Bad Introduction into the MP3 familiy

[ItmannWV]

This is my first post on the board. I've been hoping to buy an MP3 for awhile, but today's experience has me thinking that it's just not meant to be.

I'd really appreciate some input. Thanks.

. . . . so, I'm test driving an MP3 with 78,000 miles. The dealer agreed to let me drive the car about 35 miles to go pick up my fiance from work so we can come back and do the deal.

After the first 25 miles or so, I notice a slight clicking sound coming from the front of the car, but it only happens when I first step on the gas and right before I let it all the way off. I'm on the interstate going 70 or so (in 5th gear, of course).

I hit an exit and come to a stop at the top of the ramp. As I pull out, the first three gears are noisy as hell. CLICKETY-CLACK! It eases off a little once I get to fourth, but now the clicks and clacks are constant, not just in the first few millimeters of the throttle.

I get to my fiance's workplace, pick her up, and start heading back. By the time I hit the interstate again (about 2 miles, if that), the car is plain scaring me to death. I'm just wondering if I can get it to the next exit before the engine seizes.

I don't think I totally blew the engine, but as I was pulling off the interstate so I can park the thing and call the dealer to come get his car (even though I couldn't be held liable, I did NOT want to be driving the car when the f'n thing blows up), the oil light and check engine light comes on and it dies on me.

While I was waiting on the two truck, I started it back up. It clicked and clacked and just plain ol' felt rough, but I didn't see any smoke coming out the exhaust or any other fluids on the ground. I immediately shut the car back off.

A few questions if any of you all would be so kind as to give me a little input:

What *exactly* could be wrong with the engine? I'm far from a car mechanic so I don't want to humiliate myself by going to deep into my "diagnosis," but I imagine that the valves were making the noise.

What causes that? Considering that I shut the car down fairly quickly once the problem worsened past just being slightly annoying, could it be fixed somewhat easily?

If the dealer is willing to give me some kind of warranty on the powertrain after they fix it, would I be an idiot for still considering purchasing the car?

I know it's hard to say on some of these without having witnessed it yourself, but any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

[JoeManNorth]

Was the car making all the noise in gear or even in idol? I just blew the tranny in mine. It was making some sort of clacking noise if you wish, almost as if something was hitting a fan (put your finger in the fan) and it got worst, i also almost didnt hear it in 4th and 5th. then today it just jamed on me. tranny is done.

If it's the tranny they can rebuild it.. just make sure they do.. if the noise wasnt as bad in idol then it might be the tranny. it was kinda of a tuck tuck tuck tuck tuck tcuk (ok i suck at sound effects online). the oil light and check engine come on if you stall the car eather way. when you tried to start it did you notice the check engine and oil on? (like the second time you tried).

Anyways. Its hard to tell for people online. But i had the almost similar thing happening and i know for a fact it's my tranny (now the car doesnt move but there is no clicking clacking tucking sound comming out).

[ItmannWV]

The car still made the noise even in neutral. Before I started heading back, but after I had detected the sound, I had my fiance put it in neutral and rev it a little. When I started it back up for a second while I was waiting on the tow truck, I never even put it in gear when it was still making all that noise and running rough.

It was obvious that the noise worsened the faster the engine revved. It was undoubtedly coming from the engine.

[JoeManNorth]

Ya mine never ran rough. and the noise was worst when i reved it up... but it stoped when i pushed the clutch in.

Too bad the MP3 you tried had the shit beat out of it. they are awesome cars. Luckaly mine i know it was me!

[ItmannWV]

Too bad the MP3 you tried had the shit beat out of it.

Actually, the car looked absolutely beautiful. There were minor imperfections in the interior and it had the "The Clunk," (but I was expecting that).

The exterior was flawless.

The only other problems were: the steering wheel had what basically looked like a white paint smear on the backside of it, the console trim peice didn't seem to want to snap in, and the buttons on the CD player were worn out (the volume button just flat out didn't work. . . I was going to request that they put a check in my hand to go buy a new CD player on the quick).

Only thing is that that only other "problem" was a major one. . . like. . . not being able to drive the damn thing. lol

[Rac3rX]

If it sounds like this, forget about that car

http://www.msprotege.com/members/joka1/boom,clunk,clunk/100_0999.MOV

Unless you plan to rebuild the motor right away, or If they replace the motor with a NEW one.

[JoeManNorth]

hahaha that has a bent rod or messed up valve

[Rac3rX]

hahaha that has a bent rod or messed up valve

Yeah..

