MSP What to look for I.E. Problems at test drive.

[Jking4104]

Hey guys/girls,

My dad has a mazdaspeed 3 and Ive been jealous for about 3 years and lucky me just totaled my car so now get to buy new(used) one. I am going today to check out 2003 msp w/ 65k. Been looking for a while and was torn between MSP, STI or SRT-4 but I really want something not every Tom Dick and Harry have so after a lot of research decided on the MSP and after a month of searching finally found what I think will be a "the car". Well to the point... I've been researching known problems and have some ideas what problem area's to look for(clunck, rotors, exhaust welds, boost lag, reflash, cracked leaking piping/hoses) etc but I figured you guys would have the most info after reading thru most of the threads. Any ways is there any thing else I should be looking for before I purchase. I really want the car but it is also going to be my daily driver and I have to be able to rely on it. Trying to use head not heart here. I'm not looking to race just want to be able to have a little fun on the back roads once in a while and maybe put a little shame on a few Honda kids for old times sake. So any advice on what I should be looking for on the test drive would be great and any special "?s" I should ask owner besides the basics. Any info would be great as I think I've found a gem but even crap can be polished. Well again thanks for any info and hopefully I'll be postin pics of my new car in a few days!

Thanks

 

[Preferio]

Hey guys/girls,

My dad has a mazdaspeed 3 and Ive been jealous for about 3 years and lucky me just totaled my car so now get to buy new(used) one. I am going today to check out 2003 msp w/ 65k. Been looking for a while and was torn between MSP, STI or SRT-4 but I really want something not every Tom Dick and Harry have so after a lot of research decided on the MSP and after a month of searching finally found what I think will be a "the car". Well to the point... I've been researching known problems and have some ideas what problem area's to look for(clunck, rotors, exhaust welds, boost lag, reflash, cracked leaking piping/hoses) etc but I figured you guys would have the most info after reading thru most of the threads. Any ways is there any thing else I should be looking for before I purchase. I really want the car but it is also going to be my daily driver and I have to be able to rely on it. Trying to use head not heart here. I'm not looking to race just want to be able to have a little fun on the back roads once in a while and maybe put a little shame on a few Honda kids for old times sake. So any advice on what I should be looking for on the test drive would be great and any special "?s" I should ask owner besides the basics. Any info would be great as I think I've found a gem but even crap can be polished. Well again thanks for any info and hopefully I'll be postin pics of my new car in a few days!

Thanks

170bhp won't put any cars to shame...

 

[Jking4104]

Obviously 170 wont but I do plan on a few more mods to bring to 220-250 in addition to what car's previous owner mods( CA intake, MBC, alum piping, SMIC, CS exhaust n cat,etc), with probably should have been more specific, but that comes after purchase. Was just wondering if and any specific problems I should look for.

 

[Preferio]

Obviously 170 wont but I do plan on a few more mods to bring to 220-250 in addition to what car's previous owner mods( CA intake, MBC, alum piping, SMIC, CS exhaust n cat,etc), with probably should have been more specific, but that comes after purchase. Was just wondering if and any specific problems I should look for.

That's what I was looking for.

IF you're looking for a daily driven MSP with hopes of achieving those WHP (presumably) numbers, you're going to have to start modifying more and more. And the MSP get's less and less daily driver friendly/reliable as you do these things. How many pounds is it currently running? And what do you plan to run in at? Aftermarket parts are becoming more and more hard to find and when they do show up, they're significantly more than an equivalent part for another platform.

 

[Preferio]

I'd estimate my wheel horsepower to be 280-300 with my mods on a built engine, maxed out GT25 and AFRs in the upper 11's to low 12's just to give you an idea.

 

[Gabi]

Check for leaks, coolant, engine and transmission. If the car has a boost gauge make sure the vacuum sits between 22-24 during idle. Inquire about 60k service (is it completed?). Test drive it. Can't think of anything else off the top of my head right now.

 

[Gabi]

I'd estimate my wheel horsepower to be 280-300 with my mods on a built engine, maxed out GT25 and AFRs in the upper 11's to low 12's just to give you an idea.

Nothing to feel shabby about. That's plenty of power, I'm fact that's my goal except I'll be using a GT28R.

 

[Perro del Sol]

See if the LSD has been replaced or welded, check the turbo manifold (OEM) for cracks as well.....