Looking at buying a MSP and want advice? Post here!

Buying advice

Hello -- I'm new to the forum, but am a huge fan of Mazdas. I own a 2004 Mazda 6, and a 2002 Protege 5 and love both. I'm posting because I'm considering making the jump to a Mazdaspeed Protege (trading the 6 for it) and wanted to see if anyone had any advice. The MSP is being sold by a local dealer. I haven't test-driven it yet, but it looks great. It has about 61,000 miles, and it looks like it has only had an intercooler added as modification. I'd prefer for it to be as stock as possible.

I would be using this car as a daily driver, and in fact would be driving with my kids in it. I'm not looking to modify it -- I just want a fast, sporty car that handles well and can actually seat four people.

Does anyone have any advice? Does this make sense? If I do want decide to buy it, is there anything in particular I should look for -- or look out for -- that would affect whether I should make the deal? Thanks in advance for any guidance -- I appreciate the expertise.
 
interested

Hello forums im new as u can tell. ive had my eyes on the mazdaspeeds for a while now and one just jumped out at me recently. a 2003 for $1200 it turnsover healthy and everything just wont start. any common issues that would present these kinds of issues? im really considering it cuz this is just a great deal. any suggestion/questions?
sorry i posted this in another section didnt realize it wasnt viewed very often.
 
Yeah that is a great price. I would look and see if the turbo is shot and leaking oil bad (not a cause of it not starting im just saying). It could be the crank or cam sensor the reason it is not starting.
 
ive heard about these jumping time and having little electrical issues. im hoping its nothing to major ill have a look at it sometime this week again and get u all mileage etc.
 
so i just got with him looked at the car. it starts for 1-2 seconds then just dies and will only turn over after that. he ALSO showed me that the new motor he had put in it is still under warranty (rockon). im gonna take his word on it. that it only has 6k miles on it also
 
You should ask to see some paper work for the built motor if it only has 6,000 on it. just to be sure,
 
Bluemica3.5 said:
You should ask to see some paper work for the built motor if it only has 6,000 on it. just to be sure,
Click to expand...

he showed me the paperwork i need to see if its under warranty still and look in depth at the papers. it was dark out so couldnt really see a thing. but i could make out that it said engine replacement in bold up top. we shall see.
 
Bluemica3.5 said:
You should ask to see some paper work for the built motor if it only has 6,000 on it. just to be sure,
Click to expand...

Well he said the motor was replaced, but he never said it was built. Regardless I would take that deal if you have another car to drive in the meantime. I would also suggest checking for paint work. He probably would not admit if it had been painted and Car Fax does not always have a record of whether the vehicle was in an accident or not. I know that because I ran my vin on it after I rear ended a minivan (yea it was pretty bad) and the cops were not called so I don't think it was ever recorded. If you know anybody with a paint meter, that would be the easiest way to check.
 
Ricktalife said:
Well he said the motor was replaced, but he never said it was built. Regardless I would take that deal if you have another car to drive in the meantime. I would also suggest checking for paint work. He probably would not admit if it had been painted and Car Fax does not always have a record of whether the vehicle was in an accident or not. I know that because I ran my vin on it after I rear ended a minivan (yea it was pretty bad) and the cops were not called so I don't think it was ever recorded. If you know anybody with a paint meter, that would be the easiest way to check.
Click to expand...

i actually have my ole trusty 78 ford f250 tank haha. im just looking to make some cash. and if i like the car prob keep it
 
Good deal?

Hey guys, I'm looking at getting a new car soon. I found a MSP by me that I might pick up. Was wondering what I should offer, or if it's a good deal.

03.5 Silver
88k Miles
Body and engine look clean.
Drivers seat has a small part where fabric peeled off.
No receipts of last timing belt change/tune up, etc.

Now the scary/sketchy part...

Carfax shows 3 owners. 2nd owner went through a short block, and 3 turbo replacements all within 2 years of owning it. it went Block, 2 months later turbo, 6 months later turbo, 5 months later turbo. He sold at 40k miles, and ever since it has not had any of this replaced.

It has a boost and air fuel gauge (not wideband), so i'm guessing it was beat on.

They're asking 7500 for it at a dealership with 1 month warranty...

Thoughts?


*Edit - Sorry, forgot about the sticky with looking to buy a MSP title. Please move if this should be in there.*
 
yikes. almost 100k and $7500. Buy yourself a newer 3 instead for a little more.
 
If its had 3 turbo failures on the same block now and it hasn't had any maintenance they can prove of then that block is on its last leg. Id tell them 5k max unless they'd like to do a rebuild or you yourself plan to in the next two months of having the car.
 
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