Looking to Buy?

[Corky22]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the Forum but already seen great input on the 2003 MSP!

Going to test drive (after we dig out) a Black one tomorrow in Delaware. I've always enjoyed owning fun to drive, torqued up cars, and now that my kids are grown up don't have to worry about car seats room. Salesman advised that the car was "geared towards under 30 males who are agressive, and don't mind getting attention" from the Mazda guide, and said I might want to consider a Miata or the new RX-8.

I'm 45 not 70, so am I offbase checking this ride out?

Thanks,
Corky22

 

[timrock101]

Welcome Corky, I have had my Spicy Orange Mazdaspeed for about a month and a half now, and I can tell you that the car is for anyone with decerning taste for awesome handling and moderate to high drivetrain performance. Once you test drive it, you will probably be sold on the car. Good luck.

 

[MP3skaterNC]

dont worry about what age group the car is "supposed to apeal to". if you like it, and enjoy it, thats all that matters. i think theres quite a few protege5, and mp3 owners over the 30 mark. fast youthful looking cars keep you young.

 

[Albert]

Dude, don't worry about age. I'm 33 and have one. AGR#7 is older than me (he said he went to the Chicago Auto Show in '68, so ...) and he LOVES his (at least I think he does ). Get it if you like it because that's what matters.

 

[Corky22]

Thanks Tim and Jamie! Getting really psyched now. This is really neat that there is a Site/Forum dedicated to the MSP. Now I have to get the car to be a true card carrying member.

Corky

 

[Corky22]

You're right Albert, didn't really think about it till the salesman brought it up. Guess he wanted to move a 2002 leftover Miata on me.

Corky

 

[AGR]

Dude, don't worry about age. I'm 33 and have one. AGR#7 is older than me (he said he went to the Chicago Auto Show in '68, so ...) and he LOVES his (at least I think he does ). Get it if you like it because that's what matters.

That's right, Albert (1967 Chicago Auto Show!!), and I'm 48, and yes,,,,,,,, I love my MAZDASPEED!!!!!!!!!!! (2,250 miles now)

Yes!! We welcome all MAZDASPEED owners. It's the perfect overall compact sports sedan.

 

[MSP Pro]

Welcome, Corky22! I'm the old fart in the group at 52. Go out and drive a Nissan Spec V and the Dodge SRT-4, then go drive an MSP. I like the MSP best of all for it's balance and handling, since I like to autocross. Owning a Mazdaspeed Protege is like having my own personal roller coaster!

Drive them all and pick the one you like best. I think you'll end up with the Mazdaspeed!

 

[Corky22]

Thanks to you, MSP Pro! Age is relative isn't it? Guys that I work with that are younger are driving Voyagers, and think their cool??

Was looking at the SRT-4 (don't want to talk too much about from what I've seen from earlier responses) Miata, Mini Cooper, and WRX, but always seem to come back to the MSP for the "Total Package". Snowing like heck here (15 inches so far), maybe I should keep my 97 Jeep Wrangler Sport? Nah................

 

[MSP Pro]

Corky22: Yeah, that looks a lot like the list I went down when I was shopping! Get over to sportcompactcarweb.com and check out their comparison of 8 rides. They cover all of these cars and show dyno charts of all 8 on one graph. I think it was the January issue. Just checked, yes to January, but no WRX as it was limited to cars $20k or less. Pretty good writeup.

 

[I-Am-Chris]

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the Forum but already seen great input on the 2003 MSP!

Going to test drive (after we dig out) a Black one tomorrow in Delaware. I've always enjoyed owning fun to drive, torqued up cars, and now that my kids are grown up don't have to worry about car seats room. Salesman advised that the car was "geared towards under 30 males who are agressive, and don't mind getting attention" from the Mazda guide, and said I might want to consider a Miata or the new RX-8.

I'm 45 not 70, so am I offbase checking this ride out?

Thanks,
Corky22

OMG get the RX-8 no Quiestions

 

[Grimace]

If I could afford it, I'd be climbing in an RX-8, without a doubt.

 

[black03speed]

I was in a similiar situation except I didn't even think of buying the Mazdaspeed. Not because I didn't like it just because I didn't think you could find one. I went to the Mazda dealer to look at the Mazda 6 and turned around to see the Mazdaspeed. Needless to say I bought it. I picked it up on Friday and only have 200 miles on it. I couldn't even test drive it but bought it anyways. It was love at first sight. This car handles as if on rails. You can't even describe how it handles because its that amazing. Plus, you get a 450 watt Kenwood system and great styling. Buy the car.

BTW, some people here are saying they are "too old" for this car. What a bunch of crap. My dad (63 yrs old) drives a fully modded Miata that looks like something I would have modded for myself and he loves it. Who cares what others think so long as you have fun.

Pete

here is a pic of my ride for motivation:

 

[JasonH]

I don't think he wants an RX-8 or Miata. I think you'll like it a lot Corky. Where are you going to drive one?

 

[AGR]

I was in a similiar situation except I didn't even think of buying the Mazdaspeed. Not because I didn't like it just because I didn't think you could find one. I went to the Mazda dealer to look at the Mazda 6 and turned around to see the Mazdaspeed. Needless to say I bought it. I picked it up on Friday and only have 200 miles on it. I couldn't even test drive it but bought it anyways. It was love at first sight. This car handles as if on rails. You can't even describe how it handles because its that amazing. Plus, you get a 450 watt Kenwood system and great styling. Buy the car.

BTW, some people here are saying they are "too old" for this car. What a bunch of crap. My dad (63 yrs old) drives a fully modded Miata that looks like something I would have modded for myself and he loves it. Who cares what others think so long as you have fun.

Pete

here is a pic of my ride for motivation:

Good Points, Pete, & everyone; and a great Pic!! Age has nothing to do with it. I'm 48. My Black Mica 'Speed is without question, the best handling car I have owned. I've had a few. It's such a great balance, and quite simply offers so much. To anyone wanting to spend $20,500 for a car that is exciting to drive, everytime you get in it, this is the car.

I've had mine just over 5 weeks now, and I have 2,350 miles on it. My daily drive to work is 20 miles back country roads, and about 3 miles through town - each way, Needless to say; I love driving, and this car ROCKS!

my pics.......
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67b0de21b336dab1e49b

 

[Corky22]

Thanks Pete, Jason H, Pete, and Grimace!
The RX-8 looks sweet, but close to 30 Grand is a little too pricey for me also. Plus, I can't wait till June unless I drive my daughters 93' Altima Hoopdy!

After looking at the sample pics of the Florida guy who bought the SRT-4, it still looks like a Neon to me. Tried that once with a Dodge Shadow Turbo, NOTHING but problems. Off to Wilmington tonight to check it out (if they have dug out!).

Corky