Mazdaspeed test drive

[crcornell]

So, I went to test drive the mazdaspeed yesterday, and I must say I was impressed. It felt quick even though it was 105 degrees, the A/C was on, and there were 4 people in the car. The only drawback is that I think I felt a little hesitation. I was at about 4000 RPM and floored it, it started going good until about 5500, then it seemed as though it lost power and then picked up again at 6000 to 6600.
Another issue I had is that it is a 2003 not a 2003.5. Is here any real differences betwwn the two other than the wing and the front end? The car was black mica(very nice!) and had about 60 miles on it, is this alot?
I was a little pissed that I did'nt get to hear the stereo . Oh well.
-Chad

 

[alexlitov]

the only difference between the years is the color and what you have mensioned. If you want a black mica, you can only get a 2003 model in that color. why did you get to hear the stereo?

welcome to the club

 

[joefufu]

There are not much differences between 03 and 03.5. Not only the front end and the spoiler is different, but
- rims are darker for 03.5
- no fog light for 03.5
- more colors for 03.5 (titanium, yellow)
- pedals and shifter have mazdaspeed logo for 03.5
- yellow stiching on steering wheel and seats

Sometimes I do feel the hesitation as well, especially in second gear. I got my car when it has 37kms on it. 60 miles? Is that car test-droven? I wouldn't mind for such a nice car though

 

[crcornell]

I did not get to hear the stereo because the guy forgot to go get the faceplate. Is the stereo any different in the 2003 compared to the 2003.5
-Chad

 

[Striker187]

far as i know, no.

 

[joefufu]

stereo is the same for 03 and 03.5. I am pretty sure about that

 

[crcornell]

thanks
-chad

 

[jonnydoe48]

should you really be doing that to a car you dont own? =p hehe, 6600 rpm with a dealer car @ 105 degrees.

=)

 

[unwrittenLaw]

When I bought mine, the sales guy took me out for a ride before I test drove it and he was driving it like it was stolen..it was cool..needed the oh s*** handle...

 

[crcornell]

The guy kept telling me, "come on, take to redline" "floor it!!". So eventually I was like, "ok" and I did. Thats when I felt the hesitation.
-Chad

 

[z00mer]

Welcome to the site!!

As for the hesitation....yes that`s especially common when it`s that hot outside. I have the very same problem when it`s in the upper 100`s out here in Las Vegas, NV. Lately though...it`s been allot cooler than normal (90 as compared to 110..definitely cooler). I guess this is mostly due to heat soak or half-assed tuned ECU, go fig.

But as for having 60mi. on a tester....that`s nothing, the MSP that I tested had at least 350mi., and I drove the sh!t out of it!!! And after the dealer changed his draws, I picked up a Black Mica MSP w/ only 2 1/2mi. on it fresh off the truck!!