I've been to the dealer 4 times already, it's all "normal" operation. The reason for my negativity.

They did at one time offer to replace the clutch assembly. The next time I brought it around because no matter what shoes I wore, position the seat was in or how slow or fast I took it I would still experience the same issues. So, I asked and they laughed saying they can't just throw parts into it without knowing what's wrong. I explain and demonstrate, not enough. So, I give up. Now the Lawyers are involved.

I've owned my vivid yellow protege5 since January and have been MORE THAN HAPPY with my purchase. The workmanship appears excellent at this point in time, and I LOVE it's styling. To the "bro" with the clutch chatter etc., I say take it back to the dealer, and attempt to rectify your situation.

And what a platform to "modify" your vehicle!, I had NO IDEA when I brought this baby home that I would add wheels, springs, exhaust etc. It's been SO MUCH FUN!!

In closing GO FOR IT, you will not be disappointed, in fact this car will change your life..... in a very positve way!

Later, Speedbump.

Thanks all! Since they can't find the car I'm looking for I'm going in this weekend to start the paperwork to order it from the factory. I'm getting silver+manual+cloth, moonroof/ABS/side-airbags, moonroof deflector and alarm (what the Hell, never had one). I've been quoted with $16,800 for those options which is much better than I thought! I can't wait to get it and from my test drive I'm really psyched. Did I tell you they let me take it for a spin myself, alone? They just said bring it back when I'm done. That was amazing, I couldn't believe they let me do that. My tires squealed most of the time. :)

I'll post a pic once I get it! Hopefully it won't take TOO long to get here....

thats a really good price 16800 for all that stuff!!
i only got moonroof with mine and I had to pay more than that, although I got it 6 months ago. the dealer won't give me and discount or like free oil changes, cause he said other dealers were marking up the price by $1000-3000 cause it was the first lot to arrive.
damn your deal is sweet!
BTW good choice of accessories, I really like the styling of the moonroof deflector, much better than the humpy ones that u get for the civics.

Compared to what I payed out here in "Silicon Valley", your getting a SMOKING DEAL..........how long will you have to wait & can't your dealer "trade" from another dealer in your state?

Keep in contact.

Later, Speedbump.

Well, nobody around here has that car. Partly due to the silver, and partly due to the ABS, they've got to order one from the factory. :( :( :(

And after "extras" that price went way up! $219 service fees, $79 tag, $1069 tax, +$750 (it was minus $750, OR 0% APR, I went with the 0% APR), it's up to $18,917. :( Oh well, I love the car I don't care!

And it'll take SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS TO GET! AAAARRRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why did they add $750? If you take the 0% APR?

Probably a "$750 cash back OR 0% apr" promotional thing.

If that's the case, you're better off with the 0% anyway - saves you more than $750 in the long run.

Take off the door panel and I can almost promise you that there is a piece of foam coming loose from the inner door. I had the same problem on my MP3 ecept that my window would not go down. I took off the door panel and yep, there was a piece of foam loose that was keeping the window from going down. I simply removed it from the door since it realy isn't important anyway. No more problem.:D

Yup. It was either $750 off OR 0% APR. I can't afford to buy it outright so I can easily live with 0% APR. Plus I need to buy it now because: 1) my car is reaching the end of its life rapidly; 2) need the good credit rating before I get laid-off and income drops to $0 per month.

Hope you get a new job fast. $0 income sucks. :(

Silver 2002 p5 owner......
 

Hey, in regards to y our question about the dates for the 6 speaker change, etc......Mazda did what they call a "mid cycle refresh". Amoung a few other things, the side markers were added, the cup holders lost the cover and got deeper, the non polished wheel design was changed (for the better IMO), and the speakers got two additional mid range ones to total 6 instead of the original 4. They did all of this in Feb 2002. Most of the dealers didn't get the "refresh" cars until April or May. Make sure you ask (or notice the changes) when looking because they are still "selling through" the earlier models.

I had to have my Silver 5 spd shipped to me because there weren't any in my area either. Luckily it came from another dealer so I still only paid invoice and I got the special finacing!! :)

Good luck on your search and I hope that you get exactly what you want....these are awesome cars!!!!

They fixed the cupholders??? Awww dammit!!

I told the salesman I was looking only for post-Feb 28th built cars. However good news, they say it should be in end of next week!! (they LIED!) HA! They gave me the VIN and it's a very late production code so it's probably after Feb 28th: JM1BJ246221615792; 615792 seems late???? I started another thread asking if there's any way to tell from the VIN what month/day a car was built. Otherwise I'll hafta wait until I see it for myself. And not laid-off yet WOO-HOO! :) :)

Josh,

Just to add another voice to the crowd of happy P5 owners. I bought a new 2002 P5 back in late March. I have 1200 miles on the car and absolutely love it. I don't think anything else in its class comes close for the price.

It looks good, drives great, has a lot of standard features that are optional on other cars in this price range, etc, etc. I also like the fact that it corners very well, holds tons of cargo, gets good mileage and has the most comfortable seats of any car I've owned. Plus the Protege's have a great reliability record.

And I'm not the only one in my family that thinks so. My brother the die-hard Toyota fan bought a new one the same day I did. He really likes his also.

Vivid Yellow, 5-spd, sunroof and deflector, ABS w/side impact air bags, alloy wheels, etc. (Cargo mat and cargo tray on order). It's the third Mazda I've owned and each one has been a great car.

I hope you like yours as much as I do mine!