New to me but old 2002 Protege DX

[misnblu]

I needed another car as my project daily driver has a broke tranny from doing a "money" shift.

Anyway I found a nice 2002 Protege DX with only 95k miles on the clock and for only $1,800.
I bought it.

No rust, the body is straight, mechanically sound for what I need to drive around while I install a new Spec clutch stage 1 into my Hyundai Accent.

So far I really like this car.
I've already installed my Konig Rewind wheels from the Accent as I have OZ Alleggeirita HLT wheels on the Accent right now.
Yeah I switch wheels like changing shoes when you feel like something different.

The Mazda will be a keeper and already have parts ordered for her for maintenance and better handling.

Some pics...

Anyway thought I'd say hi so hey.

 

[Antoine]

Welcome! Nice find and looks clean...Always puts a smile on my face to see Proteges still in good condition and on the road. Looking forward to updates!

 

[misnblu]

Thank you sir.
As a truck driver I see every kind of car out on the road and since I've gotten this Protege I have seen 0 on the road in the past week.

Such a rare car now and once had seen many in years past.

Aftermarket is dismal as well.
I'll be setting it up for a good driving reliable second car that handles very well and looks clean.

 

[misnblu]

An update on the progress of the car so far.

As rare as these cars are I know the Protege community is far gone for the most part but I absolutely love this car and am preserving it for future generations to behold.

AWR makes some nice motor mounts and I bought all 4 for my Protege.
Talk about well made and engineered.
60 durometer bushings on all but the front motor mount which gets the 70 durometer.

Having experience with motor mounts on my other cars I've owned these seemed to be the acceptable values for a nice taut engine with zero NVH.
I'm not drag racing this car or doing wild driving as it is just an automatic but I do appreciate a finely tuned car.

Spent about $3,800 so far on parts to make it the car I want visually and handling wise.

Here's the list for now.
56k be warned.

Ultra-Guage OBD2 guage $102
Moog outer ball joints $36
Haynes print service manual $37
Protege 5 OEM strut bar $115
Wheel spacers 3mm $30
Grill emblem & white face gauges $102
Progress rear swaybar $215
STi S204 lip $81
Moog front stabilizer bars $42

Moog rear stabilizer bars $40
KYB front rear struts H&R springs $424
Asst suspension parts $225
Timing chain set Valve cvr gasket $120
Front strut $61
Water pump gaskets and belts $82
AEM intake short ram $204
Cusco lower front brace $112
AWR Racing motor mounts $475
NGK coils and wires $124
Denso extended to spark plugs $50

Mud guards front rear $43
4-1 Header $148
Exhaust gaskets needed $40
Battery hold down and oil cap $40
MPS rear wing painted $375
MPS blue side skirts $280
Front bumper OEM fog lamps $100
Various side skirt retainers $40
Moog control arms $106

Car price $1,800
Parts total $3,809

$5,609 total car purchase

Not a bad purchase for a good rust free car with only 95K miles on it and about the budget I wanted to spend for a used car.

I'll update this page as I get things rolling.
As a truck driver I have maybe 5 days a month home so it'll be a slow transformation.

I also have two 4-1 stainless headers for the car and only need one so one is available for purchase as these are hard to come by now.
I'll it for what I paid for it.

Have a good Thanksgiving everyone.
Oh I forgot about the AWR mounts.