So I'll borrow your wisdom then?

[MrDiggler]

WRX is a great platform, especially now that they've upgraded to a 2.5 engine in all impreza's, so no more turbo lag. my main forum is awdpirates.net, its mainly a suby/evo forum, if you want to know ANYTHING about a rex, go check it out. its a good balance of many, many qualities, but its probably the most expensive on your list. the stripped out "T" version (tuner) is still like 23-ish. Have you looked at the Nissan SE-R SpecV? Gobs of torque, odd but solid handling, lots of go fast goodies from Nismo (warrantied too) and a price of <20k

Ahh, you set me up perfectly...

Trying to quote Sport Compact Car from memory...bear with me,
"The Mazdaspeed Protege is still the erstwhile king of twisty mountain roads."

This was said in an article about the Nismo Sentra SE-R, not the MSP. They were reviewing the very expensive Nismo suspension mods for the SE-R and came away basically saying that for the base price of the car plus another several grand, you get something that still won't hold a candle to the handling of a stock MSP, lol.

"MSP...there is no substitute." Good thing too, or I might have to buy one.

 

[MPSpeedSeraph]

Nice diggler Not only are you adding good stuff to this thread I'm keeping a close eye on the 323 thread lol

Seriously you struck something with the whole AWD/RWD MSP... *drool* What a beast... I might go to bed now just so I can dream about it (thumb)

P.S. Do you have a link to the article you just quoted?

 

[MrDiggler]

No, I don't. I'm not even sure I have the SCC anymore. I just have a weird "occasional" photographic memory. I always remembered that quote though, and remembered why it was so significant.

Damn, now my secret's out on the RWD/AWD MSP idea.

 

[MPSpeedSeraph]

LOL GOOD GOD MAN STOP HOLDING BACK!!!!

Imagine the possibilities!!! IMAGINE IT MWAHAHAHA!!!! (glare)

PM sent (thumb)

 

[MrDiggler]

As for whether or not to get an MSP, it's ultimately up to you. If it helps any, I'll clarify why I got one. Not in any particular order.

1) Spicy Orange. The color blew me away the first time I saw it on the cover of a Motor Trend buyer's guide. Still have that issue and it's about to be matted and framed.

2) The styling is very sharp, IMO. Boy racer without being boy ricer. No glaring styling defects like bug-eye headlights on the earlier WRX's.

3) Exclusivity. They only made the '03 MSP (my favorite styling) for 1/2 a year. Same for the '03.5 revision. They don't make them anymore. You can't say that for an EVO, WRX, SRT-4, SE-R Spec V, etc. Even the Lamborghini Gallardo can't make that claim. The one model year production run can create problems on its own, but it puts you in a limited club that only gets smaller every time one of our babies gets totalled.

4) The entire package was pretty well put together. Most who see my car that don't know anything about it assume that I had it custom painted, put new wheels on it, lowered it a bit, redid the interior, etc. Nope, just part of the package.

5) Handling that still draws comments and merit from those in the know.

6) It's based on the 323 platform, which is an inherently better handling base platform than most cars. This also allows potential interchangebility of parts with other models *cough*.

7) The turkey. Gobble, w00t, Gobble.

8) IT'S NOT A CIVIC

 

[MPSpeedSeraph]

LoL diggler thanks for the input it's most appreciated.

I just have to freakin find one to call my own now lol (poke)

 

[ChiMSP]

As for whether or not to get an MSP, it's ultimately up to you. If it helps any, I'll clarify why I got one. Not in any particular order.

1) Spicy Orange. The color blew me away the first time I saw it on the cover of a Motor Trend buyer's guide. Still have that issue and it's about to be matted and framed.

2) The styling is very sharp, IMO. Boy racer without being boy ricer. No glaring styling defects like bug-eye headlights on the earlier WRX's.

3) Exclusivity. They only made the '03 MSP (my favorite styling) for 1/2 a year. Same for the '03.5 revision. They don't make them anymore. You can't say that for an EVO, WRX, SRT-4, SE-R Spec V, etc. Even the Lamborghini Gallardo can't make that claim. The one model year production run can create problems on its own, but it puts you in a limited club that only gets smaller every time one of our babies gets totalled.

4) The entire package was pretty well put together. Most who see my car that don't know anything about it assume that I had it custom painted, put new wheels on it, lowered it a bit, redid the interior, etc. Nope, just part of the package.

5) Handling that still draws comments and merit from those in the know.

6) It's based on the 323 platform, which is an inherently better handling base platform than most cars. This also allows potential interchangebility of parts with other models *cough*.

7) The turkey. Gobble, w00t, Gobble.

8) IT'S NOT A CIVIC

 

[cdrpyro]

8) IT'S NOT A CIVIC

Perhaps the best reason yet. (hump)

 

[MPSpeedSeraph]

Hey guys. Im just trying to get a little insight as Ive found myself in a situation.

As you all know Ive been looking for an MSP and unfortunately were at crunch time. I can no longer go without a car and it seems like the situation has gotten a bit harder for me.

