hey guys! i really like P5's, have a few quick ???'s

[ohfosho]

hey guys, im a big fan of mazda's. my first car was a 91 ford escort gt, as most should know it had the mazda bp 1.8lt, dohc engine in it. i loved the thing, but it had no options (well a/c-not working, and cruise), and some rust coming back after being fixed up before. i had to put a used tranny into it because the differentiat isnt that strong in those trannys...it's actually the diff pin, that slides its way out and eventually chews through the tranny case and out it comes.

im thinking of buying a much newer car, and the P5 is i think my best bet...i like sporty and would love the wagon for snowboard trips, and hauling a bunch of lil stuff. and want 4cyl. gas mileage, and a lil hp for fun with a 5 spd.

now my questions for te P5 owners that have had their car a while, and put it through 'rigorous testing' as per say! :

what issues have you run into that need to be taken care of? ..specific maintenance that should pertain to this perticular car regularly.

has anyone had tranny problems... like in relation to what i stated above for early 90's ford/mazda 5 spd that was matted to the 4 cylinders?
anyone heard of any mishaps yet?

any parts that seem to not last as long as they should?

how is the stereo system stock (cd player)? is it head unit powered or seperate amp?

is there a small turbo(read:should come stock! - reliable, runs off of stock ecu), available for the 2.0 that is great and last long, and doesn't strain (put out too much psi) the engine? i would like something to boost up the hp and torque a lil, but keep it safe, and not something i would have to keep and eye on all the time/low maintenance.

thank you for your time, and i hope to see/talk to you more often!

[ebmp5]

well that's a few Q's alright lol

i hope u get the p5 it's a great car.

all your question's have been asked before so use the search button and you will find answer's

[Lord_Zath]

get the p5.

also do a search - there are about 5 threads in the past year covering most of your questions.

it's a reliable, fun, sexy car. upgrade today!

[ohfosho]

thanks, im kinda reading other posts as i go here...

[Lord_Zath]

np not trying to be a jerk, but I'm too lazy to start typing :)

[Cellerator]

I think the only problem you'd have is the intake manifold which is being recalled and warrantied. Other than that, I havn't had any other problems. Get it if you can, it's a truly fun car.

[-pixy-]

i love my p5. i have 60k miles and no problems.... there are a couple members with over 100k and no major problems. if you treat her good she will be good to you :)

[redpr5]

p5 is great, mines comin up on 70k miles, and its had no major problems. fun car to drive, handles REALLY good (not too many cars can handle a semi-tight curve at 90mph). and its just all around fun to drive...albeit it does sound ricer when its reved up heh, but its still cool. and the stereo is really nice, ive had it up all the way with death metal and have yet to blow the amp or speakers, so its pretty good. (def go with the 6 disc in-dash)

[ohfosho]

thnx for the opinions guys! so is the stereo self amped or is there a seperate amp?

[ChiMSP]

may i ask how much are you willing to spend?

[redpr5]

thnx for the opinions guys! so is the stereo self amped or is there a seperate amp?
to be honest im not sure, but i believe its self amped. i could be wrong tho

[ProtoType5]

It is definitely self amped....I've read about 8 watts/channel....It is good enough though and I've yet to replace it, definitely replace the speakers.

I've got 55,000 miles on mine and absolutely no probs....One broken speaker button fixed under warrantee, then just general maintanance, tires, fluids, etc....She's a dream to drive and great room for camping, kids, road trips....In one year, my payments are done, and I'll drive it until it dies...The only issue/complaint I've got is the road noise at about 60mph and up, which I'll be killing this spring with some dampening and padding....Other than that, I have no gripes at all.

[Robot Romeo]

as your searching for turbo stuff, you'll see that you can install the facotry kit that came on the "mazdaspeed protege". its low boost (around 7psi i think) and it should put out around 170hp. you'll need the whole kit, radiator, and some engine management. thats as low as you can go with out getting into the big boy kits.

welcome.

