Hello Oppo!

"mazdaspeed2" (mazdaspeed03) 01/22/2014 at 11:57 • Filed to: None

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I am new here and thought I would introduce myself. My name is Mike, I am a college student, and I drive a 'Spicy Orange' Mazdaspeed Protege. I can't wait to get a chance to meet everyone here!

DatASSun > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 11:58

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Howdy ho Yankee .. Welcome to Oppo

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:00

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'Ello Mike, welcome. We're a bunch of insane cunts here, but don't be scared, we don't bite.. well... we don't bite hard. That's one sweet ride you have there mate, love the colour.

Deputy Kovacs > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:00

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Glad to have more college students like me. Where do you go?

RMudkips > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:00

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Hey! I'm Vince, a high school student, and I don't have a license or a car. My first word was apparently "Honda". I dig Mazda's much more.

How's your ride? Seems like an awesome car for college.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:01

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Welcome! That's an awesome color and car. You will be among friends here with all of the Mazda worship.

Niquemarshall > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:01

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Greetings from Ohio State!

TheJWT > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:01

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Awesome car! Welcome to the party!

EL_ULY > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:02

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Welcome to OPPO! That is one clean Mazdaspeed :]

DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:03

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Howdy Buddy. Good to see another Massachusetts person here. I am in the grey area still, but i thought i would welcome you anyway. Jalopnik is a great community.

ddavidn > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:03

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Nice, I like that car. Welcome!

M54B30 > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:03

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I liked those Mazdaspeed Proteges, and thought it'd be fun to own. I remember it handled well and made up for the Protege MP3s terrible power deficit. Welcome!

Big Bubba Ray > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:03

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Welcome to Oppo!

Never seen that color on a Mazda before, I really like it!

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > TheJWT 01/22/2014 at 12:05

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That gif always cracks me up.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:06

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Howdy, from a fellow Mazda owner. You'll like it around here, I bet.

Autophile412 - what's the world got in store? > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:06

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Welcome to the fold. We hope you stay for a while. Perhaps we can accommodate you in our cellar.

drdv8t2 > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:07

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I love that generation Mazda. I have the non-MazdaSpeed version in blue which I enhanced with Rx8 seats. I custom designed the bracket and the electrical myself. I now have an electric and heated seat on the driver side!

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey 01/22/2014 at 12:08

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I can't make you not gray.. but If this works your comment here should be gray no more.

Sn210 > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:09

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Welcome fellow Massachusan!

Long Live the Longdoor > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:09

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I forget, how was the mazdaspeed protege different from the regular protege?

Jagvar > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:10

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Oh my, that's purdy!

Takuro Spirit > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:11

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Ooh! Spicy!

One of the rarer of colors on an already rare car!

JACU - I've got bonifides. > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:11

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Greetings from the Deep South and a fellow Mazda driver!

EL_ULY > Big Bubba Ray 01/22/2014 at 12:12

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mazdaspeed2 > Big Bubba Ray 01/22/2014 at 12:13

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Yeah, they only made 600 in that color and I don't know if it was ever put on another but thanks haha.

505Turbeaux > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:13

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Welcome to OPPO! Nice whip!

Also come like us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Oppositelock

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:14

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I am he who posts incredibly long blather in response to people, but can't be bothered to write actual posts more than a paragraph or so long.

I am he who posts lost 20s- 30s cars in the middle hours of the day.

I am he whose attempts to be PCH king are continually stymied by BiTurbo always having something a bit crazier, curse him.

I am he who does not shut up about the Series Land-Rover or Ford Falcon.

I am... RamblinRover

28, BSME, sheet metal designer in NC.

mazdaspeed2 > Takuro Spirit 01/22/2014 at 12:15

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Thats weird.. I thought they only made 600 in spicy, but still rare nonetheless!

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:15

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Welcome! That's a great car, and it looks really nice in that color. Not sure I've ever seen it before.

Of course, I have a weakness for orange.

mazdaspeed2 > DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey 01/22/2014 at 12:16

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You are no longer gray! It's cool to see another person from MA on here. Around where do you live and what do you drive?

Takuro Spirit > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:17

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I remember seeing one at the local auto show before they came out, I have a pic somewhere. DAT METAL FLAKE.

I've only seen a handful come into the Mazda dealer I work for over the past 10 years.

mazdaspeed2 > EL_ULY 01/22/2014 at 12:18

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Thanks! Unfortunately it is getting some rust along the rear wheel wells :(. It still does look good from the front though!

RacecaR > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:18

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Hello!



