Questions about buying a MSP...

[Boosterific]

Hey everyone,

I've been a big fan of the Mazdaspeed since it first came out, and now I finally have the chance to purchase one. I found a used one at a dealership for $16K with 30K miles, and the CARFAX says its clean. First off, is this a decent price, or do you all think I can bargain lower? Also, I was wondering what I need to look for when I go to inspect/test drive the car. Is there anything specific that I should look out for? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Projekt Tuner]

First off, Good choice in cars =)

Speaking as a car dealer myself I can tell you some things to do... first.. when you're driving the car make sure there is no shudder in between shifting gears.. when you release the clutch, release it slowly. Even if it sounds fine, tell the dealer you think the previous driver might have driven it a little hard and want some money off for a new clutch. Don't try to get them to put one in, if you do that they will go to the mechanics whom will give em the straight up truth.. most car salesmen have no clue about mechanics... *at least most that I've met*. Whatever price they're advertising is probabaly about 2000-3000 above what they paid for it. a good profit margin on a used cars is about 1000 since most dealerships make salesmen pay "pack". if they're selling it for $16,000 then they probabaly bought it for somewhere between 13000-14000. a good price to offer would be sometihng mid 14's... like 14,5-14,6 Hope this helps! if you have any other questions of the inter-workings of us evil car salesmen, let me know!

[otmsp]

take your time and look for sings of vacum lines that have been cut and spliced with zip ties or just take a mechanic with you,check for dents or posibly even if the car`s been painted over and dont forget to drive it and do a couple of hard stops...good luck...

[1sty]

Drive it for a while on the highway hitting hi revs. Then hit some slower streets that give you the chance to hit full boost up from 2500-5000 RPM in 3rd gear to verify it doens't have a bad hesistation. When your done, get out and look for a coolant leak/build up on the coolant resevior and look for a leak near the water lines of the turbo.

Also, hit some choppy roads and listen for the rear end clunking around.
Check the trunk for the factory stereo to be in place. It should have the suspended amp/sub enclosure in the back, hanging from the rear deck.

To add to Projekt, alot of dealers don't just add the 3-4K but add another $2K ontop to account for people wanting money off of it. Look at www.NADA.com (http://www.NADA.com) to see the trade in value (which is what they paid for it) and what the selling price is.

[MSP #167]

i don't think its a good deal at all considering i got mine a year ago with 5100 miles for 15k.

[VezMspeed]

That depends on a lot of things. Where you are located is a factor believe it or not, you also have to look at if it is an 03 or 03.5 I think that would be a good deal for one down here in Tampa FL. They have a good following down here were as if you were in like Lincoln, NE you would pay less as the market is more a truck market up there...

[Demonic-Speed]

Where are you located? My local dealer has a black mica with 40k on it You could probably get it for about 13,500-14,500 out the door

[Boosterific]

Thanks for all the replies! They are very helpful. And just to clear some things up, it is a 2003.5 grey MSP, and I live in Atlanta, GA.

Also, is there any set way to determine if it's been abused? I've never driven a new one, so I don't know what to expect.

And since this would be my first time purchasing a used car, I'm not completely sure of how to go about finding a decent, knowledgeable mechanic to inspect it for me. Any tips?

Thanks!

[Rawyzf]

I think look at the Vac hose. Follow the one from the wastegate or from the BPV to the T. Check to see that the T hasn't been tampered with or replaced. If it has, chances are that a boost controller has been used on that car.


-Ryan

Thanks for all the replies! They are very helpful. And just to clear some things up, it is a 2003.5 grey MSP, and I live in Atlanta, GA.

Also, is there any set way to determine if it's been abused? I've never driven a new one, so I don't know what to expect.

And since this would be my first time purchasing a used car, I'm not completely sure of how to go about finding a decent, knowledgeable mechanic to inspect it for me. Any tips?

Thanks!

[otmsp]

make sure the sub isn`t blown!!

[1sty]

make sure the sub isn`t blown!!

Good point.
To add to that, make sure the radio can flip down to put in a CD and actualy flip back up. NOt to mention turn on and off properly.

[Gbourdon]

Hercdriver has one for sale with 7500 miles or so for 15K. Bone stock and mint condition.

check it out here

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107367

[Hercdriver]

Thanks for the plug Gbourdon (2thumbs)

I'm starting to get some more intrest locally and on the board so hopefully I can find her a good home soon

[VezMspeed]

If it is under 50k in miles you can get the sub and radio replaced under warranty. I have already had the radio replaced once and I am on my second sub. First one just shut off and second blew.

