MSP To M5?!!

No.5

Member
MSP To Mazda 5?!!

Well, "We" initially made the move from a 2000 honda SiR to a Mazdaspeed 2003 Protege when we expected our first child.....since we needed 4 doors. :)

Although I love my MSP, our 'growing' family needs more space; and the current 4-door sport compact ain't going to cut it when we have another child. I still can't come to grips of owning a "true" minivan.

I've finally overcome the fact that I'm going to get less in terms of performance in our next "family" vehicle"; that's a given.

The 5 looks very interesting (price point, features ect), although I haven't test drove a manual yet. I'm still trying to sell in my head the rear of the vehicle which seems ugly IMOP.

Any thoughts?
 
Last edited:
mountjonas said:
as long as you don't call it an m5, do whatever makes you happy.

/not trying to sound like a car snob.

Yeah...Yeah......it is a Mazda forum after all, not BMW, so the "M" is a given.


K, so two comments now....any one else made the leap from "Mazdaspeed land" to "minivan" :)?
 
Last edited:
Your family's needs for comfortable transportation unfortunately outwieghs the pros of the msp. My brother in law comfortably raised his two kids with a 3 door escort as their only car. True, they've got two bigger cars now, but you do what you've got to do. That said, if you absolutely can't or won't be comfortable in the msp, it's time for a bigger car. The mazda 5 seems to be a nice transitional car (from auto to minivan, suv). It's not too big, not too small, and seems really practical.
 
mountjonas said:
Your family's needs for comfortable transportation unfortunately outwieghs the pros of the msp. My brother in law comfortably raised his two kids with a 3 door escort as their only car. True, they've got two bigger cars now, but you do what you've got to do. That said, if you absolutely can't or won't be comfortable in the msp, it's time for a bigger car. The mazda 5 seems to be a nice transitional car (from auto to minivan, suv). It's not too big, not too small, and seems really practical.

My thinking too, thanks for the comment mountjonas.

(Although I'm still not sure about the rear of the vehicle (dunno) )

None of the other Manufacturers offer the "same" sort of package, plus price point on a new vehicle (CAD dollars that is).

Maybe I'll wait a year, drive the #$%^ out of my MSP for fun (since time is running out), and see what price point/incentives Mazda will offer on the Mazda 5 in 2006.

P.S. Although mileage will be lower, anyone reporting any "issues" yet on their 2005's?
 
Last edited:
Only 300mi - no real issues. I can understand your issues with the look of it - because of the shorter stance - from the back it kind reminds me of a hatch back.

We are in the same predicament as you - not really wanting to give in to the practicality of a minivan - but acknowledging that there is an actual need for more space. Now that I'm getting more comfortable driving it - it actual is pretty fun to toss around (5spd). I keep chirping the front wheels - gotta get used to the clutch. I need to be mindful of when I have the kids in the back - not to toss them too much.
The kids love it - I have 2 kids - very easy to maneuver them in and out.

So far we're pretty happy with it - it's no msp or miata - but on the flip side - it no MPV either. I feel it's pretty responsive when you hit it right - but I'm still not used to the shift points and I find myself bogging occasionally.

Good luck with the decision.
 
No.5 said:
The 5 looks very interesting (price point, features ect), although I haven't test drove a manual yet. I'm still trying to sell in my head the rear of the vehicle which seems ugly IMOP.

Replace the tail lamps with JDM Premacy 20C lamps!
 

Attachments

  • premacy.jpg
    premacy.jpg
    23.6 KB · Views: 215
perfecto said:
As soon as I can find somewhere that sells them I'm seriously considering that.

www.japanparts.com It won't be cheap, but they can get you anything sold in Japan. Just tell them the year of Premacy you want the tali lights from. Oh and if you do order them be sure to watch your phrasing. Say you want the Premacy tail lenses not assemblies. The assembly includes the wire harnesses which I doubt you'll need. That'll save you a few bucks.

[/threadjack]
 
I've been looking at the Mazda5 as well. I drove a manual the other day, and it's not as power inspiring as the Mazdaspeed protege, but it certainly has stuff the MSP doesn't.

I enjoyed the drive. The motor gets the little van moving and, there is still stuff you can do to make it fun...
 
Back