What would you have gotten?

[aceP5]

I first was considering either a Tacoma or Frontier ... but those trucks got only okay ratings from consumer reports, and were pretty expensive. Then i looked at Celicas, Matrixes, and RSXs. I was almost 100% sure on the Matrix (sadly enough) but the salespeople at the Toyota Dealership here were real jerks to deal with. When they had no Matrixes I liked in stock, I went to mazda just for the hell of it and drove a P5 and loved it compared to the matrix and RSX. I was sold at that point, and bought it two days later.

This coversation is interesting, though, because now that my P5 is dead, I need to find a new car. As much as I loved the P5, i think I might try to take a step up in power and go with something like a used GTI or Jetta, or maybe an Impreza, WRX, or SRT4 if the price is right. I love my car but I feel like I should try something different. I don't know. It is an interesting opportunity for me to just try something completely different. But the P5 is definitely a great car for the price - it really can't be beat.

 

[nate0123]

wow, was the hail really baseball sized? (wow)

 

[PRO2NR]

I had a 97 VR6 in mind, Then a Subaru 2.5rs. I still Really like the the older vr6's. If I had to do it all over, I might just get one of those. But for now. I'm really happy with my pro.

 

[jonlong]

How come no one is interested in some quality made American cars? (braindead

 

[FC3s Boy]

How come no one is interested in some quality made American cars? (braindead

ha ha ha ha ha

 

[pedrump]

protege5 or...

I just bought a used 2003 protege5 yesterday. So far am loving it. (rockon)

I was looking at buying a new corolla, or maybe even a hyundai elantra (headshake). Had heart set on corolla, but dealer was one of those assholes not really interested in selling cars, just making people feel poor. Completely unsatisfied with hyundai, I went to saturn dealership to test drive ION. Ion was nice, good pickup. Also test drove a Mazda 3 (GREAT SUSPENSION), but was out of price range.

At saturn dealership saw blue 2003 protege5 5spd (eek2) , with only 6000 miles bought in 04/04 with 44k left on 50k factory warranty. Test drove (drive) , and liked the fact that for less than a base corolla, i could get power windows/locks, 16" rims, 4 wheel disc brakes, tilt wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, etc etc. Played a little hardball with dealer and got it for 12k, was asking blue book 15k.

So this is my 2nd day of ownership, and I love the quality of the car compared the hyundai, and the features compared to corolla. P5 is slow as s*** (used to drive 93 Acura Legend LS...first honda car with more torque than hp), but it handles great!

As much as I was digging the corolla, had I not seen this protege5, I would have probably bought a saturn Ion.

 

[Chiguy_2002]

I traded in a 2001 Frontier S/C for my P5, sweet truck but very bad gas mileage (15MPG?!?!?!). I looked at the Matrix also, but not as fun to drive. The P5 felt faster and handled better. The dealer was OK, but not great. I should have brought my own financing.

If I had to do it all over again, I may have gone with a VW GTI VR6 or 1.8T (2002 or later). Reading up on the other models, I would have definately considered an Mazdaspeed Protege or a newer P5 (2003 instead of 2002). (shrug)

I first was considering either a Tacoma or Frontier ... but those trucks got only okay ratings from consumer reports, and were pretty expensive. Then i looked at Celicas, Matrixes, and RSXs. I was almost 100% sure on the Matrix (sadly enough) but the salespeople at the Toyota Dealership here were real jerks to deal with.

 

[1ofdfew323]

I traded in a 2001 Frontier S/C for my P5, sweet truck but very bad gas mileage (15MPG?!?!?!). I looked at the Matrix also, but not as fun to drive. The P5 felt faster and handled better. The dealer was OK, but not great. I should have brought my own financing.

If I had to do it all over again, I may have gone with a VW GTI VR6 or 1.8T (2002 or later). Reading up on the other models, I would have definately considered an Mazdaspeed Protege or a newer P5 (2003 instead of 2002). (shrug)

The p5 felt faster than the matrix? which matrix did you test drove? I think the p5 is the slowest car I have ever driven s*** my girls '01 corolla felt faster than my p5. Have you tried downshifting the p5 on the freeway? The engine sounds louder but the car stays on the same speed for like 5 mins...sososos slowww...

 

[Suomi]

P5 was my first choice. I wanted a 5 door hatch with good styling. I also like the content level of the P5. I would like a little more power (my `89 Prelude is quickerit's modded a bit though).