Hello All,
Just purchased our new Protege5 this past Tuesday and was cruising the web searching for news & info about our new car and happened to come across this website.
Wasn't really looking for a MP5 but was interested in replacing my Celica. Too many problems and seriously doubted that it would pass it's next smog check. Wasn't about to put in much cash to fix it up so figured it was time. The Celica really was a trooper though. Despite my general neglect at routine maintenance it gave me very little problems until the end. Had it for 10 years and 185,000 miles so it served its purpose.
Our primary goal was to replace it with a reasonably priced four door (@ about 15K). We were contemplating going the used route but I really wanted a new car. I'm still a bit biased about certain makers and their reliability so that quickly reduced the list to Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda. I put Mazda in that group of four now but truthfully it was not there initially. It was only added at the recommendation of a few friends who have a long history with Mazdas.
So, given our parameters, the pickings were rather slim (new car, about 15K, minimum 4 doors for our baby). Sentra's, Corolla's, Civic's, etc. Then we checked out the Protege5. Initially it wasn't on our list as it was above our price point. However, a friend pointed out that these are being cleared out to make room for the 3.
Took a test drive and was hooked. Despite the 130hp this car has some get up and go. Fun car to drive and sporty, although my wife says it's "cute" :mad: . I suppose I'm speaking to the choir though
And with the rebate and discounts it just about met our target and even came with a moonroof, leather, abs, side airbags, 6cd changer, etc. We signed on the dotted line and it was ours.
Didn't think we'd be able to get this much car for our money. As far as mods go I probably won't be doing much. Just got tint and an alarm today. Will get the wheel locks, bumper guard and GregB's rings
. Considering the carbon fiber tail lights too. I know, kinda ricey but I like them and think they'll look good on my black mica.
I'm probably the graybeard of the group @ 38 and don't have a history of mods. The only other one I did was a badgeless Kamei grille on a Passat. Just had to get rid on that big VW on the manufacturers grille.
I intend to keep this car for a long time so any maintenance clues and tsb info would be appreciated. Also, timing belt - at what mileage point are you guys changing yours? I'll do some searches to so you don't have to expend to much energy on these questions.
I suppose that's enough for an intro. Probably the longest post you'll see from me (I know, most of you are probably thankful for that
).
Just purchased our new Protege5 this past Tuesday and was cruising the web searching for news & info about our new car and happened to come across this website.
Wasn't really looking for a MP5 but was interested in replacing my Celica. Too many problems and seriously doubted that it would pass it's next smog check. Wasn't about to put in much cash to fix it up so figured it was time. The Celica really was a trooper though. Despite my general neglect at routine maintenance it gave me very little problems until the end. Had it for 10 years and 185,000 miles so it served its purpose.
Our primary goal was to replace it with a reasonably priced four door (@ about 15K). We were contemplating going the used route but I really wanted a new car. I'm still a bit biased about certain makers and their reliability so that quickly reduced the list to Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda. I put Mazda in that group of four now but truthfully it was not there initially. It was only added at the recommendation of a few friends who have a long history with Mazdas.
So, given our parameters, the pickings were rather slim (new car, about 15K, minimum 4 doors for our baby). Sentra's, Corolla's, Civic's, etc. Then we checked out the Protege5. Initially it wasn't on our list as it was above our price point. However, a friend pointed out that these are being cleared out to make room for the 3.
Took a test drive and was hooked. Despite the 130hp this car has some get up and go. Fun car to drive and sporty, although my wife says it's "cute" :mad: . I suppose I'm speaking to the choir though
And with the rebate and discounts it just about met our target and even came with a moonroof, leather, abs, side airbags, 6cd changer, etc. We signed on the dotted line and it was ours.
Didn't think we'd be able to get this much car for our money. As far as mods go I probably won't be doing much. Just got tint and an alarm today. Will get the wheel locks, bumper guard and GregB's rings
. Considering the carbon fiber tail lights too. I know, kinda ricey but I like them and think they'll look good on my black mica.I'm probably the graybeard of the group @ 38 and don't have a history of mods. The only other one I did was a badgeless Kamei grille on a Passat. Just had to get rid on that big VW on the manufacturers grille.
I intend to keep this car for a long time so any maintenance clues and tsb info would be appreciated. Also, timing belt - at what mileage point are you guys changing yours? I'll do some searches to so you don't have to expend to much energy on these questions.
I suppose that's enough for an intro. Probably the longest post you'll see from me (I know, most of you are probably thankful for that
).
