Technical Features
2001 Mazda Protegé MP3 Project: MP3 Part I
By by: Chris Stutters
Oct 29, 2003, 18:26

Back in August of 2001 I went out searching for a new car to replace my tired (but still cool) ’85 RX-7 GSL.  I wanted to keep the RX-7, but family matters and such required a new car.  So, the search began.

I looked at all kinds of cars to fit the necessary requirements.  It needed four doors or a back seat, and A/C.  But I also wanted something fun to drive. Something that could be my little project car so to speak. 

The search started at the Volkswagen dealer.  The Jetta Wolfsburg had come out, and I was also interested in the Golf.  Both were excellent cars, but a little more than I wanted to spend.  A proven aftermarket existed but once again, after looking at the price of the car and parts, it was a little out of my budget. 



I test-drove a Dodge Neon.  It was actually decent, and the aftermarket was coming a long nicely.  But then, it’s still a Neon and not worth the headache that other magazines had said these cars had become.

Keeping with the hatchback love, I looked at the Focus ZX3.  It was neat little car.  I liked how it looked.  But once again, the quality culprit struck again and I wasn’t going to risk it.  On top of that rumors were running around about the SVT being out soon. 

Next on the list, Mazda.  I mean hey, after all, I love my little RX-7, and the Protegé5 looked like fun.  So I drove one.  I loved it.  Not as much power as the VWs, but better quality than the Neon and Focus.  It handled like a charm.  The only down side was the apparent lack of an aftermarket for the car.

After many weeks of thinking, it finally came down to decision time.  I drove all over that day.  It came down to the Jetta and the Protegé5.  I was willing to make the stretch on the Jetta.  It would simply mean I would have to go slower on the “upgrades.”  And the Protegé had the lack of after-market, but it was a fun car from the get-go as well.

One final test-drive show down battle.  The key contenders, in the right corner, the Protegé5.  In the left corner, the Jetta Wolfsburg.  READY, FIGHT!

Round one, we’ll hit the Mazda dealer and see what they can do for me.  I walk in ready to go.  Financing arranged, "stubborn hard to sell face" mode on.  I see they have the color I want outside with the options I want, it was on.  Time to step in the showroom and confront a sales person.  Open the door and…WHAT?!?  Stop the press!

What is this little blue Protegé sedan with the wheels?  It can’t be the Protegé MP3 I have heard so much about?  I’ve seen it on TV.  I’ve read about it in magazines.  Only 1500 for all of North America.  I thought I would never see one, little alone be able to possibly purchase one.  It can’t be for sale.  



So, I start talking to the sales person.  Not only is it for sale, but they have two other yellow ones out back.  They had three all together.  My draw dropped.

After a few moments of personal reflection and picking my jaw up, my mind had made it’s decision.  It was the blue MP3.  Sure, it had a few things that people didn’t like.  But it was blue.  I love blue.  It has everything I would want to do it, minus the power.  It was priced right in between the Protegé5 and Jetta.  Plus it looked cool.  This changed everything.

I asked how much.  The sales person said sticker, no haggling and no “market adjustment” BS.  SOLD!

On September 10, 2001, I drove home in my brand new shiny Laser Blue Mica 2001 Mazda Protegé MP3.

MISSION: Complete…A fun-to-drive sedan with A/C, bought.

Now, it’s time to begin the slow research process…Have to find the aftermarket for this car, along with as much info as possible to determine what has been done and how.



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