Corman77

Sup all,

Just curious if you guys are happy with your P5's? Anything seem to be problematic in general; I'm leary about buying a car in its 1st model year.

I'm seriously thinking about buying it cause it looks bad a$$, so if it has any probs would like to know in advance before buying one.


Thanks all,

mts3

I'm extremely happy with mine after 3200 miles. It replaced a 95 MX-6 LS with 145K miles. I find the build quality of mine (2002.5 model) to be absolutely flawless.

Although the Protege5 was new for the 2002 model year, it's essentially the same car as the 3rd gen Protege introduced in 1999.

The engines (2.0L FS) were added to the Protege in 2000 or 2001, but they are derived from the basic F series block design which has been used since the 80s. The 2.0L FS has been used in 626s/MX-6s/Probes since 1993 although it's slightly different in Protege trim.

As far as reliability, the Protege is one of the top rated cars in its class.

seb

My moms P5 is One year and 3 months old now...no problems no nothing, and belive me, I did go 6500 on the rpm indicator a few times.... (it's a automatic, but it has the torque lock, so u can go 7000 rpm in first if you really have to)

Mine is 5 speed and only 4 weeks old......I did look around again, at other cars, but you just can't beat the looks of this car...I am happy with the power too (even though you can't have enough horses) Anyway, very reliable, made in japan....read some reviews about it .... buy one

90210brandon

That's silly if you consider the company you're in. It is called www.protegeclub.com! for a reason. We all love these machines.

JJB

I think that the P5 equivalents were sold overseas before the 2002 model year, so it really is not a 1st model year. And other than the hatch it does basically share the mechanicals with the sedan.

90210brandon

JJB is right. Look up the Famila. It is the samething overseas.

Corman77

Yah well, if I'm forking over $20K for a new vehicle I DO consider it a valid question and not silly. I know you guys have done one heck of a lot with your P5's so its the perfects place to ask IMO, if there has been any probs. you guys would have and no doubt fixed them.

Now if only I could figure out if there is any clearout specials for P5's.

mts3

The clearout specials I'm familiar with (and took advantage of) are the 0% financing for 48 months, which expires September 3rd in the US.

However, since you're in Canada, that one is out of the question. Your P5s are a little cheaper though after the currency conversion.

Sir Nuke

Corman, I am completely satisfied with BOTH of my P-5's....I got both my wife and I one.....

Just so you know...although this (2002) is the first year mazda has sold the P-5 in the US/Canada, its NOT a first year car. This car has been in production for some time and has been sold in europe, japan, austrailia, new zealand and a few other places.....so we don't have that first year issue at all.

You are right...it looks bad a$$ and you will get looks where ever you go.....its a real eye catcher.

Hope you get one....and welcome to the club! :{D

90210brandon

Jeez sorry Corman,...

djb

I just went shopping for one yesterday, and the salesman offered me $100 over invoice right off the bat. I'm in the states and you're in Canada, so I don't know if that is helpful or not, but FWIW...

Corman77

Sorry 90210brandon, didn't mean to make my post sound so harsh (on rereading it again); I apologize if it came across as such.

Thanks all for your great help. I didn't know that Mazda made the P5 in other areas, so that helps me a fair bit in my dececion process. I'm gonna do some very heavy looking next weekend with my bro.

I want his opinion, cause I want to get the manual P5; but as of right now, I have ammased an amazing 50 minutes driving a standard (and damn was it fun). To me its all good.

Will let you all know what I deciede!!!

mts3

I've never owned an automatic so I can't say much about going from auto > manual.

However, my first car 9 years ago just happened to be a 5 speed so that's all I've ever really known. I had my mom, of all people, show me a few things and she just let me loose in the car for an afternoon. That's really all the practice it took.

I say 5 speed all the way! If you can't drive it off the lot, let someone else drive it home then just take it to a safe open road and practice launches. Good luck!