Thats a busted rod or rod bering something like that (Thats waaaaay more then a messed up valve) It hasnt been fully diagnosed, but it requires a rebuild for sure.

[TheMAN]

WHERE is the noise coming from? driver's side or passenger side?

[Rac3rX]

WHERE is the noise coming from? driver's side or passenger side?

In the sound clip its comming from the pass

You officialy Killed a FSDE the quickest, lol, JK!!!

You are crazy lucky you didnt buy it and it happened before the deal closed. (Unless they replace the motor for you at no cost, then your all good)

[JoeManNorth]

You are crazy lucky you didnt buy it and it happened before the deal closed. (Unless they replace the motor for you at no cost, then your all good)


I agree to that.

[Rac3rX]

I agree to that.


THis guy must be Irish......

[JoeManNorth]

hahahah No man. Canadian.. well french, but not quebecer. NOT quebecer~ J'ai blower ma tranny. Trops de burnouts.

[Rac3rX]

hahahah No man. Canadian.. well french, but not quebecer. NOT quebecer~ J'ai blower ma tranny. Trops de burnouts.

lol Thats pretty Funny, I live in Montreal. (ughdance) No worries Im not a Quebecer, but I can speak some french)

But I ment ItmannWV for blowing it within the 35miles he had test driving it.


ItmannWV

Was it a MP3 or a MSP?

MP3 Probably oil starvation

MSP Probably Overboost without a Proper Tune


JoeManNorth

When you blew your tranny was it a manual or auto? Did you have motor mounts?

I do alot of burnout and since the motor mount install they are smooth as silk with a 5spd manual.

[TheMAN]

In the sound clip its comming from the pass

You officialy Killed a FSDE the quickest, lol, JK!!!

You are crazy lucky you didnt buy it and it happened before the deal closed. (Unless they replace the motor for you at no cost, then your all good)

I wasn't refering to the video but the fucked up MP3

[Rac3rX]

I wasn't refering to the video but the fucked up MP3


I figured that, but let him know where it was comming from in the sound clip to do a better comparison.

Thanks. Im sure you can help assess the situation, glad your in the thread.

[JoeManNorth]

haha nice man. Montreal is cool though. You guys are the only reason quebec is a part of canada right now (and well canada woudnt be canada without quebec even though i find quebecers a little.. well.. quebecer)

Manual tranny, no engine mounts. I still dont know exactly what is wrong with it.. i know it's the tranny, but if it's the clutch or the gears or a shaft i cant say. my guess is i demolished it. the MP3 is just too much freggen fun to drive fast!!!

[Rac3rX]

haha nice man. Montreal is cool though. You guys are the only reason quebec is a part of canada right now (and well canada woudnt be canada without quebec even though i find quebecers a little.. well.. quebecer)

Manual tranny, no engine mounts. I still dont know exactly what is wrong with it.. i know it's the tranny, but if it's the clutch or the gears or a shaft i cant say. my guess is i demolished it. the MP3 is just too much freggen fun to drive fast!!!

Yeah My Dads Mom came here from Germany, Montreal is a Great city, but these roads are driving me nuts.

I love Canada, when will Quebecers learn? They want to be so cultured, yet they want to seperate from there actual Country, its retarded. ***Cough Cough** TREASON*** Cough ** Cough****

Last year I was doing burnouts all the time with no motor mounts installed, & going home from the track one night I started hearing a chirping sound coming from the shifter (Under the car, not inside) at all different times.

As it turns out the wheel hop tore apart the shifter in all kinds of ways.

I only had 24000klm on her at the time and owned her for only 2 years, so I took it to Mazda and told them it just started Chirping one morning, The next day I had a Complete new shifter & all that goes with @ no cost.

100% the wheel hop did the dammage, and the Diff with the RR-Racing motor mounts installed (65$ canadian Shipped, there was no customs or brokerage fees at all, from www.rr-racing.com ) is incredible, like I said Smoooooth as silk, Its taking a couple weeks for them to break in (Still breaking in, but the breaking in is noticeable still) But I would NEVER go back (Well the stock rear mount is torn to shit, and my pass side mount is slightly torn, but with the Incerts the motor doesnt move at all so Im not worried.

[JoeManNorth]

Awesome to know man. It is one of the first things i was going to do to mine but i'll be dropping serious money on the tranny now.

and that vid you got going is crazy, i'll have to show my cousin tomorow, he's got a Cobalt SS Supercharged (my mission is to kick his ass).