[orphman]

If it is under 50k in miles you can get the sub and radio replaced under warranty. I have already had the radio replaced once and I am on my second sub. First one just shut off and second blew.


do you thik they would replace if you tried to fix sub tear your self.. and pulled it all out and have diff shit in there right now.. but have all the craped out stuff in a box?? cuz thats my situation.

[kicker22705]

ya the price is bit high. i got the same model in same color as you, and got mine for less than 17k w/ 2500 on the odometer.

hell i'll sell you mine for 15k and its got lot less miles than that one.

[mspdfreak]

do you thik they would replace if you tried to fix sub tear your self.. and pulled it all out and have diff shit in there right now.. but have all the craped out stuff in a box?? cuz thats my situation.No, you voided the warranty on the audio system when you fucked with it. Why didn't you just take it in when you had problems? That's what they're there for.

[orphman]

No, you voided the warranty on the audio system when you fucked with it. Why didn't you just take it in when you had problems? That's what they're there for.



wait all i did was take it out... it had a hole in it.. so i tried to "gheto glue" it.. how is that fucking with it.. i mean .. i could care less.. but i didnt do anything worse to it.. not liek i poked a whole in it and tried to fix it.. i trie dot fix it so ididnt have to wory about it...

[Boosterific]

Thanks for all the input fellas. This forum is really useful and informative! I do really want an MSP and the used one I found was the only one I could find locally. But hopefully, if all goes well, I will have a MSP by June.

Just curious, but have there been a lot of issues with the stock stereo? It seems like you guys have had several issues. I thought the Kenwood system was supposed to be pretty nice.

And on a side note, I am interested in some modding. I'm wondering what should be done first. Is it better to get a new larger FMIC, downpipe, or exhaust first? I was thinking that I would get a new exhaust first because of some possible breaking issues of the stock exhaust. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[orphman]

Thanks for all the input fellas. This forum is really useful and informative! I do really want an MSP and the used one I found was the only one I could find locally. But hopefully, if all goes well, I will have a MSP by June.

Just curious, but have there been a lot of issues with the stock stereo? It seems like you guys have had several issues. I thought the Kenwood system was supposed to be pretty nice.

And on a side note, I am interested in some modding. I'm wondering what should be done first. Is it better to get a new larger FMIC, downpipe, or exhaust first? I was thinking that I would get a new exhaust first because of some possible breaking issues of the stock exhaust. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!


search for my thread exhaust or fmic... or fmic vs exhaust something liek that... somefeed back for you there...

[mspdfreak]

wait all i did was take it out... it had a hole in it.. so i tried to "gheto glue" it.. how is that fucking with it.. i mean .. i could care less.. but i didnt do anything worse to it.. not liek i poked a whole in it and tried to fix it.. i trie dot fix it so ididnt have to wory about it...What had a hole in it?

[TigrMsP]

Where is the dealership at? I'm sure myself or one of the other Mazda guys in GA would be willing to go look at the car with you.

[Boosterific]

Where is the dealership at? I'm sure myself or one of the other Mazda guys in GA would be willing to go look at the car with you.

The dealership is in Duluth. It would be awesome if someone could go with me.

[mspdfreak]

Duluth? Maybe Jennifer Wilbanks can go with you. She's still single, you know!

[Shadow102]

hey whats going on i live in roswell and purchased my MSP in december pm me if you want to meet up some time and go look at the car (what dealership is it at) btw i am certified toyota tech so i know what i am looking at and have had my car long enough to know what to look for in a MSP...and yeah the price is a tiny bit on the high side i mean i got mine at gwinette place subaru with 48k on the odo for 12,000 out the door with some litte mods already done.

[VezMspeed]

wait all i did was take it out... it had a hole in it.. so i tried to "gheto glue" it.. how is that fucking with it.. i mean .. i could care less.. but i didnt do anything worse to it.. not liek i poked a whole in it and tried to fix it.. i trie dot fix it so ididnt have to wory about it...


The dealership that I work at KNOWS it is a common problem and would hook you up as they get paid from the factory for the work. Talk to your service advisor and be civil with him and he will give you the skinny if the unit that is going to be sending back will be ok if there is glue in it.

[Velocifero]

I got mine at Carmax off Barrett Pkwy for $15K, it had 12.5K miles on it and was a demo car for a dealership, it was in great shape, only problem was somebody tried to rip the MS badge off the engine cover. not a big deal to me. I think you can get it lower for that many miles. is it silver or grey?

[orphman]

The dealership that I work at KNOWS it is a common problem and would hook you up as they get paid from the factory for the work. Talk to your service advisor and be civil with him and he will give you the skinny if the unit that is going to be sending back will be ok if there is glue in it.


thanks.. thats what i was thinking

[Boosterific]

I got mine at Carmax off Barrett Pkwy for $15K, it had 12.5K miles on it and was a demo car for a dealership, it was in great shape, only problem was somebody tried to rip the MS badge off the engine cover. not a big deal to me. I think you can get it lower for that many miles. is it silver or grey?

