I just got back from the dealership about 2 hours ago with my new 2002 Classic Red Mazda Protege 5. I have wanted a PR5 since they debuted in 2000 so I finally decided to trade in my '99 VW Jetta IV. I love this car. The only thing I miss on my VW is the dash lighting. Other than that though, I love the Mazda!! I am looking foward to talking to all of you on this forum. Please forgive me if you ask me a question and it takes me awhile to answer you, but I am going to be pretty busy transfering my car audio/mobile video system into this car from my VW. Just a little background on myself:

Name: Jason
Nickname: JellyBean
Age: 23
Location: Illinois
Job: Circuit City Car Audio Installer
Hobbies: Car Audio, VideoGames, Watching Movies (esp. in my car), and Surfing the Net

I am more into upgrading the overall looks of the PR5 and the stereo, I am not into speed so please do not rip on me for not having a ton of performance mods on it. Like I said, I look foward to talking to all of you and hopefully this forum is full of helpful info and not a bunch of stuck up player haters like VWVORTEX.COM. Sorry but I hated that forum.

Jason (JellyBean)

 

Welcome to the Protege Familia
As far as your preference on Mods-to each his own. It's just as expensive going for show as it is going for Go.
I myself prefer performance, so sorry can't help you w/ anything regarding audio and looks. Still have stock audio and turned down to low volume when drving so that I can hear the Sweet music of the engine and exhaust.

 

I'm not against speed, it's just not for me. I drive over an hour to work and back so I like gas mileage. I just went to Hot Import Nights last Sat. in Chicago and saw some awesome rides with nothing but performance mods and loved them, just not for me though.

Jason (JellyBean)

 

Welcome Jason. I am pretty new here as well, I just got my 2002.5 Classic Red P5 last Friday. Awesome cars aren't they? I completely understand your point about wanting show, not really go. It's just what you're into. My P5 is my daily driver, and I love how quiet and smooth it drives/rides. I love the handling don't get me wrong, but I have my Miata for ripping around. It is lowered with a I/H/E work etc and really that's the exact reason I don't like driving it day to day. Too stiff and too loud. Nice to be able to cruise in a smooth riding, quiet car during the commute

 

welcome man to the family. this is one of the best places to get help from fellow pro owners. ask anything. and someone will be glad to help ya.
arul

 

welcome to the club, congrats on the P5,
wierd thing i noticed and maybe its because i'm involved but alotta jason's buy P5's ... lol and i have a red 1 too!!!
anyways, enjoy the car and ask all the questions u want.

-Jason