- :
- 2003.5 Titanium Gray MSP #1699
I have been talking to someone who is considering getting an MSP & we agreed that it would be very helpful to start this thread for people who are researching the MSP. Please list all pros & cons that you have with YOUR Mazdaspeed. Only list real factual things please: for ex, "My car is really cool" doesn't help, but "I get compliments from random people all the time" does (which I do 
). I'll start off with my own & after we get a bunch of responses, I can edit my post to include all of them. For any cons you list, please also include the associated fix (if there is one).
PROS
CONS
*CONS in bold are those that I have experienced & might not exist on other MSPs, but I am listing for the benefit of anyone who might get them*
When describing your +/-, keep in mind that this thread is primarily for people who aren't familiar with the MSP.
). I'll start off with my own & after we get a bunch of responses, I can edit my post to include all of them. For any cons you list, please also include the associated fix (if there is one).PROS
- PRICE (depends on location, but generally cheaper than just about any other sport sedan or coupe in it's class...especially with some of the steals people are getting)
- compliments from random people & all of your friends
- phenomenal handling (best in FWD, best under $35k, 8th best in the world)
- sound system is perfect for listening to MP3s, even while driving on the highway with the windows down
- gauges look good & are easy to read day & night
- stock Bridgestones have excellent grip (sorry winter folks )
- quick car, easily upgradeable to fast with some basic bolt-ons & raising the boost
- best stock wheels included on any car
- interior is gorgeous (matching stitching on seats, shift boot, & steering wheel)
- limited slip ROCKS! (I pulled a 2.25 60' with my car still stock)
- heavy-duty clutch
- heavy-duty driveshafts
- Mica paint colors are incredible & unique
- interior controls & console are all well placed & easy to use & there is more than enough storage space (pocket on left, radio pocket, space behind cupholders)
- steering control is very responsive & provides excellent feedback
- braking is VERY good (60-0mph brake test should be a part of everyone's test drive )
- aftermarket support (despite what people may think, the support is there & just about anything you might want is available or in development)
- Garret T25 spools up very fast (good torque in the low to mid rev range)
- limited production car
very unique & not something you'll see 3x a day (unless you live in Orlando
)
CONS
- HESITATION - ECU reflash from dealer fixes it (if you want to run higher boost, you can choose not to get the flash & attempt to correct with Joe P FPR instead)
- CLUNK in rear suspension - dealer will replace bushings with part #BN7H-156E (past "fixes" haven't been permanent...no guarantee that this one will be)
- rust on brake rotor hubs - fixed by dealer
- coolant leak - fixed by dealer
- clicking sound when letting off the gas after backing up
- head unit "flips out" - hit reset button
- clicking sound & associated vibration come & go whenever car is on (only audible at idle) - greatly reduced when coolant leak was fixed by dealer, but still somewhat present
- driving is very linear (tires follow all of the grooves in the road)
- 1 to 2 shift is somewhat notchy - I will attempt to improve shifter feel with Kartboy shifter bushings & Redline synthetic tranny fluid, but it probably won't eliminate it
- frequently difficult to engage/disengage reverse - try putting it into reverse when rolling or let off clutch & depress again
- no cruise control (only really wanted it for trip to NOPI) - I think it can be installed by the dealer
- no matching aluminum dead pedal (OK, I'm just being picky on this one)
- horrible wheel hop at the track (I still need to work on my launch) - I will attempt to eliminate with AWR motor mounts & TEIN springs
- acceleration seems to drop off as you get close to redline (due to small turbo)
- stock alarm is WAY too sensitive - easily fixed by turning the white knob on the shock sensor to the left
- not enough bolstering on the sides of the stock seats to hold you in during hard cornering - can be corrected by replacing stock seats with aftermarket racing seats
- ECU is currently unable to be tuned - Spool has a new piggyback coming out soon: DETAILS
- internals either aren't forged or are, but are still relatively weak (the max amount of power that can be safely run is limited to 250whp) - can be corrected by upgrading to forged internals (again, not cheap)
- stock diverter valve leaks - I fixed it by replacing with Forge diverter valve
- problems with sub (too "boomy" or goes out) - fixed by dealer
- no intermittent wiper control - can be purchased from Mazdastuff.com (for the P5...not sure if it works on the MSP)
- stock Bridgestones SUCK in snow - buy winter wheels & tires
- lack of a 6 speed tranny means highway cruising is a little high
- no standard sunroof (not that I care...I get superior structural rigidity instead ) - can be dealer installed under warranty with factory quality for around $1000
- Callaway elbow on stock airbox sucks in hot air & is prone to falling off (causing the fan to blow directly into the airbox, which can make the car stall) - replace with an aftermarket intake
*CONS in bold are those that I have experienced & might not exist on other MSPs, but I am listing for the benefit of anyone who might get them*
When describing your +/-, keep in mind that this thread is primarily for people who aren't familiar with the MSP.
Last edited:
