Negatives?

[murdock_]

Hey guys, before a 17 y/o kid like me goes out and spends his life savings on car :) I was wondering if this car has any negatives to it, im sure it does, but anything big that I wont like? I drive a 96 volvo 850 right now (haha) so im sure theres a "little" difference between the two hehe.. Think this is the car for me? I don't want to sound disrespectful AT ALL but it seems older people drive these more than younger people (no offense :) ) so please let me know before I go out, like I said, and spend my life savings.. Thanks guys and gals :)

[jroof]

Here're my negatives:
http://msprotege.com/vbb225/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13788

These are production problems. As far as the actual design of the car goes, I love it. But I do wish the seats had better bolstering.

[dafababa]

wow buddy what you need to do is investigate the forum a little. do searches for the following
1. suspension clunk/rear sway bar clunck
2. Idol Issues
3. Masdaspeed owners
4. sereo not working properly, only a few have this issue


Enjoy your homework, ther will be a quiz on friday

[mazdadan]

The MSP is definitely an all around awesome machine. Between the high performance suspension components and the turbo, this would be an excellent choice.

On another note......
One of my friends used to have a Volvo 850 turbo. That was a quick car. With an upgraded chip and exhaust, the Volvo would easily outaccelerate a MSP. Heres a good article http://www.swedespeed.com/features/project_cars/854/part3.shtml

However, if your Volvo is non-turbo, there's not much you can do to make it faster. Then your decision will be easier.

[Vicocola]

umm so far i think i've hear clunks problem, car stall on clutch in at high rpm, leak of coolant, oversteering at 1st gear if u r on high rpm while turning i think.... and forgot the rest... But even with all those problems in the car.. MSP is still the best car in da world :)

[AGR]

Originally posted by murdock_
Hey guys, before a 17 y/o kid like me goes out and spends his life savings on car :) I was wondering if this car has any negatives to it, im sure it does, but anything big that I wont like? I drive a 96 volvo 850 right now (haha) so im sure theres a "little" difference between the two hehe.. Think this is the car for me? I don't want to sound disrespectful AT ALL but it seems older people drive these more than younger people (no offense :) ) so please let me know before I go out, like I said, and spend my life savings.. Thanks guys and gals :)


Do you want a 'Driver's Car'? Let's ask that question first. If you do, then it is highly unlikely you will be happier with any other car (for $20,500), once you drive a MAZDASPEED.

[Traveler]

I work on Volvo 850's. Actually, they are a pretty quick car if they have the turbo option or the rarer high boost turbo. Watch out for the "R" models! There is a lot of definate competition out there right now. You really need to drive one as well as drive the competitions cars to see which one suits you and your driving style.

[chwood]

Originally posted by murdock_
I don't want to sound disrespectful AT ALL but it seems older people drive these more than younger people (no offense :) ) so please let me know before I go out, like I said, and spend my life savings.. Thanks guys and gals :)

!!!
(spank)

Dude, you're 17! OF COURSE everyone here seems "older," you only learned to drive a year ago!

(wink)

...and if you can get into a MSP at 17yrs old you are one lucky SOB and I'm going to have to hate you.

[mazdadan]

Originally posted by Traveler
I work on Volvo 850's. Actually, they are a pretty quick car if they have the turbo option or the rarer high boost turbo. Watch out for the "R" models! There is a lot of definate competition out there right now. You really need to drive one as well as drive the competitions cars to see which one suits you and your driving style.

Good, i'm glad someone else on here can vouch for the Volvo. The stock internals can easily take 1 bar of boost. You can get an ECU upgrade from http://www.ipdusa.com/

A volvo 850 will hit 155mph and 0-60 is in the 6sec range depending on the amount of boost you are running.

[Lawerence]

My negatives:
1.Clunk
2.Seats Suck (where is the support?)
3.I dont like how the doors dont have armrests
4.This kinda goes with #2, but since there doors are flat, the window buttons are placed vertically on the door, which is a wierd position
5.Stereo kicks ass, but it turns off sometimes???
6.everyone wants to race and I dont want anymore tickets.

[Newf]

your problem is going to be insurance.

other then that, this car is built with younger people in mind....just so happens some of us older kids like it too. By far the best bang for the buck there is, and this is coming from someone who owns an MP3, trading it for a MSP, and has put up with one of these cars major problems since day one....the clunk. It's still worth it.

