03.5 or 03?

[jred321]

Well this is my first post, and if this type of posting is inappropriate just delete it. I just got back from test driving a 2003.5 MSP, and I think the kind of car I am going to get is an MSP, but now the question is a 2003 or a 2003.5? The 2003 is $500 cheaper, but that really isn't an issue. The dealership has an orange 03, a black 03, 2 gray 03.5's and 2 yellow 03.5's. I like the gray ones, but the only thing is I like the wings on the 03's better, plus I like the fog lights that the 03's have that the 03.5's don't. Now the question is, which one to buy. It would either be a gray 03.5, or either of the 03's. Did they fix anything in the 03.5's, or is it just the little styling things and the color differences that got changed? Any input on which one I should pick up?

p.s. quote from the salesman during test drive "Do what you want with it, just don't go up to 120" this on a car with 20 miles on it.

 

[KyRaceFan]

Welcome to the board, i came here before getting my MSP, and it helped alot.
As far as 03, vs 03.5. the differences are ALL cosmetic.
Color, shift knob, pedals, fog lights, stitching, front lip, wing.. rim color and umm.. a few others.
So its all what you like more, mostly id start with your favorite color. I like black more than any of the 03.5 colors, even though i like the 03.5 rim color and wing better.
Think long and hard, and dont forget to ask for the 1500 cash back rebate,and negotiate down alot, dealers are willing to sell them cheaper than sticker it seems.

 

[Ryan]

here's what i suggest you like the "titanium" the best from what i understand u just don't like the wing, so ask the dealer if they cant get rid of that wing and have the 03 wing put on. U'd have a one of a kind STOCK msp. and as far as fog lights go, i'd get the old square fog lights from the older gen protege's and see if those wouldn't fit in the hole. or maybe the ones from the 03 would fit if they were sitting further back, becuz its the lip that gets in the way, but if you think thats to much to ask from the dealer i say go with the 03, im just not crazy about the 03.5 i like the front lip, hate the wing, hate the "mazdaspeed" interior, hate the exhaust in the back.

And if you dont mind waiting i was informed that they will be releasing two more colors of the msp lineup, the laser blue and i forgot wut he said the other one was, he also mentioned that some of the interior was changing with that version as well. Might be worth the wait if the dealer i talked to wasn't bullshitting.

 

[AGR]

Mechanically ....

their the same car. I, personally like the '03 better, and I like the 'Sparco' logos on the pedals and the shift knob. That's all personal choice. Oh; And yes; I like the fogs on the 2003s.

If I had no choice; I would still be a 2003.5. Titanium, probably.

At 8,900 miles; I love my MAZDASPEED!! (k)

Welcome to the Forum!!

 

[girth]

I'm another one who like the 2003s better for the same reasons AGR mentioned. I'd get the orange if I was you --- greatest.............color..................EVER.

 

[jred321]

wow those are some quick responses. when he quoted me he offered the 1500 cash back, but he said because they only made so many they wouldn't go any lower on the price. also the salesman made it a point that i know he was new there, which is probably another reason why he wouldn't go down, but he did talk to his manager so this dealership might just not go down at all. there is no waiting, my dsm breaks too much and i need a reliable car soon. i am going to go back tomorrow and see them when it's sunny (hopefully not raining) and see them in better light. i like the orange but i'm not sure if i like all of the attention it attracts. the black is nice too, but black with black interior=really hot. i don't like the wing and mazdaspeed interior either, but i do like the wheels and color. that would be sweet if i could get them to put an 03 wing on an 03.5. i'm pretty happy this is my toughest decision actually

 

[girth]

Where are you located? As long as you're not in Wisconsin, I'm willing to bet they WILL go down further on the price. Just pretend that you really don't care if you get the car or not ---- they ALWAYS say they can't/won't come down any more but they ALWAYS will. My stupid dealer TWICE told me "this is as good as I can do" and even at the very end I told him "I must have another $500 off and he goes "I'll see what I can do but expect a call back saying I can't do it....I'm already maxed out." Well, 5 minutes later he called back and said "will you buy the car if I come down that $500 more dollars?" and I was like :wtf: , "no, I've just been negotiating with you for the FUN of it for the last 2 friggen weeks!....of COURSE I'll come and buy it!!!"

So I'm just saying, it's ALWAYS "as low as they can go" until you walk out the door. Then they can go lower. Oh, and NEVER return their phone calls either - you have to show that you don't think the car is anything that special.

 

[jred321]

i'm in ct. i would play hard ball, but not with this guy, he just started and was still in the process of taking all of the different cars for test drives. he obviously doesn't want to get in trouble in his first couple days of employment. i was thinking that since they've had the 03's since early spring (whenever they first came out) i could try to play that card on them. plus, i kinda need a car now so i can't play that game for 2 weeks waiting for them to come down. plus, i'm only 19 (going to be a junior in college, getting good grades that pay for school is a good thing) so i doubt they would take me seriously if i tried to bargain, and my dad is too lazy to do that on a car that isn't even going to be his (he is only co-signing and im never letting him drive it ) i'll do what i can though.

