I've noticed that some Proteges (at least in the 1999 to 2003 models) have what appears to be a side turn signal light mounted just above the model sticker on the front fenders, and some don't. Was this a factory option? Was it part of an option package? Or a dealer installed thing. Also I have only seen these on LX models.

Thanks in advance.

 

...side markers close to the door jamb were introduced as standard equipment on the 2003 Protege5, unvailable in 2002...

FYI- if you do not have them (and would like them), it is going to involve drilling and cutting your stock fenders. This can get messy if you don't know what you are doing. And, the alternative would be to buy used fenders off a junked car with the same paint color. No cutting, but more expensive. The money would be better spent elsewhere, IMO.

 

Actually ALL 2003 Protege's got sidemarkers, not just P5's

 

MP3's have them too...

 

Why would some want those?

 

I happen to like mine (of course they are clear on a grey car so they do not stick out like a soar thumb LOL)

 

If i had them id be investing in new fenders or bustin out the bondo......

 

To clarify - they started on the 2002.5 (mid year change) P5s. I like 'em. I just wish i didn;t have the orange 'uns!

 

and the VIS Z3 fenders have holes for them thats how im getting them

 

I don't have those sidemarkers...I have Phantom Cruiser badges!!!

 

Da P-Funk! you answered my original question. I couldn't understand why some 2002's had them and some didn't. Do you know why Mazda did this, was it something mandated by the DOT? I see where the latest Mazda's have them also. You call your car a 2002.5, what other changes were made to the protege to differentiate a 2002.5 from a 2002? Thanks for any info.

 

It was to bring them to compliance with european spec (that is why the VeeWees have 'em).

The cloth pattern is different on the seats, the cupholder is 'open style' (no doors).

The wheels are slightly different (i am told - i can't see it).

And biggest/best (IMHO) is the seperate tweeter pods in the A pillars. WOW! And the dealer was apologizing because the car was not the one i test drove earlier....

There may be more subtle changes that i am not aware of...

WooHoo!

 

Totally! I had a dealer (Menlo Mazda in Redwood City CA) apologize too! I was saying, its ok, I just got an 8 speaker system for less money!
Mine was a unique case, I had been looking for a Protege, and had a Dealer call out of nowhere and say he had a brand new ES with some "weird," (as he called it,) changes... (this was August '02) So it had the different seats, dash, white guages, amber lights, CLEAR SIDE MARKERS, I didnt have to change them, they arent orange except when flashing. It was marked from the factory as a stripped LX, so I only paid ....Get this, $15K for it, with all of three miles on the clicker.
Deal of the century.
It also had the sunroof wind deflector, fogs, cargo net, everything except the 6 disc changer, (which for me now is great since I can get an iPod kit. I used to want the MD player.) Even a pair of as he put it "custom embroidered" floormats. (Still dont know if those were standard.)
The thing that got me hooked was that it had the faux-carbon fiber bezel around the HU and the P5 "thick" steering wheel and shift ****.
Totally odd at the time, but makes sense now seing as it was halfway through '02, and I liked the changes enough to buy it on the spot.

 

i got the 99 protege and i got that side indicators.....

under australian law the cars have to haveone.... i donno if the dealer put em in here or if it was done in japan.. but yeh....

i soo wanna get the clear side indicators ehehe (its shocking.... the lack of protege related mods in this country)

 

Yep...I have 'em on my girl.
I like 'em also...just can't stand those orange ones up front either!