Do you have any stickers on your car!? like a big eagle on the hood!?

[Rac3rX]

Awesome to know man. It is one of the first things i was going to do to mine but i'll be dropping serious money on the tranny now.

and that vid you got going is crazy, i'll have to show my cousin tomorow, he's got a Cobalt SS Supercharged (my mission is to kick his ass).

Do you have any stickers on your car!? like a big eagle on the hood!?

Thanks! What Vid are you talking about, Ive made a few.

lol, No Im not too fond of decals, I do got a Injen sticker in my rear door small window, but thats it.

The Cobalt SS will be tough they are pretty quick, supercharged and all, but we got a 14 second N/A Proteges & its doable for all of us with the right Mods, good luck out driving him.

On Topic:

ItmannWV

Hows the sound compare to the sound clip?

[ItmannWV]

Rac3rX:

It was an MP3. I figured oil starvation as well, as did the dealer. He tried to say it was some BS like the oil filter not being tightened down or something, but if the filter was off enough to starve the engine that much, I figured the thing would have been spewing oil the whole time.

BTW, it did sound like that clip. Maybe not quite as metallic sounding (if that makes any sense, since both cars had to have been banging metal parts) or "pingy."

The sound seemed to be coming moreso from the passenger side of the engine than the driver side.

So it seems that the engine has to be entirely replaced, huh?

I figured as much. I'm still open to buying it, but the dealer is going to have to guarantee that engine and tranny to some extent. I'm thinking at least 20,000 miles. I doubt the dealer is going to want to do that. That means he'll be having to warranty the powertrain of a vehilce that will be hitting 100,000 before the warranty expires (even though the engine probably wouldn't have that many miles).

I'd also need some verification as to where he got the new engine and how many miles it had on it. . . and he'd also need to let me keep the car for a good, long extended test drive after the work is done (basically a week).

He asked without my solicitation if I would still be interested if they fixed it. I said that I would, but that would certainly want a warranty.

I doubt he'll meet all of my demands, so I guess I'll be MP3-less.

[JoeManNorth]

One of the Best Protege Compilations EVER!!!!!!!!!

that vid.

Ya his car is fast. I'll get her.. i figured i need about 180hp to come close. the new clutch/flywheel will help out.

Not into stickers eh, you're not a true quebecer! hahahahaa

[Rac3rX]

One of the Best Protege Compilations EVER!!!!!!!!!

that vid.

Ya his car is fast. I'll get her.. i figured i need about 180hp to come close. the new clutch/flywheel will help out.

Not into stickers eh, you're not a true quebecer! hahahahaa

Thanks Its one of My Best & Titled corect.

Noooooo Im far from a Quebecer. lol But I do share the Love for M39 ;)

They got some MESSED up looking cars out here though

Check this out True Quebecer Ricer Chick (Well Im not sure its a Chicks car, but it better be, or they ventured too far out of the village ;) )

http://thumbs.vidiac.com/5f71cbce-6099-4d5e-b2db-6dbb2396a9c6.jpg (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5f71cbce-6099-4d5e-b2db-6dbb2396a9c6.htm)

Neon Licence frame +
Ugly honda wheels +
Retarded Wing +
Front and Rear Playboy Decals +
Rear Center window Payboy Bunny Decal

= Rice

Ive have seen worse arround here though.

[Rac3rX]

Dame, so far its been found that hard ass cornering can starve the engine of oil (oil pan sloshing)

AWR has a baffled pan the helps out, as a temp solution riding with .5 more oil has been found to help.

If they warenty the new motor & give a reduced price I would go for it ;)

[ItmannWV]

If they warenty the new motor & give a reduced price I would go for it ;)

Well. . .if only the morons would realize that it needs a new motor.

I don't know what the one guy's issue is at the dealer. The salesman was really nice about everything was really apologetic that his car shitted out on me during a test-drive.

However, the manager/finance guy (I think he was both) was a dick about it and still is. I was asked by the salesman and some other guy (don't know if he was a salesman/mgr/etc) if I would still be interested if they fixed it, which I said that I would be.

So I call back today about 1 pm to see what they found out about the car, figuring that by this time the mechanic (they took the car straight to the mechanic yesterday evening) has told them that they need a new engine.

I ask the mgr/finance guy what the outlook is on the car.

"They're still working on it. They don't know what they have to do yet."

How the hell do you not know what you need to do by now?!

