I just purchased a 02 Protege 5. I really like the car and so far it has really opened my eyes about Mazdas. I think this car is really well balanced and hopefully will last a long time. I tried many other models, but the Protege has the right combination of solid ride, size, power and refinement. The one item that I would like to change soon is the emergency spare, has anyone found a permanent spare that fits in the space provided? The stock tires are not close, so I would guess that it would have to be from an earlier mazda. I do a lot of highway driving and an emergency spare is just too risky. thanks

 

there is no full size spare that will fit flush in the space provided. Sorry. Just the way it was made.

 

Welcome to the club. I hope you'll love your car as much as I do.
Can't help you on the spare though. I have a sedan, but I can't imagine any stock wheel & tire will fit in the small space provided. Maybe the P5's is bigger?

 

welcome aboard...this is my first Mazda as well and IM lovin it....fun fun car and even better with mods.

 

"You know Peter. I'm not wearing any panties...." Lois Griffin

"That's ok. we can always throw that chair out." Peter Griffin

Sorry to threadjack! "Family Guy" is the best show EVAR!

 

thats just what i was going to say, cuz i was just watching that episode yesterday

damn hilarious

 

Are you sure about the stock wheels not fitting? I seem to remember that they would, but I really don't feel like going out in the 95 degree Florida sun and pulling one off just to check. Think about it, your on a trip, trunk packed full, and you get a blowout..... if you can't get the blown tire in there, you might be screwed and have to leave something behind. I just don't see it being designed like that, plus, our wheels aren't very big to begin with.

 

Yes, I went and measured the well and tire. I don't remember exactly, but I think a 14 inch steel rim might work work with a tall skinny tire. The protege 5 are a 5 bolt pattern and I believe most other protege are 4 bolt pattern. I think if I have any chance it would be that an older 626 or 929 that had a 5 bolt pattern and 14 inch.

Without starting another thread about cold air injection, I can see that it makes sense, but will I have to take it off to get smogged in CA?