should I stay or should I go now? (msp vs ms3)

[CHICO2003]

Couldn't decide which section to through this in (MS3/MSP or OT) so I went with the incumbent!

So I need advice.

I've got an (orange) MSP w/67k miles
Car's in about as good of condition as one can expect. garaged day and night (work and home) and runs great. Mods include: SMIC/Injen CAI/Unichip/Pioneer AVIC D3 (nav) w/bluetooth and ipod connector/upgraded kicker speakers throughout and a 10" mtx sub/yeller instrument bezel w/turbo and oil autometer guages/kartboy bushings/upgraded rear silicone bushings/etc.

All in all, I love the car. Who wouldn't? With the (modest) mods I've got, the car is plenty fast and obviously handles great. Of all the cars I've owned, it's easily my favorite.

So what's the problem?

There's a leftover 07 MS3 GT calling me. I can basically get it for invoice so it's a steal. In addition to all the obvious pros this car has, the fact that it's NOT orange means I (at 29) can look (and feel) at least somewhat respectable when taking clients out to lunch... and doing all that BS I do during the day. To me, the MS3 is pretty much the perfect car for me. Not too extreme... but not too stodgy either.

Conversely, my car would kick ass for the younger version of me floating around. (I know he's out there!) So.. in the end, it would be a win/win.

Why not pull the trigger? For one... my car's paid off. Even though the MS3 is a relative bargain, it's still a pretty hefty monthly payment. granted, it's new... and my car, though it's been reliable, isn't going to run this good forever. Eventually I'll NEED a new car... whether I like it or not. (I'm thinking I can get atleast 100k miles on her before any MAJOR repairs are needed).

The one thing that would suck about the MS3 (other than the fact that it's not orange... again, double-edged sword there) is the fact that the MS3 doesn't have the kickass nav/audio system my car has. (I listened to the bose system and it's a joke compared to mine.) so obviously, down the road, that would need to be upgraded. I'd also need to get new winter tires since my 15" steelies won't fit.

Shit... I think I just made up my mind! haha But hey.. I might as well get everyone's input. Should I take advantage of the sweet deal on the MS3 or keep my beloved MSP and driver her into the ground?

[D-rock240]

Dude, I would say keep the MSP. Spicy MSP>MS3 IMO.

[2.0t03speed]

how about instead of buying a ms3 you just take the money and put it into the msp thats what im doing. after i install these last 2 parts of mine i should be next to if not a little ahead of a ms3

[BOOSTR]

I don't really think either car would change your perceived perception of what your clients think. Unless they are making your payments, who really cares what they think?

Make a financial decision and not an emotional one. If your MSP is paid off or close to being so, then keep it. If you have the means and desire to start the payment cycle again then go for the MS3.

[mazpro]

i vote keep the MSP, having no car payments is great! you can start saving money to add more things to the speed and to have some in the savings in case any major repairs need to be done.

[CHICO2003]

I don't really think either car would change your perceived perception of what your clients think. Unless they are making your payments, who really cares what they think?

Make a financial decision and not an emotional one. If your MSP is paid off or close to being so, then keep it. If you have the means and desire to start the payment cycle again then go for the MS3.

I hear what you're saying.... Nobody likes a phony. Keepin it real is what I'm all about. But let's get real. Whether we like it or not, we're judged by a lot of things in life... our car included. People can take you seriously... or not based on something so trivial.

More importantly than that though... just like what we wear, our car can have an impact on how we act. I could go into a meeting wearing a swimsuit.. but it would be tough to concentrate. Conversely, wearing a suit... it makes you feel more serious, more business like.

You're right though... that shouldn't be the main factor.

[BOOSTR]

Maybe I could of worded it better but you got my point. Both cars may conjer up images in small minded people that think in terms of what you drive defines who you are.

And by all means if you are in a business that is dominated by clients that would not retain your services because of the color or model of your car, then you better get a Lexus/BMW/Mercedes or whatever matches their perception of what you should drive.

Good luck with your choice.

[livelyjay]

Driving an orange car definitely will not bode well for the business world. Looks are everything. The MS3 would be a step up in that department because it doesn't scream at people. The normal clientèle you would encounter probably wouldn't even recognize your car as an MS3 unless the read the badge. The same could not be said for the MSP, which by the color alone says it is different than a regular Protege.

That said, neither car is going to impress clients. If you want that, buy a used G35 sedan, IS300, etc.

