Potential Buyer ?: '03 paint any better? + others

[Flipper]

In the market for a new car to replace my '95 Ford Contour LX (2.5 V6, 5 spd). Despite much less power in P5 compared to the Contour, its style and performance keep it on my list of potential cars. I can also get a great deal since the "3" is coming soon. I felt pretty good in the driver's seat and was impressed by the layout. Still need to go back to the dealer for a better/longer test drive. My major concern after reading many threads here is the paint chipping issue. I drive on a highway with barriers every day, which has torn up the Contour's front end pretty badly. One dealer has a 5 spd (required) P5 only in Black Mica. It looks like a BMW sport wagon (excuse me - better), but black paint chipping could look awful. I may be able to find a silver one at a different dealer.

'03 P5 owners: is your paint chipping as descibed by others? If not, did you get the 3M treatment? Anybody for or against the Black Mica for chipping or others reasons?

How does the stock car drive around 75 mph (noise, handling, etc.)?

Why buy the P5 over a Jetta wagon or a Subaru Impreza Sport?

Think I'll get 180-200k miles out of the car in 8-10 years?

 

[Matthew]

as far as the paint chipping, sorry but yea, its gonna chip.
as far as i know, no one here has gotten the 3m job done.

How does the stock car drive around 75 mph (noise, handling, etc.)?

very nice

Why buy the P5 over a Jetta wagon or a Subaru Impreza Sport?

cant help you here, dont know much about those cars.

Think I'll get 180-200k miles out of the car in 8-10 years?

certainly, provided you maintain it properly.

 

[pickupjason]

I got a 2003 silver Protege5 5 spd last Dec. and put 13000 miles on it...

It's very easy to get chipped.....I knew that already before I buy this car...and it's not an issue for me.

The protection film by 3m maybe help...

For the Jetta wagon and wrx wagon, I did look into these two cars. First, wrx costs 7 to 8 grand more than a P5 and has almost 100 hp more. In my opinion, the reliablity and reputation are almost even with Mazda. But the insurance should be another problem. For jetta wagon, it depends on what kind of engine/model you are looking at. If I have enough money, I should have bought a 1.8T GLS, then spent another 500 bucks to get it "chipped" to make it 200 hp.

Another thing to remind you, test drive the car for a longer trip, and get as much as information on this board to know what you will get for buying a Protege5. What's the pros and cons.?

Other than paint, the windshield gets chipped as well, some one has issue with the tranny(both manual and auto)?

For me, getting P5, my first new car, is what I want.
I don't want a "normal" sedan, like Civic, Corolla, I do want a car which is assembled in Japan with affordable price. then here comes the P5. I am not regret in getting a P5..only thing is I can't find a white one with exact option I want ..


Good luck and hope in near future, you will be another satisified P5 owner..

 

[loccusst]

Handles like a dream above the speed limit and is very easy to cruise up past 80. Once up there the car slips around through traffic rather precisly, and is extreemly enjoyable. If your a cop ignore this thread please.

 

[NoWeyOut]

can someone direct me to where i can get some info on this 3m treatment?

 

[Matthew]

s*** i cant remember where someone posted the thread. im afraid you may have to do a search for 3m...no wait, you cant. damn.

 

[zmepro]

Why buy the P5 over a Jetta wagon or a Subaru Impreza Sport?

because a jetta is a boat and expensive (vws are not increadibly reliable) and a subaru unless its a wrx isn't really worth gettin (interior space is microscopic compaired to the p5)

 

[NoWeyOut]

i read in import tuner once about the film. it was put on a wrx wagon and it was only on the front end. i forgot which issue it was...i think i threw away my mags already. does anybody remember? how much is the application?

 

[Matthew]

thats what someone posted here noweyout...maybe do a search for import tuner article or whatever and sift through the results.

 

[Flipper]

See the subject "Chips like Crazy", last posted 10/31 for chatter on the 3M treatment.

 

[kk52736]

but they said most of the chip are on the hood not front, so I don't think the 3M works then.

