I need opinions on a new car
 

I hope I can post this here without getting deleted or closed.
I don't think I am happy with my Protege, so I went to look at different cars this weekend. I looked at the Nissan Sentra SER V-spec and Accord. The most I can spend is $20K. The Sentra is $18k and the Accords are now being discounted because the new 2003 Accord is coming next month. I can get into a 4 cyl, 5 spped Accord LX for just $16k or into a V6 auto Accord LX for $20k. What should I do? I only owe about $10k on the Protege and already spend over $2k on mods. Should I keep the Protege?
I want to get my car paid off, but at the same time I want a new car! I have 3.5 yrs left until the Mazda is paid for. If I get into a new car, I would have to start all over again :(

Really it depends on why you're not happy with the Pro. If you can't live with it, get rid of it and get something you'll enjoy more. Your call. I can't answer it for you.

might i ask why you're not happy with the protege?

if i couldn't get the protege5, i woulda gone with a Sentra SE-R Spec V, those cars are sweet!
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VAPORITE SOLO

I feel like the Protege is way under powered. Maybe it's the auto tranny. My friends 4 cyl. Accord is sweet! His 5 speed Accord with just 150 HP can KILL my Protege! I don't understand it! His car is also like 300 lbs heavier so what's wrong? There's also tons of perfromance parts for Hondas.

you know speed isn't everything.

After all those redundant questions you want us, devoted Protege owners, think for you again and help you decide what car YOU should get?
Give us a break!:wackit:
Alex

ok... the guy asked a legit question.. calm down. ProtegeES... i know what the problem is. it's the auto tranny. I'm serious.. I test drove a new ES when they first came out with the 2.0l.. and they're peppy little engines. The other night... I hopped in my buddy Drew's 2.0l AT, and i was shocked, and disgusted at the ball-lessness of the thing. Can you drive a stick? If so, go test drive a 2.0 MT... If you can't drive a stick.. maybe learn? It's not hard. If you can though, go drive a stick... you'll be amazed at the difference in the two.

I also looked at a new civic ex, and a spec-v. The honda is a good car, no one can dispute that,but for the price they are also under-powered and very cheap looking inside. The Pro-5 blows it away in the looks department. Now the spec-v is another story. Looks good inside and out. You got to love that 6-speed and 175 hp. My problem was, it was 3500 more dollars and insurance was higher. On one note a civic si redlines at 8k our little 130hp Pro's redlines at 6500, a 175hp spec-v redlines at 6200. Either it is making gobs of torque or it is an underachiever. I also here the aftermarket is having a hard time working around it's computer for any up-grades. So, I chose the Pro-5 and haven't regreted it since.

If speed is the problem then the accord could suite you well also try to find a VW jetta or gulf VR6. I always liked the newer accord coupes only problem is they are all automatics with the 6 cylinder.

go back to your room! It looks like you enjoy "spanking it"

That's for your support! I realize what the other guy meant, but there's no reason to be so rude! I went and test drove the 4 speed P5 and there's a world of difference! I am thinking of getting it since I can use most of the mods I already have.
I feel very frustrated with the auto tranny.

well, hopefully you'll stick with the protege's... i'm tellin you, that damn auto tranny robs that engine blind. :(

Can you drive a stick? If so don't get the 4speed auto. I know that the new auto is better but you will still have a major loss in power over the 5speed.

I hear you about the auto tranny! I test drove the P5 about 3 times, and they were all automatic. I finnaly got my friend to test drive the manual for me (i didnt know how to drive a stick then), and I loved it! Its like night and day. Even the car salesman couldnt believe how different it felt. I am VERY glad that I bought the standard, and ive been loving every minute of it :).

As for you ordeal, I would look into getting a 2002 Mazda Protege standard. Since the 2003s are coming out soon, you could get a good deal on the 2002s. I would stay away from Honda, since everyone and their dogs have one. The Nissan SE-R is nice, but ive read to many horror stories about them (tranny going out 3 times). The VWs are nice (GTI), but they also have a string of horror stories attached. One of the main reasons I bought the P5 is its reputation. The Protege is a great, reliable car (as most of you know that already), so maybe you might want to see what kind of deal you can get on a 2002...