Considering a MP5...

[fahrvergnugen]

Anyone have any tips on what things to look out for?

Any suggestions on what to be sure to buy (option-wise, or whathaveyou)?


Are there any consistent problems with these cars at all?

I've not driven one just yet, but I think I will enjoy it. As you can see, I come from a VW past, and I am told that Mazdas have a 'german-esque' quality to them...

Thanks for any and all helpful suggestions.

[toucci]

They are fun to drive, economical cars. Opt for a 5 speed manual by all means if you can. The ABS and side airbag package was well worth the premium. The hatch sacrifices cargo space for style. Mileage can extend into the 30 MPG range if you're careful. Handling was nimble and best-in-class. NVH levels in the cabin are disturbing but bearable. Peak power is average, but the engine is strong on mid-range torque.

I wouldn't sell mine if someone offered me what I paid for it new :)

[mountjonas]

they're a little bit more tinny than the german cars, but i loved every minute of my protege5.

[fonzinator]

I bought my P5 Feb 2006. My thoughts so far...

Pros:
- For the money, handling is fantastic. Throwing this car through turns and on ramps brings a smile to my face every time.
- Fit and finish is good. Only 1 rattle at the license plate which I fixed with thick weatherstripping.
- Engine is adequate, but could always be better. With one or two in the car, it is scoots around nicely. Three or four in the car and it feels sluggish and weak. Get a manual tranny if you can.
- Manual Transmission is good - not too sloppy and not race-car stiff.
- Brakes are fantastic. 4-wheel disc with some good tires and the P5 stops right now. The excellent brakes and suspension give me LOADS of confidence on the road.
- Steering wheel is one of the best out there.
- Styling is great.
- Lights are more than adequate and do a great job of lighting up the road.
- Engine is easy to work on yourself.
- You actually have "some" cargo room - rear seats fold down.
- Stock stereo (w/ sub) is adequate.
- Seats are adequate even on long trips.
- Around 30 mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is.
- Every P5 question ever is already answered here. :)

Cons:
- Stock Dunlop tires are only so-so. Replace with something better.
- My fan selector had to be replaced (common issue).
- My driver's side window rattles slightly when lowered 2" or so.
- I have problems shifting into reverse (manual tranny) sometimes (common issue).
- At a certain high speed (70-75 mph), there is a whistle around the windshield area (common issue). Speed up, slow down or turn up the radio and it goes away.
- Interior noise at high speed could definitely be better. Sometimes I think a window is slightly down or a door slightly open.
- Turning on the A/C saps major power from the engine.
- Everyone will call your car "cute".


Now go buy one already!

[imjustagirl]

I bought my P5 Feb 2006. My thoughts so far...

Pros:
- For the money, handling is fantastic. Throwing this car through turns and on ramps brings a smile to my face every time.
- Fit and finish is good. Only 1 rattle at the license plate which I fixed with thick weatherstripping.
- Engine is adequate, but could always be better. With one or two in the car, it is scoots around nicely. Three or four in the car and it feels sluggish and weak. Get a manual tranny if you can.
- Manual Transmission is good - not too sloppy and not race-car stiff.
- Brakes are fantastic. 4-wheel disc with some good tires and the P5 stops right now. The excellent brakes and suspension give me LOADS of confidence on the road.
- Steering wheel is one of the best out there.
- Styling is great.
- Lights are more than adequate and do a great job of lighting up the road.
- Engine is easy to work on yourself.
- You actually have "some" cargo room - rear seats fold down.
- Stock stereo (w/ sub) is adequate.
- Seats are adequate even on long trips.
- Around 30 mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is.
- Every P5 question ever is already answered here. :)

Cons:
- Stock Dunlop tires are only so-so. Replace with something better.
- My fan selector had to be replaced (common issue).
- My driver's side window rattles slightly when lowered 2" or so.
- I have problems shifting into reverse (manual tranny) sometimes (common issue).
- At a certain high speed (70-75 mph), there is a whistle around the windshield area (common issue). Speed up, slow down or turn up the radio and it goes away.
- Interior noise at high speed could definitely be better. Sometimes I think a window is slightly down or a door slightly open.
- Turning on the A/C saps major power from the engine.
- Everyone will call your car "cute".


