Another question for all of you:

What are the main differences between the 02 and 03 models? I've also seen people refer to their 2002.5, thats just a late 02 model right?

Basically, if there's not much difference i'd rather just get an 02 and save a couple smakeroos...

 

The main differences between the 2002.5 and 2003 are:

(1) Color choices - Laser Blue is added to '03
(2) Different alloy rims - '03
(3) "Blacked out" headlamp housing
(4) Re-organized the Moonroof pkg - it comes with the in-dash 6 CD player now.
(5) Floor mats come standard

Difference between 2002.5 and 2002's is called mid-year refeshening. They added forward side markers, just aft of the front wheels and introduced the sport shift auto tranny. I think that's pretty much it.

 

they also changed the stupid cup holders in the mid year refresh.....all the things that came with the mid year refresh carried over to the '03 model. oh yeah...the new alloy rims came out with the mid year refresh too.

 

(2) alloys are the same in 2002.5 and 2003 - slight variation from 2002.

(3) Blackened headlamps are in Canada only, (I prefer the standard chrome)

(5) moonroof + CD-changer combo sells for 2002's moonroof price!

(6) floor mats are standard, though base price is increased very slightly to cover the cost.

-- 2002.5 also added 2 tweeters in side panels near side mirrors (6 speaker total), and no-cover, deeper cupholders, and leather-wrapped shifter **** for 5-spd (sport-auto for automatic). Also the leather seating option was offered.

Basically, the 2003 is the same as the 2002.5 with a new color, different combos of moonroof and ABS/side bags (and actually these options are cheaper!).

If you can get a much better price for the 2002.5, go for it. There is actually an incentive ($750 last I heard-I got this in May) and 0% financing offer for 2002s and 2002.5s. I don't know if there are any incentives for 2003.

If the prices are close, go for the 2003 as it will have slightly higher resale value down the road b/c it is a newer model year.

Try www.edmunds.com for prices you should try to get!

good luck

 

Don't forget that the 2002.5's also got a different shift lever (longer) with a leather wrapped handle. This on the manual gearbox of course.

 

Well, I finally picked up my LB 2003 MP5 and am loving it so far (I certainly hope so!) The US version does come with the chrome headlamps as once poster has mentioned. What's interesting is that they also included some roof rack trims (4 pcs total), they said that if I were take the rack off, that these would be the pieces to use, to cover up the exposed railing. My only gripe is that there's still no rear cupholders, oh well....

 

Hey guys I have a question. Would the Canadian 03 model headlights, that are blacked out fight an American 02 Model Protege 5? Thanks!

Rob

 

They should get along quite well.
Although your chrome American ones might sulk for a while after you swap them out...

 

lol u beet me to it, but do me a favor put me down for 500 on the chrome ones.

 

One other thing they changed for the 2002.5's was the steering wheel, adding the 3 spoke to the sedans that originally came on the Pro 5 (I wish I had that-- I've got the 4 spoke which I think doesn't look quite as cool).

 

Ah, a 2002 model change-- Sorry about that, folks; guess I was .5 years off...