It's a titanium grey MSP. I definitely think I can get the price reduced no problem. I'll be going to check it out tomorrow, and I'll fill you all in on what happens. I checked out carmax, and they have two 2003 black MSPs with less than 22K, but asking $16 for them. Also, I've been talking to a couple members on this forum who are selling their MSPs, and hopefully I can get a nice MSP w/ low miles for a good price. But I am very anxious to go test drive the one at the dealership. I've never driven one and from what I can gather, it should be pretty fun.

[Velocifero]

It's a titanium grey MSP. I definitely think I can get the price reduced no problem. I'll be going to check it out tomorrow, and I'll fill you all in on what happens. I checked out carmax, and they have two 2003 black MSPs with less than 22K, but asking $16 for them. Also, I've been talking to a couple members on this forum who are selling their MSPs, and hopefully I can get a nice MSP w/ low miles for a good price. But I am very anxious to go test drive the one at the dealership. I've never driven one and from what I can gather, it should be pretty fun.
you'll enjoy it for sure, i had a big smile after my test drive and said right then that I will have this car by the weekend.

[mspdfreak]

It's a titanium grey MSP. I definitely think I can get the price reduced no problem. I'll be going to check it out tomorrow, and I'll fill you all in on what happens. I checked out carmax, and they have two 2003 black MSPs with less than 22K, but asking $16 for them. Also, I've been talking to a couple members on this forum who are selling their MSPs, and hopefully I can get a nice MSP w/ low miles for a good price. But I am very anxious to go test drive the one at the dealership. I've never driven one and from what I can gather, it should be pretty fun.Lol, yeah you'll like it. First I drove the SRT-4, and it was fast, but I couldn't get over the neon look, and the cheap interior and stereo. Then I drove the MSP, and was pretty impressed. Then I drove a WRX, but they wouldn't budge off $25k. I told them I'd already driven the MSP and I had them down to $20k before we even got out of the test-drive. He said, "Yep, I've seen those. I'll be honest with you. The MSP is nicer all-around. Basically, you're paying about $6k more for 60 horsepower." I was very impressed and told him I would be back to see him whenever I look for my next car. I'm glad I made the choice I did.

[Boosterific]

Lol, yeah you'll like it. First I drove the SRT-4, and it was fast, but I couldn't get over the neon look, and the cheap interior and stereo. Then I drove the MSP, and was pretty impressed. Then I drove a WRX, but they wouldn't budge off $25k. I told them I'd already driven the MSP and I had them down to $20k before we even got out of the test-drive. He said, "Yep, I've seen those. I'll be honest with you. The MSP is nicer all-around. Basically, you're paying about $6k more for 60 horsepower." I was very impressed and told him I would be back to see him whenever I look for my next car. I'm glad I made the choice I did.

Yeah...I've been doing my research and looking at the same cars. I test drove an SRT-4 a while ago, and had them down to $18K for a brand new black one, but I've never owned a domestic and was too hesitant about reliability. I drove my friends WRX a couple times, and I really like them, but like you said, they're just way to expensive. So, I think the MSP is the best choice for overall performance/price/looks.

[Hercdriver]

It's a titanium grey MSP. I definitely think I can get the price reduced no problem. I'll be going to check it out tomorrow, and I'll fill you all in on what happens. I checked out carmax, and they have two 2003 black MSPs with less than 22K, but asking $16 for them. Also, I've been talking to a couple members on this forum who are selling their MSPs, and hopefully I can get a nice MSP w/ low miles for a good price. But I am very anxious to go test drive the one at the dealership. I've never driven one and from what I can gather, it should be pretty fun.

Go test one out and see if you like them. If you fall in love with it like a lot of us have then give me a call and we'll see what we can do. I don't think you can find one with fewer miles.

[Captain KRM P5]

$13000 is where i'd value it

[VezMspeed]

The dealership will not take 13k for it. It is a rare specialty car and he lives in an area where there is somewhat of a demand for it.

[Shadow102]

we went today and the car got sold earlier...then two hours after it sold they called the dealership because it got totalled (woohoo one less MSP so our value goes up) But i think they are in pretty good demand around here because they were hassling me at the dealer trying to get me into a mazdaspeed miata so they could get my msp

[Velocifero]

we went today and the car got sold earlier...then two hours after it sold they called the dealership because it got totalled (woohoo one less MSP so our value goes up) But i think they are in pretty good demand around here because they were hassling me at the dealer trying to get me into a mazdaspeed miata so they could get my msp
How do you wreck your new car? I was so careful when I first got mine.

