Greetings from Europe!
 

Hi all!

I am about to be the proud owner of a 323F 2.0 Sportive, wich is how is the Protege5 called around here... The salesman said "today or tomorrow"... mmm I can't wait.

I must say that this car is pretty unknown here in Europe, that's the main reason I am travelling "that far" to find an active community of Protege5 ownners....

I'll try to submit the specs of the car and see if it is exactly the same car, although it seems that there are some differences.

Well, I must go now, I hope to be in touch again soon, but that time I'll be showing some pictures of my new baby!!!!

Keep the revs high!!!!!!

Daniel

Spain? Niceeee

Welcome... and good luck to your country in the World Cup, they're my early favourites along with Argentina....

When you get your car, take lots of pics and show them to us, especially the inside.... and what are the options on the car there?

Differences
 

Yes, it seems that the suspension is somewhat stiffer. In the catalogue, all the 323 range, including the sedan, are listed with "deportive supension" and the 323F 2.0 is equipped with "super deportive suspension".

Driver, Front Passenger & Side Airbags, ABS with EBD and Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control are standar for the 323 2.0 Sportive. Also is automatic air conditioning and onboard computer.

The interior is the same, with optional CD and Mini Disc (both!), being radio + CD also standar. I ordered it with Mini Disc!

As for the exterior, I think the north american version is the only one to mount moon roof and roof rack. I prefer without it, though, here is marketed as an sportive, without the "wagon" bit. Go figure, car marketing never ceases to amaze me!

We haven't also the choice of Extreme Yellow (very cool).
Mine will be red.

They say tomorrow will arrive the plaques and it will be ready by the afternoon. Friday will be an exciting day, as soon as I get the car, we'll head for La Costa Brava, a coastal zone north of Barcelona, near the french border. Please check the gorgeous pictures, it's a beautiful spot for diving :cool: and it's just 90 miles from home!. And as you can imagine seeing the pictures, there's a fun and twisted road waiting for me!:D

If you're curious of the price I paid for my Mazda 323F 2.0 Sportive there it is:

18,030.36 €
15,858.25 USD
25,031.50 CAD

This price is after a 635.779 USD government funded discount after "retiring" my old VW Polo GT, which ran with leaded gasoline. The optional Mini Disc also came at no cost.

Well, I must go to do some work now!

You know what they say: waiting is the hardest part.:mad:

I promise pictures and even videos for next week!

Stay tunned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, things aren't that easy.

You must take into account that you have a higher lever of life in North America, your cars are more expensive because you earn more money. At least is what I've discovered when travelling to the USA, everything seems more expensive!

As an example, I work for my local council, as a coordinator for a multimedia school for the young unemployed. I make 1,192.42 USD a month (and I paid higher taxes for social security, etc). How it compares?

Anyway, even for european standars, I think it's a deal, plus, I love this car!!!

Hei hei all
Havent been here for a long time.
Good to have people from Europe here :)

Now, if we talk about prices, the new 323F sportive costs here in Estonia 14 000 USD with full package ( ABS, TCS , ASC, full air conditioning and computer )

Mine costed 11 500 USD with ABS, CD - player and conditioning.

Pretty good price :)
Well enough about making you jealous :D
See ya

Hey nice name. Im going to Iceland in the coming months. Can't wait to have the only yellow P5 in the country.

Spain ... verynice ... maybe you can hook a mate up for the Spanish round of the WRC :) (go carlos sainz .. hehe).
It sure would be nice to have those kinda roads around here...
Good choice on the car wish we got those better driving options over here. !

Im gonna be in Iceland for like a year and a half. I figure as long as I get the underbody treatment done to protect it from the salt it will be ok. I just half to make sure I buy chains for the tires, some mud flaps to protect from rocks, and a front end mask.

Yep. Military is paying for it.

Mr. Mxyzptlk and JustMe, welcome to our happy home....looking forward to seeing the pictures of your new ride. They are awful sweet little cars. I know I enjoy mine, and my wife enjoys hers.....I don't think you could have made a better choice. :bt:

Hey, I should say that to you ;)
But havent been very active lately :(

But here a pic, me taking the U-Turn ... by the way ... the car didnt get hurt. Its all part of the every-mans-rally here in Estonia
http://www.hot.ee/mazdaklubi/galerii...23f/mazkae.jpg