Scrooge

Hi everyone, I'm considering a Protege5 and just posted a thread on the 3rd gen engine forum with a question regarding aluminum exhausts; I just thought I'd mention it here since that particular forum seems mostly dead. I see a few people here autocross their cars, how many do that? Do you compete stock or in a street tire class? I haven't seen a forum here where all the autocrossers/trackers hang out. I'm torn between keeping it stock and cheap and getting a toy car in a year or so and the desire to grab RB springs/shocks/strut bars (even though I can't find those on their page, just a warning about using them with stock shocks but no way to order them if you HAVE the Tokicos). I DEFINITELY want to at least autocross!

Anyway, sorry that first paragraph is kind of random, it's been a long day at work. You guys all seem really cool and I'm hoping I find a cheap base wagon to use as a DD/beater for a year and drive the hell out of on autocross and track

Thanks for any replies!

KrayzieFox

Well if you're looking for a fun daily driver and something to take auto X from time to time .. then a Protege5 would be perfect for you!! The cars are VERY reliable if you keep up on the maintenance schedule and don't abuse the hell out of it, and gas mileage is also quite reasonable at 25-32 mpg on average.

I warn you that the cars are SLOW .. so don't expect it to be anything fast. It's possible, but it takes a lot of work and money at which point you're better off just finding something else if you wanna go fast. BUT .. this is the important part .. most people love the cars cuz they handle like a dream!! I've never driven a car that feels better on the road, whether it's going 90+ on the highway or taking a corner at 65 this car feels very secure on the road. Drop it about 1.5", stiffen up the rear suspension a bit and you're in for a good time!!

KrayzieFox

Oh and if you're trying to get some good ideas for future upgrades, check out http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/in...Path=281_21_31 for details on just about everything aftermarket there is available for the 3rd gen Protege.

KrayzieFox

http://www.streetunit.com/ has good stuff too .. and http://corksport.com/ isn't bad either (but they're a bit expensive..)

JoshP5

You mentioned Racing Beat springs/shocks/strut bars. If you want to autox, it would be better to get stiffer springs with a linear rate at least up front (Tein S, Espelir, Tokico, Tanabe GF). The RB springs are pretty mild.

RB doesn't make shocks, you should get Tokico Illuminas for autox, although HPs will suffice.

And P5s come with a front upper strut tie bar straight from the factory so you should be good for a while.

Welcome to the forum!

Scrooge

Thanks for the replies! I suppose possibly I should have mentioned that "slowness" won't be an issue. My commute is 15 minutes at (at most!) 40mph. My current car is an 07GTi but before that I drove a '97 Civic DX (stick) and '92 Tempo GL (auto) and while I obviously like having the power there I just don't see how what I'm paying is remotely worth it for 30 minutes of cruising along at 40mph each day. I don't autocross or track it since I'm afraid of needing the warranty on a VW so it's just useless, basically, and between the payment and insurance it's almost $600/month. I'd also rather be able to mash the gas more often and drive just a little closer to the limit of the car than I can in the GTi. The Civic was wonderful for that; flogging it mercilessly was just a little brisker than average traffic around here As long as it's at least as fast as that 105hp of economy-geared nonsense I'll be fine. I'm moving to Boulder in a year (hence wanting the wagon) and when I'm there I'll pick up something like an early S2000 or 944 or somesuch.

Thanks for those links KrayzieFox, I will look at those today and see what I think. I may just stick to shocks and catback to stay in stock class for autox, but we'll see! Now I just need to find a good base blue P5...

MDLockard

FYI, the Protege is much better with a stick. Low on power and with an auto it may be slower and less responsive.

Also, the ES sedan and P5 wagon have 4 wheel discs and larger tires. Looks like you're going for a wagon. If you get a sedan I'd avoid the DX or LX (smaller tires/ diff suspension).

Luzer

I used to have a 99 Civic, and the P5 felt like a racecar compared to the Honda. And the stock handling of the P5 was light years beyond it. I almost agree with Krazie about the P5 being the best handling car I've driven. The one exception to that was my 89 Prelude 4WS I used to own. In stock form, they out handled even Lotus and Ferrari in 1988. But you won't be disapointed with the P5, especially if you do the mods you are talking about. Have fun.

J-Protege

Welcome!
Like some members have said here, the Pro may not be the fastest car you will ever drive, but it was built for drivers.
The way it handles and zooms around just makes you smile, I know it does for me.

One motto to sum up this car:

Driving isn't for getting from point A to point B, it's the point

*cough* Also I have some RB OEM springs if you are looking to buy some, haha.

Scrooge

I will NOT be buying an automatic, have no fear. I have never paid money for a torque converter and never will. I agree with everyone about handling being more important than power. However, I came to a realization while at work today...

I literally have no time when I will be able to go test drive one of these. Dealers, at least around here, are only open while I'm at work or Saturday mornings, when I like to go swimming and maybe sleep in a little. These are not common cars, so this could be an issue...

JoshP5

Yeah you need to invest some time in P5 shopping. Took me a few months before I actually bought mine, and I still compromised on my mileage requirement.