Toyota Matrix vs. Mazda Protege5 - READ ONLY

292 messages,  Last post on May 02, 2003 at 1:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Matrix, Mazda Protege5, Hatchback, Wagon

#273 of 292 Humm... by bluong1

Nov 14, 2002 (9:26 am)

I don't tow anything at all so I do not pay attention much on this feature, but does someone know what prevent the P5 to tow?

#274 of 292 towing by maltb

Nov 14, 2002 (10:13 am)

The P5 owners manual says not to tow anything, so if you do, you could have warranty problems.
 
Raymond (meinrad on here) has a Hidden Hitch on his P5 that he uses for a bike rack. I think he said the place that installed it said it could be used for towing, but I don't know what the limit is. Maybe he'll pop-up in here with his comments.

#275 of 292 for towing by Sporin

Nov 14, 2002 (10:36 am)

I'm not sure I'd want to be towing much of anything with a compact FWD car.
 
Have you considered the new Forester? It's towing capacity is 2400 lb (with 5-sp manual) or 2000 lb (with 4-sp automatic) with a maximum tongue weight of 200 lb.
 
The handling is very good (though not P5-good) the flat-4 is a nice match to the manual tranny and AWD. Plenty of cargo room too.
 
Keep the options down and you should be able to get into one for around $20k. Worth a look.

#276 of 292 P5 towing.... by shrique

Nov 14, 2002 (10:38 am)

The manual has an entire page devoted to one sentence. Here's a quote (from memory). "Don't ever tow anything with your Protege5" The rest of the page is blank. (GRIN)
 
The trailer I want to get is justa light weight utility trailer. You know, trips to home depot for a couple of sheets of plywood that kind of thing. I sure as heck wouldn't try to tow more than a couple of hundred pounds with a vibe. But at least it has the option.

#277 of 292 Forester... by shrique

Nov 14, 2002 (10:40 am)

The problem with the forester is that it's kinda tight on the drivers space. Also right now it's a new car and it's running for a premium price. I found out that my lease isn't up for another 8 monthes so I don't have to replace her car just yet. Maybe by then I'll be able to look at a Forester. They are a bit more expensive as well with the features that I want.

#278 of 292 shrique by maltb

Nov 14, 2002 (10:42 am)

I was going to get a P5 and put a hitch on it so I could tow my dirt bike (with trailer - 500#). However, I changed my mind and opted to order a Mazda6. Hopefully, somebody will have a hitch out for that soon.

#279 of 292 towing by bluong1

Nov 14, 2002 (11:14 am)

There is an accessory for towing with the Protege Sedan:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/product.jhtml?CATID=138373&BQ=jcw2&_requestid=28796

But I couldn't find anything for the P5. May be there is no strong secure place to put it on?

Bruno

#280 of 292 Protege and towing... by shrique

Nov 14, 2002 (12:20 pm)

It's really not recomended to tow anything with any protege. AT least as far as I've read.
 
Maybe the manufacturer doesn't want to deal with towing when it comes to warranty work. I mean towing isn't exactly easy on the tranny especially if it wasn't designed for it.

#281 of 292 One day I saw by cdnp5

Nov 14, 2002 (3:29 pm)

When I was in Colorado (Vail area) I saw a P5 with two bikes on top plus pulling a small Uhaul trailer behind it driving through the mountains. He didn't look like he was slowing any though. I'm sure the P5 could pull a small utility trailer but I would tell my dealer that the hitch is for my bikes though.
 
d.

#282 of 292 cdnp5... by shrique

Nov 15, 2002 (6:17 am)

Exactly. Maybe I'll do it after my warranty runs out. (GRIN) Of course I've seen a Cadillac Deville towing a HUGE boat. Didn't seem to be bothered by it at all.

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