Turbo Protege 2003! It's Official [Archive]

APEXistud

03-28-2002, 04:49 AM

High performance rear muffler.....haha what a joke. Mufflers don't do anything but change the sound of the car. $10 bucks say it's the exact same one on the MP3. And unfortunately the clear sidemarkers probably won't make it to final production due to Federal requirements. If you think about it, what car comes with clear side markers in the US....none. You can actually get ticketed for it in Cali if you have a dick cop. Law states that the housing can be clear, but it has to emit amber light when it comes on.

Aside from that article, I'm suprised they're doing it. To bad it might be limited production. Limited production can spell "d e a t h" in the aftermarket department, just as we have learned with the MP3. I can't wait to see what happens though. I wonder if it runs the same transmission as our MP3. If so, the first thing I'd get would be a flywheel. I hope they sell that thing for less than $23k if so, a trade in could be in my future.:D

norman

03-28-2002, 08:35 AM

Not to change the subject of this thread, but APEXistud...

Mufflers don't do anything but change the sound of the car.

Ummmmm I think you need to do a bit of research. The design of mufflers dramatically improves or reduces performance. One benefit a muffler has is that it provides backpressure to the engine. In most cases an engine requires some backpressure to operate most efficiently. I am speaking of performance as well as fuel efficiency. If all they did was make the car louder, how do you explain the 8 hp increase in my Mustang's output by changing from factory to a MAC exhaust system, and my 1/4 mile times decrease from 13.49 to 12.78 in my Trans Am (it was my first car and this was many years ago) by removing the mufflers and running open headers? They both were louder but both ran better.
Differences between aftermarket muffler are much less dramatic if that is what you are referring to, but there is still a difference between brands performance and sounds.

Anyways, sorry to get off the subject here...
Clear sides are illegal here in PA also.
If it is limited production, better money may be spent with the WRX...if the new Protege is around the $23,000 mark, especially if you are going to modify it. We will have to wait and see I guess.

Newf

03-28-2002, 08:55 AM

Personally, this car isn't what I had hoped it would have been. First off, the color, orange? What kinda of color is this? Then again, as long as it's not blue or yellow, and doesn't look just like mine, that's a good thing in a way.

But, the thing that gets me is 170hp. Granted, this number is obviously not final yet, but they go through the trouble of putting a turbo in, and only get 30hp more? So now, instead of getting around 8 sec. 0-60 times, they get what, around 7 secs. Whoopie. Still no wrx. Heck, that new neon is pushing 200hp....a NEON! They could have tried a little harder then that. Granted, price would obviously be an issue.

As for the wheels, I like ours better. But if these aren't painted, then they may last longer.

The stereo though sounds like it's going to rock.

And the tires.....Bridgestone? I've had a lot of these come on my Preludes, and bought some in the past. I just dont like them. Bridgestones usually suck in the wet. I don't know about these particular tires, but I generally stay away from bridgestones. The size is interesting though @ 215. Did they cut anything out to make more room I wonder?

Basically, if it's orange, and only orange, I don't care. I won't give up my mp3 for it. If it's another color, red or blue again ( Please tell me they don't come in blue!) I'd only "upgrade" to it if the prince was near the same as I paid for the mp3.

then again, if they got the damn clunk and bushings problem fixed, I'd get the new one just for that alone. Damn noise. That noise is coming back again btw.

big_ben

03-28-2002, 09:15 AM

It's sad to say it, but this car will not do very well. Think about it for a second. Our base price was $18,550, with all the chasis and suspension upgrades, and the rims, and so on. This car will be basically the same as ours, but with turbo, LSD, larger diameter axles. The turbo should be around $2500 extra, LSD is at least $1500, I'm not sure about the axles but I'm guessing at about $800 extra. That brings the price of this new speed 3 to AT LEAST $23,350. I WOULD SAY THAT WILL BE THE MINIMUM THEY COULD CHARGE FOR THIS CAR! And remember, it supposedly only has 170whp. Why would anyone buy this car. For 1 to 2 grand more you could get a WRX with AWD, larger displacement engine, and not to mention a huge aftermarket. It is a no brainer if you ask me.

cjstringer

03-28-2002, 09:17 AM

Ok, here's my $.02:

Wheels, I like My MP3 better.

