Advice on SP20 purchase

[addy]

Hi guys,

I am looking to purchase a 03 BJII SP20 sedan with 65000k's on it but am a little worried cos the owner says he normally uses Regular ULP. I'm just wondering if it has adverse effects on the engine and combustion system ?

Also being an auto im just wondering what sort of difference in performance when compared to a manual? as in straight line and uphill etc.

Is it possible to change the standard yellow plates to the premium ones? How do u go about doing it and how much?

I had a manual 1.8 BJII and couldnt stand the gear shudders i got every now and then thats why i decided to go auto.

Thanks guys

[DVS]

auto=nuggety and if he put 91 in it and not 95 or 98 hes a douche as its designed to run on 95 or higher.... personally wouldnt touch it ... go a manual and from someone who has bothered to look after their car...

[andrewck]

The auto is only a 4 speed and I would agree with DVS dont bother with it find a manual and check the VICS butterflys in the inlet manifold for excessive noise when you find one

[addy]

Thanks for the advice

Is the auto really that bad? :confused:

With the VICS issues ... i just take it to my mechanic and ask him to "loctite" it or remove it altogether?

Another thing, are the back seats foldable in the sedan?

[andrewck]

If any of the butterflies are broken the rest will have to be removed.I doubt very much that you can get replacements unless you buy the whole new manifold

[rodhog]

changing plate you pay a standard FEE

As for the fuel thing

It's not a big issue the ECU had alot of give in it - it's an auto as well. The real problem is if he's been using the ethanol blended types and the real cheap ones-. The mazda's and Camry etc most of the airflow metered cars of recent with the new E10 fuels it's not uncommon for them to Ping off idel. Regardless auto manual

as for you auto manual issue.

Personally I don't care too much for manual these days but both my main cars are for personal issues. But I drive the lexus auto and love it in daily traffic or any distance carrying people- Because it makes it easier on me and my passangers dont' need to worry about me having to clutch a car with no syncro's or broken engine mounts etc.

a Manual BJ 2 V a SP20 auto. Would be about par.
you would notice the Sp20's torqueier bottomen end as the converter multiplys it. But it also saps some of it's extra power.
having said that it's proberly been driven more nicly then any manual version - especially in sydney.

But you do have to decide - what you want first and then stick to that.


Yes the sedan back seats do fold forward from memory.

The sedans are more common autos and usually bought by more sedate owners when new so they can be a better buys as well.

[addy]

Thanks for the replies. If its somewhat similar to my old BJ2's power and torque then i dont mind it! That car was fun to drive in the manual but i bet the SP20's suspension setup makes it a whole lot more fun.

As for the butterfly thingy ... do u guys reckon an inspection from www.roadcheck.com.au would be able to pick it up?

[andrewck]

They need to know what to listen for and some of the 03 models that were in a certain VIN range were recalled for a special service for the VICS problem.

http://www.astinagt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5441

Check this post out it has the info that you need for that service from Mazda

[addy]

Yeah I've read about VICS on here and ozmazdaclub.

Just wondering what are the chances of that happening to this particular vechicle or is it something that's bound to happen sooner or later to all SP20s?

[andrewck]

I think most could be prone to the problem it certainly not just the cars in those VIN ranges

[addy]

Oh i see ... in that case i might just give it a think. I'm also looking at a Honda Accord 2000 V6 Luxury thats in immaculate condition and gots all the works. Reallllyy tempting hehe ...

Only thing is 93000kms on the clock and looks boring compared to the SP20s looks ....

[addy]

Hey guys

What should i be looking out for when checking the auto tranny for the SP20?

How would i know if it's in good nick other than smooth changes and clunk noises?

[andrewck]

Check its service history is a pretty good way to see if its been maintained

[DVS]

yeh make sure transmission fluid has been changed or in good nick and no harshness when driving

[addy]

Geeeez I been reading the posts on msprotege on the VICS issue and its a major major problem hey!

Looks like i gotta be prepared to bring it to a mechanic and get it fixed up if i buy the SP20. I wonder if the current owner has had the damage done already and is trying to sell it off now hrrmmm

[andrewck]

I think you would know if the motor was damaged there would be smoke. Also check out the vin number and see if its in the free service range. The most it should cost you if not would be around the $400 mark mine was done by my local Mazda dealer cost was $366, but if you know a mechanic should be cheaper than that. Oh btw there is no special tools required to do the job either