MP3 for sale...

[GIJana]

Hi, I'm looking at a MP3 that's for sale in Nova Scotia, Canada.
It has 114000 Km on it.. and looks to be in good condition (From what I could see) I haven't actually seen it in person yet, just pictures. I'm going this weekend to drive it, get it checked out etc.

I really really really really want to get this car (assuming it's in good condition)
But I don't have a lot of expendable cash, so I was worried that if it broke that the parts would be expensive to replace.

The reason why I'm worried about this is that it's a rare car, and a sports car (which are generally more expensive to fix)

I was wondering what your thoughts on this are.
My alternative is a 2003 Protege ES with 77 000 KM on it for the same price as the MP3.

Thanks for your input.

[stdntDrvr]

the parts are the same...the only difference is the suspension, intake mani and muffler...really...so you'd be fine with the mp3. just gotta run premium gas!

[Dermen]

It sounds like they are asking too much for that MP3 if you can get an ES that is 2 years newer with less miles for the same price. An MP3 shouldn't be much more than a similar ES.

As for repairs, the only part of the MP3 that would cost more than a regular protege is the suspension. The MP3 really isn't all that different from an ES, it has upgraded suspension, a body kit, wheels, and a sound system. It also has an intake manifold that doesn't have the VTCS emissions stuff and an ECU that requires premium fuel for an extra 10HP.

[SilentSno]

Conditions of the cars will determine how similar value they are to each other.

Mazda does recommend using premium for the MP3, but I and many others have run low grade without issues. In fact I run 85.5 octane! This has been for 4 years now.

MP3 also has the appearance body kit, (bumper, side skirts, rear skirt, spoiler) that are different than a regular protege.

But as the others have stated for the most part its the same, and as such just as realiable and cost to own are the same.

[GIJana]

sweet thanks for the input guys.
Yeah I thought that the ES was a pretty good deal... but the MP3 is such a sweet looking car... and awesome stereo system too.
I dunno it really is a toss up.
The guy is asking 10995 (canadian dollars) for the MP3, and I think I have the other guy down to 10 000 (canadian dollars taxes in) for the Protege ES.

[CulRidr]

I bought my MP3 for 10,000CAD this spring with 165,000km in Ontario...considering the almost immaculate shape of all mechanical parts on the car, I got a good deal. You should be able to get the MP3 to between 10grand and 10.5 for sure though

[99 Pro]

sweet thanks for the input guys.
Yeah I thought that the ES was a pretty good deal... but the MP3 is such a sweet looking car... and awesome stereo system too.
I dunno it really is a toss up.
The guy is asking 10995 (canadian dollars) for the MP3, and I think I have the other guy down to 10 000 (canadian dollars taxes in) for the Protege ES.

My opinion.....if you are like all of us on here, you will eventually want to mod your car. So if that is the case, get the MP3. It already has alll the goodies that everyone with a plain Protege wants (ie: body kit, suspension, exhaust, etc.). Plus I think it looks way better than a regular ES.

Your call though....but if I could go back I would have definately bought a MSP or MP3 when I bought my car.

[GIJana]

Thanks for the input.
I definitely like the MP3, and assuming it's in good condition I would probably love it.
Here are some pictures of it.
http://kijiji.ebayimg.com/i9/03/k/000/77/e9/4ec5_20.JPG
http://kijiji.ebayimg.com/i23/02/k/000/77/e9/4eb0_20.JPG

[SilentSno]

Car looks in pretty decent shape. Be sure to check underneath it as well, for leaks, loose componenets, etc.

It looks pretty much stock, except the wheels and subs, that Kenwood Deck is stock with the MP3, FYI.

Good luck!

[CulRidr]

Definitely looks clean. As stated above, the only things that aren't stock are the rims (sweet looking), the amp/sub in the trunk, and what wasn't mentioned is the shifter boot/knob and probably the shifter itself.

