Do you like your 1999 Protege ES?
 

I am about to buy a 1999 Protege ES. In fact, they let me bring it home tonight so I could be sure I want it. I have been researching Proteges a lot, but would like to know how others who own the same year/model as mine feel about their cars. I hear a slight high-pitched intermittant noise at about 60 mph. Anyone else have this? Thanks!

i don't have a 1.8l, but if you do decide to get it... you'll love it. there's a wealth of aftermarket parts available for the 1.8. i love my 1.6 and wouldnt trade it for anything :)

I love my 2000 ES :D

is that good enough endorsement for you??? :D :D

that pitching noise, are you driving an automatic?

i ahd a 99ES til lit got totalled and then i bought a 00ES. and i love it. not probs. and lemme tell u the airbags worked good for me and saved my life. great machine.
arul

I have a 99 LX...which I like very much except for the ENGINE and the damn auto TRANNY! Of course, I have a 1.6 and you are getting the 1.8...a much better engine.

Noise in 1999 Protege ES
 

Yes, I'm driving an automatic. To NegatiZe, what is wrong with the automatic tranny? Thanks

If you can't drive a stick there is nothing wrong with the auto. If you can drive a stick every thing is wrong with the auto. I have a 2000 ES 5speed very good car. I love it. The 99 is the same car. If you can't driver a stick have a friend teach you. Friends don't let friends drive automatics. :D

Stick-shift
 

Yeah, well, I've burned out too many clutches to ever get a stick again. I'm totally NOT a person with whom you'd want to drive in a stick-shift car! Unless you like getting nauseous. Thanks for the positive feedback about the car. Susan

I love my 1999 ES too! It's a great car! Hey ZoomZoomH yeah I got an auto tranny too. Hee Hee! Living in the DC area.. boy I'm sure glad I have an auto! Though sometimes I wish I did get the stick.. I'm missing out the fun :shift: !!!

Ive got a 2000 LX TOuring edition I have not had any problems in my 19 months of ownership. I have the standard, which is really
free revving. When I got my car I drove the auto and compared it to an auto focus. There was no comparison. The focus was slower than s**t, but the protege shifted very well, especially going up hills. Could be the fact that the focus was a three speed auto and the pro was a 4 speed auto. Anyway I was very bad at 5 speed when I got my car. But within a week i could drive it pretty good.

Re: Noise in 1999 Protege ES
 

There's nothing actually wrong w/ the tranny, it's just that I want a stick! If I were to buy my car over again I would have definitely left off the option for the auto tranny.

I have a 2000 ES that I'm very happy with also. The Protege's strengths compared to other cars in the price range are Handling, Exterior appearance, Interior space, and Interior appearance IMHO.

Re: Stick-shift
 

I wouldn't worry about burning the cluch on a Mazda I had a 91 Protege that I taught 7 or 8 people on and when I sold it with 169K the cluch was still good. :)

Re: Re: Stick-shift
 

Yeah, I taught myself and my wife on my 2000 LX, and have had no tranny problems. I shift pretty smooth now.