Buying a Mazda Protege. Need some info/advice.

[Alexandros]

Been looking for a Protege. 2003 model. Really nice and affordable. But I can't make up my mind. Theres so many cariations of the same car. I odn't know which is which.


I see there is the regular Protege. The sedan. But there is LX ES and DX versions. What's the difference?

And which one is the hatchback version? I've been looking around and it seems the Protege5 is a wagon. So is there a hatchback?


And whats the difference between a hatchback and a sedan? Other than the obvious space and appearance. Stability? Performance? Handling? Stuff like that.

 

[Alexandros]

I live in Canada if that helps with model versions.

Also this will be my first car.

 

[Sveivo]

The hatchback is the wagon. They are one and the same.

You can't lose with a Protege5. It's a very unique car.

 

[Sveivo]

I personally would not own a sedan, so that's my advice. Good luck.

 

[NoVa 2.0]

As far as I know there was never a recent hatchback model for the Protg?

The models are the DX which is a base model

The LX which is a step up from the DX

The LX 2.0 which has a 2.0 Engine and some upgrades such as a sun roof, power windows/locks etc

The ES which has power windows/locks, sun roof, side skirts, 2.0 Engine etc... The ES is the top model out of the 3 I mentioned.

The next step up would be the MP3 or the MSP (Mazda Speed) Protg

Of course with any car, the higher model up you get, the more expensive the cost of the vehicle.

The Protg 5 is a Protg but a Wagon version

 

[Alexandros]

MP3 Protege? What are the advantages of that?

And what year has that come out in. From what I read it was discontinued long ago.


Looks like I have a choice between an ES and a Protege5 then.

What's the advantage/disadvanatge of a sedan over a hatchback? (or wagon in this case).



Also, No go on the Mazdaspeed. Limited number made. Don't have much of a choice. At least with the other ones there are more variety floating around so I can choose a used one that I like.

 

[gottacatchup]

the MP3 is another limited model run similar to the MSP but without the turbo.

I chose the protege5 because of its looks and usability. You cant argue with the amount of cargo space you get with a wagon. The P5 only came with one engine, the top o the line 2.0. There were limited options available but even the base model was equivalent to an ES sedan with power doors and windows, remote locks, etc. The P5 has the same bodykit that came on the MP3 and MPS with a different front facia, side skirts, and rear bumper.

Over the years there were changes made to the base P5 with various convinience items like an upgraded stereo, different style wheels, different cupholders.

 

[NoVa 2.0]

MP3 Protege? What are the advantages of that?

And what year has that come out in. From what I read it was discontinued long ago.


Looks like I have a choice between an ES and a Protege5 then.

What's the advantage/disadvanatge of a sedan over a hatchback? (or wagon in this case).



Also, No go on the Mazdaspeed. Limited number made. Don't have much of a choice. At least with the other ones there are more variety floating around so I can choose a used one that I like.

Yea I have to agree with Gottacatchup, it all depends on what your looking for. If you looking to do some snowboarding, or allot of outside activities and are going to be transporting allot of things then the P5 is probably the way to go. If your into 4door sport compacts then get the sedan.

I own the sedan and have liked it since the day I bought it. But I have allot of friends on here that I've met and have the P5 and they are nice as well. Just do some searching on here, check out other peoples cars and that may help narrow your search?

 

[nate0123]

As far as I know there was never a recent hatchback model for the Protg?

The models are the DX which is a base model

The LX which is a step up from the DX

The LX 2.0 which has a 2.0 Engine and some upgrades such as a sun roof, power windows/locks etc

The ES which has power windows/locks, sun roof, side skirts, 2.0 Engine etc... The ES is the top model out of the 3 I mentioned.

The next step up would be the MP3 or the MSP (Mazda Speed) Protg

Of course with any car, the higher model up you get, the more expensive the cost of the vehicle.

The Protg 5 is a Protg but a Wagon version

all 2003 models come with the 2.0 liter engine (in the US, anyway)

the major differences are 4-lug discs & drums on DX/LX and 5-lug and 4-wheel discs on ES, black interior on ES, 16" alloys standard on ES, more options available etc.

ES does not have side skirts

 

[daonly1around]

all models 2002 and newer, and all ES models 2001 and newer, inthe US atleast, came with the 2.0 motor
DO NOT GET AN LX OR DX.... the es comes with four wheel disk brakes while the DX and LX have drums on the rear. supension is the same on all dx, lx, es and P5 models, mp3 has upgraded suspension and about 10 more factory HP. The msp is almost the same as the MP3 with the exception of an added turbo charger, abs and bigger brakes. The mp3 also had a close ratio steering rack.
so, i would get the Es or the P5... if you need the extra room get the P5.

 

[TreFlip999]

P5 FTW...(p5yellow)(cabpatch)

 

[NoVa 2.0]

(greenpro) (first)