You'll want to do a full once over looks wise in every nook and crevice. You may even want to have the car inspected by a mechanic you trust. Not sure what the regulations in NS are for transfer of ownership but to get the car in Ontario, I needed a full safety check...
BTW, what part of NS are you/the car in? I called Dartmouth home for 17 years!

Also, as 99 Pro mentioned, considering the small difference in price, and what you would pay to change an ES to become an MP3 (~1500$ in suspension, ~1500$ for a body kit, ~500$ on rims (plus tires), the stereo, and all the small things which makes an MP3 an MP3 (exhaust, intake manifold, ECU, full interior)...you just can't go wrong with the MP3. On top of being a whole lot more unique.

[GIJana]

I called the Mazda dealer in Truro and they're going to have a look at it for me. (I don't know the mechanics or anything, but I figured I couldn't go wrong with the dealer) Unless you can recommend someone else in that area.

The car is in Truro, and I'm in the valley (go to Acadia)

I definitely am in love with this car, and hopefully driving it will seal the deal.

[CulRidr]

I really don't know the dealers/mechanics in NS as I never owned a car there, especially in the valley. Driving it will definitely seal the deal if the car is in good shape. When you do, get back on here to ask as many questions as you want. We'll help you out :)

[GIJana]

So I drove it today!!! and the 03 protege too.
And I have to say they were both really really really nice to drive.
Although I'm totally in love with the MP3. The struts made noise when i went over some bumps... and so i asked him and he said that the strut mounts are worn... SO I was wondering the following.
How serious is that? If I put off fixing it for a couple of months would it do more damage to anything else?
And he said that he replace them for me (the strut mounts) for $400. Or I could get it done somewhere else later on... but I don't know if $400 is a good price or not.

BESIDES that... the car felt really good. the gears were a bit stiff... and he said that's cus it hasn't been driven in a while. do you think he's BSing me? I don't really know cus the protege was pretty stiff too.... so maybe that's a mazda thing?? I don't know cus I'm used to European cars.

what are your thoughts?

[MP3Performance]

The struts made noise when i went over some bumps... and so i asked him and he said that the strut mounts are worn... SO I was wondering the following.

Was it cold outside when you drove it? I also get some noise from what I think are the springs whenever it gets around 40-50F. Search around for the "clunk". The bushings in the rear might be worn out and making the sound.


And he said that he replace them for me (the strut mounts) for $400

For $500 you can get new RB struts and springs. I'd probably just take the money or have them deduct it from your total.

We need more MP3 support on the forum, so I say go with the MP3. (drive)

Good luck with your purchase

[CulRidr]

^500USD...a fair amount more in CAD due to shipping and whatnot...but still a valid point

[GIJana]

It was about 10 degrees Celsius.
I thought it sounded like the bushings... but it did it once in the front too.
He was going to replace the strut mounts for $400 EXTRA on top of what he wanted for the car. Not the whole struts.

So are you saying it would be better for me to just buy new struts rather than replace the mounts?

Thanks.

[stdntDrvr]

it was probably the bushings...my old mp3 and my msp both do it in 90* weather...just grease them or replace them and you'll be fine.

it SHOULDN'T be the strut mounts...it should be the bushings. have them grease them and see if it still squeaks.

[GIJana]

It doesn't squeak it clunks.

[CulRidr]

^See my post in the clunk thread...

[GIJana]

Seen.
Thanks.

[MP3Performance]

^500USD...a fair amount more in CAD due to shipping and whatnot...but still a valid point

I forgot you are in Canadia (crazy). You also have a good point, I have a cousin in Calgary and he says shipping stuff from the US is a nightmare.

