Why should i buy a MAZDASPEED?

[liftmycurse]

I've been researching several sport compacts the past few months. The Acura RSX Type-S (quality and good pricing) , Subaru WRX (pricey) and Neon SRT-4 (it's still a neon). Yesterday i came across the MAZDASPEED ( i looked at it months ago but the HP turned me off). I have noticed the message boards are a damn fine place to see what problems cars are having. I've read the post about the "clunk" and lagging of the car. Are these "fixed" in the 2003.5's? One thing i did notice comparing the 2003 and .5 was a bigger front stabilizer bar and the head is no longer aluminum. Please help me make my decision. You all have more info than i could possibly get from the dealership or anywhere else because you own the cars! Thanks!!!

[JDM Sam]

Are these "fixed" in the 2003.5's? One thing i did notice comparing the 2003 and .5 was a bigger front stabilizer bar and the head is no longer aluminum.

nope ur wrong its the same

[N1XRR]

Difference between the 2003 and 2003.5 is almost purely cosmetic.

I was also in your situation. SRT-4 is fast in the straights, but I like the way the MSP handles. RSX is nice, but still noisy and has NOTHING until it switches over to the VTEC cam lobe. WRX is pricy, but quite fast also.

I chose the MSP for a few reasons. I liked the interior best out of the 4. I like the looks out of the 4. I have always been a Mazda fan(2 RX-7's and 1 Miata). I believe its setup the best from the factory, although the WRX is still a fast car. Problem with the WRX is weight and price, otherwise I would have one.

Also, minus the RSX, the MSP is not seen as a turbo car on a lot of insurence companies eyes. We have progressive and they say its a 4 DR sedan, nothing more.

MSP will be the cheapest out of that group too, as Dodge dealers are NOT willing to go down right now. Mazda will...some...

[JDM Sam]

and its a magic turd/skittle whatever u wanna call it lmfao

[TURBO3WAGON]

I think the 2003 is much nicer If your going to buy a Speed. The problem remain! The car is wonderful aside from the BS hesitation. If I had to do it again I would still have bought this car. It’s limited production which allows it to stand apart from the rest.
:D

[AGR]

Why? Because they are cool cars!

6,800 miles now......

[nmaino]

I like mine alot, but if I had my twenty-three grand back right now, I would have put a down payment on an e46 M3 (which is what I should have done in the first place).

[TURBO3WAGON]

Nice! I had and E28 years ago. Fast car. The 20ann golf is looking nice to, but 24k to start hurts. That's the same price that they were sell the 337 for.

I love numbers 323,626,929,e28,328,535,540,740,325,123456789.....
:D

[nmaino]

Yup, I had an e30 M3. Best car in the world (and mine was beaten up by eight owners). The more I think of it, the madder it makes me.

[TURBO3WAGON]

Mine was an 88 one owner tricked out and as sweet as it could be. I miss that bad boy.

[liftmycurse]

The dealership close to me has a Titanium on it's way if i'm getting the right info from Mazda's site. I didn't care for the black mica. I have about $6,500 to put down from selling my 5.0 GT so i should get a great deal. If anyone else has feedback please post and thanks to those who've given me info so far!!!!

[TX Speed Demon]

If I were you I'd go with the Speed. I've had mine since early feb and have loved every minute of it. All of the cars you mentioned are nice cars and have their benefits, but none offer the complete package the Speed does. I haven't had the "clunk" problem some people mention, and I very rarely get any sort of lag when hitting the gas. I think that was just getting used to the Speed's clutch. I now slip the clutch a little in first gear and drop it hard in second. There's nothing like hearing those tires chirp when you drop into second and begin pulling away from the guy beside you. The ONLY thing about the Speed I'm not too fond of is tire road noise over 65MPH. However, I can turn the stereo up if I want, and am planning on Dynamatting my car's interior anyway which should eliminate the problem altogether.

The WRX was my #2 choice, but nobody likes the look of that car stock. When you factor in some good looking rims and a decent stereo system your adding on another $2,000 to a car that already cost about $5G more than the Speed. If you have the extra money around I'd probably go with this, but it wasn't worth the price for me.

I thought about the Neon, but I wanted a more complete package. The neon has the power, but it's handling was not a crisp as the Speed's and I feel allot more confident taking high speed turns in my car. Plus the SRT-4 had a real low quality interior, nice seats but that's about it. I heard it doesn't even have power windows in the back (I didn't check this myself). And while I think the exterior of the SRT-4 is ok, I don't look at it and think "that looks really tight" Every time the sunlight hits the spicy orange paint on my speed, I do.