[MyZmZm]

As others have said, it's a great car. Handles extremely well in stock form (compared to most other econoboxes) and you feel very connected to the road, everything else I've driven since getting mine nearly 4 years ago doesn't compare.

The intake manifold recall is only for specific VINs in the 2003 model year, so if you are looking at a 2003 make sure to check into that. If you can get your hands on the components from the Mazdaspeed Protege turbo, you'll be laughing. Decent boost in power (though not jaw-dropping) for very little hassle and money comparatively - the best part is, it will literally bolt right on and wouldn't require that much tuning I wouldn't think.

If you haven't already, check out the Toronto Protege Club, as well as the Ontario section on this forum - I know they have a lot of members on here, and some have a lot of experience when it comes to this car and mods.

Happy hunting! :)

[ohfosho]

chimsp:

well i see that they are going for $10-about 14 k around here at dealers, and on autotrader...so yeah i have to fix some and then sell all my cars

[Replica]

I wouldn't pay more than 10k

[DeadGeneration]

Depending on the miles maybe... I paid just over 10k for 35k miles, but that was april of '05.

[Replica]

Depending on the miles maybe... I paid just over 10k for 35k miles, but that was april of '05.
I paid 10,900 for a 2002 with 14k miles about a year and a half ago.

[DeadGeneration]

sweet deal, mine is 03 but I dont know how long the value of the car has been set at what it is. I think it might be possible that the value of the car has maintained itself over a long period of time, but I have not been following proteges until april of 05. I just know that my car is worth the same on kbb as it was when I bought, I just dont know how long it has been valued at that on kbb before I bought it.

[hex2bit]

I love the P5. Deffinitely a fun car to drive. I have a little over 30K miles and the only problem I had was the end-links that attach between the strut and the sway bar on the front... they got worn and were replaced under warranty. Get the manual transmission and 6 disc CD.

The stock stereo is not that powerful. I upgraded speakers and installed amps myself, a bit of work but worth it. I'm still using the stock deck though... so it's all stealth.

There are tubro kits available. The main ones are HiBoost and MAM, but you can go with the MazdaSpeed one or a couple of others for cheaper. Some people have build their own custom turbos as well. The stock engine is good for a little over 200 whp with engine management. There are parts for building up the engine if you are really serious.

There are a lot of other upgrades for the P5's, so you have a lot to play with.

Good luck on your purchase. Also, check out Edmunds.com for pricing.

[ProtoType5]

I remember one other common problem you'll face....The EGR valve needs a little love and care...or replacement some time during the cars life. I had some idling problems for a bit, took out the EGR and cleaned it...problem solved. It is a common deal with the proteges...

[ohfosho]

thanks guys...is there any preventive measures that could be done for helping with the egr? i gues higher octane gas (cleaner). would help...but not if it doesnt get you better mileage too!



oh and for prices i am talking canadian dollars! not that there is a hugh difference right now...its about 15% right now...so its like paying tax...i buy a bit of stuff on ebay.

[SkinnyJoint]

ok first if your going to keep that sho please get some tint on it and maybe some shoes.

next welcome. and im going on about 65k miles and i havent had one problem really besides headlights.... other than that just take care of her and dont beat her up all the time and ill find it will last a while, 5spd for sure, the autos arnt that great so i hear, here and there.

[ohfosho]

thanks

i dont realy plan on much for the sho...just some maintenance and then i'll sell...for a p5

[GordonJ]

Welcome!

I absolutely adore my P5! She's got about 14,500 miles and I have yet to have a single problem.
It's a complete blast to drive, very solid and reliable, and not to mention looks as good as cars that cost twice as much. You get looks practically wherever you go.
Throw in a great modding and support community, and you've got a great car.

(2thumbs)

[SkinnyJoint]

Welcome!

I absolutely adore my P5! She's got about 14,500 miles and I have yet to have a single problem.
It's a complete blast to drive, very solid and reliable, and not to mention looks as good as cars that cost twice as much. You get looks practically wherever you go.
Throw in a great modding and support community, and you've got a great car.