If your problem is the rear clunk, get the evolv kit (if thats how you spell it). I had the clunk when I bought the car, then tried some energy suspension bushings. Those lasted about 2 years, but the clunck returned. I got the evolv kit a couple months ago, and I must say it has resolved that issue. Also, I think he ships from Canada so shipping should be easier.(dance)

[GIJana]

Yeah I think he is shipping from Canada.
Even if I managed to get a set of bushings to last 2 years I'd be happy. I'm in my third year of university now, and will have graduated by then so I'll be able to spend a little more money on the car to more permanently fix the problem.
Thanks.

[CulRidr]

evolv ships the "AXR clunk fix" from Winnipeg so no shipping problems there, and for ~200$, it's totally worth the investment...
As for shipping to Canada, it's a real pain in the butt if you don't live near the US border like me, or if the shipper isn't willing to ship via USPS...

[GIJana]

i know someone who lives in the states that i can ship to anyway so it's not a big deal.

[CulRidr]

you still have to clear customs, and you don't always get lucky and pay nothing...for me I have to pay for 2hours of gas, going over the bridge twice to Ogdensburg, the 5USD holding fee at the UPS store, and then maybe I get dinged at the border. So that's 25CAD (not much different then US dollars today considering our dollar is virtually at parity, minus stupid paypal fees) + tax...still not bad compared to what shipping directly to Canada usually costs if you use UPS or FedEx though (gtfo)

[Newf]

if you are going to do this, you need to seriously consider the suspension issues.

There are multiple noises.

Front and rear bushings will make a squishy noises when cold and driving over bumps. Sounds like you ran over a coke can. There is no fix for this, sometimes lube can help but it will come back.

Struts can, and might squeak like a bad bed when in really cold and dry weather. This is rare though.

Rear bushings will clunk, you would NEED to get the proper fix for this. Do not screw around with shitty bushings, trust me it's a pita.

There was an issue with the strut mounts on ALL protege's. But it gets confused with the sounds the mp3's make. It might very well be needing replacement, but I'm thinking what you are hearing is NOT the mounts.

I've owned the MP3 from 2001 to 2003, then I bought the MSP which I traded last summer. I had both for some time. THe MSP is the better car for more reasons then just a turbo. You have to drive one to feel it. The MP3 however does have the euro spec steering column, and it's crazy sharp handling. The MSP feels looser in this respect but it's marginal.

On Paper there is no contest between a MP3/ES. BUT, with an ES, you don't have any of the suspension issues, and it can look just like an mp3 if you put the money into it. It won't handle like the mp3, but hey...you get a sunroof too.

How were the seats? look at the Vinly, see if it's cracked. Look at the steering wheel see if it's cracking/peeling. The stock shifter was also bad for this but that is obviously gone. Grab the back bumer, get the car bouncing...not easy as the suspension is crazy stiff, but listen to the struts for any squeaks....make sure the car is off of course.

[MP3Performance]

On Paper there is no contest between a MP3/ES. BUT, with an ES, you don't have any of the suspension issues, and it can look just like an mp3 if you put the money into it. It won't handle like the mp3, but hey...you get a sunroof too.



If you want to put money into a body conversion, you might as well get the MP3 and convert the suspension back to ES stock setup. I dont see why you would do that, but it kinda makes sense if you think about it (ugh).

Seriously though, if you want to get rid of the squeaks get the AXR brackets replace the englinks (with stock ones since they dont rattle like the AWR ones) and possibly use some lube on the suspension parts. Some people (including me) get a rattling sound coming from the rear speakers, you might want to insulate it from the bottom to stop it from rattling.

Or you can forget about all the sounds and just turn up the nice stereo system (guitar).

[GIJana]

I don't really care if it makes noise when it's cold out etc. just as long as it's not going to cause mechanical problems etc.

I've already made the decision to buy the AWR fix setup thing if I do end up buying the MP3.

Oh and the ES doesn't have a sunroof cus it's the Canadian version... so I think there are a few things it doesn't have compared to the American one.

The seats are in good condition, as is the rest of the interior and the steering wheel.

