Test Drove an MSP...
 

I was at my car dealership last night (Fairbanks Mazda - Coconut Creek, FL) for my Protege5, and I decided to check out the latest offerings.

Well, They had the Protege6, and the MSP.

Previous to my Protege5, I had a 1999 Ford Taurus, and the 2 things I loved about it were the room and the power. I moved down in size, and somewhat in power when I got the Protege5, but discovered that a compact car is awesome, and the Protege's, although compact have alot of roominess to them.

Well, I checked out the 6, slightly pricey for the options I want, and too big for me (go figure), Plus I prefer the Protege5 interior to the 6's.

So, I talked to the salesperson (he wasn't too bad, not too pushy), and I started checking out the Mica Orange MSP up front. I love the rims, and especially love the stereo.

He asked me if I wanted to take it for a test drive, and I told him I barely know stick, so he tells me he will teach me.

So I basically got a lession on this brand new MSP, and not once did it stall out, no matter how hard I sucked at it.

I meant to go back last night and buy it, but it got late quickly.

I am seriously considering it this weekend. Although, I have a few concerns/comments.

The Stereo has everything I can ask for, so I wouldn't need to upgrade this.

The car has turbo, which I wanted to do down the line anyway.

The rims (once again) rock.

The foot pedals (similar to ones I found on E-Bay, which I wanted), are awesome as well.

Everything else is kickass too.

Insurance would only go up 150 USD (19/m/SoFL)

So, the concern is this:

2 Colors, of those two, I think I would be able to deal with the Mica Orange, although Laser Blue would be dream.

And manual, yes, something like this should be manual, it's just a matter of me getting used to it.

As far as financing goes, preliminary research shows I can trade mine in now (mint condition/7500 miles/no modifications), and only have to extend my loan a year or so to compensate for the purchase.

The trade in value for my car, in its condition (Kelly Blue Book) is about 11,700 USD.

The total value for my car is about 15,700 USD (Kelly Blue Book).

So, this kind of turned into a rambling post, but can I get some input from anybody?

And being my first thread, I would like to say hello to everyone, and comment about how wonderful the quality of people and information are on this board.

I especially love the anti-honda feeling. :)

I love my mazdaspeed. I turned up the boost and it runs like a rabbit. People are really suprised about how it moves out.

Welcome to the board :) BTW, it's just Mazda 6, not protege 6.

If I were you, I'd go for it. It seems like it would save you a ton of money in the long run even though your payments are extended a year. Just think of all the money for suspension, stereo mods as well as the turbo kit and wheels and tires. You'll already have what you want. I'd jump on it before someone else does! :D

Ahh yes, it is just a Mazda6, I suppose they are trying to confuse me.

I forgot one more thing.

I am looking to own it for the life of the loan, and I do about 20-30 miles/day in the car.

Sometimes I also carry tools and computer hardware around as well, the trunk seemed to be roomy enough for what I need, and of course the Hatchback I currently have isn't exactly large.

But the big point of this reply was just a question of long term ownership of an MSP, and of course, having to pay the minimal amount for maintenance, etc.

Well, you said that the loan would be extended one year, what would that make it? 5, 6 years? I think 20-30 miles a day is pretty fair, I don't think reliability will be an issue. If you treat it right, it will treat you right.