 

[michaelnchelle]

Th 3M film goes on the hood and the front end, actually, its custom, so you can have it put anywhere you want if you can afford it. I cant... YET... eventually I am getting it on the Celica and the P5. You can search around, but basically its only available through authorized installers, and has to be installed by them... costs are extremely subjective based on where you go. The kit prices are set from 3M, they are about $100 to the installer, but they can charge whatever they want for the kit and the installation. I think it should cost about $250. If you are in a big city, call around to tint places, get the best deal. In a small city (like me), be thankful if you find anyone who even does it!

Everyone commented on the WRX, but he didnt ask about that, he asked about the Impreza Sport, with the 2.5 liter 160hp non-turbo. Thats still not a bad car, but if you buy one you will forever be kicking yourself for not getting the WRX instead!! And, its still significantly more expensive than the P5, especially now with the rebates and prices so low ($16k+ for Impreza Sport if I remember correctly)

If you get the 1.8T, then the Jetta is fast, especially with the chip, and there are lots of performance mods for it. But the regular 2.0 sucks bigtime, and all of them are still way more expensive than a P5. You can get a base Jetta with no power windows for about 14K, but the wagon is more, and I think it only comes as a GLS, which has the same basic equiptment as a P5 but costs around $16k, and the 1.8T I think is about $1000 more, and then if you get the 17" wheels and sport suspension add another $1000. As for reliability, I hear good things and bad things... myself, I had a Golf (same as the Jetta but with a hatchback) and all kinds of stupid but extremely expensive things broke on it, especially electronics and interior trim stuff. I wouldnt plan on keeping one past the warranty period, and definitely not for 200k miles.

At 75+, the P5 is awesome, at that speed in the stick the engine is right in the sweet spot and has nice strong acceleration without having to downshift. I really enjoy highway driving in this car (my commute is 60 miles). The downside is the mileage, its not the greatest compared to Hondas or Toyotas, but its so much more satisfying to drive, I dont care. Plus it looks so much better. And I can also say that mileage in the Golf was no better, I cant imagine the 1.8T or the 2.5 in the Impreza could beat the Protege, but I have no first hand experience with either of them.

Good luck, and I hope you choose the Protege, I love mine!

 

[kolashaker]

In the market for a new car to replace my '95 Ford Contour LX (2.5 V6, 5 spd). Despite much less power in P5 compared to the Contour, its style and performance keep it on my list of potential cars. I can also get a great deal since the "3" is coming soon. I felt pretty good in the driver's seat and was impressed by the layout. Still need to go back to the dealer for a better/longer test drive. My major concern after reading many threads here is the paint chipping issue. I drive on a highway with barriers every day, which has torn up the Contour's front end pretty badly. One dealer has a 5 spd (required) P5 only in Black Mica. It looks like a BMW sport wagon (excuse me - better), but black paint chipping could look awful. I may be able to find a silver one at a different dealer.

'03 P5 owners: is your paint chipping as descibed by others? If not, did you get the 3M treatment? Anybody for or against the Black Mica for chipping or others reasons?

How does the stock car drive around 75 mph (noise, handling, etc.)?

Why buy the P5 over a Jetta wagon or a Subaru Impreza Sport?

Think I'll get 180-200k miles out of the car in 8-10 years?

Hey Flipper, I have a 2003 P5 in Black Mica, have about 3500 mi on it since August. RE: Paint chipping, I have started to noticed some paint coming off the hood, but definitely not pea sized--very small pinhole sized specks, about 5 or 6 of them. I drive (very carefully) in some pretty bad conditions, though. I travel through 3 areas of construction to and from work everyday, and I travel on highways with those dumbass dump trucks that don't cover up their s*** while going 70 MPH. They're not very noticable unless you look for them, though.

But that's not to excuse Mazda's weak paint on this car. Many people complain about it. And it would be even worse if you had black mica. So far for me I've seen a little bit of it myself, and am considering a bra to protect the front end.

Overall though I don't regret buying a black P5. It looks unbelievable w/ polished steel rims, all polished and waxed up.
I just have to stay on top of it. If it gets any worse, it's time for a mask.

RE: 75MPH, the engine is pretty noisy and revs hard, but I''m pretty sure you'll like the sound of it. I find it a bit sluggish getting to 75mph (I have a sportshift auto), but once I'm there it has a very pleasant ride feel. I'm sure you know this already but the Protege is the best handling compact out there, bar none.

