Thinking about trading my MSP for a more reliable Mazda3

[IllaNoizeTV]

I have received many head turns but many headaches as well with my baby. My MSP has about 126xxx miles and things arent as reliable as I wud like. Im thinking about getting a 2.3L Mazda3 with about the same mileage because of its reliability. Should I do it guys? And why?

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126625695@N05/14827130140" title="IMAG2229-1 by Joshua Rodriguez, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/14827130140_9dc9278cfb_c.jpg" width="800" height="451" alt="IMAG2229-1"></a>

 

[Bonks]

LAME.


edit: You should post this in the 3 section

 

[thaikim]

LAME.

I concur...

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Lol. It's not about being lame or cool. I didnt know this forum took after high school... Just want something that looks nice but something reliable. Tired of taking my baby to the shop every other week because of something... i guess i just lost faith in her. I want something I dont have to worry about it breaking down if I wanted to take a road trip, something stylish, 4 door, but not new (not looking into getting any payments) ... Next week ill be deciding whether I sell/trade or keep.

 

[Toumba]

This gives you all the mods that you wanna do for a reliable MSP.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...mods-for-a-daily-driven-MSP-quot-Guide-Thread

Honestly speaking though, the most important ones are the upgraded motor mounts, boost gauge (dont boost more than 10psi), FMIC hard pipes (ebay), new windshield, and an aftermarket sound system (headunit, subwoofers, and amp). The other mods are just for ppl who are anal. lol. The car is 11 years old so it isnt going to be like a 2014 so its not perfect but can be reliable and fun at the same time if done right.

I bought my MSP at 123k miles and it has all of these mods I listed are the most important and runs like its new. You just cant beat on teh car and try to do too many mods cuz then thats when you mess it up. TReat it nice and take care of it and it will take care of you. It's my DD and I take it everywhere with no problem. Here is my baby:

Engine, Etc.:
AWR Solid Motor Mounts
Short RAM Intake Pipe Silicone Intake Air Filter
Straight Exhaust Pipe from downpipe back Catalytic Converter deleted
Newer NGK Spark Plugs
New Coil Packs
New Ignition wires
MAF sensor relocated to cold pipe
Front mount intercooler
Hard Pipes TurboX's blowoff valve
Forcedfed steering column pod



<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126625695@N05/14823401912" title="IMAG2201 by Joshua Rodriguez, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/14823401912_5d3b1681f6_c.jpg" width="800" height="451" alt="IMAG2201"></a>

 

[hornsfan10609]

Weak sauce, I guess if you can't handle it get whatever you think you can.

 

[thaikim]

It's not about High School BS... This is just coming from a bunch of car enthusiasts. We like fun exciting cars otherwise we wouldn't be here, we'd be driving our boring whatever car and not frequenting online forums.

This exact post should be sighted for anyone who is thinking about getting into one of these cars. They're not incredibly reliable, they're quirky, and have numerous downfalls but nonetheless I love mine. It's up to you man, your priorities are yours alone...

People should just be aware of what they're getting themselves into... It's like asking yourself if it's worth dating the hot crazy chick.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Lol. I get you. Yeah I think Im gonna stick with her. @Toumba Im always changing my mind. lol. dont judge but your right. IM gonna stick with her for a bit and just take it day by day. Ill let you guys know what happens.

 

[thaikim]

I don't know what's within your capabilities but I'd suggest getting yourself a more reliable daily and using the speed as a fun project car. That way if it decides to take a dump on you, you'll have a backup... Just a thought.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Well in the last 2 months I replaced the timing belt, water pump, brakes pads and rotors, spark plugs, crank sensor, radiator, 2 new tires... needs a wga but i dont even push over 5psi cuz i just want it to last longer and has an exhuast leak but it hsud be DD material after all of this.

 

[thaikim]

Like I suggested get yourself a daily... It seems the best relationship with a MSP comes when repairs/mods are out of want rather than necessity.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Well thats the thing. I cant afford one. I'd have to sell/trade my MSP plus I got a wedding to save up for next year

 

[Valk]

Sounds like a perfectly normal.list of.maint for any car if milage is high. Rad kinda strange and tires are what they are.
Don't pay someone to do wga. Its very easy and inexpensive to change. Lots of threads on it.
Fix exhaust leak which is prob manifold crack or missing bolts. So replace manifold.
Unless you beat on it badlu it should be reliable after the work you've done already.

Msp always has its unique grievances. If its noy your thing, get a honda civic or something. Heh.

 

[thaikim]

Well just like any relationship you have to prioritize what matters to you... Cut your losses and move on or dig deep and hang on for the long haul. You're about to get married, consider this a prerequisite learning moment.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

I know, everytime I put money into the MSP for a repair my fiance tells me to trade it in and just make payments on a new car. (might end up doing that depending how much she nags me about it) and maybe get a Nissan Altima or Maxima or Honda Accord... something respectable. well see.

 

[Valk]

Meh. Cars are never an investment. You might get a nicer and more reliable car doing payments on a new one but financially its not going to better than finding the problems with the car you own and dealing with them.
Your msp Might cost you some.money one month or so but the new car Will.cost you every month. Your msp is clean. Keep it, maintain it, not even so much modify. And save money for something actually important.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Good point Valk. I'm keeping her for now, gonna baby her, and not push over 5psi. I heard nothing but compliments when I talk to ppl. Especially ppl who had one in the past. Well see how this rest of the year goes.

 

[Valk]

Here's the secret. If you drive it like an adult and don't peel out all the time. It doesn't break lol. Mines only fked now cause it has never seen a mechanic and I kinda fked up years ago swapping the clutch in a big rush. now my tranny needs love.

Otherwise its the same stuff as you. Leaky manifold, squeeky suspension. Engine is awesomely reliable. But I'm not racing it. Keep it maintained and it will prob outlast anything new.

Actually the main reason mine is down is cause some.kid stole my rims lol. Can't afford new ones atm. So I got a $500 beater in the meantime.
You could do the same. Read up and take your time fixing what's known.

 

[IllaNoizeTV]

Very true. What if I trade straight for a Mazda6 maybe V6? I like Mazda6s. Less rare but still sporty, stylish, and 4 door.

 

[Valk]

Unless you knowsomeone who would trade you don't hold your breath. Trade in value for msp is one reason so many of us stick it out.