ABS brakes - good or bad??

[Moonpennies]

Hi - I've been reading your messages for a while now and you guys are great! You have a nice P5 family. I'm hoping to get a P5 by the end of the year but I'm not sure if I should get the ABS brakes or not. Anybody care to comment? I live in Southern Calif. so there's no snow and little rain to deal with, but I've been told that ABS makes the car much safer. So, what are the brakes like with/without ABS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT.
:)

[Sir Nuke]

First off Moon....Welcome to our little corner of the net, and our family. The fridge is in the corner and stocked with all your favorite coold drinks...and some munchies too. Take a seat on one of the plush comfy couches, kick off your shoes and put your feet up on one of the tables...yep we get to do that here.....and make yourself at home. Just one warning...you may not want to wear good clothes here...as we tend to have a friendly food fight once in a while :{D

as for your question about ABS.....have you ever had a car with them before? well here are some facts for you to consicer....its a fact that a tire has more traction when its rolling under breaking than if its sliding with the breaks locked up...ABS, when working properly makes it imposible for you to lock your breaks....the system monitors the breaking system and won't allow the wheels to lock up. THUS, some would say that they make your car safer. I guess its a matter of personal choice.....I opted NOT to get them..but then again I have been driving for a good while and have had some specialized driving training and prefer to have TOTAL control of the car.

[Moonpennies]

Hi Sir Nuke, thanks for replying. I have ABS now and it saved me from colliding on the freeway once before. I know to keep the brake pedal compressed instead of pumping the brakes. I've had this car for about 3 years. All of my other cars didn't have the ABS. So, I like my ABS but Mazda only sells them in a $1500 package! Uggghh. (And I don't really want the moonroof that is mandatory in the package - just the safety feature of ABS & side airbags.) Are the standard brakes good?

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
Hi Sir Nuke, thanks for replying. I have ABS now and it saved me from colliding on the freeway once before. I know to keep the brake pedal compressed instead of pumping the brakes. I've had this car for about 3 years. All of my other cars didn't have the ABS. So, I like my ABS but Mazda only sells them in a $1500 package! Uggghh. (And I don't really want the moonroof that is mandatory in the package - just the safety feature of ABS & side airbags.) Are the standard brakes good?

the four wheel disc barkes that come on the P-5 are pretty good in my opinion.....it seems to me you have first hand experience of how ABS can save your butt......seeing as how you have this experience....go and take the P-5 for a test drive...do some hard braking....get the feel ....... then make an educated decision as to whether or not you want or need them.

I will tell you....I have a moonroof in mine....didn't really want it...but got one when it was the only way I was going to be able to get the color I wanted....as we looked and looked and looked and never found one available within 4 states of me that was available....now that I have it.....I love it. It does seem pretty stupid that its required to have ABS......I havent' figured that one out yet. the two aren't even related.....

[Moonpennies]

OK. Thanks. I've driven the cars 3 times. (twice manual and once automatic) I didn't try out the brakes though. I'll do that. I love driving the cars. I'm leaning towards the manual since it seems to have more get up and go on take off. But, I drive rush hour traffic and I'm wondering if it will get old during rush hour stop/go, stop/go. This is such a big purchase for me that I want to make everything just right! So far, after many test drives and reasearch on other cars (honda, toyota, saturn) I've decided that the P5 is better than the others in many areas. Appreciate your feedback!!

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
OK. Thanks. I've driven the cars 3 times. (twice manual and once automatic) I didn't try out the brakes though. I'll do that. I love driving the cars. I'm leaning towards the manual since it seems to have more get up and go on take off. But, I drive rush hour traffic and I'm wondering if it will get old during rush hour stop/go, stop/go. This is such a big purchase for me that I want to make everything just right! So far, after many test drives and reasearch on other cars (honda, toyota, saturn) I've decided that the P5 is better than the others in many areas. Appreciate your feedback!!

Moon, get the manual....you won't regret it.....even though you drive in traffic.....just think about how much time you DON'T spend in traffic.....THAT is when you will be out with your car having FUN.....and truely enjoying this "major purchase". don't get the auto just because of the time you sit in traffic going to and from work......think of the time you will spend with your car on YOUR time....enjoying it....and YES>....the manual is a joy to drive...it give you more control over your ride.

[Moonpennies]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the manual. Everyone thinks I'm nuts - but I loved driving it. My first two cars were manual and I didn't think anything of it. I'm just dying to get the car. I'll just sit tight, read postings, and look at pictures for a while. :)

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
Yeah, I'm leaning towards the manual. Everyone thinks I'm nuts - but I loved driving it. My first two cars were manual and I didn't think anything of it. I'm just dying to get the car. I'll just sit tight, read postings, and look at pictures for a while. :)

any particular color you are partial to?

