Evo owner and MS Protege

[Maniac0301]

I've had my car for 2 weeks now and for what its worth I love it. Have had no issues whatsoever and no hesitation at all. I drive alot of miles and the odo is sitting at 1300. For the price you can get the MSP I don't think there is a finer car available. BTW don't discount the SRT if you can get one at sticker I would seriously consider it I just couldnt afford the extra 6k over what I bought my MSP for.

 

[rocketspeed]

I've had no trouble with hesitation and I wouldn't worry about it for a second.

The MSP is actually relatively trouble free so far, IMHO. There are a couple of common problems, but they are minor (ie. the flash, replacing the rear sway bushings).

Most of the people around here that have had disasterous failures have been upping their boost.

There have been a couple of people who have had random problems with cars that haven't been modded, but that's inevitable with any type of car.

This applies to anyone that thinks the MSP has problems- please, please, please check vwvortex.com, focaljet.com's SVT section, b15sentra.net's spec v section or the website for any competitive car. Even the Civic Si has problems, which has to be frustrating since they bought a Honda and on top of that, the car is slow!

The Spec V's all have crunchy gearboxes. Those motors are N/A, but they chew through them like there's no tomorrow over there. The motors that don't blow, have major oil consumption issues.

The SVT Focus's clutches tend to fail prematurely, if they don't break loose and exit the transmission housing first (I'm not kidding, check focaljet.com, this is common). They have had not one, but FIVE flashes for the SVT Focus, and they still haven't gotten it right. The RPM's don't drop between shifts, there's surging in the midrange, revving engines when started cold and more. The dual stage intake cables on the SVT break. They released a revised part, it breaks too. People have been through this 2, 3, 4 times often. The heat shield for the cat falls off, but before it does, it vibrates like mad.

The VW's have failing ignition coils that leave you stranded or limping home, faulty window regulators that break and leave you with your window down and unable to close it. Bad transmissions are common. Fearsome electrical gremlins.

People like to run their mouths when their car breaks- and I don't blame them, it pisses me off too. You get a slanted view around any of these boards, however, as everyone uses them to gripe.

As for the SVT Focus being slow, its only a couple 10ths slower than the MSP either 0-60 or 1/4 mi and the handling is just about the same. The high revving motor is fun, the 6 speed transmission is slick (and much quieter on the highway) and the SVT is overall an easier car to drive because it has smoother power delivery and way less torque steer.

The downsides to that car- you're right about less room (although its offset by the added utility of a hatch), plus weak low end power. And reliability is questionable.

I own and love both.

 

[CHICO2003]

PS: If you have to ask me why I bought the Evo instead of the STi, then I have to ask you why you bought the MS Protege instead of the Neon SRT-4 [/B]

Definitely wasn't going to ask you this... since I feel the Evo is a better car in every possible way. However, I don't understand your logic. You mentioned you weren't considering the "Neon" (which I must assume is the SRT-4) since there's a 5-7k markup. (which is INSANE!! to think someoone would buy one for $27 grand is just idiotic!!) Anyway, as you know, an MSP can be had for as low as $15k or so. That's a 10k+ difference!! Assuming we MSP owners actually LIKE the Neon, that definitely puts it in a higher price range and thus, out of reach for a lot of us. In contrast, the Evo and Sti are roughly the same price.

Anyway, enough about that crap! Don't worry about the hesitation or anything really since they can be fixed. There is NO car in this price range ($15-17 or so... depending on certain factors) that can even come close to the MSP!! so... GET ONE!!! ... then come back and tell us how your Evo sucks in comparrison! LOL j/k

 

[ThrillRide]

fly2low if your not planning on tunning the car you will be just fine. i don't know if anyone has said this yet but most of the cars at the dealerships should have been flashed now. either way you will be fine if it is a daily driver. if you up the boost don't flash the car! just IMO.....but check with others too. i had mine flashed and the hesitation has come back. had it flashed (supposedly) at around 2k and now have almost 9k. but none of that matters if you are not going to tune it. you will have clunk issues (search) you will have a coolant leak (search) and maybe a few other hickups. however most new cars have their little hickups.
hope that helps. just search around a lot. you will find many differing opinions! choose wisly.

 

[GUNNAR]

Hi, I have an EVO and MSP. The MSP is a great car. I can haul my kids in it and it handles great. It has a more comfortable ride for everyday use.

