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I just got a new 2007 Mazda 3 with the Bose package. I'd like to keep the JVC HDR-1 head unit and Ipod hookup I got a few months ago for my P5. From what I can tell, the current dash kits for the Mazda 3 fill in the spot where the factory LCD panel went. I have the automatic climate control...

Looking for shop recommendations near the Uptown area in Chicago (where I live) for both old Mazdas and new. My girlfriend's 1990 626 likely needs a new/rebuilt alternator and I'm also looking for a good place once my 2003 P5 goes out of warranty. Basically looking for something that's close...

Thanks to everyone's advice. Ironically, what killed me on the WRX wagon back in 2003 killed me on the MS3 this time--no sunroof. I know's it's relatively stupid option to affect a car purchase, but I like having them. I'm going to keep my P5 for a few years and hope that they alter the MS3...

Ah, the dilemma...do I keep my 2003 P5 or go for the new 2007 MS3? I love my P5, but the one thing I miss is some get-up-and-go (especially after driving friends' WRXs). I've got a year left on my loan, but my warranty ends in a month. The fiscally responsible side of me says to just keep my...

I have a 2003 P5. I have just noticed that the heater puts out a ton of heat even with the dial just nudged into the red (I first felt this last spring). It really gets warm (almost to the point of uncomfortable) all the way to the right. If I turn the dial just into the blue, I get some heat...

I want to replace the foglight bulbs on my P5 with Silverstars and was wondering how difficult it is getting under the bumper to do this. Have people had to use ramps or a lift, or is it possible just to wiggle underneath the bumper? Thanks for the advice! -Pete

I usually change plugs at 30,000 miles, but was wondering if anyone has changed them out at 15,000 miles and noticed better pick-up and gas mileage with the P5. Thanks! -Pete 2003 Protege5 (Stock engine/drivetrain)

Looking for a Stock '03 Protege5 tail light (driver's side) as some idiot backed into my car a few weeks ago and cracked the light. Thanks! -Pete

I've searched for a post on this and maybe there is an answer archived somewhere, but I couldn't find it. Any specific directions on to remove the knee panel below the steering column in a P5? I imagine it's probably just clips, but I wanted to double check before trying to rip anything out...

I'd recommend the Saris rack. I simply removed the stock factory...just takes some muscle, a screwdriver, and a socket. Call Saris or e-mail them and they'll tell you the parts you need. Several dealers in the Chicago area. I have the load bars, a couple of trays for my bikes, and I spent...

Models made in 2002 are actually the 2003 models. In fact, some automakers were already selling 2004 models in 2002. It's all about marketing. Supply and demand is one of the thing that dictates the price you pay. If the Protege5 is hot (as it is in many areas), expect to pay close to...

I replaced the factory stock unit on my P5 with my old head unit that had a "MP3" jack. It's just a 1/8" stereo plug that functions as an AUX input. I use an ARCHOS FM Recorder (20 GB) for long car trips and use a simple male-male 1/8" stereo cord (from Radio Shack) to connect to my head unit...

I wired the subwoofer directly to the head unit harness (battery lead and power control to harness, grounded to chassis in the back). It works great...no noticeable distortion. I really don't crank my system that much...just wanted the extra bass. I'll have to wait and see if I blow any...

I have a Kenwood KSC-WA801 powered subwoofer (built in amp) and am trying to figure out what the easiest way to wire it to the car's power supply. I know you're supposed to wire amps directly to the battery, but I don't want to go through the trouble of connecting it to the battery and drilling...

Is the front door panel removal/replacement hard on the P5? (I have a link on how to do it) I just done doing a speaker swap on my Sentra SE...came off easy, but I had a hard time with the window jamb. If the window jamb is tricky on the P5, I'll probably just go to a professional installer...

I want to run power leads and RCAs to the hatch area of my P5 for my powered subwooder (Kenwood KSC-WA80). For those of you have done an install on a P5, is it easier to run down through the center console or around the bottom of the door frames? Any pic's or how-to's? I used the bottom of...

I know this may be a dumb question to some of you, but I'm a little perplexed... How can I tell if I have a 2003.5 Protege5? (vs. 2003.0). I just got mine last week, and the sticker says 2003. Thanks! -Pete

Thanks for the help! I already have a roof rack and would prefer to use the trunk when possible. -Pete

Does anyone have a proven method for lashing down the hatch on a Protege5 when you've got lumber, etc. that sticks out the back? I've been fairly impressed with the length of the Protege5 cargo area (for a hatchback), but occassionally items longer than 4 feet stick out the back. I've just...

I just got a new 2003 Protege5--it rocks! I want to remove the stock HU and speakers, which I think sound like a $10 boombox; and, replace them with an aftermarket stereo from my old Sentra SE. BTW, I want to thank everyone for their posts on this site, there's lots of great info; however, I...