Stereo, want the new one. Glad we have the 10" not the 8" though.

Color, please, I don't like the mucous orange.

Suspension, If it's better, I want it. :)

All combined, looks like the MP3 will be resting pretty in my garage for a while to come. :)

:cool:

deepcover6

03-28-2002, 09:37 AM

Hey guys I think you all are not reading the article right......It says...170hp at the wheels so that has got to mean atleast close to 200hp at the flywheel. At least that is what I understood from him saying "170hp solidly to the ground"

big_ben

03-28-2002, 09:38 AM

That's great, but isn't the WRX 220 hp. Still a much better buy.

BigBlue

03-28-2002, 09:59 AM

I'm curious about that 170HP figure too....although don't most car companies when quoting horsepower figures give the inflated crank figure to make their cars seem more powerful? If it really is 170HP at the wheels then that will be great for new future owners of this car.

Overall if there had been no MP3 then I'd be drooling all over the pics of this car! :)

I thought I'd have anger towards the introduction of this car, but I still love my MP3 and there are a lot of things I like better. For instance I'd heard that the new Mazdaspeed will be Orange or Black(not confirmed tho so I'm not certain). Regardless, I prefer my blue MP3 and also if it had been available the yellow MP3 is sweet looking too.

Secondly, I do prefer my wheels/rims over the new ones. As for the sound system, I do enjoy my system and will probably upgrade the speakers and put an amp in one day, but for now I still think we get a damn good stereo compared to what most people get for stock.

What I am excited by though is the new stuff on this car specifically the turbo and the LSD means that hopefully we'll be able to get these same parts for our own cars pretty easily and still have our limited edition cars. Nothing is gonna change the fact that if you have an MP3 that you are part of a small family....this introduction just means that we'll potentially all have the chance to soup up our cars and show people out there what can happen when we have more power coupled with our already great handling.

APEXistud

03-28-2002, 12:49 PM

That's most likely crank. If it wasn't then that sucker would be running a little over 205 at the crank and if that's the case. The car will most likely be priced over $23k. I'm saying this becuase if you compare all the other cars with that kind of power, that's where they're priced. Also....about this being official information, I'm not getting excited anymore. Not unitl I see something on Mazda's Official website. Once something is on there about a better Protege, then I'll have a woody.:D So, I still say wait and see guys, don't get to happy just yet.

APEXistud

03-28-2002, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by norman
Not to change the subject of this thread, but APEXistud...

Mufflers don't do anything but change the sound of the car.

Ummmmm I think you need to do a bit of research. The design of mufflers dramatically improves or reduces performance. One benefit a muffler has is that it provides backpressure to the engine.

Not to change the subject either, but maybe you should do a search first. We already had a Member I believe it was MP3Ben (http://forum.protegemp3.com/vbb222/showthread.php?s=&threadid=948&highlight=dyno+results) on here who had dyno'd his MP3, one run with the muffler off, another with mid section removed as well. There was no increase in HP and Torque went down a bit. And you're speaking of a Mustang which we all know, see's great numbers off of little mods. I think you may be confusing the term muffler with exhaust system. The 2 are entirely different, the muffler is just the rear piece of the exhaust system. The exhaust system is the whole system from the Cat-back and usually incorporates larger diameter piping, which spells more power. If you really feel that changing the muffler can give power, I ask you to buy a new "rear muffle" for your current car and do a couple of runs on a dyno. You will only see .5-1.5 HP gains if anything at all. Of course one dyno doesn't draw enough info to answer this question, but I'm assuming from all the imports I've been in and seen tuned that the results will remain the same across the board.

enry

03-28-2002, 01:41 PM

I admit I really like my car but given the cash I may have considered a WRX. The only other deterrent is the insurance which would have been double maybe triple what mine is now. My insurance co quoted my mp3 as a regular protege :D.

