sayin whats up and asking a question...

[totalabyss]

Hey People,

Well hopefully I wont piss too many people off with questions, but Im looking into picking up a MP3.

Just wondering when I go to look at the car what exactly I should examine closely? Anything imparticular? Also how do I find a cars production number...it could be possible I could find some info on the car if the previous was a member here.

vin# jm1bj227810437953

I'm looking to pick one up as a daily driver(either an mp3 or a mazdaspeed protege) so that I can let my car sit for bit while I do an engine swap or bolt on turbos.

The car in question:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=4545296705&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

 

[dcbeggs]

I've been watching that one also.

"IF" the only thing wrong with it is the suspension, and face plate missing from the stereo, it's probably a good deal. Those are both pretty easy fixes.

The price he is asking for it seems really good.

 

[totalabyss]

hey man.

he's an independant dealer but has the car at his house which is in the same town as I work. I plan on going to see him tomorrow if possible and I'll let you know how it turns out. I dont think he'll get his price through ebay though.

Price is good. Faceplate missing sucks, but luckily I have a z828 in my other car, so Ima take the faceplate and see if the stereo works. Hopefully he has the z828 in there. Other then that doesnt seem like a bad buy hopefully some people can add their input.

 

[totalabyss]

anyone got any thoughts, the guy is bringing the car by in about 3 hours.

so the faceplate is missing. the springs on the car are the stockers which someone cut. and the ac works great on the highway but at a sit/stop it blows cold but not as cold as when at highway speeds.

even with these 3 negatives for 8500 doesnt seem bad. stereo is no big deal, springs arent effecting anything can be replaced anytime, and ac replaced and install is $800 at his price but could prob be changed later on down the road.

anythought before he gets here. ima check the car out and if everything else seems good to go then ill leave a deposit.

also what came stock in the car as to stero? did it come with a woofer etc...

gimmie some things to check over please...

 

[dcbeggs]

Let me know how it goes. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

 

[Tophatman07]

Yank the AC out completely and the powersteering no need for either of them.

 

[cbcbd]

Yes, the mp3 came with a woofer. Kinda sucks that the springs are cut, I wouldn't drive on them like that for much longer.

Other than that, I don't know what to check that wouldn't be obvious.
As for mods:
From the pics I see he added an intake (you can ask him if he still has the stock air box, it would be good to have just in case), painted the interior trim blue, added a "stylish" fire extinguisher to the A pillar, had it tinted, added ground wires, looks like he has a different shift knob...

So other than that it looks stock. Sub should be in the trunk.

 

[dcbeggs]

I talked with the guy earlier on the phone as he was driving the MP3. He was talking about the noise the suspension makes, and as he was driving he held the phone up and drove over a few bumps. It sounds like metal banging into metal. Of course I was not in the car so I don't know for sure. But none the less, that could be real bad.

 

[totalabyss]

hey guys,

just got home.

before he brought the car over(he lives 2 blocks from where I work) i ran a carfax to check on the vehicle. every was clean except 1 minor accident report from back in 2001. when he brougth the car over I asked about the coils and AC.

AC works fine but doesnt blow as cold as it does on highway speeds. Also the AC makes a tapping sound which is coming from the compressor. Not a fix that is needed asap but def cannot take out the AC completely because you need it in Florida.

Springs were cut which sucks but only makes a banging sound when you go over a somewhat large bump. Rides smooth but lets say you hit a 4+ inch dip the noise you hear is the car rubbing against something.

then i asked him about any accidents because the bumper looked to be repainted and he was truthful in sayin that carfax reported a minor accident with minor damage to the right side.

car has a few blemishes on the spoiler but other than that its not a bad little car for the money. he isnt the original owner so no stock parts such as the air box. also subwoofer was missing...guessing when the person who had it before traded it in took that and the faceplate.

dcbeggs any chance you are "the guy from colorado" he mentioned he spoke to someone earlier who was interested in the car. i am almost 100% positive that I will be taking the car as a daily driver so that I can finally put my other car to hibernate while I gather funds for a twin turbo swap. also if you are interested earlier today I found a orange mazdaspeed protege at a dealer down here. the car was in the wholesale section and i think might have been sold to the wholesale dealer BUT if interested I can get you the number and you might be able to track where the car goes to and get a good deal on it. i tried to get info on it but i had to leave the dealership to meet up with this guy for the 2nd time and the salesperson I called on the phone never called me back. also if you are interested in that one in Hialeah I might be able to go take a look at it for you but it is a little ways further south, their might be some other members who may be closer.


we'll see what happens tomorrow morning but i think i may pick this up, throw a little bit of money into it and have a nice daily driver (rockon)

 

[dcbeggs]

Yeah, that was me who talked with him. I'm glad you had a chance to look at it, and that you thought it was a good buy. It's all you, I'm taking my time looking. Keep me posted on how it goes.

 

[cbcbd]

I talked with the guy earlier on the phone as he was driving the MP3. He was talking about the noise the suspension makes, and as he was driving he held the phone up and drove over a few bumps. It sounds like metal banging into metal. Of course I was not in the car so I don't know for sure. But none the less, that could be real bad.

It might be the springs or it might be the infamous "clunk" - search for it to see what I'm talking about - most MP3s and MSPs have it

 

[dcbeggs]

Yeah, I have read a little bit on this site about that "clunk." What the hell is that, does anyone know?

 

[totalabyss]

Well picked up the car on friday.

Car sat most of the day saturday and sunday while I worked on my house.

BUT i must say that this is a fun car to drive. also over the weekend I did my rear brakes, this coming weekend ima do my fronts. So far this is a great daily driver, fun little vehicle and so sar it hasnt been too much of a pain to work on(at least the brakes).

dcbeggs- dont know if youve driven one yet but when you do youll enjoy it.