Im recieving a 1996 mazda protege, what would be some cheap and easy customizations, both body and performance

there is nothing like cheaper so... dont do a thing

the more cheaper thing to do you may have like 2k more or less, of course with that money you will do something nice but you only have a few hundres.. forget about it

see my display picture? l only spend 550 on the body kit plus 1800, in paint and install

l have a 1996 Mazda Protege DX 5 speed manual. l have bad news. There r not any customizations for it. You would have to get custom exhaust systems & cold air intakes & turbo's.
l put Generic Porsche wheels on mine, tinted windows, Muffler tip, sony x-plod sterio, & l bought a Type-S Aluminum Shift knob to make it look sportier. The seats r already sporty bucket seats. You could also change the steering wheel for about $300. l have seen 95-96 protege is with custom exhaust systems, but it probably cost them alot because it is custom to fit the car. There r bodykits for it. Nice bodykits that cost around $900, not including paint. You could change the headlight bulbs to halogen or xenon lightslike l did. It will cost around $20 if u get it from Walmart.