Syzygy

03-28-2002, 01:42 PM

I believe BIGBLUE has hit the nail on the head. I was ecstatic to see that another year (at least) of this 2.0 liter engine (and body style) will hit the streets. The more of them on the road, the better for us. We have such a small footprint in the aftermarket, we need this.

I envision beefed-up and TESTED parts falling into this (ugly) orange beast. I love my MP5 and I feel a kinship to you MP3 owners, as well. Join me in thanking Mazda for scooting the yellow and blue out of production, ramping up interest, providing a future upgrade path and keeping the Zoom-Zoom alive.

BTW, if you're still hanging on to your Kenwood's, upgrade it to the Music Keg. Hot-swapping 10GB carts of MP3's. Sweet.

Check it out here: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/redirectFeature.jsp?goToUrl=product.jsp%3FproductI d%3D2373

manuel

03-28-2002, 02:13 PM

i understand how this protege if it does stay the way it is now wont be a WRX and still cost at about the same price, but its not always about the Engine performance. sometimes its just what you like. also wouldnt insurance on a WRX be more than what it would be on a Protege? also doesnt this Protege perform better than the WRX? i mean of course not in POWER but in driving. if you have an MP3 and you wanted a turbo, wouldnt it be a good 4k to get it in the car? which is almost 23k depending on how much you got your MP3 for. well atleast now they are gonna use detachable face cd players for all of them oh im not a car buff so if im wrong about stuff gimme a break please :)

big_ben

03-28-2002, 02:35 PM

I'm not positive on this, but I don't think the MP3 can out handle the WRX. All I have to say is ALL WHEEL DRIVE. If the MP3 is faster through the slolem, it's only because the WRX doesn't come with all the suspension mods like the MP3. But put those mods on a WRX, and it will say goodbye to the MP3 in any road course. It's always better when you have 4 wheels pulling.

ezrider1026

03-28-2002, 02:48 PM

Personally i think it is bullshit. Big ben is right who the hell is going to buy this car? What spend 25,000 (after taxes) When i can get a rsx, wrx, or hell even a mustang gt. They need to turn that shit up to at least 200hp at the wheels to get my attention. As far as i'm concerned i have met alot of cool people on this site i almost feel like family. If i sold my car today i would still log on here tommorrow. If there is anyone out there don't be upset i bet spoolin would blow the doors off that shit. Just remeber what ever the future holds this is still mp3.com were runnin this shit.

norman

03-28-2002, 04:46 PM

I see your point APEXi. I agree there are significant differences between the two cars...my oops. I also did not think of the fact that the domestic cars exhaust have to extend over the axle and ours do not. I stand corrected. And lets pass this along to all the people with the "angry bumblebee" mufflers, those sound just plain bad.

OK Back to the thread,

LT1 Power

03-28-2002, 05:29 PM

This is just my opinion but it would have to sell for less than 20k because of the competition. There is no way someone is going to pass up the WRX for the same price. I hope that the output figures are conservative on this car because they are just too low.

Kooldino

03-28-2002, 06:16 PM

1-It's probably 170 @ the crank, but I'm sure you could do some cheap mods and get another 10hp out of it.

2-The orange doesn't look ugly...it's decent looking. I'm glad it's not yellow or blue.

3-Notice the grill is slightly different...the lip that was once BLACK is now orange...a nice touch.

4- I doubt they'll charge $23K for it. My guess is $21 - $22K.

155lb/ft of TQ? That's weak, man. What did people's mp3's have that are turbo'ed?

BTW, what do larger driveshafts do?

NC_MP3

03-28-2002, 07:43 PM

The 170 HP thing is at the crank. I don't feel like re reading the article, but I think it said something like "Delivering 170 HP solidly to the ground THROUGH a limited slip differential..." That to the ground thing was put in there to tell you it has a LSD.

derrick1623

03-28-2002, 08:07 PM

i dont know whether im pissed off or happy as shit that this new pro is hittin the streets. ive already got about 1200 in my car, and with blue windows, i doubt i could trade it in but, then again...i love my car, and there are so few...ill prob keep it til i die. adding everything i can along the way( hopefully warrantied)lol.