Now go buy one already!

well said :)

I love my P5 just for function alone.. if you're looking for a great handling car that you can load a ton of shit in and piss off all your friends with 300-400 miles out of a tank of gas, this is definitely the way to go.. :p

[Robot Romeo]

I love my leather interior (2002.5, 2003, 2003.5). And personally I'd avoid a car with aftermarket parts, i/h/e. Other than that don't expect a fast car, and you'll be completey satisfied. (thumb)

[pappaf2]

just got my MP5 a couple weeks agao and I love it. Just about everything being said already is spot on. As far as interior noise goes, its not too bad, but I'm comming from driving a truck where I couldn't here people on the cell phone with the volume all the way up.:D
Car drives great, handling as good as you can get from a stock car, brakes are the same, motor has decent power but More would be good too, interior is great, etc.
Get one if you can, you won't be disappointed!:)

[fahrvergnugen]

I love my leather interior (2002.5, 2003, 2003.5). And personally I'd avoid a car with aftermarket parts, i/h/e. Other than that don't expect a fast car, and you'll be completey satisfied. (thumb)

What is i/h/e? And would you avoid a car with aftermarket parts because 1) that means they have been farting around with it (IE worn), or because of another reason?

On that topic, what aftermarket parts help the most with that lack of power? Exhaust first, then intake, then cams? Any specific recommendations? I have searched around abit and found a little, but nothing too clear.

PS-- Sorry for the late reply.

[mountjonas]

i/h/e=intake/header/exhaust

[fahrvergnugen]

i/h/e=intake/header/exhaust

Of course...

I wonder why he would avoid a car with those.

[gus5]

Of course...

I wonder why he would avoid a car with those.

There are a lot of idiots who do stupid things to cars. If they've put those parts on their cars, there's a good chance they beat the hell out of it while driving.

[Robot Romeo]

Exactly, it's just my personal preference, but if some has put those parts on their car they probably haven't been just going the the market. If I'm going to buy a used car, I want to be the first to abuse it. :)

[EviLMaN]

I bought my P5 Feb 2006. My thoughts so far...

Pros:
- For the money, handling is fantastic. Throwing this car through turns and on ramps brings a smile to my face every time.
- Fit and finish is good. Only 1 rattle at the license plate which I fixed with thick weatherstripping.
- Engine is adequate, but could always be better. With one or two in the car, it is scoots around nicely. Three or four in the car and it feels sluggish and weak. Get a manual tranny if you can.
- Manual Transmission is good - not too sloppy and not race-car stiff.
- Brakes are fantastic. 4-wheel disc with some good tires and the P5 stops right now. The excellent brakes and suspension give me LOADS of confidence on the road.
- Steering wheel is one of the best out there.
- Styling is great.
- Lights are more than adequate and do a great job of lighting up the road.
- Engine is easy to work on yourself.
- You actually have "some" cargo room - rear seats fold down.
- Stock stereo (w/ sub) is adequate.
- Seats are adequate even on long trips.
- Around 30 mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is.
- Every P5 question ever is already answered here. :)

Cons:
- Stock Dunlop tires are only so-so. Replace with something better.
- My fan selector had to be replaced (common issue).
- My driver's side window rattles slightly when lowered 2" or so.
- I have problems shifting into reverse (manual tranny) sometimes (common issue).
- At a certain high speed (70-75 mph), there is a whistle around the windshield area (common issue). Speed up, slow down or turn up the radio and it goes away.
- Interior noise at high speed could definitely be better. Sometimes I think a window is slightly down or a door slightly open.
- Turning on the A/C saps major power from the engine.
- Everyone will call your car "cute".


Now go buy one already!


i love my mp5..


and the reason y its hard goin into reverse that reverse does not have synchros.... just put ur car into 1st gear then right into reverse and itll be good (im prety sure EVERY manual car does not have synchros for reverse)