After much extensive research I decided on the Mazda Protege, and I was lucky to find a brand new 2002 metallic sand fully loaded ES. My question is can someone explain what all the abbreviations mean. I figured a few out but the FAQ was a little ocnfusing. What is an MP3 and what is first, second and third generation? I figured the rest out. thanks in advance. By the way can anyone recommend a good speed shop in the salinas, monterey, Gilroy area? thanks

 

Congrats! I'm a newbie too so i'm not totally sure what everything is either... but this is what I got

(GLC/323): 1981-1989 -323 changed name to protege (1st gen)
1st gen: 1990-1994
2nd gen: 1995-1998
3rd gen: (1999-2002) models [Protege 5/MP3: 1999-2003 Models]

I dunno if I just make it more confusing hehe, but there ya go...

MP3.....? ....mazda protege.....?

 

MP3 was a special limited edition protege for the model year 2001. It came with 10 more horsepower, beefed up suspension, and a Kenwood MP3 capable stereo.

 

oOOOOooo gotcha. thanks

 

Hey what's up man? I live(well kinda) in Salinas. I go to Cal POly San Luis Obispo and I come up to Salinas almost every weekend. I own a silver protege5. You may have seen me around. I also used to dj alot of things around Salinas. Post some pics of your car man.

 

When you say "speed" shop what exactly are you referring to? There are alot of shops that do suspension work and audio work but I haven't seen to many that are into performance. Well tehre are the few hotrod shops. Well, maybe it's becuase I haven't been thinking about making my p5 fast. Ill look around though!

 

I just got the same car you did a couple of weeks ago except mine doesn't have a sunroof. I freakin' love it. What a zoomy little ride it is. Very well put together.

 

Hey! I live in Salinas!! Yet I have the protege 5 and love that car to death!! I would liek to see your ride... I need to meet you guys that are here....
pm or email me back!!

As for speed shops.. most of them here are tuned to the civic crowds..
here are a few...
There is GC's on main street past the rodeo grounds just after the overpass bridge going to south salinas on the right..
but they are really ciivc oriented.. you will see them with all the rims sticking out on their wondow display..

then there is Supersport on alisal.. they have mostly audio and lighting stuff there.. but more of a choice in things than Gc's........
Hit them up if you want something.. they can get it if you know exactly what it is you want..

Then if you want to drive.. there is streetscene in watsonville.. it is in the main st going towards the new shopping plaza....... IE target, Office max, etc.. it sits in between oldtown and the plaza...

Also There is Volks cafe in Santa Cruz..
They have a small section dedicated to aftermarket parts, but their people there are knowledgable.. at least when I last went there a year ago....

Hell if you want we can make a run one day and visit these spots together.............
Hope this helps..

-AcTs

 

Well I have a silver p5 and will be coming back to town tomorrow night. Maybe Ill see you around?

 

Hey I hope so!! I have a 2002.5 Protege 5 that is that midnight blue color with tinted windows..
stock otherwise...
I work nights... 11-7 am so I may see you during the evening.!!
Heck I been tryign to get with Egnatey to form a mazda club out here.. there would be me, you nate, and the new mazda owner and the fixed up altezza one....
Hey that is a beginning!
-AcTs

 

Yeah man... i'll be in salinas tomorrow im usually around the mall

 

what time you goingto be there by? I will roll through there..........
-AcTs

 

well what time do you get off work??

 

I get of at 7 am and go back to work @ 11 pm.........
-AcTs

 

thats cool Ill be rolling in Salinas around 3 or 4 pm today so il prbably be around the mall like at 5-6pm