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

like i said depends....i personally like the looks of the p5 over the 3...sorry guys.....but just depends on you
 
so I am going to look at a black mazda speed Protege w/ 95000 miles. He wants $5000 for it which seems like a steal... However, b/c the price is a lot lower than any other one i've found, I am a little weary. What are some key questions I should ask when looking at this car? I think it is bone stock, however if it is not, is there any thing that should steer me away if it has been modded?

What potential problems should I inquire about with the owner to see if he has encountered and/or fixed them?
 
So. I'm considering a mazdaspeed protege. all stock of corse..

so now, a question for you stock msp people. besides the LSD braking on you, do you face any other problems? (hopefully none that has left you stranded). ive just read a lot of problems with the MSPs and i want to get as much advice as possible before i make a purchase. thanks :) i prolly wont mod it much. just plan on driving, maintaining and lowering it... plus i drive like a granny
 
Hey guys, im looking at getting into an 03 msp. heres some specs
03 with 50k on chassis and 14k on engine came out of a reg protege, had an oem clutch kit put in with the engine. Says the turbo has no shaft play and seals are fine. Tranny shifts very smooth.
-Ion Performance Front Mount Intercooler
-Ion Performance 3 inch Turbo-back Exhaust catless
-Mental Addiction Motorsports tubular stainless steel manifold
-Greddy Type RS Blow off valve
-Greddy Boost Gauge
-Ron Davis Radiator
- +1 colder spark plugs
-Eibach Sportline lowering springs
-17 inch Rota Attacks with Toyo Proxes4
-Black aftermarket headlights
-Red Reverse light overlay on taillights
-35% tint all aroun
-front engine mount

I had a Split Second Air/Fuel Controller installed on the car to allow for some fuel map tuning since the car has an aftermarket exhaust and also a front mount intercooler. It really made a difference car runs great on the stock super map that was provided with the AFC at 8 psi which is 1-2 psi over stock!

here are his links to the pictures.
http://s102.photobucket.com/albums/m117/benben1984/Mazdaspeed Pics/

i came from en evo that was putting down 403whp, and i stupidly got rid of it.. now i need a dd because i love my truck.. but i need a car. I have always loved speeds but never really looked at them seriously. he only wants 9500/obo but im pretty sure he will take 9000. let me know what you guys think. thank you.
 
Im sure it is, he def knows his stuff when it comes to the car!!! Me on the hand know not so much about this car.. lol I have emailed him a couple times and i really like the car! Hopefully its still for sale by the time i get the money together!
 
yea, i just have to wait for my taxes man, and he wants to sell now.. if he still has it by the time i get them back im all over it... i need a DD, the thing i like most is that it only has 14k on the engine... thats an added bonus, even when i have to replace the lsd i dont think there will be much to replace.
 
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hey looking at msp

hey guys new here. i had a mp5 but someone just hit it and it's a write-off so i have to look for a new car now:) so im looking at the msp i love my mp5 it did have some bugs but i love it i did want some more power so here i am looking at the msp. can you guys tell me what you think about this car

2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
km 119 127
the car has only seen 1 winter..this will be its 2nd but as i said its rust proofed by Krown, (documents in my car) and there is not a single piece of rust on it.

List of modifications - first off my modifications have all been purchased by *************** (they specialize in mazdaspeed protege's) they are from California. I have still have all the original parts that i replaced.

-Autometer boost gauge 30 vac/20 psi (currently runs at 6.5 in the winter and 8 in the summer)
- fully automated Greddy turbo timer (allows the intercooler to cool down the turbo after ignition key is turned in the off position)
- interior red LED lights allong the side panels, lights up nice at night.
- TurboSmart Dual port Blow off valve - currently 60/40 vent to atmosphere.
- Upgraded Intercooler and aluminum piping (have original intercooler and plastic piping in a box)
- Changed out all vac lines to the silicone hoses
- Turbosmart manual boost controller.
- 1 year old battery still have warranty on it replaced it last year
- water pump and timing belt just done (106,000km)
- front rear brakes just done 110 KM)
- Fog Lamps
- RacingHart rims (stock with teh car)
- Injen CAI (cold air intake)
DSC00038.webp

IMG00017.webp

IMG00028.webp

IMG00029.webp

IMG00032.webp
- over 200hp to the front wheels.
 
Found a MSP but need opinions!

Hi. I'm new to this board (obviously) but to Mazda's in general. I've driven Hondas for the majority of my driving life, and I've grown pretty familiar with them.

I found one MSP that has piqued my interest.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...smission=&max_price=&cardist=8&standard=false

I'd like your opinion on it. Rather than just looking at the price, will this be a reliable car that will present minimal issues besides standard maintenance. I'll be going to law school soon and I'd like to avoid a car that'll send me to a mechanic (but I'd like a nice, quick, fun car too).

The price is right, and it appears like it was kept in good condition. I intend on contacting the seller this evening. But with 121k miles, again, will this become a problem later?

Thanks in advance!
 
Everything looks stock on that car jlim, But ask the seller if the LSD or wastegate has ever been replace, those are the most problems with theses cars.
 
Looking at car

Ok im meeting up with a guy tomorrow to look at his MSP. Is there anything specific i need to look at or ask about the car? Thanks for the help in advanced.
 
Suck on the Vac line going to the WGA, listen for a klunk from the rear. make sure the turbo is not leaking oil
 

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