I just have a feeling that these guys are crooks and they they're planning on trying to patch it up (if it even can be "patched up") so they can pawn it off on some other unsuspecting customer.

I think I'm through with trying to buy this one. Even after the buzzkilling events of yesterday, I was still going to give them a chance to sell me a car with a rebuilt/replaced motor at a good price, but now they're just being dickheads about it (at least the one guy is).

[mp3josh]

I spun 4 bearings on my mp3 just recently and it was due to oil starvation...

[Bigg Tim]

Unless they put a new motor in and you get a great deal on it, I would walk away and look for another. There were a bunch in teh auto trader a bit ago, so they are still selling. That car definatly had been abused big time. You're lucky you didn't do the deal and have it happen after the normal 30 day warrantee you get.

If you liked the car, keep looking. Whne you get a good one, it is a really run car. Are you in WV? If so you will have fun in the twisties with it, but there have been some starvation issues with them on extreme cornering, so like any car, there are some flaws. Good luck with your decision, I hope you are able to get one and enjoy the experience.

Also, lets keep this on topic peoples.(thumb)

[ItmannWV]

Big Timm:

Yes, I live in WV, although I'm going to move to NC before August. I still have family back in WV, though, and I was looking forward to testing out the handling capabilities of the MP3 back home.

I actually found this MP3 on Autotrader. It's in Jonesville, NC.

I did have to wonder how the car had been treated when I saw that three people had to sign the odometer verification slip. Just makes me think that three young kids owned the car (or maybe a teenager w/ parents names also on the title) and wore the shit out of it or maybe just plain ol' didn't care too much about general mechanical maintenance.

[altspace]

Stay far away from that car and that dealership. If they are trying to sell you a lemon in the first place, then just imagine the headaches you would have after and you needed service. They obviously know what condition the car is in. They don't take trades without driving them first and scrutiniztion every imperfection from the previous owner on their deal. Unless it was an auction buy, and in that case......run away!

[ItmannWV]

Well, I have do have to say that I was alarmed from the start when they all too easily said that they could meet my current payment on my 2003 Lancer ES (which I told them I still owe 7400 dollars on) on a car that they had marked at 10000.

To meet my current payment with that payoff amount, they'd have to let that car go at about 8700 or so.

Coming down 1300 bucks straight out the gate?

Seemed a little fishy, I agree.

[BradC]

Stay far away from that car and that dealership. If they are trying to sell you a lemon in the first place, then just imagine the headaches you would have after and you needed service. They obviously know what condition the car is in. They don't take trades without driving them first and scrutiniztion every imperfection from the previous owner on their deal. Unless it was an auction buy, and in that case......run away!
I agree here. If they are being shady instead of kissing your ass to try to still get your $$$, fuck them. You can find an MP3 or MSP for sale often enough (especially if you hunt enough) to not buy the wrong one. Maybe find somone local to go with you too that knows these cars inside-out...kinda like a second opinion.

Good luck on your hunt!

PS - make them sell you that car for $5k and build the motor and boost that bitch!!

[marteau]

hahahah No man. Canadian.. well french, but not quebecer. NOT quebecer~ J'ai blower ma tranny. Trops de burnouts.

soupire.....

[nocar]

the numbers arent adding up for mazdas profit end

offer them what they were originally asking for the car plus a brand new motor and if they dont take that offer i guarantee they are looking to patch it up and sell it to someone else for %100 profit

[ChopstickHero]

if they replace the engine AND give you a good deal on it... then get it. how's the rest of the car looking?

[ItmannWV]

Chopstick, the rest of the car was impressive, IMO.

The only problems I could spot (other that the obvious problem with the engine) was: buttons on the CD player were worn out, the sub in the trunk was gone, the trim peice around the shifter didn't seem to want to "click" into place, and it had "The Clunk."

All of these problems are nothing more than minor annoyances, IMO.

They never called me back, btw, even though they were the ones initially wanting to know if I would still be interested in the car. On my next trip down to NC, I might stop by and see what's going on with the car, though.

[avarela86]

Don't buy that thing. It needs way too much work. Just find yourself another one. Really not worth the hastle.

[ItmannWV]

Yeah. Stick a fork in this one.

I made another trip down to NC this past weekend and saw it sitting on the lot. Talked to the salesman who said that they put an engine out of another protege in it.

Salesman took me inside to talk to the manager (the same guy who told me five seconds after I met him that he might could even get me a lower payment with the MP3 than I have on my Lancer knowing that I only borrowed 8700 to get the Lancer).

Manager says this time that after factoring in my negative equity, that I'd probably have to borrow about 13,000 to get the Mazda.

I don't think I even said a word. I just walked out.

I think the manager just wanted me to leave him alone. I think he blames me for his car f'n up.

[Rac3rX]

tell them GET BENT, I wonder if they even did, from the looks of it they added the cost of the repair to the price

[ItmannWV]

That's very possible.

The car was marked at 9995 the first time I went to see it. That's what it was marked at on AutoTrader as well.

I knew that I was upside down on my car, especially considering that the front bumper cover is cracked in one spot and bent in another and needs replaced. Other than that, though, the car is in excellent shape and has relatively low miles (43k on a 2003).

Still, the first time the guy tells me I could possibly get a lower payment, but this time he tells me that I'm looking at a 5000 dollar difference between the price of the car and the trade-allowance.

Also, I noticed that the car has been pulled from AutoTrader for the time being and that the price that used to be prominently displayed on the front windshield was no longer there.

Pisses me right off.

On a side note, I was fairly shocked at how low used dealers have been valuing my car. High book trade is around 7400. I understand that I have 400 to 500 in repairs to put it back at that high book range, but I had one dealer offer me 6500 on a 2001 Jetta 1.8t that they originally wanted 10,000 for but talked them down to 9400. Other than that, I can't get a used car dealer to offer me anything more than 5000 bucks.

[Bigg Tim]

Yeah man, you lucked out........stay away from that dealer. Imagine how they would have treated you if you did buy it. They are doing the ol numbers game on you to recoop the cost of the motor. You can find another one out there.

[Rac3rX]

Yeah man, you lucked out........stay away from that dealer. Imagine how they would have treated you if you did buy it. They are doing the ol numbers game on you to recoop the cost of the motor. You can find another one out there.

Its like they arnt even trying to hide it.

un-real

Its like a bait and trap, I think they might have a lyability to sell it to him at the advertised price. As he went to get it and when it was discovered repairs were needed he allowed them to do so, Im not sure, but I think them may not be allowed to jack up the price like that.

But what do I know, they may be allowed to recoop repair cost.

[ItmannWV]

I think they might have a lyability to sell it to him at the advertised price.

I'm not sure. They might, but considering that he never gave me a hard number for the trade-in allowance for my car (although he would almost have to be paying it off to make good on the "we can get you the same payment" comment), he could just say that my car is only worth, say, 5000 dollars. Since I owed 7500 that means if he didn't budge on his asking price, I'd have to finance 12500 plus tax, doc fees, title, and tags.

Anyway, that car can just stay there. I'm closing the deal on a 2006 Mazda3 tomorrow.

[Rac3rX]

I'm not sure. They might, but considering that he never gave me a hard number for the trade-in allowance for my car (although he would almost have to be paying it off to make good on the "we can get you the same payment" comment), he could just say that my car is only worth, say, 5000 dollars. Since I owed 7500 that means if he didn't budge on his asking price, I'd have to finance 12500 plus tax, doc fees, title, and tags.

Anyway, that car can just stay there. I'm closing the deal on a 2006 Mazda3 tomorrow.

Sweet, in the end you still make out with a great car.

[joka1]

yay my vid comes into play ;) mine is most likely a fubared wristpin. the car still runs fine but i haven't driven it since i made that video. anyway if it sounds like that plan to spend 3000 :)

ok i am done i was just suprised to see my vid :)

rob



If it sounds like this, forget about that car

http://www.msprotege.com/members/joka1/boom,clunk,clunk/100_0999.MOV

Unless you plan to rebuild the motor right away, or If they replace the motor with a NEW one.

[Rac3rX]

yay my vid comes into play ;) mine is most likely a fubared wristpin. the car still runs fine but i haven't driven it since i made that video. anyway if it sounds like that plan to spend 3000 :)

ok i am done i was just suprised to see my vid :)

rob

Its a very usefull vid.

Cant wait toill you get her back up and running.

[joka1]

ya it should be running w/in the month if everything goes well. i should be able to get my car towed to my friends shop and have the motor out and apart next weekend. then machine the block and be waiting for new forged pistons,rods and a full rebuild kit. i will also due a clutch while everything is out. i was going to do a lsd and flywheel but i am having some fundage issues due to a trip to reno ;)

so once i am forged i will be running apx 18-20 psi (i was running 22 on the stock motor) so it will be fun

[Rac3rX]

sound nice, keep us posted