I bought the LX over the ES last year and I paid almost $3000 more than what they are going for now- even with zero percent financing. For me, the extra stuff on the ES wasn't worth the money, but I knew that I wanted to choose my own rims. I also wasn't crazy about the rice boy colors on the inside of the ES verses the more subtle and elegant colors in the LX- and I didn't like the pattern on the seats in the ES.

So, it does come down to personal choice and just how much money you want to put in to aftermarket mods. I think the rims on the ES are worth the price difference, but I still wouldn't buy one because of the silver console. Since you don't like it either, I suggest going with the LX. The suspension is exactly the same on both cars, but the larger wheels on the ES will improve handling.

 

If you really want a performance car, you'll want 4 wheel disk brakes. And you can only get that on the ES. Some people say the rear disks from mazda are not good, but I don't know where they're getting their information from. My ES stops very well, and if you want to upgrade your brakes, it's a lot easier to replace smaller disk brakes than to do a drum -> disk conversion. It's also cheaper to get bigger wheels and better tires by getting the ES than it is to buy them aftermarket.

Basically, getting an LX and making it as nice as an ES is dumb, but if all you want and need is an LX, go for that.

 

just get what you think is good, mechanically both models are the same. Do you want the cadillac for more money or do you want the chevy. ie(avalanche Vs. Escalade EXT) exta money=same basic product for more $

 

IMO, rear discs are not needed for the majority of people buying these cars. Something like 90% of the car's stopping ability comes solely from the front brakes.

While rear discs do offer advantages for having less brake fade, etc. it's not a huge factor on a city driven car (IMO).

Basically, I wouldn't make discs THE top priority in choosing an LX over an ES unless you plan on doing some heavy auto-X or other racing...IMHO of course.

 

Did all the models have the same engine though? LX has the same one as the ES.

If you're not going to be getting new wheels, and will keep it looking stock as it is, then ES will be better. If not, then you might want to look at the LX.
I prefer the ES interior, and that is the only thing that I regret not getting. Both trims are very similar and the price difference might or might not justify it for you. It's all up to you.

 

The ES shouldn't be $1000 more than the LX unless it has extra options that don't come standard on the ES. When I was comparing a LX to the ES I purchased the ES was $1000 more but it also had 6cd changer, alarm, wheel locks, and the standard differences between the two. I would think if they had an ES without these extras it would only be 400-500 more.

 

I am buying through carsdirect, and their quote is approx $800 more for the ES with the same options
($15,045 vs $14,287). The options are: ABS/side impact airbags, auto tranny, cargo net, floormats.

I guess $800 is not that much more, but I am looking for advantages that offset the silver console (I really don't like it - a little too much for me, but it's a matter of personal taste).

Question: are there kits available that can replace the silver with something that matches the rest of the trim?

Also, I did not order the alarm because those often go off in the middle of the night. How is the Protege alarm wrt false alarms?

thanks,
swgeek.

 

i'm sure you could find some way to get the interior trim peices changed out. heck....... i'm sure someone on this board may even trade you for the black!

the protege's stock alarm has an sensitivity adjustment underneath the steering column. mine has never gone off in the middle of the night cuz' nobody has messed with my car.

 

The only time my alarm has gone off was when I forgot to disarm the thing before I opened my trunk. The dealer told me that it would only go off if it was armed and one of the doors or the trunk was opened and if it was hit. If you open the doors with the key the alarm is disarmed but if you open the trunk with the key the alarm is not disabled and it will go off. Also if I unlocked the doors then use the key to open the trunk, after I close the trunk the doors will lock automatically.

 

Yeah, but that's for a 1997. There is FAR less difference between a 2002 ES and LX than between a 1997 ES and LX. The 1997 LX only came with the old 1.5L engine that had a LOT less power than the 1.8L ES, and the LX was not available with some of the nicer options. Mazda has closed the gap in 2002 and offers the same engine and almost every single option on both the LX and ES. The only mechanical features on the ES that you can't get on the LX are the rear disks and 16" wheels; all the other differences are purely cosmetic.

 

Hi Folks,

I just went over to a lot to compare the two again.

This time, I actually thought the silver looked fine. It is the shiny plastic along the sides of the center console that looks over the top. Maybe that can just be removed?

ALso, the interior material is ok, not good. Sat in a P5 with leather seats - much much better. Wish they offered leather in the ES - would gladly pay the extra for that.

Hmmm - any rumors of them planning to offer leather in the 03 versions?
(I wish :-)


I am starting to lean towards the ES now...
So wishy washy :-)...

Not really that worried about the resale value, just what I get for my $$ right now.

thanks a bunch,

swgeek

 

you can have a shop put leather in for you. it'll be just as good of quality. i checked on it in my area... price quote was $1100. i guess it just depends on how much leather is worth to you. i love leather, except on those really hot days OUCH! but those peices on the side can be romoved but you'd have to find something else to put there. maybe trim from an older protege. i think they had like a flat black or something.

good luck!

 

Mine is a 1.6 SE!!! Why does mine have a 1.6L and not a 2.0L. How can you tell if you got the 2.0L or 1.6L is it listed in the serial number somewhere. I thought SE was special edition! (Like bonus, 2.0L with twin turbo ect ect ect) Just kidding! Why is mine 1.6L 2001 protege SE???

 

Why? In Canada, the 1.6L engine is the ONLY engine you can get on the SE for 2001 and 2002 (and not sure about 2003).

In the US, all trim levels (DX, LX, and ES) got the 2.0L engine in 2002.

In Canada, the differences between the LX and ES are fairly minor. However, the differences between the SE and LX are major, mostly because of the different engines.

Did you seriously not know which engine you were getting with your car???

 

Actually my wifes got to decide what car she wanted as the comuter!!! I got the Mystique 98 last time~!!! The dealer did tell us originally that it had a 2.0L but we were too tired to scream at him about it only being a 1.6L!! Anyways.....