Hey guys. I'm new here and, well, considering buying a Mazda.

A bit about myself... I'm 19 and go to the University of Florida. Right now I drive a '97 Camry, and the time has come to hand it down (again) to my younger brother. That means a new car for me!

Anyways, I had a big interest in the Mazda3 for a while. But right now I don't think I'm ready for a new car (financially.) At the used car dealer the other day, I drove a Protege5, and liked it a lot. Even though the Mazda3 is newer, more refined, ect... at $5-6k less, the MP5 seems like a good deal.

So, how do you guys like your cars? If you could buy one again, would you? I'll be looking to pick one up in good condition for maybe ~12k. Any other cars I should look at?

Thanks for the input. If I end up buying one I'll probably be sticking around.

 

the P5 is a great car!! you'll love it. Just for giggles there is a lot here selling 3 p5's and their asking price is $11K....you could probably get one out the door for $9500 or so.

If you take care of it and don't pound on it too hard they'll last you a long time. Proteges have the best reliability for like 10years or something.

 

I love my MP5. The only "complaints" that I have is I wish I had a little more power and upgraded interior. Basically I would like to swap the interior and engine out of the M3 an dput it in my MP5. But those two things are not a big issue, it's just if I could change two things about the MP5 they would be it. Trust me you'll like either one.

 

Love it. Yes. Sounds like a deal, just make sure it wasn't abused or hit. No.

You're welcome. You're more than welcome.

 

I also have no real complaints about my P5. IMO, it's better looking than the 3 and it definately corners better.

One other car I would consider is a used MSP.

 

i like my interior.....but then again, i have katzkin leather

 

I have mazda leather and love my car....wish I had those racing buckets though...

MILLER!!! When are we gonna do the swap over?!?!

 

love the p5 handling... throw some Tein springs in and u will love it even more!

 

"Scottie to bridge...she needs more power!!!"

I am here to say I love my P5. If it had about 175-200 to the wheels it would be a the shiznit. As far as durability I have no complaints. I drive the **** out of mine here in Europe doing 100mph daily. All she needs is regular maintnence. Just my .02

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I pretty much agree with you all already. The only thing I felt lacking during the test drive was a bit of power. I think I can live with it though. I'll be looking around for a good one, and I'll let you know if I pick one up.

 

dont worry about power once Roddimus gets the supercharger kit developed...