Questions about 01 MP3

[dnds01mp3]

Hey guys, this is my very first post here! Anyway, I'm considering buying an 01 Mp3 and have a few questions. (yes, i HAVE searched). Does the 01 have any recalls or tsb's? What are some common problems? How reliable is the engine and the transmission? Lastly, is $9,900 a good price for an 01 with 48k miles? Any other information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

dan

 

[DooMer_MP3]

The only TSB I can think of is the clunk problem. The bushings on the rear swaybar suck/and are in a bad location, and fail over time. Mainly in colder climates. People in the south have had no problems whatsoever with them, but climatic areas do, and you'll hear an annoying noise in the rear along with degraded handling.

You can get the bushings replaced, but they will eventually fail again. An aftermarket group is looking into coming out with a relocation kit to solve this problem once and for all.

There was a tsb for clutch chatter, but the mileage wouldn't apply to your car. Again, clutch chatter only happens in the cold, on SOME MP3s, and goes away after the clutch warms up. No biggy.

I'd say the price is great! And you'll enjoy the car.

Welcome!

Chris

 

[ELEmental59437]

Id say thats a good price. A guy here got ripped off when he paid like 16k a couple months ago for a slightly modded MP3. The clunk problem still happens down south (I'm in texas and have heard it on an MP3 and MSP)

 

[dnds01mp3]

how bad/loud is the clunk problem?? I really think the mp3 is one bad ass lookin ride, but I dunno if I want to pay 10k for something that's gonna drive me nuts in the long run. I'm in michigan too, where it's like 2 degrees outside right now!

 

[dominoy2k1]

its not that loud, if its to loud you can always turn the volume up..

 

[Volley2six]

$9,900??? AARRRGGG!! I bought mine last year, with 36K miles for $11850 before tax/title/license. I'd say it's a great deal!! I just hope you don't mind clunks and squeaks. It's a hot car though, you won't be dissappointed.

 

[dnds01mp3]

awww man... i'm still kinda undecided. Just how much does it clunk and squeel? I did a search on THE CLUNK and from my understanding, even the the new e bushings or whatever don't totally solve the problem. Isn't there anything that can be done to fix this? I mean, i don't care if it means wrapping duct tape around it... lol... isn't there anyway to get rid of the clunking sound?

 

[DooMer_MP3]

As I said above, there will be a kit that moves the bushings out further towards the wheels to hopefully solve the problem. Bushings will ALWAYS fail after time, but these things fail after a few months, which sucks. It usually takes mine 3 or 4 months until they're really horrible. I get them replaced 2-3 times a year.

The front squeak sucks as well, but I challenge you to find a car with front polyurethane bushings and a large sway bar with a stiff suspension that won't do the same during cold temperatures. It will go away once the car/suspension is warmed up.

Its a good car. It has less problems than the Mazdaspeed Protege (with its stereo problems and hesitation problems). And is a good candidate for an aftermarket turbo. It turns heads, and handles like a dream.

Chris

 

[jtmarlin6]

I have the clutch chatter in 4th gear when cold out. You really have to feather it. I'm hoping it will go away in the summer!

 

[BondoBob]

I have had the clutch problem almost since new and my service manager has fiddled and put off fixing the clutch until now when it is damn annoying to drive the car. (He keeps telling me that "it documented that you have problems...") I am taking back in next week as I am 6000 miles away from the end of warranty and I want it replaced.

I have bought TWO Mazdas from this dealer (my 2001 MP3 and my wife's 2003 Tribute).

The clunks are back, too.

 

[NCMP3]

Wow!! I personally dont have the clutch chatter at all. I have an occasional sweek and clunk when I hit a bad bump and mainly noticeable in the winter But the clunk really isn't that loud.

I say buy it for 9,900 that to me is a steal. I wouldnt sell mine for less than 13,000. I only have less than 23,000 miles on mine.

If you decide to buy it I believe that you will be very satisfied, espically with its handling capability.

 

[Murray]

The Clunk definitely still happens in the south, it just takes longer. My second set of D bushings is dying but I've had the car since March of 2002 (bought it new). I also get some clutch chatter every now and then but it's no big deal.

Even considering I paid full sticker price of ~$21k for mine (and I won't even talk about how much I got ***** on the financing), I'd still do it again. I love this car more every time I drive it, and all the noise really just gives it character IMO.