New Protege5 owner

[SiarMangi]

I just joined the Mazda family. Just picked up a 2003 protege5 w/ 90k miles. There are a couple things I need to fix, nothing major. I need some suggestions from you guys.

- front tires are bald. What brand of tires have you had success with? I am thinking of staying with the stock size 195/50/16 because the rear tires are new.
- where is a place to get quality accessories/parts? The front lights are dim and dull looking, perhaps just the lens. A fog lamp is crack as well.
- what you all suggest I get done on the car by a mechanic? The belts and water pump have not been replace, no major work has been completed by previous owner.

thanks for your help

 

[SiarMangi]

Any additional or suggestion you all may have for a new P5 owner would be appreciated? Thanks

 

[mp5la]

I'd try to find tires for the rear that match the front. It'll be that much easier to rotate them when the time comes. Otherwise a good all season from a reputable mfg should do just fine.

On your headlights, you can get a "headlamp restoration kit" at just about any auto parts store. They generally use wet sanding and a sealant to get the lights looking new again. As for the broken fog, put up a wanted ad here on the forum. I'm sure somebody will have one for not a lot of money.

I'd recommend getting the timing belt/water pump/etc. done by a professional mechanic if you're not comfortable taking things apart that far. Its probably about due for one if it's never been changed. Otherwise, I'd suggest a basic tune up (plugs, wires, coil packs, pcv valve, fluid change, etc.). You can probably do most of that yourself with basic tools.

 

[Hank3]

Welcome

• When you're done with the stock size tires, I would recommend going with a size (205/50/16) that has more selection (cheaper prices).
• Headlights - do what mp5la recommended and clear up the haze with a restoration kit of some sort ($10-$20). Also look into getting an HID kit down the road. They're very economical these days as they cost about the same as two expensive halogen bulbs. If you get no bites in the classifieds for your fog light, they sell them new on Amazon for ~$70.
• Check your engine mounts and make sure none of them are ripped. The front engine mount (behind the radiator) is super easy to replace and will run you $30 - $60 depending if you go with stock or aftermarket. Stiffer ones will cause more vibrations but solidify engine movement

 

[pcb]

Yellow Headlights ??? Toothpaste FTW...

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123834393-Headlight-Restoration-Cheap-amp-Easy!!

 

[SiarMangi]

Thanks for you advice.

Any thoughts on brand of tires...I am open to purchasing 4 new tires. Sounds like getting 205/50/16's are the way to go. What have you all had success with?

 

[mp5la]

Depends on what you're looking for in terms of performance. I run 2 different sets of wheels (one with summer tires, one with winter/all season tires) on the subaru. The P5 has a set of high performance all seasons. Depending upon where you live in california, you might be able to get by with just running a summer tire year round.

Otherwise, continental DWS are a good all around tire (all season) or the Kumho Ecsta AST.

 

[Hank3]

I've been enjoying my Hankook V4s. There's currently an $80 rebate on them from their website. And Discount Tire has sales regularly which include $100 Visa gift cards. I also really liked my Falken 452s.