MP3 for sale...

[GIJana]

Hi, I'm looking at a MP3 that's for sale in Nova Scotia, Canada.
It has 114000 Km on it.. and looks to be in good condition (From what I could see) I haven't actually seen it in person yet, just pictures. I'm going this weekend to drive it, get it checked out etc.

I really really really really want to get this car (assuming it's in good condition)
But I don't have a lot of expendable cash, so I was worried that if it broke that the parts would be expensive to replace.

The reason why I'm worried about this is that it's a rare car, and a sports car (which are generally more expensive to fix)

I was wondering what your thoughts on this are.
My alternative is a 2003 Protege ES with 77 000 KM on it for the same price as the MP3.

Thanks for your input.

 

[stdntDrvr]

the parts are the same...the only difference is the suspension, intake mani and muffler...really...so you'd be fine with the mp3. just gotta run premium gas!

 

[Dermen]

It sounds like they are asking too much for that MP3 if you can get an ES that is 2 years newer with less miles for the same price. An MP3 shouldn't be much more than a similar ES.

As for repairs, the only part of the MP3 that would cost more than a regular protege is the suspension. The MP3 really isn't all that different from an ES, it has upgraded suspension, a body kit, wheels, and a sound system. It also has an intake manifold that doesn't have the VTCS emissions stuff and an ECU that requires premium fuel for an extra 10HP.

 

[SilentSno]

Conditions of the cars will determine how similar value they are to each other.

Mazda does recommend using premium for the MP3, but I and many others have run low grade without issues. In fact I run 85.5 octane! This has been for 4 years now.

MP3 also has the appearance body kit, (bumper, side skirts, rear skirt, spoiler) that are different than a regular protege.

But as the others have stated for the most part its the same, and as such just as realiable and cost to own are the same.

 

[GIJana]

sweet thanks for the input guys.
Yeah I thought that the ES was a pretty good deal... but the MP3 is such a sweet looking car... and awesome stereo system too.
I dunno it really is a toss up.
The guy is asking 10995 (canadian dollars) for the MP3, and I think I have the other guy down to 10 000 (canadian dollars taxes in) for the Protege ES.

 

[CulRidr]

I bought my MP3 for 10,000CAD this spring with 165,000km in Ontario...considering the almost immaculate shape of all mechanical parts on the car, I got a good deal. You should be able to get the MP3 to between 10grand and 10.5 for sure though

 

[99 Pro]

sweet thanks for the input guys.
Yeah I thought that the ES was a pretty good deal... but the MP3 is such a sweet looking car... and awesome stereo system too.
I dunno it really is a toss up.
The guy is asking 10995 (canadian dollars) for the MP3, and I think I have the other guy down to 10 000 (canadian dollars taxes in) for the Protege ES.

My opinion.....if you are like all of us on here, you will eventually want to mod your car. So if that is the case, get the MP3. It already has alll the goodies that everyone with a plain Protege wants (ie: body kit, suspension, exhaust, etc.). Plus I think it looks way better than a regular ES.

Your call though....but if I could go back I would have definately bought a MSP or MP3 when I bought my car.

 

[GIJana]

Thanks for the input.
I definitely like the MP3, and assuming it's in good condition I would probably love it.
Here are some pictures of it.

 

[SilentSno]

Car looks in pretty decent shape. Be sure to check underneath it as well, for leaks, loose componenets, etc.

It looks pretty much stock, except the wheels and subs, that Kenwood Deck is stock with the MP3, FYI.

Good luck!

 

[CulRidr]

Definitely looks clean. As stated above, the only things that aren't stock are the rims (sweet looking), the amp/sub in the trunk, and what wasn't mentioned is the shifter boot/knob and probably the shifter itself.

You'll want to do a full once over looks wise in every nook and crevice. You may even want to have the car inspected by a mechanic you trust. Not sure what the regulations in NS are for transfer of ownership but to get the car in Ontario, I needed a full safety check...
BTW, what part of NS are you/the car in? I called Dartmouth home for 17 years!

Also, as 99 Pro mentioned, considering the small difference in price, and what you would pay to change an ES to become an MP3 (~1500$ in suspension, ~1500$ for a body kit, ~500$ on rims (plus tires), the stereo, and all the small things which makes an MP3 an MP3 (exhaust, intake manifold, ECU, full interior)...you just can't go wrong with the MP3. On top of being a whole lot more unique.

 

[GIJana]

I called the Mazda dealer in Truro and they're going to have a look at it for me. (I don't know the mechanics or anything, but I figured I couldn't go wrong with the dealer) Unless you can recommend someone else in that area.

The car is in Truro, and I'm in the valley (go to Acadia)

I definitely am in love with this car, and hopefully driving it will seal the deal.

 

[CulRidr]

I really don't know the dealers/mechanics in NS as I never owned a car there, especially in the valley. Driving it will definitely seal the deal if the car is in good shape. When you do, get back on here to ask as many questions as you want. We'll help you out

 

[GIJana]

So I drove it today!!! and the 03 protege too.
And I have to say they were both really really really nice to drive.
Although I'm totally in love with the MP3. The struts made noise when i went over some bumps... and so i asked him and he said that the strut mounts are worn... SO I was wondering the following.
How serious is that? If I put off fixing it for a couple of months would it do more damage to anything else?
And he said that he replace them for me (the strut mounts) for $400. Or I could get it done somewhere else later on... but I don't know if $400 is a good price or not.

BESIDES that... the car felt really good. the gears were a bit stiff... and he said that's cus it hasn't been driven in a while. do you think he's BSing me? I don't really know cus the protege was pretty stiff too.... so maybe that's a mazda thing?? I don't know cus I'm used to European cars.

what are your thoughts?

 

[MP3Performance]

The struts made noise when i went over some bumps... and so i asked him and he said that the strut mounts are worn... SO I was wondering the following.

Was it cold outside when you drove it? I also get some noise from what I think are the springs whenever it gets around 40-50F. Search around for the "clunk". The bushings in the rear might be worn out and making the sound.

And he said that he replace them for me (the strut mounts) for $400

For $500 you can get new RB struts and springs. I'd probably just take the money or have them deduct it from your total.

We need more MP3 support on the forum, so I say go with the MP3. (drive)

Good luck with your purchase

 

[CulRidr]

^500USD...a fair amount more in CAD due to shipping and whatnot...but still a valid point

 

[GIJana]

It was about 10 degrees Celsius.
I thought it sounded like the bushings... but it did it once in the front too.
He was going to replace the strut mounts for $400 EXTRA on top of what he wanted for the car. Not the whole struts.

So are you saying it would be better for me to just buy new struts rather than replace the mounts?

Thanks.

 

[stdntDrvr]

it was probably the bushings...my old mp3 and my msp both do it in 90* weather...just grease them or replace them and you'll be fine.

it SHOULDN'T be the strut mounts...it should be the bushings. have them grease them and see if it still squeaks.

 

[GIJana]

It doesn't squeak it clunks.

 

[CulRidr]

^See my post in the clunk thread...

 

[GIJana]

Seen.
Thanks.