Well, I am probably going to trade my mazdaspeed protege in for a mazda 3 this weekend. I have had to many problems with my speed. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but want something nicer. I want an automatic, leather, SUNROOF, etc. So goodbye mazdaspeed protege. Any thoughts to change my mind before I take it in Saturday. Eventhough, I will probably trade in anyways.

2003.5 Titanium Grey
correction flash
bone stock

 

have fun with the 3!!

 

I love the interior of the 3, especially compared to the Protege. That car comes with 160 HP (unless you get the cheaper sedan), so it has some power (though I have not driven a *SPEED). I decided on the Protege5 over the 3 for two reasons: price (probably not a factor for you since you plan on going through with it) and handling. I think the Protege, with its lighter weight and strut tower bar, cornered better and stuck to the road better. If those are important to you, see what you think between the two of 'em. Admittedly, if price were not a factor, I would have chosen the 3 Sport, largely due to the huge improvement on the interior.

 

After reading about all the problems ppl have had with their MSPs for the last 11 months, I guess I can't blame you too much.
It's a shame, too. Mazda came SO CLOSE to building the perfect little street car.
Good luck w/the 3!

 

You are right about them almost making the perfect street car. I think Roddimus was right when he said," you can fart on a MSP, and they fall apart." That is a true statement. When ever my exhaust pipe broke off the converter and my speakers blew, I know then that this car wasn't for me. Like I said, " I have had to many problems out of this car." Don't get me wrong, I love the handling and the power, but want something nicer. Don't think I am going to buy a 2.0 liter M3, I am going for a 2.3 liter. Or even a 3.0 M6. I will just see when I get there tomorrow morning.


2003.5 Titanium Grey
Correctional Flash
Bone Stock

 

i agree with alot of your points. my MSP pops over bumps, and has an unidentifiable *knock* in the right rear over bumps.

but the car is so much fun. with my new place of employment, i think my options are limitless. i am doing a complete turbo-back exhaust setup soon, and my pennies are being saved to get an Autronic standalone system. with a good front mount i will blow this motor up and have fun from there

 

Well, I traded the MSP in this weekend and got a fully loaded (Sport Package) M3. It is midnight blue and I love this car. I am so glad I traded. I said my goodbyes to the speed and I had fun with the speed. This M3 is fun as well, and I am enjoying it to.

2005 Mazda 3
Fully loaded w/everything but Nava. & Leather
Sport Package

 

Congrats on the new ride. Have fun with it, but don't abandon us 3rd genners completely.
Post up a pic too.

 

good luck on the 3 is a true piece of stuff.ford stuff.it will never be better than the proteges were.it built in the us not in japan it has ford motor same as the new 05 focus.if you want a car to last 200k miles keep the speed or buy a es pro.and automatics in the mazdas are the worst.if you want a good auto car that will last buy a honda.sorry i am a true mazda guy but will never buy one with an auto trans.my 2 cents lease it and get rid of it in 3 years or less.volvo s40 chassis too ha junk

 

You might know a few more things about cars than me but listen. The assembly of the 3's are in JAPAN NOT USA. Second of all, I love mazda but that MSP I had was a piece of ****. Ford and Mazda are in bed together, so who do you think help build the protege engines. Get you **** straight before you start running your mouth. I love protege's too, and once again, I love mazda. If you have such strong words about mazda, go buy you a Honda and off the forum.

2004 Veliocity Red
mazda 3
sport package
2.3l engine

 

i heard that the 3 is going to be speed'd too. either 200hp FWD or 240 AWD.

 

wait adam...is your car a 2004 or 2005? you got 2 different years...

 

2004 MODEL. I was going to get a 2005 but the interest rate was to high. I got the 04 with 4.9% interest. Yes, there are making a speed of the m3 and the m6. Cant wait to see the mazda 6 speed.

2004 velocity red
mazda 3
sport package
2.3l engine

 

yea they are going to make a speed mazda6 same 2.3l but with turbo and all wheel drive and 6 speed manual trans.havent heard anything on a speed3.there was a protoype mazdaspeed protege5 turbo all wheel drive but it never made it to production since they dropped the protege line.overseas in the euro market there already is a mazda6 with v6 turbo all wheel drive.same story as always the u.s. never gets the best stuff.

 

Yes the Mazda6 speed is called the Atenza. It is a pretty nice car and it would be nice if they would send them over here.

2004 Velocity Red
Mazda 3
2.3L Sport package