thinking of buying an MSP

[indulf]

a local dealer has a heck of a deal on an 03.5 MSP. test drove yesterday, liked it. its not a balls-to-the-wall hot rod, but it handles very well and feels pretty quick for what it is.

i know everyone here is an MSP enthusiast, so i wont ask "should i buy it?" or "will i be happy with it?".. but i will ask about problems, maintenance issues, cost of owning, etc.

its not as practical as a truck or an SUV, but i still feel i can haul most of my stuff around with me. im looking for mechanical failures on a STOCK MSP and other things i should look out for.

and what are resale values like in case i need to get rid of it in 1-2 years?

thanks for the info. if it didnt void the warranty id be all over a boost controller, fmic, and fuel management :) but this needs to be my daily driver to/from work.

[AutoBox]

nothing common with engine failures or anything like that...only common ones are a bad rear bushing...the subwoofer, and in some cases...pressure cracked windshield.....thats all i have had to deal with....all covered under warrenty of course.......

[funnylittlman]

Originally posted by indulf
a local dealer has a heck of a deal on an 03.5 MSP. test drove yesterday, liked it. its not a balls-to-the-wall hot rod, but it handles very well and feels pretty quick for what it is.

i know everyone here is an MSP enthusiast, so i wont ask "should i buy it?" or "will i be happy with it?".. but i will ask about problems, maintenance issues, cost of owning, etc.

its not as practical as a truck or an SUV, but i still feel i can haul most of my stuff around with me. im looking for mechanical failures on a STOCK MSP and other things i should look out for.

and what are resale values like in case i need to get rid of it in 1-2 years?

thanks for the info. if it didnt void the warranty id be all over a boost controller, fmic, and fuel management :) but this needs to be my daily driver to/from work.

Like autobox said:

1. Clunk
2. Winshield
3. PCM Flash
4. Sub

I think that this is better than a SUV or Truck for the gas mileage. Sure you have to put the good stuff, but you're also gettin in the 20's for city. That's better than any truck or SUV. It's not AS roomy, but it'll do for me :D BTW, I'm 100% stock and I haven't had any BIG issues. Here are the ones I've gotten:
1. Clunk from Rear Bushings (replaced by dealer)
2. PCM Flash
3. Rotor Rust (repainted by dealer)
4. Coolant Leak (hose & Clamps replaced by dealer)
5. Front End Bushings Squeak from cold weather (will go away in spring time when weather heats up)

That's it. All stuff has been fixed by the dealer w/o any issues.

*Knocks on wood*

The MSP is a great car for what it is, but resale blows right now due to the rebates. I bought mine last March at 20K when they were just in Black and Spicy Orange (they weren't going to have the 3.5's). Now when I checked the value, they would only give me 12K for it. Of course when they are all gone, the resale will go back up, MAYBE to 14K, but after that it's down hill. SO this car is great, but plan on keepin it awhile, unless you want to take a hit when you trade it in. This isn't a Civic or Accord which you can buy and then sell at the same price 20 years later (exaggeration of course but you get the idea).

Good luck with the purchase.

[DiscreetSpeed]

no pass on to the next car and buy something of value.....to many problems with these cars.

[AutoBox]

:wtf: something of value??? u want a valuable investment get a house or stocks.....want a nice balanced car thats sporty...then the msp is a good choose

[Black Majik MSP]

Please check the link in my sig...it should answer nearly all of your ?s.

[indulf]

Originally posted by DiscreetSpeed
no pass on to the next car and buy something of value.....to many problems with these cars.

:confused: :confused:

that's a helpful response.. how about telling me about the problems so i can decide for myself??

[CarlM2]

With this car you get a little exclusivity. You don't see them on the road very often. Plus, I thoroughly enjoy driving it every day. I've put 10,k miles on it in about 4 months.

I too, had a clunking rear bushing. They have an 'E series' bushing that fixed mine. Something in the front suspension squeaked loudly but, the dealer fixed it. I got the car's computer reflashed with new engine management instructions which cured a small hesitation at 4,k RPM.

I also have a cigarette lighter that likes to pull out with my phone charger... but, if I twist it as I pull, it's OK. Just kind of an odd thing.