 

[jred321]

oh yea, i just thought of something that i'm sure is asked a bunch. is mazdaspeed going to be doing upgrades that will be covered under warranty, i.e. how mopar is for the srt or even i heard gm does with the cavalier? it would be good if i could get some more power without voiding my warranty, as i am probably stepping down ~50 or so whp from my dsm.

 

[girth]

Well, good luck in whatever happens. Either way, it's a great price with that 1500 rebate - wish I could have got that.

 

[Ryan]

ur going down 50 hp from ur dsm what did you have, if you dont mind me asking.

 

[DeputySherif]

Hey Jred321, I also am from CT. I was wondering where you were looking at purchasing your mazdaspeed from. If it is the same dealership i bought mine from, i can give you some info on their bargaining operations...

 

[jred321]

my dsm is a 16g'd 1g laser, relatively stock save for free mods, the 16g (ported w/ 34mm wastegate flapper), evo III exhaust manifold, k&n drop in w/ hacked airbox, etc.... it pulls harder than the mazdaspeed, but handles way worse and torque steers like crazy because it's fwd with no lsd.
the dealership i'm looking at is i believe Morande, the one on the Vernon/Manchester line.

 

[CHICO2003]

Both versions look great in their own unique way. I'm sure you can get a better deal on an '03 (only because it's older) so that might factor in. If price isn't an issue, it's all personal preference. I feel the 03.5 looks a lot like the new Lancer Evo... which can be a good thing, but in my mind, is actually a deterent. I have an orange 03 and it's unique in every possible way. That was important to me. Now that they don't make the bug eyed WRX's anymore with the big fogs, it's even more unique than ever. Speaking of which... fogs are over rated. Maybe they'll come in handy one day, but so far, I haven't found a need for them. Why do I mention this? Well, just in case you're worried about missing them, don't. I actually like the front end of the 03.5 better than the 03... but I'm with you on that new spoiler. that thing just plain sucks! who designed that piece of s*** anyway? like I said, the car is trying to be an evo TOO much! we can compete with a lot of cars on the road... but we can't compete with an Evo! why take a back seat to a superior car? In other words... go with the 03!!

One more thing... I'm from CT as well. Bought mine at Town & Country in Middletown from Vajdet Yatu (or something like that) easily the nicest, least pushy car salesman I've ever ran into... and probably ever will. He may be the world's greatest actor, but he genuinely convinced me he was only interested in my well-being. (something that's pretty rare in a sales guy) If you're close... take a trip and let him know I said hi. L8R

 

[yashooa]

Re: Mechanically ....

their the same car. I, personally like the '03 better, and I like the 'Sparco' logos on the pedals and the shift knob. That's all personal choice. Oh; And yes; I like the fogs on the 2003s.

If I had no choice; I would still be a 2003.5. Titanium, probably.

At 8,900 miles; I love my MAZDASPEED!! (k)


Welcome to the Forum!!

Only 8900? I'm at 13200 since Feb 23!
Man I drive a lot.
(mspb)

 

[jred321]

Thanks for the advice, and now that you mention it i do think the 03.5 resembles an evo a lot. as far as the fog lights go, i like them not really for their functionality but more that i think they go well with the headlights and the whole front. on the 03.5 i think that space where they used to be looks like it needs something in it. i don't think middletown is too close, i'm in tolland right near uconn, and i believe middletown is south west more, but i don't really know the southern or western part of the state too well. anyways, it's nice to know i have another option to buy from in the area.

 

[Kenetix]

I believe in the long run the 2003 is going to be more of a collectors car because of the limited run. The 2003.5's have had another batch made.

 

[Newf]

just a couple of things

First, the 2003's look just like the mp3's...so their not as rare in appearance as some make imho

And

How anyone could say the 2003.5 spoiler looks like the EVO 8 is beyond me. For starters, their a completely different shape and style. Next, while the 2003.5 spoiler is somewhat higher then the 2003 and MP3's, I can barely stick two hands op top of each other under it, yet I could probably stand under neath the one on the EVO.....like really....where do you get the idea that there the same? Ever seen the 2003.5 in person? Some pics make it seem much higher then it really is.

click on my www button for some pics of the titanium. I have the larger sized ones in the photo section as well.

 

[AGR]

Re: Re: Mechanically ....

Only 8900? I'm at 13200 since Feb 23!
Man I drive a lot.
(mspb)

40+ miles each way to work, right? I know it doesn't too long to gather the miles like that. I average about 24,000 a year, and my drive is about 24 miles each way. And yeah! That's just to and from work.

 

[jred321]

How anyone could say the 2003.5 spoiler looks like the EVO 8 is beyond me. For starters, their a completely different shape and style. Next, while the 2003.5 spoiler is somewhat higher then the 2003 and MP3's, I can barely stick two hands op top of each other under it, yet I could probably stand under neath the one on the EVO.....like really....where do you get the idea that there the same? Ever seen the 2003.5 in person? Some pics make it seem much higher then it really is.

the one i test drove was a titanium 03.5. i just thought they resembled eachother, obviously there are differences. just the long nose and large spoiler with side supports resembles it to me, to you it may not but i see a resemblance.