First off of course Im looking around for an MSP. It seems there are so many members here trying to get rid of theirs (Why the mass exodus might I ask?). Im not sure exactly WHICH way to go. Chi has the forged internals, a few other members have some nice mods, and then locally Ive found 3 that Im interested in. One of them is stock and is the one I was originally going to buy from a personal friend here in town. Then there are two others, one of which is running forged internals, MPI, fully tuned etc.etc. etc. and then the last is another blue one with upgraded turbo etc. etc. all of which are in the 14-16.5k range.

However as I originally posted there were other cars in consideration. Now thanks to new financial opportunities Im looking to get something sporty as you all know I was originally aiming to get something a bit more convenient and a bit more economical however Im quite intrigued by the thought of something with a little more home roots. As I originally said I have a past background with FDs and rotaries are huge in my family and amongst friends (Im Puerto Rican go figure lol). So I went to Honda to take a look at a few things. Im considering the new Si considering I have an inside connection to pick one up at MSRP and also because Ive only seen 2 on the road. Secondly I saw the 06 S2000 which is AMAZING with the new leguna blue seriously I couldnt contain myself when I saw it in person and it seems Honda decided to put stability control on it (thank god enough S2k owners have put em into walls after getting the tail end loose). And if Im not mistaken the daytime running lights are new too? Whatever the case I can also get this car at MSRP which is a godsend considering the sticker sits at 37.5k at the local dealership.

However I hear the S2000 is a hard beast to live with but I must admit Ive wanted one for ages it seems and I truly would love to own one of my own. I considered getting a used AP1 and itd definitely be cheaper and all in all fact is I love rev monsters hence why I have such an eye on the Mazdas/Hondas. I like the fact that the AP1 has the 9k redline but whats the redline on the AP2? 8200? I know it gets the extra 10 ft/lbs of tq. but is it worth it for the trade off in RPMs? I know some of you have recently picked up S2000s and Id like your input on this.

Lastly I was considering an RX8 (I have two choices, a fully loaded 04 yellow with every option or a black with black/red interior which is EXACTLY what I wan, and it has all options except for navi) Both of the 8s Im looking at are roughly 21-23k but Im wondering if its worth it considering I have seen some members at RX8club buying new 05s at around 24-25k OTD. However it seems like the RX8 is almost like the middle ground. Not quite as unlivable as the S2000 or FD RX7, although not quite as raw. I dont know if I love it or hate it for that reason. I love everything about the RX8 (except maybe gas mileage??) I love the exterior, I think the interior is awesome, I love the rev happy rotary, RWD, LSD, etc. etc. etc. it seems like it offers basically the same the s2000 does except with better insurance rates and more space although it doesnt seem quite as potent as the S2000 this leaves me almost dead in the water concerning said decision.

The 350z has caught my eye slightly as well considering I took one for a drive when my friend brought his by. He has a 6MT roadster and I like the feel of torque. The VQ seems like quite a nice platform to work with. I know a lot of you all would probably have a lot more info and experience with all of these said vehicles. I want YOUR knowledge. I cant go out and make this decision without truly knowing what compromises you all have made with your vehicles. Those of you who have RX8s, FDs, 350zs, or S2ks let me know what youve given up and what youve gained. I appreciate it guys, and I dont mean to revive the dead thread or be so wishy washy but this is a car that I plan to put a lot of money and time into. Ive decided that this car has the intention of starting as a daily driver for fun and then eventually end up being the secondary vehicle (I think I still want to pick up an MSP later on down the road for daily driving) so let me know what you guys think Thanks guys!

P.S. I'm in journalism class so I'm sorry if it's all messy and whatever... (rockon)

 

[smo0f]

alright. check this out. you want a car for.....you. so, go try all the cars you listed, decide which one you think looks the nicest to you and only you, and most importantly, see which one you feel drives the best for you, and yes, only for you. once you've decided that, hunt it down. this might piss off a few people, but a stock msp is only good for handling, the power is so so. you have extensive experience with fast cars. getting a stock msp would be a downgrade for you, unless you plan on spending a few extra g's and a lot of hours to get it to catch up with the cars you listed as stock.

if you've decided on an msp, know for a fact that the motor is flakey, so you might as well save your time, money, and effort, and get one with a built motor (ChiMSP's for example). this way at least one mod, and a major one time/money wise, is out of the way. then you can go nuts with whatever else needs to be changed, you know how it goes.

 

[ChiMSP]

I'm selling my MSP to finance an S2000, i cant see myself fitting so well with another car. If you must, go with the S2000. It's all all around sports car, awesome handling, potential to be a beast on the track and honda reliability.

 

[ChiMSP]

Or of course... you can buy my MSP

 

[smo0f]

ChiMSP, is that your picture in your avatar? If it isn't, please change it, it gives me the creeps. If it is, you're a very handsome man.

Seraph, don't buy his car until he changes his avatar. Thanks.

 

[Fede_italiano]

Hey guys. Im just trying to get a little insight as Ive found myself in a situation.

