I just ran across this post for the first time. I have a 5 speed protege 5. My last car was an auto, so at first i chalked it up to not driving a stick regularly, but now it is a little rediculous... 3rd gear throw grinds somewhat often enough to piss me off, and i think it is due to the throw being too long or something, but it pisses me off, I have come to realize that 3rd gear will be a problem for me with this car, and be the first to go. is someone talking to Mazda about this? At first they will say it is our fault, but 2 pages in this one board of people saying the same thing can't be wrong. Plus, I would love to hear a mazda rep tell me I don't know how to drive stick, I will cut him down to a church mouse, and send him home crying to his mommy. Try driving stick in a 80's Chevy 3500 with a huge V8 in New York city traffic, where you have to stand on the clutch in order to shift. Please, this tranny is like a toybox compared, I should be able to do this in my sleep, yet I still grind 3rd???? What the **** gives????
Sorry for ranting!!!:mad: