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

[kool3453]

throught you said you looked at a metallic black..? the picture you attached shows a spicy orange..
that sounds like a good price, but check to see if its stock exhaust if it is the boosting to 10 psi isnt too great on the engine without supported mods, and exhaust is one of them. cant say anything about cali smog though, im a new yorker, we only have CEL checks by me in terms of emissions for anything newer then 1997

I got that picture from google xD. I didn't take any pictures of the car. No the car has aftremarket exhaust, intake, and ecu.

 

[o0n8]

i'd want to know if the internals were stock or if the motor was built. if you get a chance to see it again take alot of pictures and post them or ask him to email you some.

 

[phalyn13]

Advice?

Hey there I'm new to the forum, (and car-buying for that matter) and I'm going to look at a MSP on Tuesday that I found on autotrader here: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=277768936

Couple of things, I'm pretty certain this car is modded as there's a BOV, what looks to be aluminum piping, and non-stock gauges in the windshield. Anybody see any other aftermarkets that I'm missing? Also, what should I be looking for when I look at this car, and does the price seem right for the miles? It's a couple hundred over Edmunds, but under KBB. Anyone see anything that strikes them as a problem based on the photos? Finally, how much am I likely to spend on repairs on this car? I read lots of consumer reviews that say it's insanely reliable, and then there are those that say every other month it's in the shop, lots of engine and turbo problems...

Thanks!

 

[o0n8]

from what i can tell, upgraded smic, piping and bov and a sri. suspension looks like stock height

 

[phalyn13]

So with the injection and mods on the turbo, does that put me at increased risk of blowing the engine if it doesn't have forged internals? I've read that the BOV is good for the turbo b/c it keeps the fan from spinning too much. If those mods can hurt the stock engine, what would be the appropriate engine parts to match and prevent damage?

 

[Sport23]

from what i can tell, upgraded smic, piping and bov and a sri. suspension looks like stock height

Agreed. Looks like a blow off valve and a bypass valve setup. It *may* want to stall sometimes with this set up since the maf is not relocated.

Looks like a boost gauge, air fuel gauge (narrow band?) and a turbo timer installed. Aftermarket stereo too.

Stock boost is around 6-7psi take it for a drive and make sure it isn't cranked up too high. Other than that and the possible stalling with the bov, the rest of the mods should improve the reliability (stock inter cooler sucks, stock pipes crack, turbo timer is always nice and they should all have a boost gauge!)

Give it a good once over and test drive it, this one could be a good candidate. Also, there may be a clunk from the rear sway bar bushings it's unfortunately normal for the msp. GL

 

[phalyn13]

Sweet, so when I drive it, do I watch the boost gauge? If so, do I check the psi when the turbos spooling, or when the car is idle? Or is there another way to check it? Sorry for my ignorance, all my car knowledge is first off Honda knowledge, and second, NA knowledge. You guys have been really helpful so far, I appreciate it!

 

[Wagonbacker9]

you'll want to know the vacuum reading at idle, should be 20-22 in hg, and the boost shouldn't ever get over 6 lbs or so when you're in the gas.

 

[theEZV]

watch the boost guage when u get on it. that car looks clean. it has the thermal r&d catback as well.

 

[phalyn13]

OK so I test drove the car, runs really smooth, quick as hell. The boost made it up to 7 psi, and the vacuum was around 17. These are a little off what you guys had recommended, is that a problem? Does it indicate a leak? Also, there are coilovers on it (even though it doesnt look lowered) and there is a creaking in the back suspension. Is this the "clunk" or a precursor to it, or could this be something worse? And can the coilovers create other problems with the rest of the suspension? Other than that, I didnt notice any fluid leaks or anything like that. Is it likely the previous owner beat the hell out of it? It seems pretty well cared for...

 

[o0n8]

the creak is the precurser to the clunk. it's an easy fix, you just have to do it every 12k ish miles. coil overs shouldn't hurt it, but it should have spanners (wrenches) so you can adjust the height. I haven't touched my turbo yet so i can't give you and answer on the vac or boost just yet, I'm still learning about that part myself

 

[Wagonbacker9]

sounds like it has a slight leak, not a big deal. I'd check it over for a boost controller because the boost shouldn't be quite that high with stock equipment.

 

[Laser Blue]

sounds like it has a slight leak, not a big deal. I'd check it over for a boost controller because the boost shouldn't be quite that high with stock equipment.

Boost could hit 7 if the previous owner already replaced the stocker with the ATP wga...

 

[Wagonbacker9]

Boost could hit 7 if the previous owner already replaced the stocker with the ATP wga...

yeah, but without having em side by side it'll be tough to talk an MSP newb through IDing one... if theres no boost controller thats the next likely reason.

 

[phalyn13]

Will the extra pound of boost burn my engine up? That's my main concern. I really like this car, and I want to get it, but I can't afford having to replace an engine 6 months after I get it...

 

[Wagonbacker9]

7 lbs isn't the end of the earth. I'm running 7-8 on an engine with over 100K on it.

 

[wintermute_85]

1st Post!!

Hey Everyone,
I am looking at buying my first MSP (2nd Mazda in the family).

My wife has a Mazda6, and I recently started looking for an "affordable" car with some pep. I became interested in a MazdaSpeed6, but I have found a '03.5 MSP for $10K less than the nearest used Speed6. I also love the look of the car, and the uniqueness? is that a word?

