A stick is definitely more fun, but if you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic a lot, I'd get an automatic. I know people will disagree, but the reality is while it's not difficult to handle stop-and-go with a stick if you're experienced, it's still annoying as hell. If you can wait, get the autostick--if that had been available when I got my P5 last summer, I'd have gotten that.

I have both a P5 and sedan, though the sedan is a 99 LX, I really prefer the P5. The extra utility from the hatch is well worth the added expense, and the P5 styling is outstanding.

 

I believe that everyone that replied to this post that said "i have both the P5 and the sedan" none of them have the ES sedan. IMO i like the sedan better. i test drove both and though it would be cool to pimp out a hatchback protege, the P5 still says "Staitonwagon" to me. It's bigger and it weighs more. It looks good on the inside with the leather option but anyway. I have the 99 ES and i really like it. Good handling, it has had only transmittion problems (which is covered under warranty) , other than that the car has had NO problems. You said that you wouldn't want to pay for the extra opitions on the Sedan but if you like the sedan you would only be spending what you would spend on the P5 right?

 

i like the p5 but decided (with a little influance) to go with the seda ....and i am very happy with my choice...02

 

I'm partial to the ES sedan myself. However, I like some things better about the '99-'00 models. If I had to buy a new one, It would be pretty close.

 

what do you like better on the 99 &00 model?....were they actually that differant from the 01&02 models?

 

The front bumper cover, some of the interior. However, I do like the Nardi knockoff steering wheel on the newer cars.

 

are you talking about the three point steering wheel?....they did not offer that on the LX..i like it to

 

No, if I bought the Sedan, I wouldn't add the GT group which includes the 16" alloy wheels, the rear disk brakes, the sunroof, spoiler and A/C. I'd just add the A/C and probably try to get the spoiler thrown in for free. It would end up costing me between 1500 to 2000 less for the sedan.

 

Okay, I know this is going to make me look bad, but what exactly is the autostick? And when is it coming out? Thanks.

 

99proES I do have a 2001 Protege ES with Auto Trans, ABS and moonroof and paid $15,969 and have a Blue P5 with ABS Moonroof, and polished alloys and paid $17,020 (This is me showing my childish side)

 

I apologize i thought in a pervious thread you said it was an LX. My mistake.

IMO Im not to fond of the sedan without a spoiler either. But again thats my opinion.

 

2.0L, Corner Lens. I have a question though. The i bought my car used a year ago so i don't know most the options that were offerd. Did the ES come with fog lights?

 

Oh I forgot the our ES has a spoiler to and yes the ES does have fog lights, they are just smaller. The biggest difference to me is that the P5 handels better.

 

dosen't the P5 come with the sports supsension?

 

I think it has to do with the strut tower bar, I would think you could add it to an ES for $200 dollars. The P% is also a better value Ground effects, larger fog lights, roof rack, more room, cooler steering wheel, and strut bar. Just my 2 cents.