[Moonpennies]

I like the silver. So far this is what I want: Silver, ABS/air bags (moonroof), manual. That's it. I'm trying to keep my cost down so I'm not looking for any other extras. My son (15) wants me to add a cold air intake. (I can't find a dip stick so I'm not sure what this is.) But he said I'd get more power. He loves the car too.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
I like the silver. So far this is what I want: Silver, ABS/air bags (moonroof), manual. That's it. I'm trying to keep my cost down so I'm not looking for any other extras. My son (15) wants me to add a cold air intake. (I can't find a dip stick so I'm not sure what this is.) But he said I'd get more power. He loves the car too.

the silver is nice....of all the colors it shows dirt the least....in other words looks clean the longest..lol I understand keeping the cost down....I got my wife a black one....it is nothing but the standard equipment.

A Cold Air Intake ( CAI ) is a type of intake for the car...it replaces the stock piping and air filter with a sleaker unit....there are a few different kinds...yes it gives you a few more horse power....and if it matters....it looks a lot nicer than the stock unit as well. here is a picture of my engine compartment...I have an Injen CAI....its the pretty silver tube you see.

http://forum.protegemp3.com/members/Sir Nuke/intake.jpg

[Moonpennies]

It looks cool. Does it affect the gas mileage? Part of the reason I like the P5 is it gets good gas mileage. The honda civic & toyota carolla get better gas mileage but the honda is more expensive (if you get ABS) and I'm not sure I like the carolla's looks (and it doesn't handle nearly as well). Also, the Camry got really bad crash test scores on their 2002 model (side impact only 2-stars) so I'm not sure how the carolla will fare. The P5 got 5-star on front impact and 3-star on side. I wish the side rating was better. Also, the P5 is loads more fun to drive (as you well know).

[Hawkeye]

If anything, a CAI will improve your gas mileage!

[Moonpennies]

That's good news! Better gas mileage and more horsepower sound like a winning combination to me. Approx. what does it cost to install?

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
That's good news! Better gas mileage and more horsepower sound like a winning combination to me. Approx. what does it cost to install?

the type CAI I baught cost about $200.....and with a few little hand tools its easy to install.....only took about an hour.....certainly you could either do it yourself or have your son help....or even your hubby or a friend?

and as hawkeye said....no it own't hurt your gas mileage...help if anything.

[Moonpennies]

Thanks, I really appreciate all the info. You guys are great.

[Sir Nuke]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
Thanks, I really appreciate all the info. You guys are great.

you're welcome....its what we are here for. :{D

[pr5owner]

i too have a silver PR5, standard/manuel with an InJen CAI but since the car is next to totaled it doesn't matter what i have, But what i can tell you, is that you will definatly feel the diffrence with the InJen CAI! Very noticeable throtle response, faster rev's and re-rev's and it also sounds great! heres some pics of my install

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291751555

only took me 45 mins, i used a 10mm (i think) socket, philips (cross head / +) screw driver, pliers (optional), it is very easy to install.

it was great for the 2 days i had it in, before it overheated!. then i uninstalled it and threw the stock air box in before i took itback to the body shop (took 30 mins), installed it once i got the car back then it over heated again so i took it out (25 mins) and again i threw the stock air box back in. man if my car keeps over heating i can do the install in like 5 mins!

BTW Don't let me problems scare you its accedent related :(. Click here for accedent pics.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291762667

1 thing though i live in canada and the ABS/Airbags are all standard equip on the car and also mine didn't come with roof racks. im guessing that the US models have that as an option and the roof rack not as one? my car costs $20600 CAD and i have only A/C. i didn't get the sunroof because i heard from other people that it tends to be noisy on the HWY and its also another window to clean :)

keep in mind, if you get the car

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GET INTO AN ACCEDENT!

hope our posts help with your decision!

[pr5owner]

Originally posted by Sir Nuke


the silver is nice....of all the colors it shows dirt the least....in other words looks clean the longest..lol I understand keeping the cost down....I got my wife a black one....it is nothing but the standard equipment.

A Cold Air Intake ( CAI ) is a type of intake for the car...it replaces the stock piping and air filter with a sleaker unit....there are a few different kinds...yes it gives you a few more horse power....and if it matters....it looks a lot nicer than the stock unit as well. here is a picture of my engine compartment...I have an Injen CAI....its the pretty silver tube you see.

http://forum.protegemp3.com/members/Sir Nuke/intake.jpg



hahah awww thats cute! you 2 drive the same car!

