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Here's a bunch of links I collected when researching the Protege5 (I bought one a few weeks ago). In short, I think it's an excellent fun-to-drive, economical, good-looking, well-made car. I think most people on this forum will agree. I didn't really consider the Subaru because of the lower...

In general, I think your washing/drying/waxing technique is the biggest factor on water spots and not the make/model of the car. The best thing to do is to get a good microfiber drying towel and dry it immediately after washing. I've got a Lazer Blue P5 and I think it's not bad about showing...

For oil changes, you'll definately need a jack and stands or ramps. I did my first oil change last weekend and the hardest part was snaking my arm around to get to the oil filter (you get to it from underneath the car). Once I got my hand on it, it was easy to remove/replace, but it's...

Thanks Kansei and Bazooka Joe. I'll still try not to spray water directly at the side rails just in case.

I took off the roof rack crossbars because tomorrow morning it's getting a wash/clay/wax job. It's too difficult to get to the entire roof with the crossbars, so off they came. Unfortunately, the previous owner didn't give me the filler caps when I bought it =(. Has anybody washed their car...

I researched the P5 for about a year before purchasing one =).

"From what i have read, there was an option of a sub? I have yet to see one. Or was that only an american option? Not available on Canadian vehicles." I'm not sure how it was in Canada, but it was standard in all 2003.5 US vehicles IIRC (those built later in 2003). The standard roofrack became...

I had the same problem-- no power coming to the cigarette lighter. It was the fuse. I found it by checking all the fuses and seeing which one was blown. Strangely, the fuse that was blown is labeled as "H/CLN". It's the 20amp bright yellow one, top row, middle: Unfortunately, while...

Since I'm skipping the sealant for now (I want to see how well AIO works all by itself) I hope that 4 towels will do the job. If I run out, I can hop in my other car and grab some Vroom MF towels at Target. The Autopia forums have good things to say about the gray ones.

Even with the 2 Blue Perl towels included in the Klasse bundle?

So I finally stopped changing my mind and ordered some products last night. While I really appreciate the suggestions, Mr. Detailer, I wanted to minimize my shipping costs by getting everything from the same place. If I ever need any more MF towels, I'll use your suggested link. Since Autopia...

It's only "hard" in comparison (mirror = 3 bolts, door = 7 screws/bolts and multiple plastic snaps). At first I missed the 2 bolts hidden under the armrest and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't come off =). I really need to buy the factory service manual (I followed the link in the sticky...

I installed a new passenger-side mirror last night. When I bought the car last week, it had been hit in a parking lot and never fixed. It's a really simple installation, the hardest part was getting the door panel off. I need to go back in there and put some locktite on the bolts holding it...

Last night I gave my "new" P5 its first oil change. Once you get the car on jacks, the drain plug is really easy to get to. The oil filter on the other hand is a pain in the butt to get to. I was afraid I was going to spill oil all over my arm once I got it off, but suprisingly I didn't. I...

Wow, thanks for the great reply/answers. It seems you're the go-to-guy for detailing questions, and I appreciate the effort in getting all those links together for a stranger. In order to save some money, I would like to keep the stuff I already have on hand and only get the stuff I don't...

It seems to me that cars with more torque (135ftlbs) than horsepower (130hp) are the most "fun". Definately not the fastest, but the most fun. Welcome to the club from another new member.

I just got a Protege5 (Laser Blue) and I want to get some quality detailing stuff for it (see pics here). I wash my cars about every 1-2 weeks depending on how they look. In the past I've used the cheap Zymol Cleaner Wax (I love the smell) and it seems to work pretty well, but doesn't last...

Not really. I went to Mazda's Rev-It-Up a few years ago and had a great time (they stopped doing that, didn't they?). I wasn't particularly competetive but the track school sessions were helpful. I'm also used to driving on twisty mountain "fun roads" and a flat parking lot with orange cones...

That's a good link, thanks. It looks like I'm already in the Street Touring class from the upgraded bushings. It doesn't really matter much, as I'm not that competetive of a person, so I'd be racing for my best time and not to win the class.

I've had the 240 for the past 5 years and it's been a daily driver this whole time. It was our only car for the last 3 years, so I never really did anything to it. The only real upgrades I have on it are a K&N drop-in filter, Hawk HPS pads + Brembo rotors, head unit + speakers, and recently I...