Probable new P5 owner with questions

[Gray]

I have very limited lowering with my P5, as I have a garage with a steep entrance. I used MP3 springs I got used. Lowered it about .75 inches.

Are the spring rates for the MP3 springs stiffer than the OEM P5? Or just lower?

Thanks.

 

[RaiderMS3]

They are 26% stiffer than stock, and .75" lower. They are made for the sedan so the back end drops a little bit more than on a regular pro due to the extra weight, making the car level. It is a very subtle drop. If you match it ip with a set of Tokiko HP (MSP struts) it will be a little lower, and handle even better. Street Unit has the struts available. Of course, fi you go with struts, there are a lot of ther spring options that open up that will work with the lowered strut.

 

[brouhaha]

I don't think the ABS question got answered, so yes, the 6-CD-sunroof-leather package came with ABS and side airbags. That's what I have.

 

[Protege52003]

ABS and side airbags are an option on their own.

My p5 came with 6 CD changer, leather and moonroof, no ABS or side airbags.

-R

 

[Canecreekfreak]

Hi all. I have long liked the look and functionality of the P5 and might be buying one soon. I just sold my Miata and my daily driver is a Legacy Wagon, so I am looking for something with the pep, agility and fun factor of the miata and the functionality of the Legacy. Basically a combo of the two, so the P5 seems to fit the bill. I also will be autoxing some and doing an occasional track day at Summit Point.
I'm also a former Miata owner, and am happy I kept it in the Mazda family. The P5 is a great replacement for the Miata. Nearly as fun to drive, a bit slower though, but a ton more functionality.
My questions:

-At 52k miles, what scheduled maintenence might be upcoming, aside from normal stuff like oil, filters, brakes, etc. I dont have the Owners manual obviously. (no advice as I don't have my manual in hand)

-The car has the 6 disc OEM head unit - Is there a way to do an AUX input adapter to this HU? My advice- swap it out. You can get a kick a$$ stereo for under $200 off ebay.

-What springs will work with the stock struts for the long term? Check the suspension forum. There's a ton of info in there.
-Did the leather/6 disc/sunroof package come with ABS and side airbags? Not necessarily. I've got leather, had the 6-cd and sunroof, but no ABS. I don't think our car offered side airbags, but I could be wrong.

-Is this car as easy to work on as the Miata? I like to do all my own work if at all possible. Yes, it's easy to work on. I haven't done anything involved like the timing belt or water pump, but brakes, oil changes (including the filter location), short shifter swap, etc. are all very similar to the Miata.

Thanks in advance

Steve

(peep)

Answers above in red.

 

[Purrfectangel]

Seems like springs/stuts/RSB will really make this handle thing great.

Handles great from stock...by far the best handling car I've ever drivin that wasn't a high end sports car.

 

[Gray]

Thanks all. I am deciding tonight. I drove a 2005 Impreza Wagon today. My wife has an 04 but an automatic, so I knew what to expect. The interior is not nearly as nice and the seats aren't as comfortable as the P5, but it has more pep but would require a set of STi wagon springs to make it handle anywhere close to the P5, plus it has more road/cabin noise than the P5. The nice thing about it is I know Subarus really well having owned several, it has less miles and is still under factory warranty. Plus my stereo stuff from the Leg can go in the Impreza, but it could also be put in wifey's car.

It is between those 2 cars. Both are similar cosmetically- practically pristine. Which ever one has to last to 100k miles if at all possible too. No more swapping cars every 6-8 months for me.

 

[Gray]

Oh, and it does not have ABS or side airbags.