Congrats on the New car!
I think in the long run in regards to reliability and build quality you'll be much happier than with the SVT.
I've heard many great things from the local Mazda service advisor (I take my car to a Lincoln/mercury/mazda dealer for service) about how far a little bit of suspension work goes on those cars! He says they are very light and with the suspension upgrade the only thing done to differentiate the regular Protege and the MP3, they have very good potential! He says they build their own MP3 like Proteges and they handle like a dream! I know he has a clue about cars too, as he has a RT Neon with most of the suspension pieces off of the ACRs.
Did you consider the Protege5 at all? I think they are the best of the new "mini-wagon" craze that is among us.
Can't wait to see some pics of the new ride!
