is the msp the car for me?

[bsgts]

I'm 17 and for my graduation i will be getting a new car. The price range is from 15,000 to 20,00. Do you think i should get the msp? i really like speed and performance. let me know what all of you think.

[OrangeMSP]

yesh, or you can get a used 1st gen eclipse turbo and spend the extra money and make it a beast :p

[BlackMSP]

Errrrrrrrrrr if all you want is speed get the SRT-4 I think you will be happier.... If you want PERFORMANCE get the mazdaspeed peace-

[KYREDP5]

Mommy and Daddy buying you a car....How thoughtful....

[1sty]

The best thing to do is to drive the car and be very honest with yourslef about how you like it.
If its not fast enough for you or doesn't feel right then don't get.
Sure you can make it faster but that comes at the substantial time, money, and reliability issues.

Also keep in mind what will likely go wrong and as of now that is only the that the rear bushings will start to clunk and there is no fix for it. Other then that the MSP has shown no consistant problems.

[EVILSRT]

I love my MSP, and I am only 17 too! good to see another youngin. The MSP is an all around good performance car, where as the dodge is just lighting quick, and uglier than sin;)....

Go msp, you wont regret it!

[MoSqUiTo]

I would say the msp just for pure asthetics. and coming from a man whore like me lol my speed has gotten me soo many looks and soo much fun in the back seat...and no the bucket seats dont get in the way hehe and it looks awsome right outa the box and with just a little bit of extra dough it can look really tight ie: window tint and a new big exhaust and thats about it...yea and sum tailights and new headlight assembly but were not talking too much money...but like i said right out of the box your pimp juice meter will start gettin higher hehe

[Captain KRM P5]

as an overall performance car - the Mazdaspeed should be your top pick in that price range. If all you want is a balls to the walls drag car with shoddy interior craftsmanship, lack of rear power windows, subpar cornering and big mouth bass front end, then my friend, the Neon SRT4 is the car for you!

[servoeyes]

I'm with OrangeMSP on this one...and not just because he thinks altezzas are gay! Here's my take...it really should depend on whether or not you're continuing on to college. If you are and you plan on working, then a less expensive used car that you can hop on on your own and learn to take care of is your best bet. If you're just moving on, and getting into the job market, my suggestion is to consider your commute and budget first. If you have a long, city type drive go economy over speed. If you want to go on twisties weekends go MSP; track/street/taco bell on weekends SRT-4; if you want to get ladies...period...go MSP
:D

[DrPhill]

dont crash it or we'll hate you

[alldat1111]

Get a Mazdaspeed. People never stop looking and are always askng me what is it. Not to mention the neon still looks like every other neon.Its fast but it will only last 20000 miles tops.

[Dexter]

not if its your first car.

no offense, but i think mommy and daddy throwing down that much money is a load of bullshit :rolleyes: i dont mean to sound like some kind of jealous prick, because im not. i just think that you should work for your cars, and your first one shouldnt be brand new

[Dexter]

Originally posted by alldat1111
Get a Mazdaspeed. People never stop looking and are always askng me what is it. Not to mention the neon still looks like every other neon.Its fast but it will only last 20000 miles tops.

oh come on, i hate the SRT4 as much as the next guy, but are you fucking serious? 20,000 miles? TOPS? get the fuck out of here with that bullshit.

[funnylittlman]

Get something you really like bud

That means going out and driving a lot of different cars, doing your homework (like asking around forums like you are doing) and finally getting your machine.

I would NOT buy something on Impulse. I researched the Speed for about 3 months before I bought it. The 1st time I saw it I fell in love, but my friend in his M3 said he hated it (now he likes it lol). So take everyone's opinion's into account, but remember in the end YOU are the one that has to live w/ your decision.

(lucky bastard is getting his car for free! :mad: )

[1sty]

Your parents are throwing up the cash for it which is cool, however if you intend to use your own money to modify it then don't get a new car. Get something used and inexpensive to play with like a 99 golf GTi or something.

You don;t want to go mod happy on your first car as most of the things you do wil backfire in some way. Its a learning process and you don't want to mess up a great car like the speed.

If you can keep your hands off of it totaly! Then get he mazdaspeed.

[PaulMP3]

for the money i feel the msp is a complete package. It depends on what ur looking for.

[ping]

1) No matter who's paying, consider your NEEDS first, then your WANTS. It's cool that your 'rents are taking care of this for you, but whomever's paying, do it once and do it right. Sounds like you're on track and asking the right questions.

2) The MSP is not a "beginner" car, it requires some skills to drive it properly, and has some drawbacks for a younger driver.

3) More power (which the MSP has) means mistakes happen at higher speeds, quicker, and can have tougher, more expensive, and more painful (or tragic) results.

4) Lower profile tires mean a less "progressive" breakaway at the handling limit - this is much harder to control and recover from. 17-year-old reflexes are great, but 17-year old experience means the reflexes may catch it but the action taken may lose it.

5) While the MSP comes "fully equipped" as a performance car, it doesn't allow the learning experiences of "upgrading" a lesser car. These are (IMHO) essential to longer-term driving skill development

6) The MSP comes with non-all-season rubber. If you're in an area that gets snow, you'll need (yes, need) snow tires.

UNDERSTAND: I think the MSP is a GREAT car, but has its drawbacks for a driver early in their learning curve - I was 17 once too (seriously over 2 decades ago - my wife argues that I'm still about 19 tho...). I've driven HARD, and for long miles. I still drive "athletically". I know what you're looking for. The MSP will spank you HARD if you make some learning errors in it. One great choice may actually be be the Protege5 - it gives the precise handling and most of the positive aspects of a MSP with fewer of the drawbacks.

Additionally, it really IS more fun to drive a slower car fast (to a point, of course). You learn more too. I know that sounds wussy, but it's better longer term to learn on a somewhat lesser car, upgrading as you go and knowing what each upgrade does firsthand, than it is to buy one "all built up" with the tradeoffs and knife-edge handling built in and ready to bite you in the buttocks.

(flame) flamesuit on (flame)

I guess that's a long way of saying "They're great, buy one, but if you wreck it we'll all gather in front of your house and throw rotten fruit at you!!!"

...and understand, I mean nothing negative to anyone with this post, nor am I saying in any way that my (or others') driving skills are better or worse than anyone else's. Just trying to provide a neutral assessment of the MSP's strengths/weaknesses as a machine for a younger, and yes generally less-experienced driver.

Impressive as hell that you'd ask around as much as you are, that's great. Whatever you get, enjoy!

[servoeyes]

Here's another suggestion...find a used MP3 for sale on here. I'm sure there's one or two. Then you have everything in the MSP except for the turbo...and that can be added. That way you get the experience of modding and growing up with your car. What ever you choose...good luck and keep us informed!

[1sty]

I fyou really want a tubo MP3 throw me $14K and she's yours.

[EVILSRT]

where did he go???

[bsgts]

thanks for all of your seggestions. this would be my third car, my first car was an 1985 accord, my current car is a 1990 crolla gts 5 speed. i think i'll be able to handle the msp, but then again i think i'm ready for everything. i'm pretty sure i'll be getting to msp towards the end of summer.

[krillin]

ping scared him off...

[funnylittlman]

zoom zoom buddy...

good choice

[dominoy2k1]

or get an 02-03 wrx?.....

[alldat1111]

Get the mazda domestics suck