Nobody? Going to look at the MSP today so it would be great if someone could give me a small list or things to look for to tell if it's been modified. I've been reading and researching for the past 3 or 4 days and got most of the little stuff. I'm still not sure how I can tell if it's a strong engine with high miles on the clock. Anyone?
Looking at buying a MSP and want advice? Post here!
- Thread starter INGREXCO
- Start date
We Are Ninja
Member
- :
- 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 GT; 2004 Mazda 6 Wagon
That is a lot of miles, but most people here use their MSP as their daily driver. Good call on the dealer's part regarding the rear bushings, that's a common issue on MSP's.
As far as the engine, I wouldn't know what to look for outside of obvious stuff like puddles beneath the car and funny noises and smells. If the previous owner didn't rag on it, it should be in decent shape. I've got 75K on mine and I've had no problems... Other than that, you may want to have a mechanic friend go with you to inspect it and have a listen.
As far as the engine, I wouldn't know what to look for outside of obvious stuff like puddles beneath the car and funny noises and smells. If the previous owner didn't rag on it, it should be in decent shape. I've got 75K on mine and I've had no problems... Other than that, you may want to have a mechanic friend go with you to inspect it and have a listen.
What I would check
1) Plastic inter-cooler pipes for cracks and leaks.
2) Listen if the turbo makes any noise
3) Smoke coming out of the exhaust= bad turbo or seals
4) let the car run for awhile. Does the check engine light come on.
Dealer are famous for clearing the codes.
5) Drive the car. How does the gears shift.
1) Plastic inter-cooler pipes for cracks and leaks.
2) Listen if the turbo makes any noise
3) Smoke coming out of the exhaust= bad turbo or seals
4) let the car run for awhile. Does the check engine light come on.
Dealer are famous for clearing the codes.
5) Drive the car. How does the gears shift.
Okay just got back from the test drive. It ran great, could hear the turbo spool once it got enough RPM.
It was dusk when I got there, about 4:45, so I used what daylight I could to look through the car. This dealer is a import and exotics specialist with a mind for speed. My truck was the only one in the lot and he was straight forward with me, which is a first in my experience with dealers.
Didn't see any smoke but I wasn't looking for it with a microscope, plus it was dark by the time I started it. Drove it for about 25 to 30 minutes, got up to 80mph to make sure it could take it. I did starts in 2nd gear to see if the transmission would pop it back out (saw that on here), put it in 4th while doing about 35 and floored it to see how the clutch was (felt good). Shifted nice in every gear, no problems there I could see.
Overall this car has been taken care of. A guy and his fiance' used it to commute from PDX to Seattle and back and apparently didn't modify it. The turbo shield is still there, which I've been told is tossed most of the time. I looked for oil stains and leaks but couldn't find hardly anything. It's clean under the hood but not "oh look we detailed the engine" clean. He gave me the impression of a reputation for excellence. I know that sounds weird but I have a military background and it means a lot to have someone tell you up front what is going on and what they can do for you. He had many Porsches, BMWs, and Range Rovers as well as nice Audis and a reman Ferrari 250 GT. He had the nicest office I've ever seen with marble and tile everywhere - even the bathroom.
It was dusk when I got there, about 4:45, so I used what daylight I could to look through the car. This dealer is a import and exotics specialist with a mind for speed. My truck was the only one in the lot and he was straight forward with me, which is a first in my experience with dealers.
Didn't see any smoke but I wasn't looking for it with a microscope, plus it was dark by the time I started it. Drove it for about 25 to 30 minutes, got up to 80mph to make sure it could take it. I did starts in 2nd gear to see if the transmission would pop it back out (saw that on here), put it in 4th while doing about 35 and floored it to see how the clutch was (felt good). Shifted nice in every gear, no problems there I could see.
Overall this car has been taken care of. A guy and his fiance' used it to commute from PDX to Seattle and back and apparently didn't modify it. The turbo shield is still there, which I've been told is tossed most of the time. I looked for oil stains and leaks but couldn't find hardly anything. It's clean under the hood but not "oh look we detailed the engine" clean. He gave me the impression of a reputation for excellence. I know that sounds weird but I have a military background and it means a lot to have someone tell you up front what is going on and what they can do for you. He had many Porsches, BMWs, and Range Rovers as well as nice Audis and a reman Ferrari 250 GT. He had the nicest office I've ever seen with marble and tile everywhere - even the bathroom.
SeR_Cyclops
Member
- :
- Mazdaspeed Protege
Yeah but querks come with any car. And even more true when its a forced induction car.
harrisonchang
Member
Don't buy it!
speedracer
Member
- :
- '03.5 MSP
congrats!!!
the MSP is a good lil car as long as you don't mind
the little querks that seam to come with it.
the MSP is a good lil car as long as you don't mind
the little querks that seam to come with it.
harrisonchang
Member
I'm kidding, just wanted to scare you. Good buy.
Hi every1 I'm looking into a 03 MSP it has less then 150km's on it not miles..
Blown motor he or she is asking 1500obo. This is fine for me because I plan to swap out the motor. The motor is a 2.0L Turbo I called "Tiger Japanesse" a place that imports motors from japan. I called & asked about a 2.0L turbo engine said they dont have it. These motors dont come from Japan???? They have the 1.8L turbo for sale I think he was trying to hint me that this 2.0L was an american build? Can someone clairfy this for me? Before I buy this busted junk I dont want to be stuck with it lol...
Blown motor he or she is asking 1500obo. This is fine for me because I plan to swap out the motor. The motor is a 2.0L Turbo I called "Tiger Japanesse" a place that imports motors from japan. I called & asked about a 2.0L turbo engine said they dont have it. These motors dont come from Japan???? They have the 1.8L turbo for sale I think he was trying to hint me that this 2.0L was an american build? Can someone clairfy this for me? Before I buy this busted junk I dont want to be stuck with it lol...
Teehee somewhere in canada close to me about 30 mins away. I'm not promoting this site I would like for someone to point to me witch motor.. Dst. thx for telling me the engine code. Also on the site I didn't se the FSDE can you show me the motor I need for this swap? Ty so much.
http://www.tigerjapanese.com/index....category_id=9&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26
http://www.tigerjapanese.com/index....category_id=9&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26
that's ok if it's overpriced I will just sell the extra parts. I can also look around I'm not set on that site.. I will race you 4 the car in my turbo mx-6ok.. if you dont buy it.. let me know ASAP!!
Yeeeeaaahhhh....maybe you should refrain from joking like that in a thread meant to help people buy a car.
Thanks for the help and the warm welcome everyone
I like my MSP a lot and just need to replace those bushings.