chdesign

03-28-2002, 08:46 PM

What I like about them bringing that car here is that they are bringing MAZDASPEED with it!!!!!! The car is ok but here is my beef. A. Nothing about upgraded internals said....meaning it is a callaway turbo kit bolted onto a stock 2.0L as I have read somewhere else that the cars are built on teh line as normal then turbo kits installed pre-port. So I'm guessing the 170 HP is at the crank and its only pushing 5 PSI. Which is kinda sad seeing I am pushing 5 PSI non-intercooled and making the same number. B. i see no front mount intercooler...if its so limited make a front mount in the thing for christs sake. C. that orange color has to go....I will keep my turboed ES thank you.

manuel

03-29-2002, 12:35 AM

hmm i think its still WAY to early to start guessing on the price for the car, but i agree the car shouldnt be more than 22k with everything. i dont think some of us are looking past the BASE PRICE of the car, there are also other factors to consider. well 1 in my case, insurance. if the protege is remotely priced similar to the WRX i would check the insurance rates for both cars, im am positive insurance quotes for both cars are at extreme ends. now i would friggin LOVE to have a WRX if the protege is priced similar to it, but a buying factor for ME also includes looking at insurance. oh and yeah finally MAZDASPEED decides to come to the U.S. now lets all cross our fingers and toes and hope the 170 is at the wheels when it is actually produced :(

OceanPark

03-29-2002, 12:10 PM

Did you guys read the page2?? It said:

Horsepower (SAE hp @ rpm) 170@ 5500 rpm - estimated
Torque (SAE lb-ft @ rpm) 155 lb-ft @4500 rpm - estimated

Do you think this is the numbers on the wheel??? I don't think so.

Anyway, I like the Mazdaspeed protégé.
If you do the math, it is smarter to re-paint the car into whatever color you like.
But probably 3X more to upgrade a turbo and install a LSD.

The Turbo Neon = around 20,000
Sentra SE-R Spec V(175hp with LSD) = around 18,000
MazdaSpeed Protégé = 23,000??????????????? (Guess not)
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

trobbins

03-29-2002, 08:03 PM

So if you read the page again... you will read:

"Delivering an estimated 170 horsepower solidly to the ground is a Tochigi Fuji Sangyo KK Super Limited-Slip Differential, assisted by larger 24mm driveshafts (versus 22mm for the standard Protegé). "

This is different then reading it as:

"Delivering an estimated 170 horsepower solidly to the ground"

What this means is that the engine is producing the 170hp and handing off the 170 hp to the LSD. So I figure this is the HP rating at the flywheel, not at the ground.

So the sentence in picture form is

ENGINE(170HP) -> LSD -> driveshafts(HP???)

I think this is just a bit of clever wording on behalf of Mazda marketers.

Tim

Thxbrett

03-30-2002, 02:46 AM

170 horsepower and a T-25 have not got me excited about this car unfortunately. No upgraded lower compression pistons, AWD,220 horsepower or 6 speed. Mazda are suggesting a MSRP of less then $25,000. It better be less than $20,000! Why would I buy this front wheel drive underpowered car that has little tuning potential? Subaru or Mitsubishi will get my business next year with either the STI or the EVO for about $4000 more. What will that buy? 6 speed, AWD, Brembo brakes,260+ horsepower,8000 redline, upgraded motor with VVT and bigger turbocharger with a better intercooler and water sprayer with the STI. Evo 7 may be packing even more grunt. The Dodge Neon SR-T is the Mazdaspeed Protege's competition. Lets see, under $20,000, over 200 horsepower, 148 mph top speed(claimed) upgraded suspension and brakes, front mount intercooler and 2.4 liters of displacement. Yes its ugly, yes the interior is hideous, yes I am dubious about the build quality and reliabilty of a Neon. I was hoping for a little more out of this Mazdaspeed Protege, not just a MP3 with a Callaway T-25 turbo kit slapped on it. Hopefully Mazda will develop some more exciting products in the future in Japan and import them here( Mazda 6 AWD, twin turbo). The current P5 is available right now in Japan with AWD and a 170 hp N/A motor? I was hoping that Mazda would turbocharge the new 2.3 liter motor and strengthen it for that application. My BPT motor from 1990 is more sophisticated and durable then the current offerings from Mazda. I will definately test drive a Protege when its released, and I wouldn't be surprised if we develop some go fast goodies for it. I hope its at least a good drive.

