New here...

[AutoTech1]

Hey everyone. I'm new here obviously. I'm looking for a great first car... I was thinking about a VW Jetta, but I hear they have reliability issues. My uncle had a Mazda Protege, and I didn't think it was too bad of a car. It's affordable and nice. I need something to just work on, since I love working on cars. I take auto tech at school and have a A average. I'm looking forward to getting tons of advice from here.

I don't think I'll get the Mazdaspeed one, but just the regular Protege if I do get it.

 

[quicksilvermp5]

hey...welcome to our little corner =)...

 

[joka1]

welcome. enjoy your stay
rob

 

[AutoTech1]

Are those really your proteges in them pictures? They look awesome.(shocked) I know the one above my post is sponsored (cause it says so) but what about the one on top of that one?

 

[sanblaster]

Are those really your proteges in them pictures? They look awesome.(shocked)

It is. And it does.

 

[quicksilvermp5]

I know the one above my post is sponsored (cause it says so) but what about the one on top of that one?

if you were reffering to me, no im not sponsored(wish i was(glare)) . those are juz my mods through the years that i had my car... most of 'em were purchased through this forum (for sale thread). but anyways, again welcome and enjoy the forums. peace!

 

[MP3Architect]

welcome to your new addiction! if your lookin at getting a protege but dont wanna spend the money on a msp (around $13 to 14K) you could always find an mp3 for around $7k or a protege5 for even cheaper maybe. if you dont know about the mp3's though they can be a tad tricky to find. and welcome!

 

[tunersteve]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with finding a car. If you plan on modding, I would suggest getting a manual, instead of an auto. Also, if you can find one, get the ES trim. It comes with 4 wheel disc brakes, 16" wheels and 5 lug hubs, and a nicer interior. If you aren't going to get a Mazdaspeed, this might be a solid alternative for ya.

 

[zentrandi]

welcome to your new addiction! if your lookin at getting a protege but dont wanna spend the money on a msp (around $13 to 14K) you could always find an mp3 for around $7k or a protege5 for even cheaper maybe. if you dont know about the mp3's though they can be a tad tricky to find. and welcome!

Hey SEDAN ES's are good too =(

 

[protegeric]

Want my advice new guy, never post again... Just read... If you get a Protege, there are turbo kits and a supercharger available and AFC/standalones, etc. Somethin` to consider... Auto meter makes a gauge pillar for the Protege, etc. etc. Not too too bad to find stuff for...

Ha, I like that post... Woo! @

Hey SEDAN ES's are good too =(

 

[zentrandi]

Want my advice new guy, never post again... Just read... If you get a Protege, there are turbo kits and a supercharger available and AFC/standalones, etc. Somethin` to consider... Auto meter makes a gauge pillar for the Protege, etc. etc. Not too too bad to find stuff for...

Ha, I like that post... Woo! @

He's right... Ive had my car stock, other than the stereo, since I got it. Then i stubbled across this b****... now i gots whats in the sig and more comming... UDP HERE I COME!!!

 

[AutoTech1]

if you were reffering to me, no im not sponsored(wish i was(glare)) . those are juz my mods through the years that i had my car... most of 'em were purchased through this forum (for sale thread). but anyways, again welcome and enjoy the forums. peace!

Hey. I've got lots of respect for people who are doing their cars by themselves... I'll be one of those people most likely.

 

[tunersteve]

Hey. I've got lots of respect for people who are doing their cars by themselves... I'll be one of those people most likely.

Good stuff, I've done all the mods myself, and its good to see people who can actually do more than change their oil on their cars.

 

[AutoTech1]

welcome to your new addiction! if your lookin at getting a protege but dont wanna spend the money on a msp (around $13 to 14K) you could always find an mp3 for around $7k or a protege5 for even cheaper maybe. if you dont know about the mp3's though they can be a tad tricky to find. and welcome!

I'm thinking of getting a mazda protege like 99-00 or so. I've already got 2 grand (I work and I'm still in highschool)... I'm just waiting to get my license, because all I have now is a permit. But I'll definitely stick around here, because I really do think I'll go the mazda route instead of the VW route...

 

[AutoTech1]

Good stuff, I've done all the mods myself, and its good to see people who can actually do more than change their oil on their cars.

Yeah. It'll be really cool, because since I'm taking auto tech in school, I'll be able to do a lot of stuff by myself. We've got tons of equipment at my auto tech class. And I'm doing really good in that class, so I should be able to do a good amount of stuff performance wise. I think I'd leave my body basically stock... Maybe some wheels and a carbon fiberhood. Those are probably the first things that I'm going to do. I'm going to try and get a second job this summer vacation so I could get more money.

 

[tunersteve]

I'm thinking of getting a mazda protege like 99-00 or so. I've already got 2 grand... I'm just waiting to get my license, because all I have now is a permit. But I'll definitely stick around here, because I really do think I'll go the mazda route instead of the VW route...

How much are you lookin to spend? I found a few 2001+ ES models here in MI for under 10k, but nothing in the 99-00 worth looking at.

I would still try to get an ES if you go the 99-00 route. I'm not 100% if they came with the 2.0, or were available with it, but that has the most options available for engine work, albeit turbo, intake/exhaust/headers/cams, etc. the 1.6 has some other parts available too, and is supposed to be more boost friendly. This is all off the top of my head, so I may not be dead-on.

 

[AutoTech1]

This is what I'm thinking about:

http://cars.com/go/search/detail.js...hestr&paId=193764678&recnum=4&leadExists=true

 

[zentrandi]

99-00 es's have 1.8's

and believe me you would want a 2.0 or at least the 1.8...

there's a nice MP3 on sale... go look it up

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123630452

 

[AutoTech1]

How much are you lookin to spend? I found a few 2001+ ES models here in MI for under 10k, but nothing in the 99-00 worth looking at.

I would still try to get an ES if you go the 99-00 route. I'm not 100% if they came with the 2.0, or were available with it, but that has the most options available for engine work, albeit turbo, intake/exhaust/headers/cams, etc. the 1.6 has some other parts available too, and is supposed to be more boost friendly. This is all off the top of my head, so I may not be dead-on.

I really don't think I can spend more that 8 grand...Maybe nine... It's going to be my first car... And if I add my 2g's in right away that'd make my car cost something like 6 or 7g

 

[AutoTech1]

99-00 es's have 1.8's

and believe me you would want a 2.0 or at least the 1.8...

there's a nice MP3 on sale... go look it up

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123630452

Where is it at?