Potential Buyer Questions

[renegadenate]

Well, I'm a potential buyer with questions. I've been debating between the MSP and the SRT-4. There are features I like with both cars, and things I don't like about both cars. One thing I'd really like to hear is about overall impressions from those that own a 2003.5 MSP regarding any problems you're having with the car as well as performance/reliability/handling/braking/fit/finish/etc.

I've always owned Honda/Acura including several civics, integras and an Integra Type R. I've also had a Subaru WRX. If I could do things over again, I would have never sold my Type R. I loved that car. The performance, handling, braking and overall fit/finish/looks/reliability/quality are all there. But hindsight is 20/20, and I can't change that. When I sold my ITR, I bought the Subaru WRX for which I was most unimpressed with and sold six months later. Since then, I've debated between the SRT-4, Mazdaspeed Protege, RSX Type S and Mini Cooper S. Or, maybe wait and see if they bring another Type R to the states?

I've narrowed it down to an SRT-4 or Mazdaspeed Protege as of late. I like both cars for certain things. For power/speed, the SRT-4 gets it. For looks, handling, chassis and reliability, I think the Mazdaspeed has an edge. If only you could combine the two. You'd have the utltimate performance/handling car for under $23K with FWD.

Anyway, my main concern with the SRT-4 is of course, reliablility. Sure, the car sounds great on paper and is definitely a lot of bang for the buck. But will it be reliable? Will it hold up to the test of time? I've also heard of problems with the MSP and would like to know more about that as well.

Also, what about handling? The Mazdaspeed is supposed to handle better than the SRT-4 (.89 vs .85). I like to take corners hard and want something that can handle my driving. Will the MSP give me what I want? What about braking? Does it have powerful brakes? I miss my Type R's huge brakes and overall handling/performance. I want something that can meet or beat my Type R in the handling/braking dept.

So, for those of you who have one, please give me some feedback. I would also like to know more than just performance. I'm concerned about the overall car: Performance, handling, braking, fit, finish, reliability, quality, maintenance costs and of course, gas mileage. What kind of gas mileage are you guys getting? Are maintenance costs high? Is maintenance done every 15K miles (not counting oil changes at 3K miles)?

Thanks!!!

Nate

 

[gvr4ever]

I will never buy another FWD without LSD. The SRT-4 does not have this. It might be able to corner well, but not under gas.

Go for the MSP, unless it isn't fast enough for you.

Also, the MSP looks way better and IMO it is better built.

 

[Mazdaspd035]

Well, I have had my Mazdaspeed for 3 weeks as of today. I love it. Before my MSP I had a GT Mustang and I love the way my mazda handles compared to my mustang, it great. Gas mileage is great considering I drive a hell of a lot. A friend of mine wanted to find out the actual mileage so he caculated it and determined I was getting about 26mpg more or less. Most cars will have there share of "issues" whether they are big or small. If you get the SRT-4 you might get electrical problems which in my experience is known in Chrysler products. I have owned two Jeep Grand Cherokee's and both had some type of electrical trouble, or it could be that I just have bad luck with cars. In any case, what ever car you get I'm sure there will be one or two things you would have wanted different. Good luck in making your choice. Browse the forum some more, I know people have posted a list of issues they were having with their car so it might be worth looking at.


Rudi


ps: Go with the Mazdaspeed.

 

[renegadenate]

LOL! Thanks for the info. I have some of you telling me to get the Mazdaspeed on this forum and people on the SRT-4 telling me to get the SRT!

For me, it's hard thinking about buying an American car. I just don't trust them. And the SRT-4 is still a Neon, although it's a faster and better looking Neon. I like the engine (power, speed, LSD in the '04 model) and braking the most with the SRT-4. I want that kind of performance. But at the same time, I don't care for some things like manual rear windows that only go down halfway, the "bulky" transmission (I'm used to Honda/Acura smooth shifting), the jacked up look (not as good of a suspension as the MSP), the tires are only 17x6 instead of x7, no "oh s*** handles," the crappy gas mileage and a few other things.

I like almost everything about the MSP except for the lack of power (only 6lbs boost, small intercooler and backed up exhaust). I know it can be changed, but I'm relunctant to make any changes to the car due to the "parts bin curse" of the MSP sharing stock parts with the NA Protege, thus keeping the stock tranny and not being able to handle the extra power.

I've been searching the forum for problems others are having, and the only things I've found are 1) Hesistation or throttle "hiccups" 2) Clunking with suspension and 3) Coolant leaks.

It seems as though that may be the majority of problems some of you are experiencing. Is that true?

Also, what am I missing? I know the suspension is great, it looks good, it has many good features (all power, ABS, LSD, stereo, etc). How are the brakes? I do wish it had an engine immobilizer rather than just an alarm. My Type R had that, and it's one of the best things going these days. The SRT-4 has it.

Overall, I want a nice, new, well handling, good performance vehicle for everyday driving that I will more than likely keep stock or do a few small upgrades. And I want good gas mileage and reliability along with great handling and performance.

In regards to price, the MSP is cheaper. With the rebate and the end of the year coming, I've seen them being offered below invoice. So it would end up being about $3-4K cheaper than the SRT-4. Which makes it quite lucrative.