Brett Payne
M2 Performance

Newf

03-30-2002, 02:52 PM

Guys....I have one thing left to say. I'm waiting for one car.....

MazdaSpeed 6 ( Atenza )

My car is only 7 months old yet. I figure by the time the Mazdaspeed 6 comes out ( If they make it) I'll be due for a trade in. Imagine a Atenza with a turbo, Racingbeat setup, and aother kickass stereo. Now were talking. As long as it's not $30,000 that is.

As for the color for the Mazdaspeed 3, I think that if everyone keeps saying how ugly it is, they'll change it to something else. They just better not change it to blue or yellow.

So for now....say you like Orange! even if you don't like it... Just kidding.

dustobub

03-30-2002, 05:35 PM

I am pretty sure it is coming in black mica also. Now that would look sweet however I am slightly partial to black since I own a black P5.

Dustin

sundevilMP5

03-30-2002, 07:18 PM

mazda is just being smart...if they introduce a great car that nobody can afford the dealers will just get stuck with them...by adding a modest turbo...the car is still pretty cool...but it will probably bust open the market for protege parts...granted it's no WRX (i'm really partial to subies) but it's built for a different purpose...

sundevilMP5

03-30-2002, 07:19 PM

MP3skaterNC

03-31-2002, 01:08 AM

when i first heard of the mazdaspeed protege, i was kinda happy, a turbo pro that we could get parts off of, but the more i thought about it, the madder i got. they made this car in like 7th months right, so how hard would it of been to just slap that turbo on our cars before they sent them out, kinda makes you think, plus even though we're the og's now we have look alikes running around that can blow us away, its not fair damnit. the least they could of done is made a different fucking body kit, its just an mp3 with a turbo, lsd, and a different system... you all might be happy, but it kinda makes me think that they don't really give a fuck about us since they pretty much are rereleasing our cars with more power. i guess thats just MHO but im entitled to it.

Antoine

03-31-2002, 02:16 AM

they don't really give a fuck about us

Check the threads when we were calling Mazda NA about helping with the national MP3/P5 meet...I believe they pretty much blew us off...Mazda sells cars to make a profit...not to be your best friend...Unfortunately this is the way the auto business works...so don't worry about Mazda...realize and enjoy the friends and experiences you get from your Mazda (whatever model).

MP3skaterNC

03-31-2002, 02:33 AM

yea i understand that, but damn, we represent a special project for them they could at least show alittle compassion, but no they turn around and produce something that they said they weren't going to make 6 months later. oh well, i hope that that car doesn't sell well, i know it won't if its going to be in the 23 grand range because i could get a base wrx for that much that has 50 more hp and more aftermarket support.

manuel

03-31-2002, 03:42 AM

Originally posted by MP3skaterNC
yea i understand that, but damn, we represent a special project for them they could at least show alittle compassion, but no they turn around and produce something that they said they weren't going to make 6 months later. oh well, i hope that that car doesn't sell well, i know it won't if its going to be in the 23 grand range because i could get a base wrx for that much that has 50 more hp and more aftermarket support.

mazda said they werent gonna make a car like this? why would you hope for mazda to not sell their mazdaspeed cars? that would mean they MIGHT NOT ever make more OEM type of performance parts for the protege. and whats all this about its an mp3 that can blow my socks off? uhm if you dont want to get "beat" go and buy a turbo kit, i mean you are a hardcore racer right? worrying about getting beat by the MP protege and all....a wrx? im pretty sure the MP protege isnt modded to peak performance, im no car buff or nothing but all i know its simply boosting 5psi. maybe you wont get as much as the wrx if you do small common mods to the MPprotege but heck, id rather get the mazdaspeed than wrx. its not all about being the fastest on your block. oh and companies that sell arent here to be your friend, they are here to make money. and i guess as far as aftermarket support, yes the wrx has more but the protege is barely marking its spot in the import scene. i mean at first NOONE had CAI for the mp3, but look, MHP even made CARBON FIBER cai and other versions of the intake. i also dont feel its an mp3. its a protege with turbo and body kits/parts. i mean its like if i have a regular ES, am i gonna say you have an ES? no, its an mp3. i hope im clear with the point im trying to make, if not im a dumbass. well later.