It is almost stock, except for a catback exhaust. There is an aftermarket "intake", but it's just a cone filter on the stock pipe. 86k miles, looks clean, it's been taken care of. The guy is asking $8.5k.

Reading the "You know you drive an MSP When..." thread makes me nervous though. I plan to keep this car stock, but I'm horrified that within a few years my lsd, turbo seals, kenwood unit, etc etc will keep it in the shop. I do not turn my own wrench, so I'm afraid of recurring costs after the low purchase price.
Also the "after 10 minutes, heat soak is so bad that the turbo is basically useless..." is that an exaggeration that's kind of funny among MSP owners? Or is it honestly that bad?

The "known issues" thread is also a bit unnerving. Are these issues prevelant? Has anyone here owned an MSP and thought to themselves "wow, none of these things affect me. I must be lucky!" ?



Would you buy a well maintained MSP with 86K miles, and expect to get 5 years or 60K easy-going miles on it, hassle free?

Each individual car can crap out or go forever, I know. I'm coming off of a Toyota pickup with 224K miles, so I think I'm spoiled with a low-maintenance "keep on a'truckin!" attitude. Is the MSP for me? Is it possible to have a fun car that is hassle free?

FYI: This is my first turbo car. I have looked at Evo's, WRX's, etc, but the affordability of the MSP and it's non-AWD drivetrain makes me think of it as almost "entry level".

I guess I just need someone to give me that final push to get me off the fence and buy the damn thing already.

Thanks in advance!

 

[theEZV]

first of all, $8.5k is too much. these cars are going for $6-7k now. as far as dependability, a lot of it depends on how the previous owners treated it. these cars have their share of issues, but a lot of them come from modding and ragging on the cars. i have had mine for 4 years now, i've replaced the 02 sensor, coilpacks/wires, and had a leak in the paasenger footwell. nothing really major. but i bought the car stock and i dont rag on it. currently it has 57k miles

i wish you luck.

 

[Sport23]

I am the original owner of my MSP. I've put over 50k on it and driven it from NJ to CA. I love this car, I love the look and the way it handles. It does hesitate, the intercooler does heat soak, I do have the clunk, I blew the stock sub once and the head unit twice and recently getting the belts to quit squealing was a bit of a hassle.

My car got Mobile One and now gets Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 and a K&N filter every 5k mi. I spray the rear sway bar bushings about every other month with some Royal Purple lube. The last time my head unit died I replaced the cable myself, next time I will most likely upgrade to a carputer.

Of course your mileage will vary. These cars can be great and be extremely frustrating, if you don't want to turn your own wrenches this may not be the best car for you.

 

[Dean2]

Hi all. Another noob here (from Chicago). I'm searching for a daily driver that can handle the occasional road trip and can serve as a backup autox car. My commute to and from work is 6 blocks; my wife's is 10. We walk. I buy gas about once a month and typically use the car only for grocery runs - and it isn't even really necessary for that. I've owned two Minis over the last eight years, so reliability is relative in my opinion. The MSP looks like it would fit the bill quite well. I drove one today and am hooked. It simply felt like a car should.

I took a look at this car. If it were a generic Toyota or Honda grocery getter of similar vintage and mileage (134k), I'd have had no worries at all. However, since it's a MSP with some modifications, I am a bit wary.

The asking price is $6k. The dealer claims that they replaced the dash pod; it reads 109k. They're either being very honest - or not. The body is dinged, scratched, and had some sort of damage to the upper rear left fender. The interior isn't bad, but does seem well used. The clutch pedal is particularly worn.

Since it's at a dealership, there's no history on the car. There was a receipt for a boost controller in the glovebox. That's it. Well, and that the resident mechanic has been driving it. It was parked off the actual lot and had some stuff in it. That may be a good thing...

There are three aftermarket gauges on the A-pillar - oil pressure (non-functional), mixture (apparently non-functional since none of the lights lit up), and a boost/vacuum gauge (see pics at the link above). I do not understand this last one. There's one needle, which seems to show that the car is pulling ~15" at idle (low???), but doesn't seem to actually show boost pressure. Does the needle swing around when the turbo spools and I just didn't notice while driving it - or is it just for show?

I've posted some pics of the engine bay here. It has a cold air intake (no worries there). It appears to have an intercooler mounted low on the front side of the radiator. I'd think that that's a good thing if done correctly. There's a Forge brand something or other - blow off valve I'm guessing. My ears tell me that the car has a BOV. Other than that, I'm at a loss (my car has no turbo, nor even injection, so I'm a bit out of my comfort zone with this one).

Anyway, what can you all tell me about the mods? Does anything stand out as WRONG? Are the bits you see cheap crap or the real deal? Does anyone happen to know the car? I tried searching for the production number, 1268, but didn't come up with anything.

What does a turbo rebuild typically cost? (I found the cost for the diff and engines, though I'd prefer to not have to replace either.)

I found a mention of checking the wastegate's operation by sucking on a vacuum hose. Can you point out that hose in any of the pics or explain where it runs?

Finally, after some reading, I see that the MAF sensor needs to be relocated if using a BOV. Can you tell from the shots if this has been done?

Thanks in advance for whatever light you can shed on the car. If I don't get this one, I think it's halfway likely that I'll end up with another MSP - so long as I can find one in my budget.

Dean