(2thumbs)

likin the lights on ur p5 are those the roadblocker ones?

[DeadGeneration]

likin the lights on ur p5 are those the roadblocker ones?

Yes, from what it says in his sig, it's rockblocker

[SkinnyJoint]

and i didnt see that lol thanks. i have the fog ones for my p5 but havent had a chance to put them on yet :(

[shane02pro5]

60k miles on my P5 with the last 40k turbo'd. Replaced a/c control unit (unit in dash w/ knobs and buttons) $50 from salvage yard. A/c light would flicker on different fan settings and cut off cold air flow. Something with the circuit board I believe.

2.0 Protege's with manufacture date after February 02 have Revised tranny with some stronger parts. Mine blew and I replaced it with an 03 but I am near 230wtq. I have read where several 02's have blown trannies running completely stock.

The P5 caught my eye immediately when they showed up on the car lots, and I have been in love ever since!!

Good Luck!

[02MazPro5]

Welcome. Only problem I've had really is that a shifter fork broke on my P5 and it was covered under warrenty. I dont know how the guy that use to own it drove it so I'm not sure how it happened. The forks from what I have seen are pretty weak and they replaced mine with a 1.6lt fork. No problems yet. I got the car at 60K now I'm at 65K I'm loving the car!

[ohfosho]

2.0 Protege's with manufacture date after February 02 have Revised tranny with some stronger parts. Mine blew and I replaced it with an 03 but I am near 230wtq. I have read where several 02's have blown trannies running completely stock.
Good Luck!


is this regarding the 5 spd manual or the ATX? and what part is it that blows out?

[aMaff]

Manual. The early P5 shift forks liked to break. Newer ones don't have that issue

[ohfosho]

so i hear that things changed a lil in the first year of production? the better 1/2 of the 2002 lot was the last 1/2 right? so would that mean that i would look for manufacturing dates of say late 2001? (which would be classified as a 2002 model year-well 2002.5 right?) did things change a lil in 2003 too?

[Replica]

Manual. The early P5 shift forks liked to break. Newer ones don't have that issue
I never had a problem.

[anarchistchiken]

No, the cars build after February of 02 had the revised trannies, so you want to look for one built in March of 2002 or later.

[ohfosho]

ok another quicky! is the P5 soon to be phased out...and the mazda 3s taking its possition? i read it on a review site for the mazda 3...i might be looking into buying one of those...although i do like the looks of the P5 better, the 3 has a lil more balls with the 2.3 in it...would be nice if this engine was offered in the p5...

[Lord_Zath]

p5 was phased out a while ago. 2003 was the last model year for it. and yes, the mazda3 somewhat replaced the p5.

[ohfosho]

yeah actually i test drove both a 2002 P5, and an 06 3GS (the hatch/wagon in canada), the P5 wasnt running good, fighting for idle at like 200-800 rpms... but i liked the 3 much better, much smoother (i guess it better be, its got like 125 km or so on it), a lil more power, but i found it hard to see the gauges...they are dark surrounded! its a lot quieter than the p5 and just a lil more bawls with the 2.3.

[SkinnyJoint]

well all p5s dont stuggle an idle between 200 and 800 just keep that in mind. but yes the 3 does have a lil more balls to it, doesnt handle as good and feels a little bigger to me when i drove one

[aMaff]

that's cuz it is bigger ;). Ever seen 2 parked next to one another? It's a few inches taller...which may explain the extra body roll, but still, the P5 is WAAAY ahead in the looks dept...

[SkinnyJoint]

yea ive seen them parked next to my p5, and could tell it looked bigger but didnt want to say it was and then someone come on here and flame me because its only 1 inch bigger or somthing lol.

yes p5 looks way way way better

[aMaff]

well, it looks a lot larger than the P5...even if it isn't, I go by what my eye tells me lol