Hi all,

In just the short time I've been gazing at this forum, I'm guessing I'm older than most of you (44 in October). So have mercy on me.

Anyway, I just bought a new Protege 5 today! It's a white 5 speed with the power sunroof, polished wheels and single disc player. My other cars are a 1993 Corvette, a 2000 supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix (my wife's) and a 1999 Dodge Neon R/T (my son's). You may think I'm crazy, but I'll be selling the Corvette soon. Why? Because it costs too much to maintain. Even with only 50,000 miles on the odometer, I have put $3,000 into repairs in a year and a half, with still more to go if I want to make it right. Plus another $1600 for damage sustained in an accident (not my fault). My deductible was $1000, so I just paid out of pocket.

We once had a 92 Protege that was a great car. In fact, it's still my wife's favorite out of all the cars we have owned. Unfortunately, it was totaled, with just under 60,000 on it, in an accident(no one badly hurt). I decided to buy another Protege based on 5 things:

1) Our first experience with a Protege
2) I like the looks of the P5 and it's fun to drive
3) 0% financing
4) Great discount on price, since I work for a company owned by
Ford, which, of course has a majority share in Mazda. This lets me
get the S plan price, which is below what the dealer pays for it.
5) Great utility. The Corvette is my daily driver and it's not great for hauling things around like bikes, dogs, etc.

Though I like the looks of the car, this sentiment is not shared by others in my family. Both my wife and son think it looks like a station wagon. I call it a sport wagon. My co-workers will give me crap tomorrow because I told them I was buying a Mustang GT.
But after driving both, I honestly think that the Protege is a superior car in every way, except acceleration. Plus, even though I'm 6'4", as a driver, I have much more room in the Protege 5 (Ford should be ashamed of this).

Well, just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm sure I'll have more posts in the future.

Oz58

 

Congrats on your new MP5! I just bought one thursday. I also like it and have got some crap from some friends, since I'm another muscle car guy. I'm not selling my TA though!! The P5 is my wifes car I've already got plans for it though. My TA is not a daily driver so it doesn't cost much to maintain, just a nice big payment every month to the bank. The P5's handling is awesome right out of the box, and I love the looks.

Take it easy,

Nick

 

Welcome to the board. You will really enjoy the protege going around tight turns.

I also did a lot of research on many different vehicles and finally went with the P5. Even though people have labeled this as a wagon...it still feels more of a hatchback to me.

Again enjoy and welcome.

 

Congrats on the P5! I love the car, even though its not very fast straight out of the dealer. But mazda is taking care of that problem real quick, and so is other company's. I'm taking care of that problem as quick as I can . Anywayz, I hope you enjoy the car!

 

Most people love the looks of the P5, I certainly think my friend's car is looks great. Definately turns heads where we go. Calling this car a station wagon is an insult. The old pontiac 5000 is a station wagon, this is a 5 door hatchback or like you said a sportwagon.

 

Welcome and congrats on the new car. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed my 2002 ES.