Is the MSP worth it for me?

[muohio]

I'm looking into buying a MSP to replace my VibeGT. I'm also considering the P5 and maybe a future turbo upgrade. I was wondering what the owners thought about the cars and if it's worth trading for. I did test drive a P5 for a good amount of time and took the MSP out for 1/2 hour.

The P5 handled very well and felt like it was well made. How does the interior/exterior hold up. Are the seats and instrument guages well laid out? Do you have rattles or squeaks that aren't a result of custom stereo's? Is the traction good in snow? Would you feel comfortable owning this car for 5+ years? Is the Spool turbo kit a good deal for this car?

The MSP handled better IMO than the P5 and had a lot more power. The power was the initial reason why I went with the Vibe. The same questions apply to this car; durability, long time ownership, squeaks/rattles, power?

The reason's for trading my Vibe is the quality or lack thereof. I'm feeling worried that the car may be a hunk of junk in 5 years. The power and handling is great, especially since I have 17" rims, springs, and strut brace. From what I recall of the P5, my car handles and accelerates better, but the interior of the P5 was better.

BTW, I'm not putting down the P5 in comparison. Recently I purchased a Mazda6s for the primary car and I love it. It's the main reason why I'm looking to go with another Mazda. Zoom Zoom

 

[uclap5]

id say if you dont need the rack or the hatch, and youve got the cash for msp, MSP all the way.

Turbo for the p5 isn't really perfected yet, still in its teens, in an awkward phase. too many fuel issues.

Some people have complained about sqeeks and rattles, but my impression is that it is a minority.

The interior of the car both msp and p5 are great. MSP had alot more nice touches, the materials of the seets, and stereo. the p5 has leather, sunroof, and cruise control. All of the instruments are easy to control, easy to find. the defroster doesnt have an auto timer... some people complain about that.

traction in the snow is a weakness, the tires on both the p5 and the msp arent meant for it, if you get a lot of snow you'll need some snow tires.

All in all, i'd say it's up to you. you've got the info in front of you, just make the choice.

 

[professor_booty]

mazda engines are very reliable...buy a mazda. This is my second. Pontiacs and anything made be GM sucks!

 

[Captain KRM P5]

Pontiacs and anything made be GM sucks!

The VibeGT is a clone of the Toyota Matrix, engine and all. The only thing 'Pontiac' about it is the body.

Muohio, I can relate. The Vibe was my first choice, the VibeGT has an awesome engine - Toyota VVTi from the Celica GTS. Not a big fan of revving to 8000 plus RPM for power, but the six speed was awesome. I really was beside myself on the whole issue but the Protege eventually won out - the VibeGT just handled so much like a little truck to me.

As you can see in my posts and in my sig, I turboed my Protege5, turned up the boost way too high and blew my engine into the next life. Basically, the Protege cannot handle more than 7 psi of turbo boost without extensive modification to the fuel system including extra / larger injectors, an inline fuel pump and better fuel management. Once my new motor is in place, the boost will be set back down where the kit designers recommended it be - 6 psi.

If you do decide to buy a Mazdaspeed Protege, be sure to check out Spool Turbo's upgrades for it.

 

[Pro Fiz]

I agree, GM does suck now, i used to be a GM only kind of guy, but i cannot think of one nice thing they make since they dropped the camaro, and even if they do bring it back, it will problly be some 4 door family car with a fwd 4 cyl. not the american muscle it once was.... sorry that was off topic

 

[MP5s Make Ready]

Off Topic, but true!!

 

[AndrewF150]

YEA CAMARO BABY!!! Right now I have a fine little thing sittn in the car port...1969 Chevy Camaro RS/SS!! If god came to earth and drove a car...it would be a 1969 Camaro RS/SS....you know I am right...

 

[Logan]

Wrong, he would drive a scooter.

Big beard blowing in the wind and all.

 

[AndrewF150]

OH! I guess you are right....it would be a scooter. Much like the trans am stomping type...could it drive on water though? that is the question that plaques all of man kind.