Looking at buying a MSP and want advice? Post here!

[Ricky2003.5]

Repair Costs

Hello again. I was wondering if someone could give me some information on repair costs. The 2003.5 i'm looking at has quite a few upgrades.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...rs=&max_price=10000&cardist=23&standard=false

Would I be spending a lot of money on future replacement parts? Is having an upgraded turbo going to cost me in the future?

 

[theEZV]

looks like the car was built the right way. but i would need to see a lot of paperwork/receipts for that stuff. try to find out if the owner is a member on here

 

[sublyminull]

Hello again. I was wondering if someone could give me some information on repair costs. The 2003.5 i'm looking at has quite a few upgrades.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...rs=&max_price=10000&cardist=23&standard=false

Would I be spending a lot of money on future replacement parts? Is having an upgraded turbo going to cost me in the future?

I agree looks like they put all the right parts in it to successfully run a T3. although hardpipes would be nice.

But with any car as long as you maintain it properly and don't drive it like a jack*** you should be able to maintain from spending too much on repairs. and just think of it this. if you get the car... The most expensive upgrades are already in it.

 

[theEZV]

that msp is running an fmic. actually looks like the hi-boost turbo kit

 

[Ricky2003.5]

So i'm still doing the research on the MSP's. Was wondering if someone could tell me how much a LSD costs to replace? For example if I bought an MSP and the LSD went out and I took it into Mazda, how much would it cost to replace this in total? Labor+Parts?

 

[Laser Blue]

You wouldn't want to take it to the stealership, unless you really enjoy giving away money. Buy the welded LSD from Crossover Performance or from Protege Garage online and pay your favorite shop to install it for you. It will save you better than half of what you'd pay Mazda.

 

[Ricky2003.5]

So would 1500 be a reasonable estimation for that?

 

[Laser Blue]

Welded LSD = about $625 shipped
Install = $300
Install Kit= $125
Total= $1,050

So, No.

 

[323]

a total of 1050 for zero performance improvement

awesome

 

[pelicanruck]

Engine Bay of MSP im considering

Hi everyone. I have owned a miata for several years and want to make the jump to something i fit the kids into. I would like an MSP. The particular one im looking at today has 100k, so that's pretty high. I have not owned a turbo but am looking thru the sticky and have a pretty good idea of things to look for. Just wanted to run this pic by you to see if im missing any mods. To me it just looks like its missing its engine cover and and pretty basic air box replacement. any other things catch your eye. thanks.. If its a horrible idea fire away, but its my impression that the protege 2.0 will run quite a while.

 

[RacerXGirl]

Maybe a replacement radiator? Looks different than mine...did you run the carfax on it pelicanruck?

 

[HondaEat-R]

Looks pretty clean. That radiator is NOT OEM, but that's no big deal.

People are going to get mad at me for saying this, but: If you have kids and need something really reliable, I'd consider skipping the MSP. Then again, some people say that in 100% stock form the MSP is very reliable.

Either way, it looks clean. Depending on the price it may be a good buy.

 

[cruton5]

Looks pretty clean. That radiator is NOT OEM, but that's no big deal.

People are going to get mad at me for saying this, but: If you have kids and need something really reliable, I'd consider skipping the MSP. Then again, some people say that in 100% stock form the MSP is very reliable.

Either way, it looks clean. Depending on the price it may be a good buy.

haha Id have to agree. but..in the msp's defense, mine ran great for 2 years until I started tearing into it. except for the clunk and the cold weather squeaks that is.

yeah that rad. looks exactly like my stock but its that odd color instead of black

 

[yakkman]

Newbie needs advice

First off thanks for letting me join up, I am thrilled to be in the forum. I love my MP5, and I have found a mazdaspeed protege that I am in love with.

Found a beautiful black mica MSP 03.5 79K.
Interior is perfect.
Engine extremely clean, put it on a lift, no leaks, rust. Was a Florida car, one owner.
No weld marks anywhere, body unusually perfect.
Talked the guy down to 7k. I am ready to buy.

Here is my concern.
High RPM you can hear a noticeable whine or ring, high pitched. Only hear the noise under load. I understand turbo spool and the noise I am used to hearing associated with a turbo. This just sounds unusual.

The car has not been moded at all and coming from my MP5 this thing freakin' scoots. But that noise concerns me. It's not like squealing belts, just high pitched ringing or whine.

Is this normal turbo noise? I have been reading about seized bearings, bad blades etc. I know enough about the engine to be dangerous. Located the turbo all looks in place and nice and clean except for a very small streak of oil on the intake of the turbo. It did not seem fresh, but again, I don't want to get saddled with rebuilding or replacing a turbo. Anybody have an idea on how much a stock replacement turbo is?

No hesitation when accelerating, engine pulls strong, just need to be sure. I am sure everyone here understands where I am coming from here.
Any advice you guys can give me would be much appreciated.

Also the rear tie rods/Sways sound loose or like they need new bushings etc, sound normal to everyone

Thanks in advance everyone! Look forward to any responses.

 

[Wagonbacker9]

without being there its impossible to say, but sounds normal to me?

 

[not yellow]

sounds pretty clean. clunk/squeak from the rear end is usually sway bar bushings which are an easy fix. the turbo definitely makes a high pitched whine. usually starting around 4,000-4,500 rpm. do you hear the turbo AND another whine? if there is only one whine then it's most likely the turbo, unless this car has a super special silent turbo!

 

[pelicanruck]

Hey guys, sorry for the delay.. Carfax was clean, but i found one with 37k miles for not a ton more and feel pretty good about it.. I know there are probably more reliable cars, but not for the fun and I do 70miles a day.. I like to enjoy it.. Anyway. the new one i am hopefully buying this weekend has some differences on the engine. Looks to me like the intake is different. And the sway bar looked aftermarket, but i don't know why b/c stock the thing was a riot to drive. Have another look if you dont mind. Just dont want anything heavily modded b/c my goal is fun reliable.

 

[Laser Blue]

I hate to be the bad news guy, but that engine bay doesn't look like the engine bay of a 35k car. I bought mine with 32k so I have a pretty good idea. The strut bar is not original, the exhaust mani heat shield is missing, and the whole motor just looks more "used" to me. I'd run the carfax or better yet find a friend who can run the full Autocheck report.

 

[Outlawstar98]

Well the car body might have 37k on it, But it looked like whoever owned it has no taste..... ahahaha

 

[nate0123]

Cold-air intake. Mani is stock but heatshield has been removed so may have had a different mani on there at some point.

Interesting that there's a Wiseco sticker above the radiator as that may indicate the engine may have been rebuilt with forged pistons?