you dont have to wait for the ms3 unless you want/need a warranty. a hiboost 3 will be much faster, and with aftermarket parts, you can make the suspenion better aswell. it will cost you more, but you will also get much better performance.
i agree with this
i dunno to much about the 5 door but as a sedan owner i'd pick the protege over the 3 sedan at least the 2.0 i'm not sure if the 5 door comes with the 2.0?
but i'm assuming those of you who said the 3 was quicker were refering to the 2.3? because the 2.0 3 vs a 2.0 protege is slow.
however thats not the only factor that should come into play
i agree with what was said earlier she should buy it then you'd have the best of both worlds
i dont prefer on eover the other. i do miss my p5 because not too many people around here have them and it was a really fun car. on the other hand, the 3 is just a much more solid car. it feels so smooth and refined. while it isnt as much fun (yeah i said it) as the p5, it has more aftermarket support giving 3 owners more options in changing the characteristics of their 3.
Both nice cars. There's times driving when I wish I had a 3, on the other hand if I had one there would be times when I wish i had the P5. Can't lose with either.