[SuperStretch18]

Being an owner of neither car, I thought I would weigh in. Here are my thoughts:

The biggest reason that I see for keeping the MSP is that it is already paid off. Not having a car payment kicks a$$. Even if you could get a good trade in for the MSP, you are still looking at $250+++ each month, which would go a long way towards making your current ride uberfast.

However, there is nothing like having a new ride with a warranty and quick. You could take out the stereo/nav out of your current ride and transfer to the new ride, so that should be a non-issue. Personally, I would take the MS3, but I've never driven your current car. Your decision might be different, but be sure that you look at:

- Can I afford the hit to my finances without adjusting my lifestyle?
- Which car do I prefer driving? Visually, performance, comfort. (I assume that you have been able to test drive the MS3, but that is sometimes easier said than done)
- What would the change in insurance cost be? That's an often overlooked cost/benefit of a new car that could be a deciding factor.

Overall, this is a tough choice; good luck either way...

[Red5_02]

Save your money. If your car runs well and makes you happy, then keep it. Wanna go faster? You should have extra cash now that you don't have car payment so there ya go. As much as the MS3 kicks ass in performance, it's still not as good looking as the MSP.

Also, for all you know, a client could be looking for someone with youthful energy. Your Spicy orange MSP is a fine example of youthfulness. If you want a performance oriented Mazda with a little class, then go with the RX-8.

[livelyjay]

The biggest reason that I see for keeping the MSP is that it is already paid off. Not having a car payment kicks a$$.
I concur with this statement. Not having ANY car payments (I'm married with a house, and two paid-off cars) definitely makes the pockets a bit heavier every month and allows for things like vacation, investments, home improvements, etc. Every time we think about upgrading the wife's car, we think about what other things we could use that car payment for. I am pleased with my MSP and will likely drive it till it dies or someone smashes into my and totals it.

Another option .... paint the car a different color. Although the Spicy owners will think of this as blasphemous.

[fr0st]

Couldn't decide which section to through this in (MS3/MSP or OT) so I went with the incumbent!

So I need advice.

I've got an (orange) MSP w/67k miles
Car's in about as good of condition as one can expect. garaged day and night (work and home) and runs great. Mods include: SMIC/Injen CAI/Unichip/Pioneer AVIC D3 (nav) w/bluetooth and ipod connector/upgraded kicker speakers throughout and a 10" mtx sub/yeller instrument bezel w/turbo and oil autometer guages/kartboy bushings/upgraded rear silicone bushings/etc.

All in all, I love the car. Who wouldn't? With the (modest) mods I've got, the car is plenty fast and obviously handles great. Of all the cars I've owned, it's easily my favorite.

So what's the problem?

There's a leftover 07 MS3 GT calling me. I can basically get it for invoice so it's a steal. In addition to all the obvious pros this car has, the fact that it's NOT orange means I (at 29) can look (and feel) at least somewhat respectable when taking clients out to lunch... and doing all that BS I do during the day. To me, the MS3 is pretty much the perfect car for me. Not too extreme... but not too stodgy either.

Conversely, my car would kick ass for the younger version of me floating around. (I know he's out there!) So.. in the end, it would be a win/win.

Why not pull the trigger? For one... my car's paid off. Even though the MS3 is a relative bargain, it's still a pretty hefty monthly payment. granted, it's new... and my car, though it's been reliable, isn't going to run this good forever. Eventually I'll NEED a new car... whether I like it or not. (I'm thinking I can get atleast 100k miles on her before any MAJOR repairs are needed).

The one thing that would suck about the MS3 (other than the fact that it's not orange... again, double-edged sword there) is the fact that the MS3 doesn't have the kickass nav/audio system my car has. (I listened to the bose system and it's a joke compared to mine.) so obviously, down the road, that would need to be upgraded. I'd also need to get new winter tires since my 15" steelies won't fit.



you got a point

imo, it all depends on your needs..

like i got a yellow msp and taking a client to lunch in a econobox thats freaking loud with the exaust, the whilting turbo and and BOV.. and not to mention there not the most confortable car either.. the wife doesn't even like it..at almost 34, i gotta say, i dirve it fast, doing alot of stuff to it and with it.. but damn is that thing not confortable.. its more like a sport bike feeling than a commuter car.. and i do have a sportbike so i know what im talking about..

if i was to go back.. i'd switch.. not because of the problems those cars have.. because of the application...

