Upgrading from a P5 to a MS3 - Has anyone done it out there?

[allenpg]

Ah, the dilemma...do I keep my 2003 P5 or go for the new 2007 MS3?

I love my P5, but the one thing I miss is some get-up-and-go (especially after driving friends' WRXs). I've got a year left on my loan, but my warranty ends in a month. The fiscally responsible side of me says to just keep my P5 as it only as 30K miles, and spend more money on home improvements. However, the "I wanna have fun" driver says I can easily afford it and I'll have another in-warranty car. My family has always traded in cars every 4-5 years, so hanging on to one for several years is new to me.

Just wondering if there are others who went from the P5 to the MS3. What are your thoughts? Pluses/minuses?

Thanks for the help!
-Pete

 

[TheDutchGun]

Ah, the dilemma...do I keep my 2003 P5 or go for the new 2007 MS3?

I love my P5, but the one thing I miss is some get-up-and-go (especially after driving friends' WRXs). I've got a year left on my loan, but my warranty ends in a month. The fiscally responsible side of me says to just keep my P5 as it only as 30K miles, and spend more money on home improvements. However, the "I wanna have fun" driver says I can easily afford it and I'll have another in-warranty car. My family has always traded in cars every 4-5 years, so hanging on to one for several years is new to me.

Just wondering if there are others who went from the P5 to the MS3. What are your thoughts? Pluses/minuses?

Thanks for the help!
-Pete

I really don't see where you could find any minuses. Even a Mazda 3 would be an improvement. The current gen is light years ahead of the Protege line.
Not to mention the obvious positives the MS3 has to offer.

 

[JPDawg]

I sold my 03 P5 & bought my MS3 in November. I don't regret it at all. I guess the only things I miss are the slightly better gas mileage (& 87 octane), and the sunroof (not that big a deal really). I loved the P5, but the MS3 is definitely worth the switch.

JP

 

[maestro]

I was going to trade my P5 when I bought the MS3 but could not do it at the last minute.
The P5 is a great daily driver, gets better gas mileage and is still loads of fun. The MS3 is there for me on the nice days that I want to play.

 

[jbiird317]

i went from the protege to the ms3. Its not the p5, but similar i guess. I would say, if you can afford it, do it! you will not regret it. I think that the protege had a tighter turning circle, but nothing about the protege even compares to the ms3 as far as performance, styling, handling, etc.

 

[Bakrauf]

I agree I kind of miss My MSP but I do love the new ride. You wont regret it!

 

[Raymo853]

Ther new generation is so much better than the older, but I suggest you wait two or three years. Why have a car payment when you do not really need one. Yes the P5 is not super fast, fancy or new but it is (almost) paid for. Spend only part on home improvements, save 1/3 the payment you would expect for the MS3 so when you go to buy the 2009 MS3 you can splurge on the options like in brain navigation and climax control.

 

[We Are Ninja]

IMHO, the P5 pwnz the MS3 aesthetically. Performance-wise, though, it's a no-brainer.

 

[EMPIRE]

The MS3 is a great vehicle you have more power and great handling it's really a no brainer

 

[ch77]

I wish I could have afforded to keep my P5 for those nasty weather days when I really don't want to bring the new car out of the garage. But the insurance and auto tax made it impossible to keep both. I love the MS3 though..

 

[MS3_Mafia]

I had a 2002 P5 and do miss it... But the MS3 is a whole different beast!

 

[maestro]

IMHO, the P5 pwnz the MS3 aesthetically. Performance-wise, though, it's a no-brainer.

+1

But I still love my MS3 also

 

[TheDutchGun]

IMHO, the P5 pwnz the MS3 aesthetically. Performance-wise, though, it's a no-brainer.

Not a chance. The whole protege line has econobox written all over it. Those big lights in the front bumper don't mean jack....

 

[neit_jnf]

...and climax control.

I'D LOVE THAT OPTION!!!! LOL

 

[maestro]

Not a chance. The whole protege line has econobox written all over it. Those big lights in the front bumper don't mean jack....

That's crazy talk!

We all have an opinion so it's OK

 

[Wes]

I went from THIS:

TO THIS:

So yeah, I did it... February 1st actually. Loved my P5, but my MS3 is just a little bit better in nearly every aspect. Actually, I still think that the P5 is a better "looking" car.

 

[allenpg]

Thanks to everyone's advice. Ironically, what killed me on the WRX wagon back in 2003 killed me on the MS3 this time--no sunroof. I know's it's relatively stupid option to affect a car purchase, but I like having them. I'm going to keep my P5 for a few years and hope that they alter the MS3 structurally like they did the WRX to allow for a sunroof.

BTW, the next incarnation of the 3 series should be out then. Plus, I've always wondering why Mazda never offered the V6 from the MX-3 in the P5 or 3 series (I'd rather have the MS3's turbo anyway). Nevertheless, Mazda knows how to make some damn fun cars.

Take care!
-Pete

 

[maestro]

Thanks to everyone's advice. Ironically, what killed me on the WRX wagon back in 2003 killed me on the MS3 this time--no sunroof. I know's it's relatively stupid option to affect a car purchase, but I like having them. I'm going to keep my P5 for a few years and hope that they alter the MS3 structurally like they did the WRX to allow for a sunroof.

BTW, the next incarnation of the 3 series should be out then. Plus, I've always wondering why Mazda never offered the V6 from the MX-3 in the P5 or 3 series (I'd rather have the MS3's turbo anyway). Nevertheless, Mazda knows how to make some damn fun cars.

Take care!
-Pete

You can put the 2.5 KL engines in the BJ chassis Proteges. Search the Protege and P5 forums. Company in Canada? makes a kit.

 

[Raymo853]

I'D LOVE THAT OPTION!!!! LOL

It is an old Road & Track joke.

 

[SilverBulletES]

TO THIS:

So yeah, I did it... February 1st actually. Loved my P5, but my MS3 is just a little bit better in nearly every aspect. Actually, I still think that the P5 is a better "looking" car.

I love the Cosmic Blue.