[Newf]

Canadian ES's do indeed have sunroof's. The first protege I test drove back in 2001 was an ES loaded with sunroof, then I test drove a p5, then I bought the MP3 before I even seen it.

There is something cool about having a car so rare. only 250 2001 MP3's made it to Canada....minus however many ended up totaled of course.

[CulRidr]

Canadian ES's do indeed have sunroof's. The first protege I test drove back in 2001 was an ES loaded with sunroof, then I test drove a p5, then I bought the MP3 before I even seen it.

There is something cool about having a car so rare. only 250 2001 MP3's made it to Canada....minus however many ended up totaled of course.

Not all cars came with it automatically; the ES just had the option of getting the sunroof...hell the LX had that option. When americans say ES, for us Canadians that usually equates to an ES-GT which did come with the sunroof standard. As for the P5, it was also an option, not a standard feature.

[GIJana]

fukc guys i really can't decide... I called the guys selling the ES and it still has the drivetrain (or is it powertrain? i don't know the difference) warranty on it up to 100 000 km on it (the car has 78 right now) or Nov 08.

I really really like the MP3, it drives really really nicely... but I'm a student and I'm afraid that because the MP3 is older, and has more miles on it that it will cost me a lot more in maintenance over the next 2 years. (cus I'm in my third year of university and won't have much of an income)

[CulRidr]

See this is where you have to do more background checking. A car with less miles but that wasn't maintained as well as a car with more miles will cost you more. I bought my MP3 with over 100,000miles on it and I bet you it's cleaner and in better condition then most MP3s with half that many miles. the only problem I've had with it in the 7,000miles I've had with it is having to replace a caliper. Sure the brakes were fully changed between 60,000miles and when I owned it, and a few other regular maintenance items, but that's just normal.

If you aren't going to buy a car because you are afraid of the maintenance costs that are coming up (you would have to pay for them in the future with the other car anyway), then don't buy a car. Maintenance costs come with owning a car. If you are buying a car because you love it and know that it is in good shape, then go with what seems right.
The powertrain warranty is just for your transmission and engine usually, which would never blow anyway unless you were EXTREMELY unlucky, so don't base your purchase on that. Base it on maintenance records (if available), history of the car (and its drivers, assuming you can get that; IE: young driver VS adult/lady driven), and what a mechanic tells you.

[SilentSno]

Culridr, great advice.

If it makes your decision any easier, a lot people have turbo charged their proteges (including MP3s and ESs) and have never blown a tranny, except for only until high boost. Usually only clutches, which wears anyway.

The engine for the most part is solid. The FSDE has been around for quite a while is is a proven. Get a compression check on the cyclinders, it'll give you a great piece a mind.

But your best bet for which car to buy is what Culridr said, maintance records, carfaxes, and what you feel seems to be the better car.

Another thing I've always liked to do, is spray water on the car with a hose. If it bubbles up (small water beads, little smaller than a penny usually), like it should, it means the car has fairly new wax. Most people who take car of their cars, will wax it. (granted people who really know how to sell cars will wax them too!)

[CulRidr]

Thanks SilentSno, appreciate it :)

All good points Sno, but I must advise on 2 things.
1. The engine is a good reliable one, but anyone who has done enough research knows that our engines are susceptible to breaking down (if boosted) due to our cheap rods.
2. Carfaxes are a must, but really don't say much. They are really only good to know if there have been any accidents, and any major repair work to the car, otherwise maintenance records really are the way to go. In other words, they Carfax will tell you if your car has been accidented, maintenance records will tell you how the car has been maintained on a regular basis.

[Dermen]

Carfax doesn't always show accidents, my parents owned a mini-van that was in two accidents (one 5k in repairs, the other 3k) and neither showed up on the carfax when we went to sell it.

It's not a bad idea to have somebody take a look to see if there are any signs of a repair along with a normal inspection to make sure everything else on the car is good.