[Shadow102]

like i told the sales man i hope they have gap insurance....i actually ended up racing a GTi that was passing in front of the dealership as i was just pulling out after buying my car lol

[Rickman]

price is too high. I just paid $13,500 for my '03.5 with 19,000 miles.

p.s. I love the car.

[Boosterific]

Yeah...it sucked that I couldn't drive one, but thanks to Shadow, I got to ride in one. It was a very nice ride! I hope I can get my hands on one soon.

[Velocifero]

Yeah...it sucked that I couldn't drive one, but thanks to Shadow, I got to ride in one. It was a very nice ride! I hope I can get my hands on one soon.
you'll like the 03.5 s even more, they are dead sexy, ride is the same though, Shadow102 needs to get some exhaust though!(http://www.msprotege.com/members/Velocifero/Ad/vibrant.jpg) Are you going to come to our cook out on Sunday? I am sure you can ride along with someone. Korey and I live pretty close together in Roswell. Where are you?

[Boosterific]

you'll like the 03.5 s even more, they are dead sexy, ride is the same though, Shadow102 needs to get some exhaust though!(http://www.msprotege.com/members/Velocifero/Ad/vibrant.jpg) Are you going to come to our cook out on Sunday? I am sure you can ride along with someone. Korey and I live pretty close together in Roswell. Where are you?

I don't think I can make it on Sunday, but if I have time I was thinking about going to the meet Korey told me about in North Point Mall this Thursday. I'm in Emory University right now in Decatur area.

[jurgs01]

Don't pay more than 14.5K out the door. If they won't give it to you give them your phone # and walk away.

[Velocifero]

I don't think I can make it on Sunday, but if I have time I was thinking about going to the meet Korey told me about in North Point Mall this Thursday. I'm in Emory University right now in Decatur area.
Yeah, I am at that meet on Thursdays, hope to see you there.

[Shadow102]

you'll like the 03.5 s even more, they are dead sexy, ride is the same though, Shadow102 needs to get some exhaust though!(http://www.msprotege.com/members/Velocifero/Ad/vibrant.jpg) Are you going to come to our cook out on Sunday? I am sure you can ride along with someone. Korey and I live pretty close together in Roswell. Where are you?

yeah yeah i know i need one...i also need to get my bank acount back into the positive range...i might not even make it out to the BBQ this sunday because i can afford gas money right now

[low_psi]

Wow, that sucks the new owner was a dumbass. Goodluck finding another one!

[muohio]

I'm suprised that the car is selling used for that much. I know I only paid $16.5k for mine new out the door with 4 miles. Even when i traded it in 10 months later, I only got $11k for it used. Like others said, check that all of the vacuum lines are still glued to the connectors. Also, check for burnt coolant around the radiator and right side of engine.

[rocketr2]

Drive it for a while on the highway hitting hi revs. Then hit some slower streets that give you the chance to hit full boost up from 2500-5000 RPM in 3rd gear to verify it doens't have a bad hesistation. When your done, get out and look for a coolant leak/build up on the coolant resevior and look for a leak near the water lines of the turbo.

Also, hit some choppy roads and listen for the rear end clunking around.
Check the trunk for the factory stereo to be in place. It should have the suspended amp/sub enclosure in the back, hanging from the rear deck.

To add to Projekt, alot of dealers don't just add the 3-4K but add another $2K ontop to account for people wanting money off of it. Look at www.NADA.com (http://www.NADA.com) to see the trade in value (which is what they paid for it) and what the selling price is.


I recently bought a used MSP, but i have a really bad rear end clunking sound. Any chance anyone could tell me what it is? I move the exhaust around but cant hear anything hitting.

[Velocifero]

I recently bought a used MSP, but i have a really bad rear end clunking sound. Any chance anyone could tell me what it is? I move the exhaust around but cant hear anything hitting.
Thats the famous rear end clunk, caused by the sway bar bushings. you can either learn to live with it or take it to mazda and ask for the newer bushings, I don't know the part # but there is a thread here somewhere, I think it is called "common msp fixes" the new bushing will be good for a little while, but from what i have gathered they wear out too, just takes longer than the originals. I have the clunk and it just adds to my cars personality. good luck and how do you like your car? Scott

[mspdfreak]

Welcome to the "clunk" society. Would you be interested in subscribing to "Hesitation Weekly"?

[Velocifero]

Welcome to the "clunk" society. Would you be interested in subscribing to "Hesitation Weekly"?
I found with upgrading exhaust that the hesitation nearly went away entirely.

[mspdfreak]

What exhaust did you go with?