful. We both put the thicker stuff (0.080in thick) on our headlamps (and her foglamps) to protect those.
At first, you'll see "haze", just all the little bubbles that form as the alcohol solution evaporates. These disappear in a few months. On her silver P5, it's really hard to see.
My parents have it on their 2003 Toyota Corolla (part of the weather package) and it seems to work wonders...
Thanks for the info!
Try a google search on "3m car film" or "paint protection film" and see what pops up.
I think 3M calls it "ScothCal Paint Protection Film". It takes a while to find it on their site, under their automotive product catalog, under "3M™ Scotchcal™ Striping Tape and Paint Protection Film". The url is too long to paste here.
Here's the aftermarket product catalog:
http://www.3m.com/us/auto_marine_aero/aad/catalog/
Click on the "Striping tape and paint protection film" link.
I've seen it advertised as "Diamond Shield", "Magic Invisible Shield" and so on. Same stuff.
What I like about Stongard's kits is they don't make "inside" slits that can accumulate dirt. However, this can make application harder as you have to stretch the film more without these slits.
Are there any P5 owners out there who do their own maintenance? If so, how easy is it to do things like change the oil, spark plugs, filters, light bulbs, coolant, etc.? I've heard that the oil filter is tough...anything else difficult to do?
Also, what about the timing belt? How often does it need to be replaced?
Timing belt interval is 60,000 miles or 105,000 miles, depending on your state. If it breaks, no worries as the P5 (like the Pro) has a non-interference engine. Your pistons and valves will be fine. Your engine will just stop and you'll need a tow. May as well replace the water pump and your accessory belts since the pump will be accessible and your other belts have to be removed anyway.
but I am expecting the 2004 order guides in a few weeks and I will spill the details.
Rich
I am huge fan of buying on the last year of the production cycle at near used car prices.
BTW, the Mazda3 hatchback (replacement to P5) looks like a mini-minvan.
I have to disagree. It is not the proportions of the Matrix. The best time to buy the current style will be when the Mazda3 wagon hits the showrooms in December.
The M3 looks like a HOT hatch!!! Something we don't usually get to see in NA. I can't wait for it.
Dinu
good luck, you should enjoy the P5 alot.
Does the P5 engine use a timing chain or belt (forgot to ask the salesman)? Does it require Premium fuel?
First impression was very very good. Even with the automatic the car felt like it had adequate punch from a stop and for passing. The ability of the car to take bumps comfortably and still be able to be tossed into corners was VERY impressive. Any comments would be appreciated.
I was Houstonian (just moved to France recently, and my P5 is crossing the Atlantic and join me here). I have my P5 since June 2001 (bought at Jeff Haas Mazda on I10, just outside Bellway 8). The AC is adequate, not more. I'm not a big fan of cold AC air, so it's all right for me, but it could be problematic for some people.
The P5 has belt, but the engine is non-interfering type, i.e., if the belt breaks, the engine will be OK still.
The P5 does not require premium fuel. 87 (R+M)/2 octane gas will do.
Good Luck,
Bruno
Bruno
as the sedan on which it is based upon, the cooling will definitely be poor because of increased glass area and bigger passenger volume. If you find A/C on ES is barely adequate, it will be inadequate in a P5. IMO, color of a car makes a huge difference. My black sedan feels like being inside a Pizzeria on hot days.
As for glass area, I would be surprised if there was a considerable difference between the sedan and wagon. The wagon had the rear quarter windows which the sedan does not, but the rear window in the wagon is noticeably smaller. I would guess less than 5% increased glass area.
Based on this, I would say the P5 shouldn't be that much worse off compared to the sedan for cooling.
I should add that I am hot natured, so just barely adequate to me may be just fine to another.
A rather disappointing 2nd place tie. I can't understand how people don't love the interior materials. I think they're fantastic.
I absolutely disagree with their noise assessment of the Matrix. The one I test drove was loud. The engine whined more than Gilbert Gottfried. I loved the interior features though.
There are a lot of things that don't add up.
The P5 gets a lower engine performance rating than every other vehicle yet, it does better than the 2nd rated ZX5 in every category.
It has a lower suspension rating than the ZX5 yet it kicks ZX5 butt in the slalom.
Whatever. I guess you can't really expect much from a comparo that includes cup holders as an evaluated category.
Suspension: well, they explain that the ZX5 rides better. So may be the ride quality plays a key role in the rating?
Also the P5 (manual) transmission is a little bit underrated by this review. The P5 has awesome shifter IMHO.
Oh well...
Like I said, they rated cup holders, whaddya expect?!?!
I know the car isn't perfect but, within its class, I think it's on top.
inside the showroom, a butt-ugly Cayenne was parked within three feet of yellow P5 - beauty and the beast
P5 shifter and clutch are smooth as butter.
OBS was definitely more notchier. It had shorter throws though. I can't believe how utilitarian the OBS interior looked. The dreary seat fabric reminded me of the last U-haul truck I drove.
My question is: Why is that big hunk of black plastic that fits onto the air intake box sitting in my garage? Does it really increase hp? Whats its absence doing to the car? Why does it have nothing in it? Thankyou for your comments in advance.
Mpg US Ltr/100
Tank 1 29.32 8.07
Tank 2 33.96 6.97
Tank 3 31.26 7.57
Tank 4 33.95 6.97
Tank 5 34.98 6.76
Tank 6 29.10 8.13
Avg 32.00 7.39
I have a 5 speed with 50,000kms (30,000 miles) and set the cruise at 75mph for the most part. I still love this car and don't need anything else (ok, maybe a STI as a second car). No major problems except a sticky rear brake caliper which is getting fixed soon (see my note on the problem board).
(I posted this to Problems/Solutions, but got no response; though I probably could have been a bit more patient.)
For someone who uses their Protege5 as a mom wagon and commuter car, and whose likelihood of going 110 through the twisties is as likely as livestock becoming airborne, does anyone have a suggestion for a replacement tire that will (a) last longer than the Dunlops, and (b) not cost the proverbial arm and leg?
The only tire my local dealer could identify was the same Dunlop, and he wanted $138 apiece for them. I'd like to stay under $100 per tire; preferably less than that.
Any suggestions from the brain trust?
Thanks!
Meade
Conversation has me leaning towards the Toyo Proxes TPT but $99 bucks at 1010 tire plus shipping plus mounting seems too much like a pain in the [non-permissible content removed]. Like you, my Toyo dealers are in less than desirable neighborhoods.
I'd also like to use Costco if I can. I haven't stopped in yet to see what chance I've got at an OEM size.
There definitely isn't much. I've given thought to going 205/50 16 and see what happens.
We're running neck and neck though, I thought I could last through summer, but this rainy spring has me thinking otherwise.
And oh yeah....
"someone who uses their Protege5 as a mom wagon and commuter car, and whose likelihood of going 110 through the twisties is as likely as livestock becoming airborne,"
Guess you've never had a cow fly by you during a tornado! I might not do 110 but I'm still looking for good performance.
Seriously though, the only tires I would consider are another set of the Dumflops or the Toyos if you need all-seasons. I would avoid the Dunlop FM901 and GoodYear Eagle RS-A. If you are willing to consider summer tires, the Kumhos seem to be an OK tire from what I hear, and the price is right.
You could always go Plus 0 and increase your options a little with the likes of the Pirelli P7000 Supersport or the Yoko Avid H4.
But they don't come in any size even close to the Protege5, unfortunately. And my local Costco couldn't come up with anything, so good luck Raymond.
Roger on the RSAs. After talking to some Focus owners (whose Foci came standard with the Eagle RSA), I believe the general consensus is that they suck.
Meade