[Moonpennies]

Bummer you banged up your car! Did you get it fixed or did the insurance pay it off? If you got it repaired, how does it look? Also, are you saying that the CAI was a problem for you because of your accident or right from the beginning?

(Has anyone else on this site had problems with their car over heating after you've installed a CAI?? - just curious.)

[pr5owner]

Originally posted by Moonpennies
Bummer you banged up your car! Did you get it fixed or did the insurance pay it off? If you got it repaired, how does it look? Also, are you saying that the CAI was a problem for you because of your accident or right from the beginning?

(Has anyone else on this site had problems with their car over heating after you've installed a CAI?? - just curious.)

the CAI was never a probem ever, i just took it out because i know the body shop will bitch and complain about it and try to make it look like the CAI caused the car to overheat in some sort of twisted way so i didn't give them a chance to change the story.
my car looks like crap even though its fixed, nothing is how it was the way before, doesn't drive right. so once again,

never get your car into an accedent!!!

[Moonpennies]

Yeah, accidents are not good. Have you any idea if there are changes on the 2003 models? Or when the 2003's will be out?

[hakushi no sakura]

The 2003 models with have the Laser Mica Blue (that's the name right mp3-ers?) which, IMO, is the best protege colour. In Canada, since 2002.5 (i think in the US, they always had this), we got white. I think I've read here that the 2003 will have clear sidemarkers. And you get a gated automatic shifter, unlike the really old fashioned and clunky one on the 2002. but since you're getting manual, it doesn't make a big difference.

O, I have ABS on my p5, and I find it quite sensitive. As I turn right out of my house, there's a pretty steep slope. As I drive down the slope and reach the stop sign about 10m away going at about 40km/h, when I press the brakes, the ABS always kicks in. Nothign wrong with it, but that stuttering you feel from the ABS gets annoying. In my old VW New Beetle, which also had ABS, it never got activated on this hill, so what's what I'm comparing it too. Oddly, I never feel the ABS in the rain or anything. In fact, once I had to brake really quickly to avoid smacking into the guy in front of me who stopped all of a sudden, and the ABS still doesn't kick in. So, I dont' know, it's sorta finicky.

[Moonpennies]

That's kinda scary if you don't think your ABS are kicking in. I have ABS right now (on my 17 yr old BMW) and I don't really notice if/when it kicks in. But I'm not very mechanical and I can't tell one squeeky noise from another so I probably wouldn't know anyway. The only time I knew I felt ABS was when I slammed my breaks on (on the freeway) and my car slowed down in 'steps/intervals??' -- hard to explain. I would have sworn that I was going to hit the car in front of me, but I didn't. Came about an inch though. Ever since then I've felt the value of ABS. My car also stopped in a straight line - no swerving.

[Todd]

When my ABS kicks in, I hear it more then feel it. Its sounds like this (Im making the sound right now) you probably didnt hear it, but try it when you take your car out and dont have your radio loud.... You should hear what Im talking about.

[Syzygy]

Originally posted by Sir Nuke
...(snip)...kick off your shoes and put your feet up on one of the tables...(snip)...Yes - welcome! Also, if you have stinky socks, feel free to use the complimentary "MazdaMat" laundry room.

[Moonpennies]

Thanks for the welcome mat. I like my stinky socks so I'll just keep 'em on and enjoy the smell. :D

As I said earlier, I can't wait to get my car. I've been saving $$ for over 2 yrs. During this time I have poured over Consumer Reports, various websites, many, many test drives on various cars. I've decided to get the P5. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. And completely fell in love with it the first time I drove it.

I have a tight budget that I need to stick to. I'm hoping to get the car by the end of the year. So hard to wait. My current car runs strong but because of it's age (17 yrs old, 225K mi.) it's starting to nickle & dime me. I just put two new tires on, replaced the fuel pump and the water pump (all in a 4 month period -- ouch.)

[makeminemazda]

subliminal message>> you want the P5...buy the P5. you want the P5...buy the P5 <<subliminal message.


Oh and Todd can you make that noise again? I missed it. Thanks.:)

[Moonpennies]

I do, I do want the P5. If all goes well I'll be driving one home tonight! (7/8/02). The dealer found the car I want but it's at a dealer about 2 hrs from me. So, my car will have a hundred+ miles on it (they're driving it down here today. Kinda bummer.) I don't know why it was so hard to find the car I want. Simple enough: Silver, ABS, manual. I hope all goes well. Can you hear my poor stomach churning? Very nervous. Wish me luck.:p

[pr5owner]

hey thats great! when i got my pr5 it had 3kms on it! woo, took them friggin 3 months to get it in!!!!!!!! slackers.. but i got it eventually! you will not be disapointed, unless you get into an accedent:(