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Mazda Protege5
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The one surprising deficit of all of the hatchbacks tested in the Sept. 2006 issue (i.e. Mazda3, Caliber, Audi3, Saab 92X) is the cargo area! Surprising because that's the one area of a hatchback that one would think that a hatchback would score well.
In August 2002, Consumer Reports recommended the Protege5 even though it came ninth in the list of hatchbacks. The top choice that year was the VW Jetta Wagon.
I was wondering if someone can please help me out. I have a 2002 Protégé 5 with 5 speed MT, 2.0 L engine, and 52,000 miles. I bought the car used and it has been fun to drive. However, ever since I have owned the car I have noticed that there is an engine vibration that is maximum at about 1200 rpm and decreases at higher or lower. The vibration makes the dome light rattle! The vibration occurs whether the care is moving or not (I can reproduce it in neutral in the driveway) and is not noticeable on the road at high or low speeds (when the car is above 1200 rpm).
Does anyone have an idea of what is causing this annoying problem? Can it be motor mounts or something else.
Thanks a lot for your help.
MicroMike
Then again, there's nothing out there now that will tempt me out of my '99 Protege (I would've gotten the P5 had it been available at the time....luckily, my wife got one!). I really like the idea of the Fit, but I am not enamored of its aesthetics also. Out of the 5-dr hatchbacks currently on the US market, I like the Rio5 the best in terms of appearance. But its rear seat and cargo area look too small. Oh well, maybe at Mazda's next model refresh....
She likes them enough to get another set, but the Kumhos are almost half their price!
I think some folks here got the Kumho Ecsta ASX as replacements and had good initial impressions. I'd like to hear long-term reports, please.
They are quieter then the Dunlops, but seem to be wearing faster. They wander more, but seem gripper in the corners. Since I've got a set of studded tires, I think I'll pick up a performance tire next time. Maybe some Toyo's.
These tires are MUCH quieter than the Dunlops, ride a little softer due to the higher sidewall, and don't amplify every pebble they traverse. And judging by the minimal wear I see at present, it looks like they'll last twice as long as the Dunlops. They are great on wet, too. My original Dunlops had as much traction on wet roads at 26K as a kid's butt on a slide.
One of my Dunlops blew out and I paid $126 to replace it -- then replaced all four tires with the Pirellis shortly after that. So that virtually new Dunlop is taking up space in my garage, along one of the other originals with minimal wear. If anyone wants to stick with the Dunlops, lemme know. I'll swing you a deal you can't resist.
We switched cars the other day (easy to do since I have the sedan and she has the P5) so I could haul some bulky items, and I noticed her odo is almost at 55,000 miles. From my read on her tires' remaining tread, she could easily exceed 60,000 miles on them. However, when I was taking her car around corners (and it corners better than my ProLX), I noticed the tires aren't as grippy as they used to be. The compound must be different after a certain amount has worn off.
Anyway, I made the mistake of telling my wife that, and she told me to stop abusing her tires.
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
I agree the Rio5 looks well but it is lacking in several areas (including horsepower). I prefer the Nissan Versa (with its smooth CVT) but not enough to get me out of my Pro5. Something was lost when Mazda improved the Protege5 but on the whole the Mazda3 is a wonderful if imperfect package.
I thought it would be interesting to hear from everyone out there on their experiences with major maintenance, modifications/upgrades and additions. By major, I mean more than a few dollars, let's say $50+.
Here are mine:
Model: Protege5 2002 automatic 78,000KM (approx. 48,000 miles)
Maintenance:
4 years of regular maintenance : C$600
brake calipers serviced twice: C$230
EGR valve replaced in year 4: C$500
Rust removed from rear wheel wells: C$280
Modifications/Upgrades: none
Additions:
BF Goodrich Slalom winter tires + rims: C$700
BF Goodrich Traction T/A 205/50/16 tires: $C600
Verdict:
After 50 months still a great car! Keeping it for another couple of years although the Mazdaspeed3 is tempting.
