Shocks!!!
 

My 2002 Protege ES has about 38,000 miles. Could the shocks need replacing? It seems more bouncy than usual.

check to see if any oil is leaking out of them

I've put over 100K on the OEM struts, both in my 2002, and an older '95 I had before. While they had certainly lost their edge, they were by no means "shot." I agree that if they aren't leaking, and providing you haven't been doing any Rallycross lately they should still be working fairly well.

got 125k on OEM and besides the squeeking sound from the front suspension, the handling is just fine. I am thinking i can get 200k n it beforeI have to change, we will see how the winter goes lol

thanks that helps a lot