[MP3Performance]

fukc guys i really can't decide... I called the guys selling the ES and it still has the drivetrain (or is it powertrain? i don't know the difference) warranty on it up to 100 000 km on it (the car has 78 right now) or Nov 08.

I really really like the MP3, it drives really really nicely... but I'm a student and I'm afraid that because the MP3 is older, and has more miles on it that it will cost me a lot more in maintenance over the next 2 years. (cus I'm in my third year of university and won't have much of an income)



The cost of maintenance shouldn't really worry you too much. 95% of the parts that would need replacement are going to be the same on both cars, since they have the same brakes, engine, tranny, etc. The only maintenance I see is brakes, airfilter, oil changes, and maybe a new battery. If the shocks are in ok condition (ie not bottoming out) then you have nothing to worry about in the suspension. The only thing I can think of in the future is that you might eventualy need a timingbelt replacement, but it depends on how long you plan to keep the car.

If the car is in fair condition when you buy it and you dont plan on modding your car too much, you should have nothing to worry about with additional costs.

If you can afford it and the car checks out, go with the MP3 (alright).

Also, the warranty thing is not that much of a boost for buying the ES. If the engine and trany are fine in the MP3 when you buy it, there is no reason for it to go out after 20-30 thousand kilometers.

[J-protege]

Holy crap he has the same rims as me! If you're wondering, the rims that will come with the Mp3 are INVINCIBLE. I swear, some of the stuff these have survived... crazyness!

I'd go with the Mp3 myself. It's worth it to have that RacingBeat suspension setup, and the body kit could cost you quite a bit if you decided to buy it later for the ES.

Also, the standard ES in Canada (we had ES and ES-GT) does NOT come with rear disk brakes. If there is no sunroof, then you are most likely looking at the standard ES. No rear disks = fail. The drums make lots of noise, and have reduced stopping power.

How do I know? Guess who owns an ES non-GT :)

[GIJana]

Thanks a lot for the input guys. I'm going to get the MP3 looked at today by a dealer. Unless they say there's something seriously wrong then I think i'm gonna go with it.
I'll let you know the verdict after today, as I'll have made a decision by the end of it.

[99 Pro]

So how did everything check out with the MP3?

[GIJana]

Sooooooooo I ended up buying the protege.

It was a really hard decision for me... The protege was in just such a better condition than the MP3 that I went with it. The belly of the car of the MP3 was getting on the rusty side cus it had been sitting around... needed a new oil pan and something else and it was in fact the bushings that were gone in the back (as we had all guessed).

I'm a little disappointed that I didn't end up with the MP3, but as I am a still a student at university for 2 more years I thought it was probably the wiser decision.

Anywho, seeing as I'm now officially a mazda owner I will definitely be frequenting this forum fairly often :).
Take care

[SilentSno]

Congrads and good luck. Its disappointing you didn't get the MP3, but hey you gotta pick the best car for you.

The ES is still a great car, and be sure to hit up the other forums for questions, tips, mods, etc.. This is a wonderful resource that you'll grow to love even more and more!

[99 Pro]

Pics?

[GIJana]

I'll post some shortly... It's nothing special though just a standard 2003 Protege ES the same colour blue as the MP3.

I started thinking about some of the mods I could do to it... and then just figured meh what's the point... I can get rid of the car in 1 1/2 years and trade it in for something cool then. :D (probably a subaru hehe) Although I have to say I really like mazdas (I've always wanted one after I saw the Zoom Zoom commercials as a kid hehe)

[edub]

Im actually looking at this EXACT mp3.
It looks good in the pics but im a little weary about what you mentioned

The owner bought it at a dealer auction and the price is down to 8995 CAD right now.

He said he recently had the sway bar bushings replaced and he will have a look at the oil pan.

Do you really need to run supreme gas in these? i do a fair bit of driving.
Also i was looking for some first hand experiance on how you liked driving it and how it felt, and what the dealer you took it to said exactly.