I think you can't go wrong with the MSP!

 

[Mark94]

I had one problem with my previous speed and none so far with this speed. My previous speed had the coolant leak and that was fixed due to a faulty flange.

Neither had bad hesitation, but what I did feel (which wasn't much) was fixed by the reflash. Both had the cluck in the rear (nothing in the front) but that seems to be fixed so far by the new e-series bushings.

No major problems so far and I love the car. I still love my Prelude more but the speed is turning out to be a nice daily driver for me.

Mark

 

[murph1379]

Wow, the MSP is more comfortable? That must be one stiff car! I've ridden in an STi, but it was only a couple blocks, and I was more worried about whether the driver was going to kill me than whether the ride was forgiving. =]

 

[murph1379]

I still love my Prelude more but the speed is turning out to be a nice daily driver for me.

I'm surprised you like the lude more, why do you like it more than the speed? Speed seems to have it in every category, though I know the honda will prolly hold together longer...

I have a civic now, and I love the Integra GSR, but it's getting a bit old now, and the MSP has all the things I liked about the Integra, as well as a better sound system. I've heard people say the speed will replace the Integra Type R as the autox king. What do you think?

 

[Novot]

I'm a big fan of the MSP -- I don't know what all the problems are everyone alludes to. This is my 7th car and the MSP is by far the best I've owned. Problems I've had: windshield cracked (which mazda replaced under warranty), radio broke x2, also replaced under warranty. That's it after a year. The ECU was flashed by the dealer this summer, so the hesitation is gone. I get great gas mileage (I average 30 mpg -- although I don't drive in the "city" much -- I get 33-35 mpg on the highway) and have fun driving it when I can get behind the wheel (my wife uses it for her daily driver and loves it -- I get to drive the 12 year old miata). Go test drive one, you'll like it I think. It's not an EVO, but it isn't supposed to be, either! BTW: I kept mine stock and haven't tickered with it at all.

 

[GUNNAR]

Wow, the MSP is more comfortable? That must be one stiff car! I've ridden in an STi, but it was only a couple blocks, and I was more worried about whether the driver was going to kill me than whether the ride was forgiving. =]

Yes, the EVO is very stiff for a factory car, from what I read alot stiffer than a STI. I had 03 WRX and you can't even compare the two. The steering is so fast, thank God for the recaro seats. It is also hard not to drive the EVO fast.

I have autocross the MSP and it handles great, it is also a stiff car but not a stiff as an EVO. They are both great cars!

 

[perfworks]

Fly,
Welcome to the board. Have any pics of your EVO?

 

[yashooa]

Thanks for the response. However, some people on this forum seem to experience the hesitation after the flash. That's my concern. I am going to put A LOT of miles on the car.

My car dreams like a ******* dream and I put over 100 miles a day on it at 10-12PSI with good milage to boot. I never really had the hesitation to a large degree I only had a pulse which is all gone now.

 

[yashooa]

Just my humblr opinion, but I believe you will love the MSP. I've had none of these problems others have discussed here, but then I don't race it and haven't made any mods. I think with resposible driving and proper maintenance, you will be more than satisfied with this car. Besides, if you feel the need for speed, you've got the EVO to turn to. In any case, good luck with your decision. (Oh, and mileage is terrific. I got 36mpg highway on a recent roadtrip, and if I don't get on the turbo too hard, I still get around 25mpg city.)

36MPG here as well...WOOHOO a fellow mileage bragart to hang with!

 

[Mark94]

I'm surprised you like the lude more, why do you like it more than the speed? Speed seems to have it in every category, though I know the honda will prolly hold together longer...

I have a civic now, and I love the Integra GSR, but it's getting a bit old now, and the MSP has all the things I liked about the Integra, as well as a better sound system. I've heard people say the speed will replace the Integra Type R as the autox king. What do you think?

I love my Prelude more because it was my first labor of love and everything about it appeals to me. My Prelude is better in every category (in my opinion at least) than the MSP. Granted my Prelude is not stock, but it handles better, is definitely quicker and I think it looks better.

I'm not taking anything away from the MSP though. You may say well the Prelude is not stock so of course it may handle better or be quicker but the MSP technically is not factory stock either. All these parts are not Mazda parts and most were not installed from the factory so that is my basis.

