Here We Go Again Dept- Should I Buy This MSP?

[StevieB]

I am sure you have seen many post like this one, but I felt like "search" would just give me replys on other cars, so here goes...

03 MSP, Orange, in rural Alabama- I would have to make a trip there. Selling for a grand or two less than on-line used-car value websites say it would bring, trade in.

Not too sure about the color, but is it really rare, and thus would increase value? Seller says so, but then, he would...

What to look for, for signs of abuse? I know the usual- worn tires, or brand new ones, but does the MSP have any of it's own ways to "speak to me" if it's been flogged, stuff that would be hard to cover up, or such?

In general, what are the MSP's issues- those things that make it something less than a perfect car to own? Anything that needs to be baby'ed, to get reasonable life out of the car before replacing expensive stuff?

Gotta admit, it would make a nice addition to...
2003 P5, Silver
1988 MX-6 Turbo, Cheap race car project
1995 Ranger Pickup- tow vehicle for race car
1989 MX-6 LS- Gale's "Karma" car
1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200
1983 Honda Magna V45, rescue project
1972 Suzuki GT550, rescue project
1973 Mustang Convert, car I brought my new-born son (now 28) home, from the hospital.
1977 Hunter 26 Sailboat (co-owned- the way to go on a sailboat, trust me)
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two tandem kayak
Schwinn 9.5 mountain bike
Novara Team Triumpho road bike
Cannondale V-700 down-hill mountain bike
Panasonic Team Road bike, vintage

Geez, I got too many toys...

 

[808808]

There is a TON of info on here about these cars.

A good place to start is the post by t3ase in the Mazdaspeed Lounge/Welcome area titled "Common Problems and Fixes".

Ask the owner about any factory services it has had. These cars, as cool as they are, have a few character flaws that the dealer will gladly take care of under warrantee.

Some owners just don't take them in before it runs out so you will want to use the list on t3ase's post to ask some questions of the current owners......good luck.....J
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[yashooa]

Mine was romped on hard for 103,000 miles before the dif broke. I love this dang car...
(first)

I could have just fixed the diff and called it a day but since I was in there I went kind of nuts.
Someone older than me on here? Cool...(poke)

Orange is great in person. Photos do not do it justice.
Just look for leaks (allthough a slight leak on the bottom oil (turbo) line is fairly common) if it has a boost controller I might me a bit cautious but my car has ran hard for 0ver 100,000 miles at high boost so go figure.
I wish I could be more helpfull but I bought mine new.

 

[Turtle of Time]

buy mine xD

 

[StevieB]

UPDATE: Car Has A Few Issues, I Have A Few Concerns

UPDATE: Saw/drove the car today. More miles than I thought- 71,000. Looks like previous-previous owner (not seller, who has owned the car for 6 months) did not care for the car as well as he might- evidence of body repair to RF, pencil-size hole in rear bumper cover. CarFax says there are 17 "events" or whatever they call them on the car, have not ordered the report yet, but am seriously thinking of it. With the mileage, car is actually selling for right at or about $500 more than Trade-In Value. Called Mazda, LSD has not been changed on this car- that concerns me. I wonder- is it okay that it has gone 71,000 miles and did not have LSD problems? Car is not in pristine shape, shows some wear, etc.

So. Not as cool a buy as I initially thought. Price is not negoatble, I think ,as he wants pay-off.

So... second round. What do you guys think, now? thanks so much.

 

[Run for Cover]

lol LSD's dont need to be replaced every certin number of miles... ha ha... if it isnt broke, dont fix it

 

[yashooa]

Stay away from any car that the owner does not like and 17 incidents? I would run from that thing.
Those are kind of high miles to. There are many good low mileage MSP's for sale some on this very site.

 

[Turtle of Time]

2003.5 MSP with 03 foglight conversion Blazing Yellow
31,xxx k miles
completely stock
Winter tires available

Its in good shape, I've taken care of it since I've had the chance to enjoy the car, and I have all the records of service too.

 

[503MSP]

man just hearing about that car makes you want to beat the original owner for not taking care of such a rare car. but if i were you i would back away from that car, it doesnt seem like it is worth the risk if it already has 17 incidents reported. Oh so how did you like the spicy orange in person?

 

[MSP032879]

Stay away from any car that the owner does not like and 17 incidents? I would run from that thing.
Those are kind of high miles to. There are many good low mileage MSP's for sale some on this very site.

Yeah Like Mine

Has a little over 47,000 miles on it. And I treat her real good.
Here is the the post about it. http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123639020

 

[ping]

Sounds like high miles and an indifferent owner. Not saying "stay away", but "be aware". If you like the black better mine's for sale, not a lick of problem, less than half the mileage (33.5k), and maintained by a guy older than Yashooa (I'm 44 with 3 kids and a wife of 22 years). Not driven poorly.

The orange is sweet, mine would've been orange but, well, I liked the black better and the orange wasn't available when I got mine (1st owner).

 

[yashooa]

Sounds like high miles and an indifferent owner. Not saying "stay away", but "be aware". If you like the black better mine's for sale, not a lick of problem, less than half the mileage (33.5k), and maintained by a guy older than Yashooa (I'm 44 with 3 kids and a wife of 22 years). Not driven poorly.

Gee Thanks