Hi all,

My 93 Saturn SC-2 is reaching its deathbed and I'm all but convinced a Protege5 will be my next car. I'm wondering, however, what everyone's dislikes about the car are? Biggest complaints? So far all I've heard here is lack of engine power (I take this with a grain of salt since you can say that about any car) and annoying noise at cruising speed due to the roof rack. Anything else I should beware of before buying (e.g., don't get a tranny w/code #A, get pcv valve model blah, ...)?

Also, I plan to get a fully-optioned manual but hear rumors the P5 might not be around in 2003!? Is there a waiting line for 2002 P5s? I can't afford one right now -- will I be safe if I wait 6 months or just screwed out of a P5? I bought my SC-2 used so this'll be my first new car.

And this'll be my first non-American car -- first was 83 Buick LeSabre, second a Saturn SC-2 (loved'em both!).

Thanks for any advice and great board!!
Josh

 

Hello Josh, no your not screwed...there is no waiting list that I have ever heard of, you should be fine in 6 months time....unless you want the covented Vivid Yellow for your color....THEN start shopping early... :{D in many areas they are hard to get your hands on. the fact that you want one with LOTS of options will help if you are opting for a yellow one though...seems most dealers loaded up the yellows that they got. Other than that....GET A MANUAL, i.e. 5-speed!!! LOTS more fun......and after all...as much time as we spend in our cars...we might as well be having fun! ..

the only complaint I have is the SO CALLED arm rest...its too far back and is totally NON FUNCTIONAL as an armrest....just handy to put a dozen or so CD's in. The wind noise you hear people talk about is a case by case thing...it bothers some...some can't hear it at all...personally....I don't hear it till about 80....so its not a big deal. As far as power...well....it may not lay you back in your seat...but its quite peppy....and with the simple addition of a few little bolt ons...its a bit more ZIPPY...I enjoy ever minute I have behind the wheel. Good Luck....hope you get one....they are by far the best looking little car on the streets of amreica today!

 

Why don't you test drive P5 first.
You'll love it's steering and tight well controlled ride. Take it to some empty parking lot and push it into the corners, you should really like it (Zoom Zoom Zoom)
Automatic is not so bad on P5, but 5speed manual may save you almost $1000 and give you greater control of the car.
Engine is not the best in it's class but it will feel more loose and quiet after break-in.
It's not a perfect car, but at $16K-$18K there are not many cars that can be compared to P5.
Good luck.

 

I love my yellow p5 except for that goddamn rattle when the engine is cold. That **** pisses me right off, I'm still waiting to find a solution to this issue. Other than that the car kick ***.

 

Thanks all! I'm taking it for a test drive this weekend at probably a couple of different dealers (I've found the patience of how long you can test drive a car wanes rapidly). I'm definitely getting a manual: once I learned to drive stick I fell in love and can't see myself ever going back. I'm holding off until next fiscal quarter due to layoffs and make sure I've still got a job. Can't wait for the first supercharger either!

Josh

 

The Mazda is a more sound car than the Saturn. Don't get me wrong, saturn is fine. My Pro is an excellent car. I think that for a 2.0 it performs fine.. I would recommend the Protege.

 

There's a thread somewhere here called something like rants & raves--that should give you some ideas about what people do and don't like about their P5's. I won't reiterate my post here, but you should find that thread.