Just curious as I'll be going to pick up my Protege5 once I get a call saying they got it in. Should be in a few hours as they said it was in route this morning. My question is this, what type of break in period should I do for this car. To the best of my knowledge most cars are stay under 55 for the first like 300-600 miles or so. Is doing this helping or if I go over hurting the engine. Basicly this weekend my wife and I going on a small trip to see some friend on the otherside of the state, like a 3 hour drive, and would like to take the Protege5 but worried that going down the interstate at 65+ before break in might hurt it.

Please let me know as I want my baby to last as long as possable and would die if anything happens to it.

 

Nah going over 65 on the freeway won't hurt it. The manual has some instructions in it, and it basically says a break-in period is really not needed. My car had to be driven 120 miles to the dealership where I live (they had no yellow manual p5's) and I seriously doubt the delivery dude kept it under 55 the whole time. I mean I wouldn't rod the **** out of it or take it to redline or anything till you got about 800 miles or so. My p5 runs great excpet for that goddamn rattle when the engine is cold. there are a few posts about that around here you can check out about the rattle.

 

I thought the same exact thing. They are delivering mine fron NC and I was like if they are driving on the interstate then why the hell shouldn't I? I will not be redlining it and will be taking easy and good care of my baby.

I've read about the rattling and hope mine doesn't do it. Although if you had to buy the P5 again would still buy it knowing that issue?

 

About the only thing I would suggest is not keeping it a constant single rpm/speed for long periods....very it a bit...like from 60 to 70.....just a personal preferance...there is another thread where this was discussed in detail....and I don't remember ANYONE saying that they had a car/engine drop dead on them for the lack of breakin....in fact the TECHNIQUES discussed went everywhere from people doing as you said...keeping it under 55 for the first 1000 miles....to those that would take if off the lot and run it like they would drive it from then on...red line and all...and still no reports that it was bad.....SO, other than following what the manual recommends....let your conscience be your guide.

NOW>..for your second question....would I get another one? DAMN STRAIGHT SKIPPY!...in fact...I baught TWO....and would buy TWO again, if I had it to do all over.

 

I figured you would.

Just I started reading the rants and raves and everyone is bitching at the engine sounds. I figured even with that it is still a great car and I'm sure mazda will figure out whats going on and fix it.

Thanks again, I'll continue to sit here twitchin my feet and twiddling my feet till the dealer calls me saying they got it in.

Also tell me if this is a good price.

Red, Auto, moonroof/deflector for 17,400 plus another $500 off for College Grad program so looking at 16,900. 60 months at 4.9% I think I got a hell of a deal.

 

Sounds like a good deal to me. And yeah while the engine rattle is annoying, it is just that annoying. Once the car warms up its a beauty. Yeah I would buy another one even if I knew the risk of that engine rattle, simply because the car kicks ***, and its under warranty so I'm not too worried about it, its just irritating and I hope Mazda addresses it soon.

 

you got a REAL good deal....the dealer invoice in MY area is 15,750.....the dealer I got MY P-5 from only adds $300 markup on all their cars...no matter what color or options.....the STICKER...is only $16,800 on a STRIPED (no option) P-5.....so you got yours with a moonroof, deflector, and an AT for 16,900? you should write the salesperson personally and give them a BIG thank you letter....maybe even a Christmas Card next December....you did REALLY good....

if you had a trade in...hope you got a good deal there and didn't get taken there makeing the deal that much better for THEM.

 

Nope no trade in. I'm going to sell my old POS **** my self or junk it.

 

Read my first reply here for complete instructions. The rest of the thread is full of useful information as well.

Congratulations on the P5! You'll enjoy it!