slammin mp3

03-31-2002, 12:40 PM

how can you guys actually sit here and say that you dont like that color? i was thinking of getting my mp3 painted to almost the same color orange. for some reason i dont believe protech.com they have had a lot of false information in the past. even if this car was at the auto show it might have been a concepted, just like a few years ago when they had a protege with an hks turbo in it. i would nt get my hopes up until i see it either at the dealer or on mazda's websites. the next vechical that i heard that was suppossed to get the mazdaspeed special packaging was the 626.

Karl Marx

03-31-2002, 01:02 PM

The car is on mazdausa.com's web site with a nice flash brochure.
So i think its pretty official.

I'm curious to see the price, because if its under 20k we got really ripped off with our MP3s.. :)

Besides that the color is pretty nice, at least its not YELLOW or BLUE people be happy ( i know i'd be pissed if it'd be blue...), for once Mazda did something inteligent.

MP3skaterNC

03-31-2002, 03:26 PM

i seriously doubt that they can make it for under 20 grand, ours was pushing 19 grand, and with the addition of the turbo, lsd, and the larger driveshafts, it would have to be a few grand over the 20,000 mark.

and i will be getting this turbo when its availible at the dealers, but it still kind of annoys me that they would do this, and mazda did say that the mp3 was a one time limited production car, i guess renaming it and boosting it doesn't count as releasing another mp3.

MP3skaterNC

03-31-2002, 03:29 PM

also, i know this car will sell, but for the price that they're asking i could get a wrx, or for about 5 grand more get a lancer evo. i think the choice would probably be pretty easy for me if i was in that position, get the car that goes faster.

manuel

03-31-2002, 11:59 PM

the mp3 is a limited production car. only 1500 were made ONCE in the US and i dunno how many for Canada. I think if you are looking for a fast car, dont spend all the money on a 2003 model no matter what car it is. im sure an rx7 will smoke the wrx and evo you speak of and its maybe 15grand at most for one. but thats just me.

Kooldino

04-01-2002, 11:10 AM

Guys, chill. Don't be pissed because a turbo mp3 is coming out. Embrace it. It will open up the aftermarket for our cars and make OUR cars better. Honestly, it will probably cost about $22k, which isn't worth it in my book. You could get 170hp out of an FSZE engine that's NA. So 170 out of a turbo is WEAK. It's a complete waste of time for anyone who wants serious perfomance out of their mp3. I wouldn't settle for 170HP and what...155 TQ? How much TQ does the FS-ZE engine have? Probably more than 155.

Since they "slapped" a turbo on the mp3, there will be headers, etc for our car so we can have custom turbos done...which will get us 200+HP...for me, 170hp turboed is a waste of time. If my car came turboed, it would just be a hassle, because I'd first have to remove the turbo in it, and upgrade to a completely new kit.

javy212

04-01-2002, 11:52 AM

I went to the NYIAS this past saturday and got a first hand look at the new MazdaSpeed 3... Here are what I got out of looking at it and talking to the Mazda rep there.

The 170hp is AT THE CRANK. They puprosely worded it to be confusing as some people have already noted. As far as the turbo, the rep said it was set relatively low and that with some adjustment, you could prob get ~200hp. And yes, there is a front-mounted intercooler.

Someone here had said that this car would "handle better than its predecessor"... that means the Protege, not the MP3. I tried to get a look at the suspension components, but nothing was labeled and I couldn't tell how good any of the stuff was. The rep was under the impression that it would handle about as well as the MP3.