But will I regret it later when I want the power/performance of the SRT-4?

 

[jaymode]

The msp handles better than the srt-4. the 2k4 srt-4's have an lsd and a sunroof as an option. They have better seats. Brakes are pretty close. The power goes to the srt4. The MSP has some quirks like the hesitation which there is a fix for, and the clunk. The msp is not as boost friendly as the srt4 will be. The srt4 will also be less prone to heatsink thanks to its large fmic. The srt4 owners have had clutch problems. The fit and finish of the msp is better than the srt4. The msp is relatively safe, Dr. Sound flipped his like 15 times over a cliff and he walked away. The lsd works but sometimes there is still some wheel spin but it works to control it. If you are gonna drive in snow the srt4 might not be the best if you get one without the lsd it will just have too much power.

 

[funnylittlman]

The choice is up to you.

I would look at Both cars (and read the forums where they are having their problems).

Our car : Clunk, Hessitation (now fixed kinda)

Their car: Spark Plugs frying, cloth on seats fraying, etc

Check it out. On the SRT-4 Forum they'll tell you their problems (w/o you asking.. just look).

Oh, and if you don't like the SRT-4 b/c it doesn't have a LSD, then get an 04 b/c they come standard w/ one now. I like the Speed b/c of the looks and the overall package. The SRT-4 is just a balls to the wall racer.

 

[redrims]

I will never buy another FWD without LSD. The SRT-4 does not have this. It might be able to corner well, but not under gas.

Go for the MSP, unless it isn't fast enough for you.

Also, the MSP looks way better and IMO it is better built.

the 2004 SRT-4 has LSD...

If I were you, I would go for the SRT-4, but I'm more for speed than handling. IMO, the SRT was A LOT more fun to drive. Both have their minor problems. Just search each forum for answers.

Also, the SRT-4 has unlimited amount of aftermarket support if you're into modding your car.


*Get ready for the flame wars*

 

[girth]

I was going to say go with the SRT4, but if you can get a MSP for 3-4k cheaper, then I'd probably go with the MSP. It is a tough call, I know. As far as reliability, nobody can answer that yet considering how new these cars are. I would say that the MSP is probably one of the WORST cars Mazda has ever built when it comes to problems though. The problems so far are all relatively small, but still.

Brakes - about even between the two.

Speed - SRT without a doubt

Handling - close. MSP by a nose, but lets face it, .89 Gs vs .85 Gs....can you really feel those four one-hundreths of a G? Doubtful, plus the SRTs seats are far superior for cornering.

Alarm - MSPs alarm is quirky and in some cases requires a trip to the dealer. SRT's alarm sounds better from what you've described.

Looks - MSP without a doubt.

Tires and Rims - MSP

Everything engine related - SRT

Aftermarket - SRT

Exhaust - SRT as long as you don't mind the loudness of it

Gas mileage - Easily the MSP wins. I'm consistantly getting 30+MPG. Just did an auto-x and still got 29.8 MPG. With the Neon I think you'll be under 20 MPG.

Stereo - MSP easily is better. Although the stereo has been a cause for many more dealer visits (blown subs, quirky head unit).

Oil change expense -- SRT is cheaper. The damn filter for the MSP is the size of an apple and still costs over $5. Other maintainence would probably be similar.

Suspension - easily the MSP wins except for the damn clunk issue. Soley because of the clunk I'll say it is a tie because as soon as the clunk comes on, your handling gets much worse - probably to the point where the SRT would handle better. It takes an average of 2 to 3 thousand miles before it starts clunking - so it requires essentially constant dealer attention.

Insurance - I'd assume cheaper in the Neon since it's a domestic brand and uglier (so less people would mess with it).


My personal opinion? -- I'll never get an SRT4 because of its looks. I don't care, they could turn it into the world's greatest super car and I still wouldn't get it because of its looks. And the fact that you can save 3 to 4 grand by getting the MSP seals the deal in my opinion. But just be warned - if you get the MSP you're getting something that is a far cry from perfect.

Why didn't you like your Sube? I think they're great.

 

[renegadenate]

Great comparison. I think it will ultimately come down to testing each car thoroughly and making a list of pros and cons and then going with the one that puts the biggest smile on my face. If they would just bring the RSX Type R here, I'd have my mind made up in a heartbeat. That car has no cons to me.

As for insurance, the SRT-4 is $5 more per six months! So that's not an issue. And both would be cheaper than my ITR and WRX.

I didn't like the WRX for three reasons: 1) Way too much body roll. It didn't handle nearly as well as my ITR even though it has AWD. I was not impressed. Although, the STi takes care of that. 2) Boost was great in first gear but went lower each gear after. Yes, this could be fixed with some tweaking, but I'd prefer to keep the car stock. 3) Boost disappeared after 6500 rpm's. So there was no point in going to redline. This sucks because you basically got 2000 rpm's worth of usable boost and power.

Also, insurance was highest on this car, gas mileage was crappy, maintenance costs were higher than other cars I've owned and it didn't have the stopping power that I like (ITR, MSP, SRT-4).