Hello and good day Mazdaspeeders. My name is Kevin and I recently acquired a 2003 Black Mica Mazdaspeed Protege. Car is completely bone stock 140K.
I worked at a Mazda dealer back in 2009 and would remember seeing these little cars come in for service. Always wanted one, never thought I’d own one UNTIL my recent search for a commuter car led to me finding this MSP titled 2003 Mazda protege $3000 OBO. As soon as I saw the rims, spoiler and accents I knew it was game on
The seller was a 20 year old college kid who didn’t know much about the car but only that it required 91 because it had “turbo”. Under the seat covers were the original seats. Car has been tinted for a long time. Rear seats in great shape. Paint was oxidized and couple dings here and there. Ended up grabbing her for $2300.
First thing I noticed it has a small exhaust leak that goes away when the engine warms up. Suspect cracked manifold (have been reading this is a common issue) Been looking at POPE mani to remedy this.
Knocking from front end while driving leads me to suspect worn sway bar bushings and links. If anyone knows a nice brand please recommend. I’ve also read something about updated mounting tabs?
It has Tokico Blue Struts with red lowering springs ( I think stock racing beat) I would like to upgrade the struts to Tokico Illumina or Koni yellow. They just seem so hard to find. If anyone knows a website to find parts for these please recommend.
This is my commuter car but I am a Dealer Service tech at a Porsche store in Southern California so pretty much can do about anything
Future goals for the car is to make a streetable warrior that handles sub par while also retaining a turn key motive.
Thank you all for reading. BUT FIRST... PAINT CORRECTION (A kid at my dealer brought her back to life) Pics of when I bought it and after he cut and polished it.
I worked at a Mazda dealer back in 2009 and would remember seeing these little cars come in for service. Always wanted one, never thought I’d own one UNTIL my recent search for a commuter car led to me finding this MSP titled 2003 Mazda protege $3000 OBO. As soon as I saw the rims, spoiler and accents I knew it was game on
The seller was a 20 year old college kid who didn’t know much about the car but only that it required 91 because it had “turbo”. Under the seat covers were the original seats. Car has been tinted for a long time. Rear seats in great shape. Paint was oxidized and couple dings here and there. Ended up grabbing her for $2300.
First thing I noticed it has a small exhaust leak that goes away when the engine warms up. Suspect cracked manifold (have been reading this is a common issue) Been looking at POPE mani to remedy this.
Knocking from front end while driving leads me to suspect worn sway bar bushings and links. If anyone knows a nice brand please recommend. I’ve also read something about updated mounting tabs?
It has Tokico Blue Struts with red lowering springs ( I think stock racing beat) I would like to upgrade the struts to Tokico Illumina or Koni yellow. They just seem so hard to find. If anyone knows a website to find parts for these please recommend.
This is my commuter car but I am a Dealer Service tech at a Porsche store in Southern California so pretty much can do about anything
Future goals for the car is to make a streetable warrior that handles sub par while also retaining a turn key motive.
Thank you all for reading. BUT FIRST... PAINT CORRECTION (A kid at my dealer brought her back to life) Pics of when I bought it and after he cut and polished it.
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