Hey, I have a rattle in the dash as well. I've isolated it to the panel that houses the air temp/fan speed controls. If I push on the panel or temperature control ****, the rattle stops.

Chris

 

My only complaint so far with this car after 3300 miles is that a downshift from 5th to 4th sometimes results in a grind and 4th will not engage.
Not fun when you are expecting to have the engine braking on your side when taking a corner/slowing down.

 

And that's what I love about these forums; nobody is right or wrong, it's just sharing opinions.

 

My opinion is that you are wrong because I am always right.

 

 

That's true, but then again there are almost 4000 folks signed up on this forum. All that a person with a problem/complaint needs is *one* good suggestion from this huge group to help solve a problem, or to just offer reassurance when appropriate.

Also, even if it seems like a complaint is falling on deaf ears, a post may get people thinking, it gets people creative, and next thing you know problems get solved, or maybe an aftermarket provider gets an idea to make something geared to our issues, etc.

For example, if we stopped the discussion on the "Cold Engine rattle" after someone suggests it is just a heat shield rattling, maybe nobody would have realized the core issue and how to temporarily solve it. I think our group benefited from that discussion, even though it may have been difficult for us Protege lovers to read. But the beauty of this type of forum is that we can choose not to read what doesn't interest or apply to us.

Although, granted, it is kind of hard to not click on a thread titled "this or that sucks"...just look at the views those get as opposed to "this is a lovely car"


This is a great point, and not nearly enough of us do this. We have good reason to believe Mazda probably listens to its customers as we have seen with the mid year improvements on the P5. This forum is also a great tool that could help you carry a point in a letter to Mazda if need be.

A rough example...

"although this has been an excellent car in almost every respect, I have personally noticed several issues that could be easily remedied. These issues have apparently been noted by other owners as well as detailed on www.protegeclub.com (a very active community of over 3000 Protege owners), and do not appear to be limited to just my particular vehicle. "

That's why I think that just stating a concern or problem is useful, even if there are no responses. Why? because its in the archive for future reference. I don't know when bandwidth issues come into play with so many members, but as long as we can, we should.

We should all strive to help or educate those concerned about aspects of their cars. In most people's eyes that's a major point of these forums. The occasional replies of, "geez that sucks for you, maybe you should learn how to drive" do nothing for us as a community, and turn potentially good or knowledgable particapants away.

In the meantime, we should ignore, or at least intellegently rebut the small minority of folks baiting us with groundless garbage.

Whoa...how did that soapbox get back under my feet?!? (as he is heard dismounting said box)

 

I agree, Carlos. Unfortunately I think that your educated and cultivated opinions went way over a lot of heads (sorry BadDSM).

That's okay. We'll just keep trying until it sinks in.

 

There are a few changes Mazda could make for me to think this is the perfect car. But there will never be a perfect car, however, the protege is the closest that I found when looking for a car in my price range. I think most the people that are said to be complaining, aren't really. They are just saying what they would have done differently to make it their perfect car.

 

Expecting a perfect car, is like expecting a perfect president when you vote. It will just never happen. There will always be something that someone somewhere will not like.

 

 

I agree with somethings too. Like #5 and how about heat side view mirrors. I know some of you don't need them but, here in Vancouver, you do, or at least I do! Mazda, at least make it a dealer option or something. Please.

 

Isnīt there a light right next to/or underneath the ODO that lights up when you turn on the fog lights? At least on my car there is... itīs pretty bright too.

 

Not that I have seen. Either that or I am totally blind!

 

I am very happy to have accidently stumbled onto this topic, as I have experienced most of these same characteristics with my recently-purchased ES 5-speed and was pleased to find that the quick-and-jerky 1-2 shift and the high-rpm 5th are not due to a transmission defect or the admittedly high mileage (76K) of my vehicle. Having traded in a creaky 200K '91 DX which was much quieter on the freeway, I was a bit concerned.

The only problems I have noticed so far are a "groan"/vibration from underneath the vehicle (emenating directly beneath the center armrest) that seems to occur occasionally when I shift to 2nd or 3rd (maybe exhaust loose?), and the extremely sharp on-center steering correction (due to the fat tires?). And as for the freeway noise, turning the factory CD stereo up to the fourth notch tunes it out quite well! :P

I am delighted by the roomy interior and excellent seats, excellent passing power on the freeway, and the gas mileage -- despite running at higher RPM, I average about 28-29 in combined driving... the same as my old DX! Very happy with my purchase, and looking forward to learning more from you guys!

 

FYI..... Yes, they do (2002.5, 2003)