It is done.

[MazdaDryvr]

I traded the MSP for an 04 WRX today. This was not an easy decision. I feel like I've lost a lover. It was a move based on practicality. Too many of the add ons to the Protege that made it the MSP were giving me grief. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. I lost faith in the MSPs long term reliability and I am not a modder so I wasnt cool with replacing the stock stuff. The WRX is very nice but there are some things that I preferred with the MSP. But I bought the Subaru for it's reliability, a true factory turbo car. Many fond memories and best wishes to the Mazda community.

Signing off....
MazdaDryvr (hippy)

 

[t3ase]

peace.

 

[1sty]

Sucks but is cool at the same time, now call cobb and get some parts for the WRX.

 

[Stormtrooper77]

Just curious, what did you get for trade?

 

[MazdaDryvr]

i got $16000. I had fairly high miles and they tried to tell me that because the car is a "special edition" That it makes it less valuable. I hate car salesmen.

 

[mspdfreak]

i got $16000. I had fairly high miles and they tried to tell me that because the car is a "special edition" That it makes it less valuable. I hate car salesmen.

That is such bulls***, because you know when they sell it, they're going to want more BECAUSE it's a "special edition".

 

[YayArea420]

i got $16000. I had fairly high miles and they tried to tell me that because the car is a "special edition" That it makes it less valuable. I hate car salesmen.

How many miles did you have? I am thinking about trading mine in as well and I was just wondering if my value will be that much.

 

[MazdaDryvr]

I was nearly at 50k. I know they handed me bulls*** and I could have tried to haggle the trade in value more but I left them with a car that has several problems that are out of my hair now. I always feel dirty after buying a car. Like I got ****** while I was passed out or something.

 

[Demonic-Speed]

**** me...You got 16k for a car with 50K on it? oh, that is canadian money though.....

 

[CHICO2003]

What's the equivalent in USD? How does your WRX compare to the MSP?

 

[BOOSTR]

I know where I am trading my car in! $16K @ 50K miles is a great deal.

 

[Spooled]

Great trade! Isn't that like $4k in USD? Ha, j/k. I think it's like $13,000 USD.

 

[Swerny]

That's about $13,000 USD with 31,000 miles

 

[herbieP5]

Man, you shoulda hit me up. I would have bought it for 16000. I would even have bought it throught the dealer for your tax savings.

s***. you told me 20 the other night.

oh well. how do you like the suby

 

[MSPRO]

good choice ..i am thinking about getting an STI to add to my garage. the MSP would be my winter car and in the spring/summer it would be getting a build while I drive the STI

 

[jersey_emt]

Nice choice, congrats on the purchase.

 

[MazdaDryvr]

Sorry Herbie, I didnt know you were that interested or I woulda pm'd you. Say can I interest you in a never installed, genuine Mazda front nose mask?

I like the WRX. It's a different beast in so many ways. I'll post more after I drive it some more. Got a nice paint chip on the way home tonite from work. God I hate 18 wheelers!

 

[Wha'Happened]

Awesome choice, I feel that I, unfourtunatly for the mazdaspeed community, may be doing the exact same thing in the coming months. I have always loved WRXs and I can get one used for pretty cheap and the insurance is actually less. I would really like to hear a good comparison of the two.

 

[MazdaDryvr]

well, after two weeks of driving the WRX I have some data to relay to those who are interested.

My general feelings on the two cars.
-The MSP felt more responsive and predictable in corners. This may be just my lack of understanding how to drive an AWD car.
-The MSP has tighter suspension by a small margin
- The WRX has a higher quality feel to the drive. It's firmly planted and absorbs alot of the road "feed back". Not a creak or rattle to be heard, very tight car.
-The way that the power comes on in the WRX is very different, the gearing is spread out more. In my MSP at 125kph the RPM was 3500. The WRX at the same speed is about 300 rpm lower. I used to just put the foot down in the MSP to pass on the highway, with the WRX I gear back to 4th first.
-Fuel economy. The MSP got about 40km more per tank. Probably the AWD that affects this.
- Comfort. I think I found the MSP to be a bit roomier inside and while the WRX has nicely bolstered seats, I find that the bolster on the left side of the seat is kinda digging into my leg. I have had to adjust the way I sit.
- Stereo. The stock WRX stereo is nice enough for me (6 cd in dash) but the speakers are s***. The MSP had much better sound system.
- Interior and exterior styling. Well I guess there are things I like better about each vehicle. I know the MSP turned alot of heads when I cruised downtown.
- I love the sound of the motor in the WRX, the boxer engine is sweet.

I guess the WRX has more aftermarket support and potential for upgrade but if you're like me (stock) then it's a real toss up. I didnt find the WRX to be that much quicker than the MSP. I am still sad that I had to part with my MSP but I am still enjoying the WRX. I will miss the exclusivity of the MSP but then I will enjoy having a factory built car that is everything I wanted. There are pluses and minuses to both vehicles but I would certainly never look down on the speed. It is a fine car. Good times......

 

[goku4658]

^^thanks for the comparo