MazdaSPEED reliability?

[Mattyd752]

Hey guys, new to the board and looking into purchasing a msp, i see that some of the members arent to happy with there purchase? What do you have to say in advise to a soon to be a owner? Should i go for it, or look elsewhere? Thanks in advance

 

[speedcicle]

For the money you can't beat the car. the suspension is awesome it will outhandle almost anything out there. The limited slip diff is good to. Nice interior and is very driver friendly. It has some issues but nothing that can't be taken care of. Most of the problems you encounter are just annoying litltle ones that are quick fixes, and there are some that require more, but i don't know of any car that doesn't have it's problems. But for the price and the fact it is a turbo car it is worth it. And you can upgrade it to make it even better.

 

[Mattyd752]

yeah now the problem is finding one near mass. anybody know of any with low miles? I dont think ive ever looked for a harder car to come by.

 

[t3ase]

I agree for the most part. For the complete package, at the price, it can't be beat when compared to it's competitors. However, if you start modifying, expect to pay eventually. These are not Hondas and have known weak points. However, those weak points are not an issue unless you're like the few members on this board, including myself, that have boosted 14+ psi on a pretty much daily basis.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd definately get the car, but I would have waited until they were 15k instead of the 20k some of us paid.

 

[t3ase]

And *DO NOT* buy this car for speed, buy it for the complete package.

 

[Mattyd752]

yeah i see the handling is fairly nice, and god damn, it sure looks the part...i was consdiering wrx and srt4 but starting college soon, my pick wil hopefully be the mazda if i get the right deal. thanks for the input guys,

 

[t3ase]

yeah i see the handling is fairly nice, and god damn, it sure looks the part...i was consdiering wrx and srt4 but starting college soon, my pick wil hopefully be the mazda if i get the right deal. thanks for the input guys,

If you're starting college, also think about vandalism. It sucks to actually consider it, but a WRX and SRT-4 are more prone to crime than a Protege. Unless you get an orange or yellow...

 

[mspdfreak]

Yep, handles like a bat out of hell, but if you're looking for flat-out speed, there are better cars out there. BUT, I look at it this way...I have a car that can out-handle a Porsche on the slalom, has a great stock stereo, a nice interior, and great looks for under 20k. With that said, if you're looking to run with the big boys, plan on spending alot of money.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Hey guys, new to the board and looking into purchasing a msp, i see that some of the members arent to happy with there purchase? What do you have to say in advise to a soon to be a owner? Should i go for it, or look elsewhere? Thanks in advance

If you want to make it much faster, you have to build it or it will blow. The rods are very weak on this car and are fine for stock HP...

 

[Mattyd752]

Yah i have an srt4 in mine also, for the speed...i think i want the looks more.

 

[Brian MP5T]

Well if you want a NEON, it is a quick car...

 

[kicker22705]

if you live in mass, wrx may be better suited for you. awd, higher ground clearance, hecks it was made for those road conditions.

msp tend to show more of its quirks in cold weather. fore ex. fuel cut, squeakin from front suspension, and wheel hop from stock (summer) tires. things you normally wouldn't experience w/ the msp in warm climates. also if you plan on driving the msp in the sno, changin the tires is a must.

 

[Brian MP5T]

STI is a sweet ride...

 

[mspdfreak]

...if you've got $30,000.

 

[apocman]

I love my car and so far everybody I know who has one seems to love theirs as well.

 

[Demonic-Speed]

If you just want to bolt on mods to the car then I would get a Honda or Acura. Seems like the Mazda needs to be tuned.

I don't think I will ever buy a factory turbo charged car. I think next time I will stick with a N/A motor that I can then bolt a turbo on. Seems like to may things are tied into the turbo working. IE if you have a vaccum leak you get zero power, but in a N/A motor you would still have the power of the motor if your turbo is having problems...

Also Honda/Acura's have better support in the aftermarket. Mazda is getting there buy s*** my 4gen Accord has more parts for it then the MSP/Protege ever will.

 

[sbowers22]

i love my car its fun to drive it looks sweet and rare cant beat it thankfully its not my daily driver so i can keep it in mint condition i also considered a wrx when lookin but straight line accelaration is not what im looking for or i would have bought something with 8 cylinders

 

[daedalus]

i think the dsm afc controller results prove the fac the mazda needs tuning right off the bat. Simply straightening out the fuel maps gain like what, 20hp, and 50 lb/tq! (at 10psi)

And pretty much any turbo car is going to need more tuning than an NA. NA, you can slap s*** together and it will work with a small amount of work, a turbo car needs to be planned out methodically, and strageically for eveything to mesh togehter into one very fast car.

 

[daperspeed]

Its a great car. It has a racing suspension. It has a fancy radio. It has a turbo.

Who cares about reliability?--->Although it is reliable.

 

[Mattyd752]

sooo with this all said, who would like to sell theres? haha just joking, but im looking in you see any good deals.