I bought a used, red 2002 Protege5 for my 16 year old Daughter in August. It's a sharp looking and performing car.
It came with the 195/50/16 Kumho ECSTA SPT, not a great tire, especially for the Northeast Ohio winters. Decided to shop for a much better tire for my Daughter's sake.
Decided on the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires.
Cost me $730.00 for the four plus I'll get an additional $50 off with the Michelin rebate currently for the 4 tires.
Wow! What a difference, the ride is much softer, tires hug the road especially on the turns, less noisier than the Kumho's. I haven't gotten to drive the Protege yet in the rain or snow but I can't wait to see how they perform. If my Daughter lets me drive.
Has anyone else put these on their Protege?
Currently, I drive a mini-van and my wife drives a Honda Pilot. We both like to drive the Protege, Wow! It feels so sporty, zoom, zoom!
Michelin generally make excellent tires. Did you get the 195/50/16 V rated ones?
p.s. I believe these are all season tires so if you're concerned about winter driving you may want to consider buying a separate set of winter tires with rims.
p.s. I added two 60lb sand bags in the trunk for weight in the snow/ice. Has anyone done this or is this overkill for the Protege5?
I bought the 2002 with 47,500 miles on it and it's very clean inside and out and runs great.
Interesting.
How would 120 lbs. of sand in the trunk affect the driveability of the P5? Since it is a front wheel drive, wouldn't it help to "balance" the car as most FWD are front heavy? Most seem to be in the 60/40 weight distribution (60% on front wheels 40% on rear wheels)?
On the other hand, my understanding is that in the winter adding weight to the back to offset the heavy front would not be advantageous in many cases since you want the front wheels to grip and go.
Also, driving with an extra 120 lbs. is likely to affect the fuel economy.
So, keep your fluid at the max level.
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
If you mean 57K miles, the Dunlops have served you well. If you mean 57K kilometres, join the band of dissatisfied drivers. Last year, I upgraded to BFG Traction T/A 205/50/16 and have found them to be great road handlers and an excellent value.
Not me. Sixteens are looking more and more tame as new cars come sporting 18, 19 and even 22 inch wheels.
Get a mechanic to do an inspection and you'll be set to go. I think the timing belt needs to be replaced at 105k. May need some other serving, but the inspection will tell you what needs doing.
Agreed.
4thepups, you may want to have the mechanic check for excessive tire and brake wear. Protege5s can be driven hard by some and need to have their disc brakes maintained regularly. If the previous owner was meticulous in servicing the P5 you'll have one sweet driving machine. Mine is nearing 5 years and feels as good as the day I bought it.
I will be taking it to a diagnostic center to have a complete check-up, and "hardware" will be looked over too. But i was told by the dealer that the tires and brakes have 80% left...so if he's being honest, you're making me feel really good about my decision!!
I have an 02 P5 with 44k on the clock, it's in great condition and I've always had the dealer work on it.
My question, is it worth going to the dealre for brakes, oils, tires? I'm worried that an auto chain will screw with something. Am I being paranoid? p.s What should 2 front pads, machine drum and oil flush cost? (Approximately) & who would you recommend to go to if not the dealer?
Thanks
N
I do prefer the 1-hr oil change at the dealer with a coupon over the quick change places. I personally wouldn't trust those quicky places with any of my cars
Try calling a few shops. Ask them whether they use original equipment or aftermarket parts. Ask about the warranty on the parts and labour.
I have an 02 P5 with 44k on the clock, it's in great condition and I've always had the dealer work on it.
That is a credit to you and your choice of service provider.
My question, is it worth going to the dealre for brakes, oils, tires?
I find that it's not worth worrying about the small stuff, like oil changes so I do it at the dealership. For larger jobs, I check around. I buy tires from tire shops: they have a better selection and often better prices.
I'm happy that my 2002 P5 has over 50,000 miles (over 82,000 km) on the original brakes (i.e. original pads and no rotor resurfacing). But I'm counting the days ... :surprise: