integra guy looking at p5: education please!

[tarmac and beer]

hi all, new to the mazda world. i have a integra type r that i've done hpde track events the last 3 years. i love the car, but it's had 2 expensive and mysterious failures on track this year. i've decided it's probably time to split up my car duties: one for daily driving and one for the track. i think having a type R strictly for daily driving isn't worthwhile due to theft and i can sell it for a few bucks (very low depreciation).

i think the p5 is a worthy street car replacement. i haven't driven one yet, but i expect i'll enjoy the handling and miss the type R power :)

i have some basic questions before i start looking for one; i tried searching but the results weren't satisfactory. so, riddle me this.......

- do all p5 come with moonroof? what percentage did not? i prefer one without.
- do all p5 come with roof rack? percentage with/without? i'm undecided here. i love to mountain bike, so i have the bike in the car or on top. i'm worried about the gas mileage with a rack.
- what is theft like with the p5? it's a constant fear with the R :(
- what is the oem wheel size on the p5? offset? lug type/pattern? oem tire size?
- is there a common part failure or particular maintance on the p5? maybe just change the oil often and it runs forever?
- for those who have driven in snow with REAL snow tires, how does the p5 perform?
- what was the p5 msrp when new?

thanks for the help!

[xelderx]

Not all had sunroofs...don't know the %
Not all had roofracks...don't know the %...I throw mine in the back
People don't really steal stationwagons
Wheel size is 16X6 I believe, 5X114 lugs...offset and stock tire size I don't remember
I went 94,000 miles w/o any failures or warranty work...just scheduled service and I drive fast 24-7
Snow tires take the fun out of driving in the snow.
My car is 3 years old and I can't remember how much a burrito cost me yesterday.

[jdm_mp5]

The roofrack is removable so you can either put it on or take it off. Very easy to do. I can't remember the MSRP but you can get it for pretty cheap nowadays. But make sure you hurry because they do not make them anymore.

[eting_pro5]

-the sunroof comes in a package with the 6 CD changer...I think there are more with the moonroof than without.
-Any Pro5 built as a 2003 model has the roof rack. The 2003.5 model made it a dealer installed accesory (or maybe just a factory option). You DO NOT want the factory rack. If you get it...so be it, it can come off. But do not go searching for a car that has the rack. It's near impossible to find decent compatible parts. You're better off with one of the many well documented aftermarket solutions.
-Cars don't get stolen where I live. And when they do, it's because Jane Teenager thought it was ok to leave her car unlocked with her keys in the cup holder in a parking lot.
-16x6...5x114mm....195/45?/16R...i think 48mm
-A few people have had issues with the automatic transmission. There are a few TSBs out there for minor convenience/comfort issues that are not of major concern. And since they're TSBs, they can be fixed by a dealer.
-My car has handled Michigan winters with the stockers just fine.
-My 2003 Pro5 with Auto, Moonroof/6 Disc, ABS/Side airbags stickered at about $19,500. I think the unequipped models were high $16k to low $17k

[viVid]

When I purchased my 2002 P5, to get the moonroof you also had to get side air bags and ABS (you couldn't get just ABS or just side air bags... all or none).

All the Protege's up here in the NW came with roof racks.

I don't think that Mazda's are on the theft radar... well at least these grocery getter's aren't :)

Stock wheel size is 16x6 with a +50mm offset 5x114mm lugs. Stock tire size is 195/50-16.

My advice: Don't buy an automatic - just makes it slower than it already is.

Don't have much snow up here, can't comment.

I paid about $17k new in 2002 (w/ all options).

[tarmac and beer]

thanks for the replies! a few more:

-so the typical thule/yakima/saris bike roof racks don't play well with the oem roof rack?
- of course not an automatic :)
- what width 16" wheels (+offset) can be easily fit in the p5 wheel wells (oem suspension)? if the oem wheel is 16x6, then i'd like to put on lightweight 16x7 wheels and wider rubber. i always use summer/winter rubber here in nj.
- i see many of the mazda dealers on autotrader are asking $14-15k for 02/03 p5's with ~20k miles, do they generally accept $12-13k?
- i'm happy to hear about the lack of abnormal theft. the thieves plague honda.

[2K3 MSP]

the thieves plague honda.Sorry to thread jack, but I'm curious as to what kind of security you have on the Type-R...You said it's a constant fear, and I always feel that way about my cars, especially the Mazdaspeed.

[uclap5]

thanks for the replies! a few more:

-so the typical thule/yakima/saris bike roof racks don't play well with the oem roof rack?
- of course not an automatic :)
- what width 16" wheels (+offset) can be easily fit in the p5 wheel wells (oem suspension)? if the oem wheel is 16x6, then i'd like to put on lightweight 16x7 wheels and wider rubber. i always use summer/winter rubber here in nj.
- i see many of the mazda dealers on autotrader are asking $14-15k for 02/03 p5's with ~20k miles, do they generally accept $12-13k?
- i'm happy to hear about the lack of abnormal theft. the thieves plague honda.

i know yakima ski/snowboard racks works with mightymounts (not listed in the application guide, but some work, i think its 12a, but im not certain, i have a snowboard rack for mine) not sure how this applies to bike racks.

16x7 45+ offset and 215/45/16 is a good combo.
12-13 sounds reasonable from the dealer, when private sale will be around 10-12.

[solomr2]

I'm not sure but I thought roof rack was standard on 2002 models, but it was an option in 2003. My 2003 doesn't have one. I also believe the early 2002 had a different engine (1.8L??), were 2003 has the 2.0L. As far as I know the moonroof was always an option, and the vast majority of P5's around here don't have it. Also, I believe a vast majority of P5s (at least down here) are auto.

Anyway, Consumers Digest recommends the P5 and gives a very respectable review claiming that reliability is outstanding. I believe in 2002 they picked it as best in class.

When I was considering what to get about a month ago I was considering the Toyota Matrix at first. Then I discovered the P5 came with 4 wheel disc brakes, pwr windows, locks and mirrors, alloy wheels, keyless entry, fog lights, and CD/8 spkr/sub stereo, all as standard. On the Matrix these are all extras, and the base price is the same. That pretty much convinced me which car to get.

[viVid]

I also believe the early 2002 had a different engine (1.8L??), were 2003 has the 2.0L.
Nah... all the P5's came with the 2.0L.


Anyway, Consumers Digest recommends the P5 and gives a very respectable review claiming that reliability is outstanding. I believe in 2002 they picked it as best in class.
True!

[Premium NYA]

just debadge the integra and keep it. thieves might not be able to tell its an R :).

[Poseur]

The only stock rackless cars are 03.5's (there's 2 years they're made and 4 distinct differences witht he two .5 versions) I'm running a yak with the non factory rack car, however if you have the factory rack, you can remove the factory crossbars (leaving judt the rails) and then easily fita yakima over the top (notsure about the others)

Totally feelya on the theft targeting, I had my civic broken into 4times and stolen entirely once (got it back stripped) I think as long as your'e smart and don't bump your stereo in the ghetto, etc, you're pretty okay withmazdas, they certainly aren't familiar like honda/acuras for the proficient thieves.

Lots of snowdriving on Michelin arctic alpins. I actually went oversized a bit 185/65/15 (don't know if your'e talking about studs, though) but the car handles QUITE nicely. I'm coming from a 91 civic si, so similar setup really. the p5 has WAY more ground clearance, and while it handles VERY sharply and responsively (I had rear swaybar in my civic, and though ythe 5 stock has more bodyroll, it have a very familiar, yet more refined sort of feel. The extra wheelbase gives you a bit more time to react, and a MUCH more contrlllable drift.

[LTD-Scott]

When I purchased my 2002 P5, to get the moonroof you also had to get side air bags and ABS (you couldn't get just ABS or just side air bags... all or none).


My 2002.5 has moonroof but no ABS or side airbags.

If you're concerned about headroom with the moonroof, don't be. I'm 6'3" with a really long torso and I have plenty of headroom, whereas I have to do the "gangsta lean" in my g/f's Integra and my head still touches the roof.

[LTD-Scott]

If you own an Integra around here, it will likely get de-badged for you!


just debadge the integra and keep it. thieves might not be able to tell its an R :).

[tarmac and beer]

If you're concerned about headroom with the moonroof, don't be. I'm 6'3" with a really long torso and I have plenty of headroom, whereas I have to do the "gangsta lean" in my g/f's Integra and my head still touches the roof.

i prefer no moonroof as i'll want the p5 as stiff and as light as possible. a moonroof is nice, but it's heavy, takes away headroom, and reduces torsional rigidity (most important). i won't be racing the p5, but i can just put down all 4 windows.

a roof rack is no big deal, but i think i'm more likely to carry the bike inside of the car. are there mazda plugs to cover the holes left by the removed oem roof rack? how much $?

no major security system on the R. my friends' who's cars have been stolen all had big $ alarms and the cars were just towed away with nary a peep from the alarm. i have a black R with black wheels and i keep it dirty purposely for stealth :)

[tarmac and beer]

Lots of snowdriving on Michelin arctic alpins. I actually went oversized a bit 185/65/15 (don't know if your'e talking about studs, though) but the car handles QUITE nicely. I'm coming from a 91 civic si, so similar setup really. the p5 has WAY more ground clearance, and while it handles VERY sharply and responsively (I had rear swaybar in my civic, and though ythe 5 stock has more bodyroll, it have a very familiar, yet more refined sort of feel. The extra wheelbase gives you a bit more time to react, and a MUCH more contrlllable drift.

i have the michelin arctic alpins on the R in the winter - 8" of snow couldn't stop me! the tires are amazing plus the R has a lsd in the front so i get pulled around with 2 drive wheels. it's good to hear the p5 snow plows with no issues!

[MP3skaterNC]

Any wheels you have for the type r will fit on the protege5, which is good. We have the same offset and bolt pattern.

The type r would be a fun weekend car, one of my good friends has a 97 with bolt ons and its a blast to drive.

[garretts77]

I think that $10-$11k is a better price. Carmax had a few at that price (used of course) but still with factory warranties...

[Greg S]

Handling from the Integra to the Protege5 isn't all that different. We swapped my wife's Integra GS-R for a P5 in '02 and while there is a noticable different in power on the top end it's not bad and it does have a little more torque on the low end. Try to go private party used as you'll save $2-3000. Couldn't really tell you about snow handling as I haven't seen any in years. If the car still has the stock Dunlops on it, get rid of them, they suck and hydroplane easily.

[fifthgearonline]

just debadge the integra and keep it. thieves might not be able to tell its an R :).if its a 97+ ITR its the ONLY 5 lug integra :P



i just got my 02 P5 with sunroof, ABS, Side Airbags, 6 disk changer and NO roof rack with 29K miles for 12K out the door

[LTD-Scott]

Fair enough on the sunroof.

If you buy a 2002 through 2003, it'll come with the roof rack on the car. You SHOULD also get the rack filler caps with the car that fill the gap in the rails if you take off the crossbar. They came in a separate bag with the car when new, but if you buy a used one it may not have them. Mine didn't. They're like $120 from the dealer, but you can probably pick some up from someone on this board for $50-ish. The 2003.5 cars did not come with a roof rack or roof rack rails at all (unless ordered with the rack).


i prefer no moonroof as i'll want the p5 as stiff and as light as possible. a moonroof is nice, but it's heavy, takes away headroom, and reduces torsional rigidity (most important). i won't be racing the p5, but i can just put down all 4 windows.

a roof rack is no big deal, but i think i'm more likely to carry the bike inside of the car. are there mazda plugs to cover the holes left by the removed oem roof rack? how much $?

[Chiguy_2002]

I also have a 2002 with a moonroof and 6-disk changer (and cassette?!?!) with no ABS or side air bags. Of course it is a 5-speed. When I was looking I test drove it back to back with a 2004 Matrix XR 5-speed...though the Matrix was nice, it just didn't have the fun-to-drive factor, it seemed to drive just like a Corolla...(test drove one also...but that was for the wife). It didn't seem to be any quicker...but then again it was much quieter and that could be the reason. I got mine for a little over $10k out the door (2thumbs) ...but that was also with a trade-in. It had 28.9k on it when I bought it. Someone may think "what was wrong with it...?" but the only things I could really tell is that it had a few more dings on the body than average, but I pulled a CarFax report, no major accidents. Average price around here for similar vehicles are about 11-13k before tax.

[tttP5]

if you are worried about gas mileage don't expect anything too great.
some ppl get 24 - low 30s mpg. most ppl average about 27/28mpg