lookin at a MSP

[elusiveMSP]

2003.5 silver MSP with 118k - just want to know if theres anything with the MSP i should know.. i've owned a dumped jetta 1.8t with chip, tbe, slightly larger turbo.. and that car was a problem month after month please tell me the MSP is somewhat reliable if i'm not ripping through the gears all the time.

 

[Preferio]

2003.5 silver MSP with 118k - just want to know if theres anything with the MSP i should know.. i've owned a dumped jetta 1.8t with chip, tbe, slightly larger turbo.. and that car was a problem month after month please tell me the MSP is somewhat reliable if i'm not ripping through the gears all the time.

Only if you put "is not" in between the two bold-lettered words...


*Don't turn up the boost or the rods will puke themselves onto the pavement.
*Don't ever launch the lar or the LSD will puke itself apart.
*One day it'll run great. The next it won't.
*Your AFR's are going to be in the 9's.
*You'll go through sway bar bushings like crazy- and they'll be noisey.
*A stock Civic can outrun it most days.
*Quality aftermarket parts, for the most part, are no longer available new and you'll pay top-dollar for used ones in the market place assuming you see it in time to buy it.

I could go on and on, but I think that's enough.

 

[spicymspvt19]

Depends on what you want honestly.

-Fun daily driver makes it a good car. Doing a front mount with a larger exhaust would make it a great daily driver. Lowering it and buying some sort of tuning capabilities, will give you a rough daily driver, that is more reliable, but also auto cross worthy. not turning up the boost and not hard launching the car will yield you a great car that brings a smile to your face.


**Disclaimer**
- Make sure you buy one with little to no issues from the start, otherwise you will find yourself facing head aches consistently because many of these cars have been ragged and driven hard. Also many thought they could crank up the boost from the factory and be "fine." Which it may not cause it to "blow up" but it could decrease compression and a lot of other issues may arise down the road. Fix all issues before approaching after market.

But to be honest it's a really fun car that may not be the most reliable car on the road, but it's unique and if that's what your after, for the cost it's the best car that has a small community.

 

[elusiveMSP]

thanks for the replies. the car has 118k miles and he is asking for $4000ish - just needs one injector o-ring replaced. Has tein SS coilovers, 3" TBE.. female driven.

I don't plan on touching anything else, it will be my DD for school.

 

[theEZV]

If you want a reliable dd, get a Corolla. You never know what you're gonna get with one of these cars, especially at that mileage. If you have your heart set on an MSP, try to find a stock one at least.

 

[bwlknsn91]

Take home point: More mods=less reliable!

If you're looking for huge power/performance, an entire engine rebuild would be required, the FSDE just isn't cut out for it.

 

[Spiced MSP]

OP, welcome to the forum. Update your profile with your specific location. You may have forum members near you.

 

[elusiveMSP]

I'm not afraid to get under the hood and do some work if needed. I usually don't drive hard, and drive only on highways to school and back. I don't know if i can pass up $3900 for an 118k MSP in great shape. Timing belt has been done, all routine maintenance up to date. Not buying to mod, autocross, or any race of any kind.

 

[bwlknsn91]

I'm not afraid to get under the hood and do some work if needed. I usually don't drive hard, and drive only on highways to school and back. I don't know if i can pass up $3900 for an 118k MSP in great shape. Timing belt has been done, all routine maintenance up to date. Not buying to mod, autocross, or any race of any kind.

Don't get me wrong, the MSP is a great car. It's just not for those looking for maximum horsepower.

 

[elusiveMSP]

Yeah - I can see that. I have a wife and 3 kids now, the days of thunder are far behind me I'll surely hit full boost a few times here and there during my commute though!

 

[elusiveMSP]

I also have tons of tools, welder, etc.. I'm in Aviation tech - tools come in handy sometimes

 

[elusiveMSP]

triple post ftw - is it possible to retune the stock ECU to achieve a more stable tune, in regards to AFR?

 

[Wagonbacker9]

triple post ftw - is it possible to retune the stock ECU to achieve a more stable tune, in regards to AFR?

The vast majority of your questions can be answered by searching the MSP section here.

For tuning look for a SSAFC.

 

[elusiveMSP]

Yeah - kinda just figuring stuff out now - one last question though

will the pre 2003.5 MSP wings use the existing 2003.5 wing holes in the trunk? I like the older wings better.

i want this wing

 

[Preferio]

No and yes. I have an 03.5 wing on my 03 and the center support has studs too, where the 03.5 does not.