Also i know everyone here is a little biased toward their car BUT. If you were in my position, what other cars would you consider in your hunt around this price range. i LOVE the look of the car and cant wait to get out to have a closer look and take it for a spin.
cheers.

[CulRidr]

You don't NEED supreme, you'll just get slightly better mileage out of it, and a small amount of power (I've never driven hard enough with 87 to feel the difference since I use it as my "winter gas").
Most people here will tell you that if you want a car that goes fast in a straight line, get something else, but if you want a car that's actually fun to drive and will handle like a car costing 5 times as much, buy the MP3.

You should probably PM GIJana as he may not be subscribed to this thread anymore

[edub]

Thanks for the heads up, i Pm'd him first thing but no reply anyway ill hope for the reply before i see the car.
Ive had cars that were fast in a straight line and in the corners before and i want something thats fun to toss around btu still a good daily driver and this looks like it fits the bill, although 160-180hp would be best 140 isnt too shabby.

Is it a usable powerband? not like a torque-less honda motor? just looking for some first hand driving impressions really.

Im getting the car essentially for 9000$ CAD taxes in.
now was 121,000 kms on it, looks to be in great shape, and he replaced the sway bar bushings a nd said he'll look at the oil pan, but im not worried about the cost of an oil pan i do all my work myself.

Any other issues people experianced with these cars? common problems that come up?

[MP3Performance]

The powerband is pretty good in my opinion, and much better than VTAK (even though I do love engines that rev to 8500). You can thank the MP3 ECU, since it has a better overall tune then regular Proteges or the MSP. Though at around 6000rpm it starts to die off. If you get an after market header, that will fix the top end power. Even stock it has a good amount of torque for passing and such.

[edub]

Ok this is the kind of info im looking for :)

I've owned a couple hondas and a few vw's both with boost and both without. I've come to the conclusion that useful total powerband and a well balanced suspension is more impressive then a vtec kick or short amount of boost(=turbo lag).
I owned a VW corrado G60 supercharged which was amazing (god BLESS superchargers) torque everywhere but it was as reliable as a ford on crack. Any of the hondas i owned were torqueless pigs, pulled like a bastard but screamed like a scared cat.
I want something that is a good balance, im pretty excited to have a look at this MP3!

Whats the scoop on N/A engine mods to squeeze a little more power out of the megar 2.0l mazda. obviously I/H/E but any other tips and tricks? commonly replaced parts.

Whats the one mod on your MP3 that you couldnt live without?

[MP3Performance]

Whats the scoop on N/A engine mods to squeeze a little more power out of the megar 2.0l mazda. obviously I/H/E but any other tips and tricks? commonly replaced parts.

Whats the one mod on your MP3 that you couldnt live without?

I would have to say that I love both my intake and header. The CAI is such a easy and cheap mod, its almost a must. But there are some who will say that a intake does nothing withouth a tune, but I am sure it helps out (throttle response, top end, and probably overall). If nothing else, it makes and awesome sound when you blip the throttle and when you turn off the engine (kind of a woooshing sound):D. The header is also a must if you want decent power, but it depends if you are able to and willing to get rid of the first cat. I used to have a catless midpipe, but eventually went back to stock. I defiantly felt a difference when I took it off, since it helped with quicker revs and top. But also hated the smell of exhaust fumes, especially in the summer traffic with the windows open.

Most people do Intake, header, midpipe or full exhaust (but the racingbeat is such a great sounding exhaust stock), lightened underdrive pully. If you want to make impressive power and spend $$$$$$$$ you will need , custom cams, camgears, port and polish head, high compression pistons, and engine manigment. But the easiest and cheapest way to make good numbers is to go turbo.

[edub]

from my experiance turbo and cheap NEVER belong in the same sentence EVER.
i appriciate your input, and i think ill stick to buying the car, paying it off and putting an intake, short shifter and a good set of rubber on it and enjoy it at track days :)

[KaiserDragon]

PM'd you edub