[BOOSTR]

I guess I'm just different in that I exceed the age of the typical MSP owner and have worked in the business world for a good bit of time. I could give a rats ass about what someone thinks me or how they would peg me, based on the color or type of car.

[We Are Ninja]

Not having a car payment > Paying for a car. Plus, I'm a huge fan of the MSP's character... If the color bother you that badly, buy a used 4th gen or P5 (hatches are practical and that'd probably go over well) on the cheap in a nice business-y color like black or silver.

[SuperStretch18]

I guess I'm just different in that I exceed the age of the typical MSP owner and have worked in the business world for a good bit of time. I could give a rats ass about what someone thinks me or how they would peg me, based on the color or type of car.

I agree. If you think it might be an issue, you should bring it up during the meeting. Spark a conversation on it. In my book, it's a plus, not a minus.

[mazdaspeedwerx]

I was going through this same thought process afew months ago. I ended up buying a used truck keeping the msp and everything was good. I figured since I love my car why trade it in after all the work I put into it.

[SeR_Cyclops]

keep the msp and then buy a new car (when i say new i mean new to you buying new a car is a waste because they loose value so fast).... or sell the msp and get another car and IMHO i think going from a four door sedan to a hatchback is a down grade in the business world i mean how many people do you see wearing a suites and driving a station wagon?

[CHICO2003]

I guess I'm just different in that I exceed the age of the typical MSP owner and have worked in the business world for a good bit of time. I could give a rats ass about what someone thinks me or how they would peg me, based on the color or type of car.


Well everyone's situation is different. The term 'business world' is far too broad. I'm in sales and, like it or not, am judged by a lot of factors. Some are fair... others are not. If I show up to an appointment unshaved, unbathed, etc... the chance of me landing the deal is pretty slim. Conversely, if I have a professional image (and act professionally) the chances are better.

Like it or not, one's car plays a similar role. I know it's easy to say "I don't give a rat's ass what anyone else things!" but in reality, when it's your livelihood, you have to.

Now, just to set the record straight... my car hasn't been that much of a deterrent thus far. I've taken some stodgy bankers and cpas out to lunch before and their uncomfort level definitely came through... but it's not like they shut me down from that point. They just insist on driving next time! haha

However, since I'll soon be getting a new (better/more upscale) territory... I figured something a little less extreme might work well.

[CHICO2003]

keep the msp and then buy a new car (when i say new i mean new to you buying new a car is a waste because they loose value so fast).... or sell the msp and get another car and IMHO i think going from a four door sedan to a hatchback is a down grade in the business world i mean how many people do you see wearing a suites and driving a station wagon?


haha that was harsh. how many guys do you see in suits driving around bright orange cars? I see a lot more people in station wagons, that's for sure. But this thing's not a station wagon... it's a hatch. just like a 4 door gti isn't a station wagon.

[mazpro]

if I were you, I'd be looking at the MS6, it would fit you better. the MS6 is a bigger car = more comfort and it looks more upscale then the MS3.

[livelyjay]

After reading everyone's comments, I think you should scrap the idea of both cars. Neither is going to personify professionalism in the business world. Plus, if you get an MS3, how long till you start modding it and making it louder? It may be time to give up on the sport compact world all together and get into the entry luxury world. G35 sedan or last generation BMW 3 series comes to mind. The BMW would still be fun to drive around and auto-x if you're into it. You could go back further to the IS300 even. Hell, even the Nissan Maxima has a nice semi-luxury feel to it (but it's a boat). Any ways, just throwing some ideas out there. I don't think either MSP or MS3 will be good for "impressing" clients.

[Rally Ninja]

Oh to not have car payments..............

[CHICO2003]

Good points... I'm not sure I need to jump into the 'family sedan' arena just yet. All of those cars, with the exception of the 3-series, are far too big for my taste.

Personally, I feel the MS3 strikes a nice balance between sportiness and (for lack of a better term) class. If for no other reason than the fact that it's not bright orange! But I mean come on... we're not talking a 2 door roadster here. It's a freakin 4 door hatch made by a mainstream manufacturer. It doesnt' look any different than a regular 3 so, if anything, it screams 'maturity/practicality/etc.' .... which, in my world, arent' the worst traits to embody.

[We Are Ninja]

...Personally, I feel the MS3 strikes a nice balance between sportiness and (for lack of a better term) class. If for no other reason than the fact that it's not bright orange! But I mean come on... we're not talking a 2 door roadster here. It's a freakin 4 door hatch made by a mainstream manufacturer...

Agreed.