My 2003 MP5 is now at 183,xxx miles and still going strong, still on original the engine, manual trans & clutch. Purchased it new, used as my daily driver for many years and now it's used as a daily by by sons. Mechanically, it's been very reliable with regular maintenance (always DIY). The body though is another story - rust bubbles by the top of the windshield on the roof, passenger side strut tower, and corner of the hood.
Only other recent problem I had with this car is electrical - Sometimes it acts as if the battery is completely dead: No dash lights, won't crank and no starter solenoid clicking. Removing & re-seating the main relay & fuel pump relay in the engine bay fuse block will get it to start & run as if nothing was wrong. Contacts for both relays in the fuse block look a bit crispy & corroded though, so I'm thinking a new or better used fuse box will fix this one.
Only other recent problem I had with this car is electrical - Sometimes it acts as if the battery is completely dead: No dash lights, won't crank and no starter solenoid clicking. Removing & re-seating the main relay & fuel pump relay in the engine bay fuse block will get it to start & run as if nothing was wrong. Contacts for both relays in the fuse block look a bit crispy & corroded though, so I'm thinking a new or better used fuse box will fix this one.