Aesthetically, this car has nothing on the MP3. It will come in either orange or black (I like my blue better). The orange isn't as bad in person, but i wouldn't go as far as to call it nice. The body is almost identical. The interior is pretty plain.... looks identical to the MP3, but without the nice silver accents and the leather wheel and knob.

I prob forgot to metnion something, so if anyone has a question, i'll try to answer it... I also have the brochure they were handing out with the official specs and what not.... i can scan it if someone wants it... lemme know....

javy212

04-01-2002, 11:54 AM

Rep said the price would be at least $21K.... He didn't know if it would be much more, but at least that....

scapey

04-02-2002, 05:20 PM

You guys are right.............the new turbo protege is still nothing to get excited about. Really I don't know what Mazda is thinking. To tell you the truth, I am a little disappointed at the horsepower in the MP3 I mean a new z24 cavalier has 150hp and it is a much cheaper car. And, the price of the new Protege will definately be much higher. There is no way that they can make all these changes without boosting the price.

That car will be probably go for around 30k Canadian, maybe even more so for that kind of money you can almost buy a 3 series BMW, or WRX which are both amazing vehicles.

But, I do agree with Newf......if they don't fix this clunking/grinding noise in the suspension then I would look into a new one!!

Scapey

Newf

04-02-2002, 10:40 PM

Scapey, guess what. I don't think Mazda is going to fix the clunk. I get the impression that this lube and tape thing is going to be their "fix". Think about it. It's been since Nov. that they've known ( I had the Canadian rep admit it to the manager of the dealer over the phone...i was there).....but where's the fix? You call them, they say tape it up, and lube it. The tape makes the bushings fit better. No mention of a "we're working on a fix" or any timeframe at all because they DON"T KNOW.

Yet, they've managed to design a whole new Mazdaspeed 3. Once that car comes out, where's that leave us?

"Oh, there's only 1500 mp3's. Not all of them have the problem ( almost though)", we'll just tape them up and let them be. MOst of us are getting tired of bugging the hell out of Mazda now, and just aren't complaining anymore. Heck, they might think we're actually content with this "tape it" fix....which is BS. They might even be just waiting for us to get tired, and shut up about it. I didn't pay 25000.00 to have taped up bushings. Granted , the car doesn't feel any different, but that's not the point.

Simply put. This is my 1st Mazda after 8 Honda's. They don't fix this clunk problem ( which seems simple enough, just manufacture better bushings), this will be my last Mazda. If they can't fix a simple problem like this, which is no more then a clamp or bracket......that's not very impressive. Anyone else make bushings for the MP3?

As for the price of the New Mazdaspeed. Yeah, I'm thinking 30 grand Canadian easy. Then there's insurance and gas to think about to, as I'm sure they will be worse again.

I'd say they will release two colors though. Just like the MP3. No one in their right mind would make 2000 orange cars. Although the color does grow on you.

laterz...sorry for the rant.

scapey

04-02-2002, 11:14 PM

:) I have good news Newf. I talked the the head of CR at Mazda Canada and they totally told me that they are aware of the problem and are working with Mazda USA to find a fix. They even called my dealer and told them to simply continue to replace the bushings as long as the noise is occurring. I imagine that they will definatley be coming up with a fix because I think that it is far too expensive to just keep replacing them.

I will keep you posted but in the mean time...........anyone who still has the problem continue to call the Mazda 1-800 number and harass them....they will listen. There are power in numbers!!! You can get it from the Mazda Canada website mazda.ca or US site (mazda.com).

Scapey

manuel

04-03-2002, 12:54 AM

8 hondas? dang. maybe should stick to one car?...uhm whats with everyone and their negativity to the new protege? the sucka is gonna r0x. atleast finally someone CONSIDERED insurance. not just saying "i can buy a wrx for that price." but did you consider insurance?this new protege can only mean GOOD news. think about it, first the mp3,slight mods, now we have the mazdaspeed, even more mods. seems every new model is going to be greater than its predecessor. i personally think the orange looks good.

Antoine

04-03-2002, 04:50 AM

uhm whats with everyone and their negativity to the new protege?