As you all know Ive been looking for an MSP and unfortunately were at crunch time. I can no longer go without a car and it seems like the situation has gotten a bit harder for me.

First off of course Im looking around for an MSP. It seems there are so many members here trying to get rid of theirs (Why the mass exodus might I ask?). Im not sure exactly WHICH way to go. Chi has the forged internals, a few other members have some nice mods, and then locally Ive found 3 that Im interested in. One of them is stock and is the one I was originally going to buy from a personal friend here in town. Then there are two others, one of which is running forged internals, MPI, fully tuned etc.etc. etc. and then the last is another blue one with upgraded turbo etc. etc. all of which are in the 14-16.5k range.

However as I originally posted there were other cars in consideration. Now thanks to new financial opportunities Im looking to get something sporty as you all know I was originally aiming to get something a bit more convenient and a bit more economical however Im quite intrigued by the thought of something with a little more home roots. As I originally said I have a past background with FDs and rotaries are huge in my family and amongst friends (Im Puerto Rican go figure lol). So I went to Honda to take a look at a few things. Im considering the new Si considering I have an inside connection to pick one up at MSRP and also because Ive only seen 2 on the road. Secondly I saw the 06 S2000 which is AMAZING with the new leguna blue seriously I couldnt contain myself when I saw it in person and it seems Honda decided to put stability control on it (thank god enough S2k owners have put em into walls after getting the tail end loose). And if Im not mistaken the daytime running lights are new too? Whatever the case I can also get this car at MSRP which is a godsend considering the sticker sits at 37.5k at the local dealership.

However I hear the S2000 is a hard beast to live with but I must admit Ive wanted one for ages it seems and I truly would love to own one of my own. I considered getting a used AP1 and itd definitely be cheaper and all in all fact is I love rev monsters hence why I have such an eye on the Mazdas/Hondas. I like the fact that the AP1 has the 9k redline but whats the redline on the AP2? 8200? I know it gets the extra 10 ft/lbs of tq. but is it worth it for the trade off in RPMs? I know some of you have recently picked up S2000s and Id like your input on this.

Lastly I was considering an RX8 (I have two choices, a fully loaded 04 yellow with every option or a black with black/red interior which is EXACTLY what I wan, and it has all options except for navi) Both of the 8s Im looking at are roughly 21-23k but Im wondering if its worth it considering I have seen some members at RX8club buying new 05s at around 24-25k OTD. However it seems like the RX8 is almost like the middle ground. Not quite as unlivable as the S2000 or FD RX7, although not quite as raw. I dont know if I love it or hate it for that reason. I love everything about the RX8 (except maybe gas mileage??) I love the exterior, I think the interior is awesome, I love the rev happy rotary, RWD, LSD, etc. etc. etc. it seems like it offers basically the same the s2000 does except with better insurance rates and more space although it doesnt seem quite as potent as the S2000 this leaves me almost dead in the water concerning said decision.

The 350z has caught my eye slightly as well considering I took one for a drive when my friend brought his by. He has a 6MT roadster and I like the feel of torque. The VQ seems like quite a nice platform to work with. I know a lot of you all would probably have a lot more info and experience with all of these said vehicles. I want YOUR knowledge. I cant go out and make this decision without truly knowing what compromises you all have made with your vehicles. Those of you who have RX8s, FDs, 350zs, or S2ks let me know what youve given up and what youve gained. I appreciate it guys, and I dont mean to revive the dead thread or be so wishy washy but this is a car that I plan to put a lot of money and time into. Ive decided that this car has the intention of starting as a daily driver for fun and then eventually end up being the secondary vehicle (I think I still want to pick up an MSP later on down the road for daily driving) so let me know what you guys think Thanks guys!

P.S. I'm in journalism class so I'm sorry if it's all messy and whatever... (rockon)

Seems like you are abit confused.

When I had to choose a car I started by looking at the price factor.
A new s2000 or 350 is going to cost much more so it is up to you knowing if you can afford it.
Also, do you want a new or used car?
That's another issue. You can buy 2 completely different cars for 25,000 depending if they are used or new.
How many doors do you want?
If this is a daily driver and only car I would not buy a 2 seater. You are always going to be in time to get a 2 seater. You are still young.
Think about if you have friends, you have to buy groceries, you have to put your hockey stuff (just an example).
Last but not least, insurance rates and test drive.

I test drove an SRT4 and it was at that moment that I realized that was not the car for me.

Write a spreadsheet in excel with the car that you want and put down prices, value, cost, engine, age, insurance rates and go from there.

Seems like you have a lot of car to choose from.

Have fun.

BTW, the MSP is nice, functional, not too expensive, but not the fastest car around.
You are still a student and you will have time to buy your ferrari (rockon)

 

[ChiMSP]

ChiMSP, is that your picture in your avatar? If it isn't, please change it, it gives me the creeps. If it is, you're a very handsome man.

Seraph, don't buy his car until he changes his avatar. Thanks.

Bwhahaha (rofl)
No way, the avatar stays.