Do Protoge's Make Good First Cars?

[Action Jackson]

I find the handling on the stock P5 to be pretty good on a tight twisty track. You'll get a few surprised looks from other driver's on the track.

Get ready to spend $$$ on tires b/c that's the real weak link on the track.

And more $$$ if you really mess up the car.

This is the only track I've been to:

http://www.fastridingschool.com/pdf/fabi.pdf

Your best bet is to ride along with another racer to see if that's what you really want to do.

 

[MPChi]

GRide, whether choosing a P5, a MSP or a beat-up used car is a good first car is really up to your financial situation. If your family have no problem affording any of these, good for you. Just pick the one you like most then. Most likely you'll scratch up or damage your first car through the first couple years of learning how to drive, depending on how careful you are. But if that's okay and you can afford a nice ride, then go ahead and get a P5, or a MSP even. They are good small cars that's great for learner. I would stay away from cars that either have a lot of power or comes in a pretty big size. Too hard to manuver & to park with. The P5 & MSP sure look sweet for a youngster and doesn't blend in with everybody else like Civics do. If choosing a MSP, it doesn't come with much options at all, as it is a limited edition Protege that comes as is fully loaded. Just that its an older model and maybe sold out in many Mazda dealers if you want a brand new one. You can always look for a second hand one though. Mazda 3 should be a good option too, newer model, a more advanced engine & looks more refine, and faster than a P5.

Stick around and let us know what you end up getting. Good luck! And drive safe.

 

[GRide]

Thanks MPChi would an Mazada 6 work also? I'm going to take a look at the Mazada 3 right now.

 

[MPChi]

Maybe. It is bigger and more luxurious. Cost a bit more too. But it could be your cup of tea. But I would say its easier to stick with a smaller car unless you are a really big guy.

Proteges (older but cheaper):
If you are looking for good looks & performance, MSP.
If you are looking for good looks & 4 door, MP3. But need to find used.
If you are looking for good looks & 5 door, P5.

Next Generation Mazdas:
Mazda 3s are a bit faster than all Proteges (except MSP). They look more refined, and have newer engines.
Mazda 6s can be even faster since they have a 220horspower V6 engine available. But might be too much and pricey for you.

Look around in different sections of this forum and use the search engine to find any common problems and issues different car has. Even compare what Hondas, Acuras, Nissans, Toyotas, Scions, Subarus & Mitsubishi has to offer in the compact car market. If you find yourself coming back for the Mazdas, you know you've made the right choice. I do tend to stick with Japanese cars as they are usually more reliable & cheaper to maintain.

Good luck.

 

[Jhova1012]

The Mazda6s is no joke they are pretty fast. I dunno how you feel about VW's but look at the GTI. Very quick, easy, fun cars. They might turn like a bus compared to the Mazdas but they are still worth looking at. I highly recomend the new 2004.5 Jetta GLi. 6-Speed, VW's famous 1.8L turbo engine(180hp), tighter suspension, 18in Rims from the 337 Golf. Very, very nice car. Same price range as the 6. Hang on i'll dig up some pictures...

Edit: Forgot the factory recaro seats and the front lip off the 337/20th AE GTi

I was never a fan of the jetta.. But this car is very nice. Add this package to the aftermarket for the 1.8t and you got a winner.

 

[GRide]

Are MSP limited edition or can you roll up to a dealership and find one? The Jetta is looking real sweet. My mom has a GTI that i used to drive but she wrecked it.

 

[Subghetto]

Are MSP limited edition or can you roll up to a dealership and find one?

They are limited edition.

 

[Jhova1012]

and almost impossible to find new...

 

[GRide]

I guess MSPs are out of the question. I'm thinking about the Jetta and GTI

 

[RobMP5]

and almost impossible to find new...

The same goes for P5s, if you want one thats still new, as the 3's have been out for about 6 months now and the dealers had to slash prices on the P5 to make room for them.

 

[sgryzko]

You CAN find protege5's new:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66218

 

[MPChi]

Before putting your money on the Jetta or GTI, check their reliability first on some big VW forums. I was looking for a car for my girlfriend about a month ago and was checking out the Beetle. The results scared me away, with many electronic issues & parts (like window switches, LOL) breaking off. Many owners called it a real piece of crap too... Not too sure about the Jetta & GTI, but they do share a lot of the internals with the Beetle. So check it out first. But if you are not planning to keep the vehicle for long, then that may not be an issue.

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

dude get a P5 or a sedan..They make sick autoX and general purpose wreckless driving vehicles..Of course I'm not condoning driving like a maniac, but they are great cars man.

 

[KpaBap]

Lern hwo to speel.

 

[KpaBap]

P-r-o-t-e-g-e

 

[Cellerator]

They are awesome cars to get as a first car. This one would be my first new protege5. I had a 96 protege for about half a year before i got my p5. I am impressed still with how well it corners. Besides, it's given me a better ride than any girl, lol. jk. No but ya, its a great first car.

 

[GRide]

I'm loving the Jetta/GTI but im leaning towards the jetta because its a sedan

 

[DrAsperigus]

You will wrek your first car guaranteed.

Go buy a used and underpowered rear wheel drive car and learn how to drive before you waste money and your life(as well as prolly someone else) driving a fast car first time out.

 

[Jhova1012]

Why an underpowered rear as opposed to an underpowered front wheel drive? And I guess statisticaly he should wreck it, as should I. But there are always exceptions to statistics. Not saying I have some sort of Schumacher driving skills, just hoping for the best... *knock on wood*

 

[Cellerator]

DrAsperigus is right. Teens shouldn't have fast cars but parents are stupid. Just this morning, I saw a few teens at my high school with completely riced out Civics, a sophmore with a BMW Z3 with custom bodykit(don't know whats under the hood) and chromed out so the first problem is the parents letting their children buy whatever the hell they want or they can't control their children which is worse since they should have done that when they were in diapers. I'm glad my parents got me the P5, which is reliable, not too powerful and handles unexceptionally good.