Exactly!...lol...also insurance is a major factor for us young folk :D

Newf

04-03-2002, 08:00 AM

Well that sounds good, but I've been hearing that since Nov. Although what you say sounds more promising.

Keeping my fingers crossed. Hey, for making us wait so long to get it fixed, we should get a FREE turbo kit thrown in!

Ok, so maybe not.

mx6929

04-22-2002, 02:09 AM

i just went to the houston auto show yesterday. i was mad when i first saw that mazdaspeed protege...ya, that's right...new turbos may not have blue or yellow color. but at least mazda has to install other spoliers or body kits...the looking of it is still MP3 for me even with oange color... :mad:

manuel

04-22-2002, 02:29 PM

you wanted a blue or yellow colored turbo? what the heck.

mx6929

04-22-2002, 04:32 PM

what i meant was that i am glad mazda has not said it will has blue or yellow color available. but i am not that happy because at least mazda has to put other type of spoiler and body kits to look different from our MP3s...I AM PROUD OF OUR MP3.

manuel

04-22-2002, 11:36 PM

uhm why should they change the body kit? its just a protege when it all comes down to it, not an mp3. but atleast those are MY feelings. uhm i HOPE they make blue ones as well, the laser blue mica is an awesome color. plus what would be wrong with having a lazer blue mica mazdaspeed protege?...not a thing.

BondoBob

04-23-2002, 02:11 AM

I bought the MP3 because it's a great car and a super value considering the parts installed. Limited edition?? Yeah, cool, but it represents a special project: Mazda starting to make their cars more than boring econoboxes.

If the MP3 had been the only attempt at a "tuner" car, the project would have been a failure. Mazda built the car and pushed it out the door to us for a low price to seed the market. They had to get aftermarket support for the brand and the MP3 showed up in every car mag from R&T to GRM. Great press, great buzz from the car guys that Mazda was more than the Miata. Suddenly, Wings West has a kit, CAI's are everywhere and people are building Mazda Proteges to go "Fast & Furious".

Remember too, that Mazda signed on the dotted line to sponsor Laguna Seca, adding their name to the track. Speed (nee Speedvision) has teams of Protege "MP3s" in the touring races. Pros are rallying with factory support given to the independent.

They followed the car up with the next level. Remember the complaint from every corner was "great handling but it need 40hp more". You got it. Done. The next model year. In the car business that's fast! Even better is the fact that they are producing the "really good stuff" in small batches. If GM was doing this car, it would end up being a lame trim and wheel package and little else.

Imagine the warranty issues Mazda must be having with a model that they probably lost money on.

Boohoo that you don't have the only one out there. The idea is that you should be rolling along with more Proteges (The P5 is everywhere!) pulling up along side at the traffic light looking to abuse Honda and Nissan owners.

P.S. Now we have a big brother with the RX8! I think Mazda has done an outstanding job bringing out new products, building brand loyality and getting the work out that they aren't a builder of boring little shitboxes. Hell, I bought one...and before the MP3 ads hit, I never even thought of buying a Mazda. I may replace the D with a Tribute next year. I'm sold.

Stepping down from soapbox,

Bob

Alabama MP3

05-05-2002, 10:53 PM

With a Turbo, it should even be more than 170hp at the wheels. Good news is if they include a turbo with the car then we can get one installed at the factory. The price would be higher than getting just any shop or doing it yourself but you would get a warrenty with it since it is a Mazda part. Not all bad news with this ugly orange car. The yellow and blue look better plus we can always add their turbo to our car and make it a sleeper when pulling up next to the orenge one.

kore

05-06-2002, 09:29 AM

I was told by a Mazda guy in the know here in Ottawa that they MazdaSpeed Protege would be going for around $25k Canadian...something to chew on...

BigBlue

05-06-2002, 09:53 AM

While this would be nice, I'll believe that when I see it! I can't see how the Mazdaspeed which will be coming in addition to our cars with a turbo, upgraded stereo and an LSD and will still clock in for about the same price as most people paid for their MP3s here in Canada...I paid something around 25,000 for my car...forget the exact amount so I really can't see them coming out with what is in effect a lot more powerful car with extra goodies for the same price.