I've just bought a yellow 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege #1385. I've noticed from other forums, that people have had lots of trouble with their cars. I also bought my wife a new red 2003 Protege 5 at the same time. I've got 500 miles on both Proteges and they're great cars so far. I'm 36 and drive pretty reasonable since losing my license from speeding at 20, (the law won), so I guess that may make a difference. Does anyone else love their cars as much as I do? Yes the turbo is quirky, and it will never act like a supercharged engine as far as response is concerned, but I love the handling of the Mazdaspeed. Any response would be appreciated.

 

I have a P5, love it. I wish I had a MSP too, love to have it. Yes there seems to be a few quirks with the MSP. But the flash from the dealer will help with the turbo hesitation. I think alot of the people out there complain about just about every little thing and the problems for the MSP are really blown out of porportion.

BTW, welcome to the club. Congratulations on the new purchases, hope you and your wife enjoy them.

 

As an owner of both MSP and P5 I can tell you without a doubt they both fulfill their intended purposes and beyond.

The MSP is a pocketrocket with dashing looks, snazzy interior, rocking sound, and handling WAY out if it's league. Now it has it's shortcomings....you'll find out on your first long trip or trip over broken pavement. Also replacment pieces will rob you blind.

The P5 is a sporty, upscale daily hauler for people who like the extra space. It handles very well (best in class), has decent acceleration, holds value very well (better than MSP right now!), and makes casual-everyday driving a blast!

When all is said and done I like my P5 more. It's a better blend of what I need in a daily driver. I have 2 other sport cars for racing that are much faster than a MSP. for those who can only have one car the MSP is hands down choice!

Enjoy your purchases. Welcome to the family. We've been waiting for you!

 

Thanks for the info guys, I'm glad some one else has a better view on both cars. I figured out yesterday, by driving the P5 on the interstate for an hour its a trip car, but in the mountains the MSP rules. As far as the "flash" goes, I've heard some horror stories, like 20 mpg afterwards, so I'll see just how bad I really need it. They're both great cars in each's special way and I appreciate the input of the forum.

 

I have a Protege5...Turbo'd!

I wanted a Mazda Speed..and was considering..trading in the p5..to get one..

But after hearing all the problems..I am Glad i just turbo'd my Car!

P5 Looks so much Nicer! Especailly in White!

Chas

 

Thru history people who drive Mazda products are a little....."quirky".....

Welcome!

 

I personally love mine. The problems have been rather small.....no engine or tranny meltdowns so no biggie. I still wouldn't have any other car for the $$$.

 

A dealer here in the Philadelphia area has offered me a 2003.3 Silver MSP for $17,000 .... I love the car, fun to drive... should I get it ...

I need help

 

I was looking for a P5 when i fluked upon the MSP, I had been told they were all spoken for at the time (Jan 2003).
I think half of the horror stories are from people who are modding their cars without knowing how to do it properly.
Others bitch when they find out they can't beat an EVO or WRX in a race.
Not the same league at all.
I bought mine because it goes well, looks great, is relatively unique, handles fantastic, and for the price range, there was nothing that could touch it.
Plenty of people will say that a Turbo'ed P5 is better than a MSP, well to them i say, nice car, good luck with the warranty.
This way, I have a warrantied car, that has all the goodies I was looking for (suspension, rims, turbo, stereo) stock.

 

I noticed no change in mileage after i got the flash, well maybe for a week or 2 because i was flooring it in all the gears trying to see if it would still hesitate!

 

17k for a new 03.5 msp is about 1k too much. Tell your dealer you'll take it for 16 or walk out the door because you can go somewhere else and get it for that.

 

Is it Faulkner Mazda??? I heard they had msp for 16,000.

If not check out faulkner, they are a great dealership.. At least their service dept. That is where i go