This is my first post, so please forgive me if this has been asked before:

I called my local Mazda dealer today and asked "Any deals on 2002 Protege sedans?". He told me there is currently a $2000 rebate on sedans or 0% for 4 years on 2003 sedans. I did the math and I save more (about $1K) with the rebate. So my question is this: Is the 2003 worth the extra cost? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Rich

 

I am looking at the same problem. I have looked at both the 02 and 03 with the same incentives. If you go to Edmunds.com you can look at all the specs and standard features. i am yet to find a difference between them. The only problem I have is the color. there are only 3 pro ES models in the area with the options I want and 2 of them are the same color. What were you going to get: DX LX ES???

 

BTW

I currently own a 02 DX. There are some major differences betweenDX/LX and ES. The interior on the DX/LX is cheap looking and rattles/squeaks alot. I test drove the ES several times and the clutch feels much better on the ES. The interior on ES is much nicer w/ the silver trim, black interior cloth, and white gauges. The ES also has the rear spoiler, matching color mirrors, matching trim, 16" alloys, and full disk brakes. I sold my DX today for $10,500 and I am going to pick up my ES on Monday. It is well worth the price difference. I have a current price of $13,129 with the 2K incentive on a 02 ES. JMO

 

i know this is #3 but I just noticed you were from Massachusetts. I am also in Massachusetts. I have the price from Talarico in Manchester, NH. Lets work together to find the best price!!!!

 

Lots of people on this board are from the NE area, If anyone wants to get together email me darith@yahoo.com.

BTW I have a Vivid Yellow P5 with custom leather interior, no mods yet but looking at all the options! Any advice is good, I want that nice growl.

 

I'm from the Lawrence/Methuen area....where re you guys from??

 

I have an 02 LX, bought in May. The dash is the same, but the seat coverings are much nicer in the lx and after 7500 miles I have ZERO rattles or squeaks.

Also, if you buy the 02 vs the 03 model, the 02 will be worth less because of a years worth of depreciation, even though either one is brand new to you. You have to think about how long you are planning to keep the car, estimate it's resale value and figure out which one is cheaper in the long run. Basically, the 02 starts out as a 1 year old car (with very low mileage!!!). That's why they have rebates on year-end models. The dealer doesn't want to get stuck with it. You may be able to negociate a price below invoice and get the rebate too.

 

Well, I just put money down to hold an 02 LX 5 speed today, so you know where my head is. I'd say the $2000 rebate on the 02 (vs. $1000 on the 03) for a car that's essentially identical to the 03 makes the difference to me. (I like the style of the 02 alloy rims better anyway and that's the only change I can find). Of course you have to settle for the colors the dealer has on the lot in the 02's, I'm getting Emerald Green when Silver might have been my 1st choice if they'd had one. . . .

Being one model year older doesn't really factor in for me, I intend to keep the car for long enough to not matter. When a car is 5 or more years old, I find that condition and a history of careful ownership matters more than one model year either way.

Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck, and either way, the Protege is one great car and a great value too -- but an extra grand off puts an exclamation point on the value aspect!

Dave

 

I went to the Auto show today. I sat in both the LX and the ES and I liked the ES better. For some reason, the seats felt better. I can't find any 5 speed ES model in the colors/options I like, so I may wait and get an '03 ES. I like the idea of the $2000 rebate, but I'd rather wait and spend a little more since I tend to keep my cars for about 10 years.

Rich