[SpicyMSP]

my negatives:

-Stumble
-Not enough low end power

[AGR]

Negatives: none to mention - except now; I am on this Forum way too much!

......Of course; better bolstering on the seats would be nice.


Note:

The stumble (hiccup) during acceleration that I think we have all experienced, is all but gone (at least, so far) with the installation of the K&N - not to mention the added throttle response, horsepower (no: I don't know how much - somewhere possibly between 5-10HP), and the additional volume of wonderous sounds (BOV / turbo spooling). Sweet! The performance difference is noticeable, my friends.

[andr3w]

Greg, Are you on commission from K&N??

[turboge]

The stumbling is my main concern. The lack of power from the boost that is generated. Thats about it, oh... 135mph top speed. That kinda sucked. But its a great car, I love driving it.

[AGR]

Originally posted by andr3w
Greg, Are you on commission from K&N??

Nope! Just stating my results, as I find them, since the addition of the K&N filter.

[AGR]

Originally posted by turboge
The stumbling is my main concern. The lack of power from the boost that is generated. Thats about it, oh... 135mph top speed. That kinda sucked. But its a great car, I love driving it.

You have actually reached 135mph?

[turboge]

Yes, hit the limiter the other day :)

[SpicyMSP]

BAH in my car~

[turboge]

I heard no complaints :P

[AGR]

Originally posted by turboge
I heard no complaints :P

The limiter lets it go to 135mph? I had read somewhere that it was limited to 130mph. Nice! I had heard that stock the car should reach about 143mph.

So,,,,,,what are your thoughts on what I have mentioned about the effect the K&N has had regarding the stumbling (hiccuping) effect while accelerating? Interesting. I hope the stumbling stays away now, for good.

[turboge]

Originally posted by AGR#7


The limiter lets it go to 135mph? Nice! I had heard that stock the car will get to about 143mph.

So,,,,,,what are your thoughts on what I have mentioned about the effect the K&N has had regarding the stumbling (hiccuping) effect while accelerating?

Yep I hit 135 and it just cut out, I'm almost certain it was a rev limiter and not a speed limiter. I was staring at the MPH and when i let off I just slowed down and didn't have a chance to see the RPM.

I think every car may have a different way it runs, yours seems to be running a bit better than others. Turn on your Defroster for the front window and see if the problem worsens. I noticed with the A/C on it is much worse.

[Limited Edition]

when you hit 135mph on the speedo...you were probably only going 130mph. I believe that all car's speedo is incorrect after a certain high speed. I remember reading in my previous's car manual that it was limited to only 181km/h. But I onced hit 190km/h on the speedometer with no mods what so ever. But i'm sure the speedometer is incorrect.
anyway, this is just my thought, perhaps our MSP can really hit 135mph. great! (thumb)

Negatives:
1. non-stop rear clunk noise whenever the car sways from side to side on uneven pavement.
2. Stereo is awesome with more than enough bass and very clear, but depending on your background on stereo or if you're a true audiophilie, if you've ever had an aftermarket system installed, most are better.
3. Where's my three head rest i was suppose to get in the rear seats?
4. hiccup as AGR#7 mention when you back off the throttle suddenly when you're spooling.
5. I could use some luxury.....

[APEXistud]

Originally posted by Lawerence
My negatives:
1.Clunk
2.Seats Suck (where is the support?)
3.I dont like how the doors dont have armrests
4.This kinda goes with #2, but since there doors are flat, the window buttons are placed vertically on the door, which is a wierd position
5.Stereo kicks ass, but it turns off sometimes???
6.everyone wants to race and I dont want anymore tickets.


Armrests.....Dude go get a luxury car. You bought a sport compact with a turbo and a great suspension. Who gives a shit about armrests.

[SpicyMSP]

yes I second that... How often will you be using arm rests anyway, if you are driving?

[JPBlackMP5]

1. Stalled on two separate occassions. Idle low - need to take the Mazda Tech's advice and have it checked out.
2. Mileage varies. Could be becuz I've babied it until I hit 1K miles.

Otherwise, great car. Luxury? what were you expecting from a car that costs so little with so many performance mods as a production car? (Turbo, shocks, suspension, stereo system, LSD, heavy duty clutch plate, brake upgrade, tires, wheels, sparco stuff, etc.)