Also, the Prelude has never given me a problem at all. Just basic maintenance. And for a 10 year old car people can't believe that it is not a new car. I think its styling and interior are great and was ahead of its time.

Again this is also my opinion, but I also love the Protege (why would I have bought two of them if I didn't think they were worth it). I enjoy driving the Protege but the Prelude just holds a special place in my heart and I have a totally different feeling when driving it. I know it's not a ferrari but I sure feel like I'm driving one when I'm behind the wheel of the Prelude. I think that feeling comes from the stance of the Prelude. It sits so low and the driver also sits low in the seat. Compare this to the Protege and I feel like I'm in an SUV. The seats in the Pro are so high and the damn roof line of the Pro is one of my big gripes. I have about a foot of space between the top of my head and the headliner.

I have ordered some performance parts for the Protege so the Prelude my not be quicker for long... time will tell.

Here are a few pics of why I LOVE my Prelude.

Here's that high roof line I was talking about (Previous Speed)

Mark

 

[yashooa]

Hi, I have an EVO and MSP. The MSP is a great car. I can haul my kids in it and it handles great. It has a more comfortable ride for everyday use.

I think you can't go wrong with the MSP!

Agreed! It's sporty run about with some minor tuning potential, great looks, great handling, good milage and a ridiculously low price point. It is a very fine little automobile. There has only been one manufacturer defect failure (that I know of) so far. All told there has only been about 5 motor failures on this board counting the defective motor so all in all not a bad record considering several thousand 03-03.5's have been made. Not that every owner is on here.
It is not made as an edurance racer to be ran at WOT up and down the gears at MAX boost for week on end. If you drive it right even with a touch of boost and some minor mods it will last a long while stock it should last until you drive it off a cliff for the insurance payoff That was a joke

 

[yashooa]

Mark94 that is a nice looking driveway
I really like that yr of Prelude and yours is done tastefully.

 

[GotRice?]

For a daily driver, get an '04 VW TDI. With 174 lb-ft of torque, it's a step up from the old motors. You can easily get 40+ mpg, a good ride, and over 40 standard features (just stop in...). But seriously, check one out. With the new diesel regs, my next car will probably be a TDI.

They can be chipped to get over 200 lb-ft out of em. Check out tdiclub.com for upgrade info.

Peas, out.

 

[yashooa]

I love my Prelude more because it was my first labor of love and everything about it appeals to me. My Prelude is better in every category (in my opinion at least) than the MSP. Granted my Prelude is not stock, but it handles better, is definitely quicker and I think it looks better.

I'm not taking anything away from the MSP though. You may say well the Prelude is not stock so of course it may handle better or be quicker but the MSP technically is not factory stock either. All these parts are not Mazda parts and most were not installed from the factory so that is my basis.

Also, the Prelude has never given me a problem at all. Just basic maintenance. And for a 10 year old car people can't believe that it is not a new car. I think its styling and interior are great and was ahead of its time.

Again this is also my opinion, but I also love the Protege (why would I have bought two of them if I didn't think they were worth it). I enjoy driving the Protege but the Prelude just holds a special place in my heart and I have a totally different feeling when driving it. I know it's not a ferrari but I sure feel like I'm driving one when I'm behind the wheel of the Prelude. I think that feeling comes from the stance of the Prelude. It sits so low and the driver also sits low in the seat. Compare this to the Protege and I feel like I'm in an SUV. The seats in the Pro are so high and the damn roof line of the Pro is one of my big gripes. I have about a foot of space between the top of my head and the headliner.

I have ordered some performance parts for the Protege so the Prelude my not be quicker for long... time will tell.

That roof line is why so many tall guys like the car like AGR and House they are 6'5'' and 6'7''.

 

[murph1379]

Mark - you're lude's in great shape! (and tastefully modded) That generation of prelude was the only one I liked, and alas, they just don't make cars like that anymore.

I wish those integras didn't have such high resale value, if I coulda made one work financially I'd have bought one.

Ahh well, the MSP will be good, and will probably net less tickets. =]

 

[fly2low]

The Evo is not a DSM car. It is made in the Mitsubishi factory in Japan. My sticker also says 100% of parts content from Japan.

The logic behind my "no Neon" policy is indeed the mark up. at 27k it is approaching the Evo territory. It doesn't make sense financially. With the current pricing of the MSP, it is almost impossible to resist it .

Gunnar: I would love to hear more comparissons on both cars.


Thanks