The RSX is a nice car, but to me it's always seemed a little girly. And they are EVERYWHERE. Plus it's not exceptional in any category. A few years ago the Integra Type R was the car to beat, now the RSX type S doesn't have outstanding performance numbers when compared to these other cars you're looking at. I've raced Type Ss here about 3-4 times and only once did I come close to losing. The rest of the time there was a clear margin of victory. Granted these were probably stock Type Ss but then again my MazdaSpeed is stock too. I don't think the RSX will give you the instant advantage the WRX or SRT-4 does, it depends a lot more on the driver's capabilities.

As for the benefits of the Speed, it's the only one that gets you a complete package.
• It has great sport compact looks, especially in the 2003 Orange. I've liked all the pics of the Titanium too, but haven't seen one in person.
• It comes with a great sound system. The MP3 player is great, and being able to go from carrying 130 cd disc in my car to only 15 or so MP3 disc makes finding the right CD a lot easier. And I pulled out the 8" sub and put in 2 12"s and now it totally rocks, and my subs are low quality.
• Beautiful rims. I get compliments on them all the time. The only car of this bunch that has stock wheels you won't want to immediately replace.
• FUN TO DRIVE!! The Speed has handling that will put a grin on your face every time you get in. You won't be able to tell on a dealer test drive, but if you know anyone who has one, ask them to take you for a real ride. You will be amazed at the grip and stability the Speed offers with the Limited Slip Differential. And it is fast too, not fast enough to take on an SRT-4 or WRX in a straight line 0-60 or 1/4 mile, but in a real road race with any kind of turns it more than holds it's own.
• Exclusivity. I've only seen two other Mazda Speed's here in Dallas and they were at the Mazda Rev It Up driving school last month. I've yet to see one on the road. And in Canada (that's where you're from right?) they are even scarcer. You're guaranteed to have something 99% of your countrymen don't.

All together it really depends on what you're looking for.
• If you have the money and like the look of the WRX go with that.
• If you want a quick fix, the ability to go really fast in a straight line, don't car too much about the interior or comfort and you plan on replacing the car in the next 2-3 years then go with the SRT-4.
• I can't think of a good enough reason to get the RSX
• If you want a complete package, that offers great performance and interior refinement, plus is show car ready as is and show car winning ready with very little investment I'd go with the Speed.

[TURBO3WAGON]

DAM, the mother of large posts!


Not bad dude!

[AGR]

Now,,,,,what car are we talking about?

Oh Yeah!

I LOVE MY MAZDASPEED!!! (k) (k) (k)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd02b3127cce95dd831cbb070000001610

[JDM Sam]

hey tx speed demon where in dallas are you? theres a plano meet on monday nights @ circuit city off 75 and parker 10 pm.

[MoSqUiTo]

i think he hit it all...with the mother of posts and all lol...and i am sooooooo with him in the clunk thing and the lag thing...ive never heard a clunk and i dotn have lag..just gotta get used to the clutch and i have very few upgrades as of now...and get the msp cuz u cant beat the entire package...that and the msp looks meen as all hell...rsx is girlie, neon is STILL a neon...and the impreza...nice as all hell but i think it looks stoopid stock

[unwrittenLaw]

Go for the Mazdaspeed..best overall package and looks the best.
Good looks are always a plus...

[AGR]

....such a fine car. :D

[unwrittenLaw]

yes, yes it is....

[TURBO3WAGON]

It's OK...

Jk I LOVE THE LITTLE STUMBLER....(burnout)

[srd555]

I am considering trading in my car of the MSP. I currently own a 02 Nissan sentra Spec V that has been plagued with problems recently.

Before I put myself in this upside down situation, I would like to know what all the problems are with the MSP. So far I have read about the clunk from the rear sway bar bushing and the hesitation caused buy an overly rich fuel map. If these are the only problems with the car then I am good. If not please let me know.

I have also heard that the MSP has a weak tranny and is unreliable after a certain power level. My goal is 180-190 whp everyday, is this reasonable and reliable for both the engine and tranny?

One last thing, how is Mazda’s customer service?

Thank you for your time.
Garth

[AGR]

Do it Man!!~ For the money, you have a truly unique motorcar in the MAZDASPEED. Beautifully balanced, 170 hp, great stereo. No sunroof, or cruise; but what the hell?! I love My MAZDASPEED!!

I have had mine since Jan. 10th, and have never regretted the purchase. 6,800 miles, and I can't say enough about it.

Like any car; it has it's little nuances. Read on...and the forum will reveal them. Nothing to stop an enthusiast from this fine car, in my opinion.

[Option]

Originally posted by srd555
I have also heard that the MSP has a weak tranny and is unreliable after a certain power level. My goal is 180-190 whp everyday, is this reasonable and reliable for both the engine and tranny?

