Is the MSP right for me?

[2003msp]

Hello, here is my story, opinions would be great

My dad knows a dealer, who offered to look for certain cars for me as my first car, because obviously the price at the dealer auctions are a lot cheaper. We asked him to look for a mazda3. One day, he called and told us he had a great deal on a 2003 mazdaspeed protege, my dad told him to get it, because the price was so low (6500$ to be exact).

Shortly after, my dad realized that it is a bit to sporty for me (a teenage driver), and we are considering selling it for a reasonable profit, and getting the mazda3.

So what do you guys think? I've never been the type of person who enjoys driving fast and cars that have adv. parts ect. do you think that i would be alright driving this car, or would it just be to waste since I'm not the type who enjoys stuff like..?

 

[MSP2024]

it is a fun car to have you will love it

 

[ChopstickHero]

if you can put up with its quirks... then yeah, it's a fun car to drive.

 

[2003msp]

Is maintenece expensive? I mean, I'm still in high school, I can't really afford to throw a lot of money into my car. it has 75,000 miles on it

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

if you want a fast car the msp is not for you, it is slow lol

 

[Mook]

lets put it this way...
if you don't enjoy driving fast, once you own this car, you will.
Edit: agreed with previous post this car is no Supra, its not that quick off the line, but it still has a little pep to it and it can still get up to 120 at least. To tell the truth, I am used to driving Porsches and race cars at work, so when I got my MSP i was a little disappointed, but its great for current gas prices and still turns heads so overall I am happy with the car.

also, if you cant afford to at least maintain it, don't get it. Overall parts are inexpensive compared to vehicles like Porsche, and Mercedes. But when you need to get mazdaspeed specific parts, they can be a little tricky to track down for a reasonable price.

 

[turbolife]

Is maintenece expensive? I mean, I'm still in high school, I can't really afford to throw a lot of money into my car. it has 75,000 miles on it

Can you turn a wrench, or would you be paying labor on any repairs?

 

[AtenzaNY62]

yea you should get it, and leave it stock... you might run into some problems when you mod them, a mazda3 probably have more luxury features than the msp, it was built to be a performance car i think... better handling then the 3

 

[Knox Joe]

Keep it and leave it stock. You will love it.

Maybe just add some shifter bushings. But that's it!

 

[justanothermp5]

+1 for leaving it stock
if ur the kinda guy who just drives a car to get places then ur better off with the 3
if u like getting smoked by riced out civics at a light, then the 3 would be for u too

the speed is a fun car, i wouldnt know, but from hearing alot about it
hell i think my car is fast lol so it depends on if can turn a wrench or if u would just get someone else to do all ur work

 

[justanothermp5]

oh and im still in high school too and its really not a factor in modding cars....

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

when i went to highschool and had my msp it was all good but i only had to replace my wga it was 70 bucks but nothing crazy but when you start modding them it gets $$$

 

[2003msp]

Can you turn a wrench, or would you be paying labor on any repairs?

I've done basic work, and I know people that could help with labor

 

[SeR_Cyclops]

its just like any other car it will have some up keep that will need to be done.

 

[JCell]

i've been modding my car since HS too, i wouldn't change a thing, even with all the repairs and maintenance issues

i love this car

 

[icespeed]

The MSP is probably one of the best "first cars" you could get. Yes it has power, but don't fool yourself, it isn't "that" fast. Which is a good thing, as you don't want to kill yourself by driving recklessly. It handles like no other car I have driven. Which could actually give you problems when you do upgrade to another car years down the road. By then, you will have spoiled yourself in what it means to drive a "great car".

There are also some nice safety features on the MSP that were not on regular proteges. I don't know if the 3 has the same safety features (4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, etc).

One concern your parents (or you) should look for though is the insurance. My particular insurance company actually recognizes my MSP as a "Speed Protege - 4 door" and the rate reflects that stupid word "speed". But then again, it may just reflect my driving history

Modding is not necessary, unless you have been bitten by the zoom zoom bug. In which case, you're in trouble! lol. Most "minor" mods for the MSP are gonna run you a pretty penny, as the market is very limited (compared to hondas and the like). The other unfortunate thing is that alot of the "minor" mods will lend you to want to perform "major" mods, as this car was not built to handle the power most people want out of it.

I would recommend that you go test drive a 3. Really get a feel for it. Then, go back home and drive the MSP. You will know which one "fits" you. The other thing is never, ever let someone else tell you which car you should drive. Make that decision yourself. The worst thing in the world is to drive/own a car that you don't like. Well, maybe not the worst thing in the world, but maybe the worst thing in your own microcosm.

Either way, it's nice to see another mazda owner. These boards will supply more information (about either mazda you go with) then you ever wanted to possibly know about cars! Trust me though, that is a good thing.

 

[theEZV]

this car is a really nice package imo....looks nice, has nice rims, nice stereo, decent pep.....dont drive it like a maniac and you won't have any issues

 

[Lunatik]

I'm still in high school and I don't have the money to get into modding yet but I do have an Injen CAI and rx8 rims and with that I'm very happy. However, there could be some ups and downs with this car especially at 75k miles. Either way, you are going to have an obsession with this car especially if you read up on this forum. Start getting used to people asking, "What car is that?" and getting really excited when you see another one on the road. (band2)

My friends have Evo's, STi's, BMW's and more and I still prefer my car... to a point lol (drive2)

 

[FiReTRuCK]

if you can put up with its quirks... then yeah, it's a fun car to drive.

no car is perfect, all cars have some problem with them, I've got a ZX2, and the trans SUCKS in it.

 

[1fstmsp]

The MSP is a bad ass ride! KEEP it, there not super easy to come by, and there a nice first car or even for a project car down the road