RE: the Jetta and Impreza--I would choose the P5 over these two for five reasons: 1) the handling is top notch, this car is a blast to drive 2)it is by FAR the best looking of the three, 3)it is a very reliable platform, 4) it is the most unique car of the three, having only been in production for 2 years and 5) it should be DIRT CHEAP since it's being replaced by the 3.

Finally I expect to get at least 100-120000 mi out of this car. No problems yet as of 3500 *knocks on wood* . Good luck in your new purchase!

ks

 

[Turbo Matty P]

here's my $.02. You want the style of the P5 and the sportiness of the WRX. Buy the MSP. Go to www.mazdasouth.com they have MSP's brand new for $16K. Don't worry about them being in Texas, $500 will just about have the car delivered to your door. ENJOY.

 

[Flipper]

A new P5 owner is born!

Two nights ago I drove a VW Golf (115 hp) and a P5 right after at the same dealership. P5 had much more power, but the ride seemed more harsh and the highway noise level higher. I must have psyched myself out overanalyzing it (nervous willies before a big purchase or something).

Last night I decided to get the P5 anyway simply because its handling is awesome, it has great features, cool style, and I can't beat the value (dealer invoice thru Mazda S-Plan from my employer - $2500 rebate ). Well tonight I drove the black mica I had mentioned in previous note. Took it on the highway for a while since I have a long work commute, and I tested some twisties previously. Everything seemed just right to me tonight. It was raining hard and noise was no problem on the highway (lights nice and bright too), the ride was not harsh - all was well. I'll pick it up tomorrow night - can't wait!

This car has 40 hp less than my Ford Contour, but the handling will be better and the 5 speed shifts much quicker too. I've seen other potential buyers concerned about the hp downgrade from a previous car. It's a non-issue guys. This car is so pleasing to drive - a nice balanced design.

P5 birth information:
Black Mica
5 spd
ABS
Moon Roof & 6 CD with sub woofer
Roof Rack
Alarm

= happy driver

This site and all its enthusiatic participants helped make my decision easy. Thanks to everyone.

 

[LapisBlueProteg]

'03 P5 owners: is your paint chipping as descibed by others? If not, did you get the 3M treatment? Anybody for or against the Black Mica for chipping or others reasons?


i have had my p5 03.5 for 6 months and no chips in hood, handles like a charm and for a few g's u can get a turbo if u want an extra 100 hp, then get and intake and exhaust and gain about 25 hp i say. now buying a sub wagon for 6-8k more what a waste of money and to me they look like crap!!!! no offense to the owners of these. i had my car the other day to 125 mph....
not bad for a mazda i say!! and i had a civic that i never got that high cz rpms started to shake the car really bad!!!!!

 

[Midnight22]

In the market for a new car to replace my '95 Ford Contour LX (2.5 V6, 5 spd). Despite much less power in P5 compared to the Contour, its style and performance keep it on my list of potential cars. I can also get a great deal since the "3" is coming soon. I felt pretty good in the driver's seat and was impressed by the layout. Still need to go back to the dealer for a better/longer test drive. My major concern after reading many threads here is the paint chipping issue. I drive on a highway with barriers every day, which has torn up the Contour's front end pretty badly. One dealer has a 5 spd (required) P5 only in Black Mica. It looks like a BMW sport wagon (excuse me - better), but black paint chipping could look awful. I may be able to find a silver one at a different dealer.

'03 P5 owners: is your paint chipping as descibed by others? If not, did you get the 3M treatment? Anybody for or against the Black Mica for chipping or others reasons?

How does the stock car drive around 75 mph (noise, handling, etc.)?

Why buy the P5 over a Jetta wagon or a Subaru Impreza Sport?

Think I'll get 180-200k miles out of the car in 8-10 years?

cuz i can throw that car into a sharp turn at 80 and not flip or spin out while if i do it with the jetta i flip and the scooby i spin and flip

 

[BiGx5MurF]

Mine's less than 2 months old, with just over 800 miles on it. The paint chipping is already starting to happen. Of course they're about the size of a period at da end of a sentence in a newspaper article. But I'm seriously thinking about getting the 3m treatment, just don't know where to buy, or whether I do a diy or get it done professionally.

I got red, though the chips are un-noticeable unless u look from like less than a foot away. I'm still unsure, my car is garage kept, and has seen rain only once.