One last thing, how is Mazda’s customer service?

Thank you for your time.
Garth

190 to the wheels will be no problem. I think tranny issues begin around 230 whp and it really all depends on how to treat your tranny. The engine seems pretty rubust as long as the boost is kept relatively low (at or below 9 psi). Mazda customer service really varies from dealership to dealership so check out you local mazdaspeed dealer to see for yourself. I have had nothing but bad experiences from the mazda dealerships in my area.

[Heathen23]

Most people I have spoken to have a defective head unit. Mine has flipped out 2 or 3 times (literally flipped out). If you are looking for a car to tune this may not be the one. If you looking for a reliable, very fun daily driver then you have hit the jackpot. My .02

[srd555]

Thanx for the replys, keep them coming.

If the car is as reliable as I am reading, then my interaction with the dealers should be minimal. It cannot be any worst than what I am going through with Nissan. For example, I have 14K miles on my car and it all of a sudden starts to burn oil at the rate of 1 quart every 700 miles. After waiting a month for the dealer to get back to me about replacing the engine I had to go down there only to be told that the oil cunsumption is normal :wtf:. Lets just say I was almost escorted out of the dealership in handcuffs.

[liftmycurse]

I think i have enough info. I called the mazda dealership today and talked to the service manager and the two mentioned problems have not been reported yet. It's starting to warm up in Ohio so we'll see what comes about.

[JDM Sam]

Originally posted by srd555
Thanx for the replys, keep them coming.

If the car is as reliable as I am reading, then my interaction with the dealers should be minimal. It cannot be any worst than what I am going through with Nissan. For example, I have 14K miles on my car and it all of a sudden starts to burn oil at the rate of 1 quart every 700 miles. After waiting a month for the dealer to get back to me about replacing the engine I had to go down there only to be told that the oil cunsumption is normal :wtf:. Lets just say I was almost escorted out of the dealership in handcuffs.

UHH wrong your stock header with close couple cat get so hot it melts chunks of ceramic shit and gets sucked back into the cylinder head scarring the cylinders and burns oil! read latest SCC issue with project rally se-r spec v. tell ur nissan dealer 2 fuck off. new cars dont burn oil after first oil change.

[unwrittenLaw]

time for some bricks through the showroom window....

[Kooldino]

Just for the record, you can get 02 WRX leftovers for $22K in a number of places.

[AGR]

Originally posted by Kooldino
Just for the record, you can get 02 WRX leftovers for $22K in a number of places.

Not bad,,,not bad! But 2002s WRXs were prone to tranny troubles. They may or may not be the best answer.

Sure; more HP, AWD, but yeah; most on this thread simply aren't happy with their 170 HP of their MAZDASPEED. More HP, comes at a price.

[Option]

Originally posted by AGR#7


Not bad,,,not bad! But 2002s WRXs were prone to tranny troubles. They may or may not be the best answer.

Sure; more HP, AWD, but yeah; most on this thread simply aren't happy with their 170 HP of their MAZDASPEED. More HP, comes at a price.

Where did you hear that WRXs have tranny problems? I thought WRXs only had tranny problems if you upped the power beyond 300ish. Kinda like the protege...trannys good till you start putting 200+whp down.

[nmaino]

I heard the same here. The tranny's on the WRX are weak, they don't liked to be dropped (what tranny does) and some of them will not go into first gear.

[AGR]

Originally posted by Option


Where did you hear that WRXs have tranny problems? I thought WRXs only had tranny problems if you upped the power beyond 300ish. Kinda like the protege...trannys good till you start putting 200+whp down.

The 2002 WRX's apparently have issues, yes. At least, some of them.

[OutDriveU]

I race a WRX and the ones they sent to the U.S. have weak trannies. We take it very easy on launches to save the trannies. One of the WRX's that ran One Lap of America went thru 2 trannies with mild mods. The funny thing is my friend complained to his Subaru dealer the car shuddered when he starts from a dead stop during normal driving n. The dealer responds by saying "Yeah you need to launch it harder." Umm ok moron we will be seeing you at 15K miles for a new tranny too.

Shane

Black Mica MSP

[LinuxRacr]

Originally posted by JDM Sam
hey tx speed demon where in dallas are you? theres a plano meet on monday nights @ circuit city off 75 and parker 10 pm.

Oh really? Why didn't you say so!!?? I could be there. How large are the meets?

[JDM Sam]

Originally posted by LinuxRacr


Oh really? Why didn't you say so!!?? I could be there. How large are the meets?

Huge whole parking lot full of people and different kinds of cars. import domestic. rice, nice, pos, fast, slow whatever. only 2 msps me and some guy with a black one and one p5 shown up so far. like for a bigger turn out of the dfw area.