Otherwise, the car's been problem free. I added some gauges: oil pressure, voltmeter, and boost. I mounted them in the panel under the radio. It looks stock and doesn't void the warranty.

It's a fun car to drive. Don't expect great resale, though. If you keep it for 3 years, you'll be OK on trade-in or resale. If the Mazda3 is introduced as a 'speed' version, the resale will be affected negatively.

If you like the car, buy it and enjoy it. I haven't looked back or wanted to trade it.

[indulf]

Originally posted by Black Majik MSP
Please check the link in my sig...it should answer nearly all of your ?s.

thanks, thats a great thread. just emailed a link to the wife, might put a deposit down today on the MSP..

[mspdfreak]

I've had no major problems, either. As to Discreetspeed's comments, if you want a perfect car, good luck. I've read other car threads, and this is a dream compared to some of the other issues I've seen!

[Low J.]

Originally posted by indulf
thanks, thats a great thread. just emailed a link to the wife, might put a deposit down today on the MSP..

good decision. It's a great car...especially for the price you can get them at now....I paid sticker nearly a year ago :(

Most of the problems are minor and are easily fixed......I'm most worried about things like clutch/tranny/engine problems and those haven't been issues with this car. I'd buy one again no question.

[TiGrayMsp716]

Official values for the car isnt' really out yet. Trade value in dealers black books (Dealer trade value book by region) isn't out yet. Right now it's the dealers discrestion...

[DiscreetSpeed]

Originally posted by indulf
:confused: :confused:

that's a helpful response.. how about telling me about the problems so i can decide for myself??
engine has went out, tranny synch's are grinding....leaking oil....should i keep going

[AutoBox]

so im asusmin ur car is completely stock.......

[kevducridr]

I recommend this car highly, it is a great vehicle for the price. I have had the following problems since buying it three weeks ago:

Rear bushing clunk (fixed by my dealer)
Front bushing screetching (parts on order) [cold related issue you're in GA]
hesitation btw 3k-4k (reflashed by dealer)
Alarm overly sensative for shock (adjusted by myself, thanks to posts on this forum)

All of these issues I would consider VERY minor and can be taken care of in one visit if you are aware of all of them and drive it to see if you have them. Thanks to the Mazda Forums for educating me on the known issues. Most of the major problems were not on stock cars.

As far as trade-in, that is never the way to go if you want to get the most out of your car when you sell it. Like autobox said, if you want to invest in something get a house or stocks. :D Cars are only investments when they are vintage and very exclusive. Good luck, I know you'll like it if you buy it! :)

[AutoBox]

exacty my point kev, thx......a car is a car....some hold value longer then others...but either way...cars lose value over time....enjoy the msp as a cheap, sporty sedan that has all the things u need

[MSPDAVE125]

Well it all depends what YOU want. I've owned 2 drs for the passed 10 yrs. Now I have a 4dr which from OE handles better than all of'em did with suspension mods.

True there are some guys out there experiencing "problems" with the MSP. Mechanical shit breaks. No car is bullet proof.

Remember that the Protege is an econobox from Japan. It was never designed to do what it is doing now. Best bang for the buck in my opinion.

[ColinsT]

I would recommend this car. Its very rare, more rare than a STi, EVO. It might not be thte fastest but it is enough to beat most Civics, Eclipses, Acuras. I have had mine for almost a year and still am amazed at what mazda did with it. Think about it can any other car company say that it put Raceing beat, Sparco, Tokico, Kenwood, garrett, etc on the car?

[AutoBox]

well when i say...everything you need....i mean for ppl lookin for a performance car....ovbiously everyone that bought the msp was targeted by mazda to begin with....get get a whole aftermarket package thats covered under warrenty.....no other company has done this to the extent mazda did...they could of had the car i the power range of the srt4- and wrx but then it would be priced with them.....for th eprice they are goin for now...i see no reason to think the msp is not worth the value.....only think i plan to do with mine is contine were mazda left off....add more power :)

btw - the protege chassis has always been a strong ridge design....it is a favortie of many autocross and road racing groups....sure its suppost to be a econo box...but that doesnt mean it cant dodge a couple shooping cars along the way :)