$kaycog > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:19

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Hello, Mike and welcome!

mazdaspeed2 > RMudkips 01/22/2014 at 12:20

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I would definitely recommend Mazda haha, but overall the car is awesome. It is getting close to 170k but has never left me stranded and gets pretty decent gas mileage. The car really shines on backroads though, it loves the twistys!

mazdaspeed2 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 01/22/2014 at 12:22

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Thanks! I hope to replace it with a miata when it dies so I assume that will make me a true jalop.

mazdaspeed2 > Long Live the Longdoor 01/22/2014 at 12:25

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Body kit, turbo, mazdaspeed logos on the door sills and such, but most important was the suspension upgrades. It pulled .9g on the skidpad from the factory, but mine has pretty much one step up from the factory suspension so it is even better :)

mazdaspeed2 > Deputy Kovacs 01/22/2014 at 12:26

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UMass Lowell, you?

desertdog5051 > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:26

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Welcome to Oppo. You get my standard greeting to all newcomers.

You'll be sorrrrry.....This is a land where things are not as they seem and before you realize there is no escape, you are trapped ...This, my friends, is the OPPO ZONE

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:26

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Welcome buddy. Good to see another person that loves a good ole sport compact. :D

mazdaspeed2 > M54B30 01/22/2014 at 12:27

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Thanks! I can officially say that it is fun to own haha.

mazdaspeed2 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 01/22/2014 at 12:28

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Can't beat the sport compacts!

mazdaspeed2 > drdv8t2 01/22/2014 at 12:29

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That is an awesome mod! Any chance you could show me some pictures?

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:32

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Miatas are always great, but you will find a user for every kind of car. Hell, last night was dedicated to malaise land yachts.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:34

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That's pretty much how I feel lol

Crocket Bernet > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:37

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Hi Mike, welcome from your neighbor to the north.

William Byrd > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:37

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Excellent color, I test drove one of those! Welcome to Oppo!

nafsucof > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:40

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I spy a focus st, a ms3, and a 2004 msp.

CAR_IS_MI > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:47

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Great. A new Masshole!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Takuro Spirit 01/22/2014 at 12:54

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Where'd you pull that info? Is it a database that you can pull any make/model from or did u just google mazdaspeed protege color production numbers?

Takuro Spirit > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/22/2014 at 12:55

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Secret Mazda dealer info.

Only for the MSP and MX5.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Niquemarshall 01/22/2014 at 12:55

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BOOOOOOOO OHIO STATE

/theresalwaysanohiostatehater

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 12:57

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Well Hello.

Greetings from the Detroit area.

To explain my name and that while most people respond with "Miata is the answer" I respond with Montego, here's MY car (1968 Mercury Montego MX):

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Takuro Spirit 01/22/2014 at 13:03

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OK.

so I'm getting the impression you work at a Mazda dealer.

How the hell did you end up in a Camry instead of a much cooler Mazda? (Sorry, I know you catch plenty of grief for the Camry...and exposed fastners) but I had to ask.

shinsen > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 13:08

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welcome, you'll fit in here nicely!

DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 13:15

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I be near boston...Belmont/cambridge/watertown area. I drive a very nice yaris 2010 2-door coupe, with short throw shifter, rear sway bar, shocks and springs, all toyota aftermarket (TRD). The one bummer, Massachusetts follows California emissions standards, so i can't upgrade air filter to conical, or really add anything to force more air into the little baby, except change the air filter itself.) Nice city car for me, especially as i take the T to work. It is also great to drive on the highway, extremely stable (thanks to aerodynamics) despite the lightweight of 2300 lbs.

I like the Mazda Speed 3 as well, and the Mazda philosophy. (I had a 1989 323GTX, actually.) It has much better Hp and handling out of the box (than most of it's competitors), as do all Mazda automobiles. Unfortunately, I didn't have really good luck with the dealership (Boston Mazda) in the early 90's. They didn't fix things under warranty (speedometer, fuel gauge), then "found" the problems when the warranty was gone. I asked them to look at my repair history, and they were like "oh, yea, sorry bout missing those issues earlier. But you can buy another mazda rather than repair this one if that bothers you..." And so ended my relationship with Mazda, even though i do love the Miata. (Btw, loving Miatas is almost a pre-requisite on Jalopnik.)

; )

Great fog lights on your Mazda, btw. Wish i had them myself, as they make a car look cool, and are functional. You around boston?

Takuro Spirit > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/22/2014 at 13:41

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There hasn't been a Mazda with a stick in my price range. My wife does have a CX-9 (also had a Mazda5, and a CX-7) though, so it balances out.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Takuro Spirit 01/22/2014 at 13:50

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Ahhhh.

Makes sense

Fookin' Prawns > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 13:56

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Prepare yourself for the initiation.

Nah, just kiddin'. Welcome from Los Angeles!

Makoyouidiot > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 14:03

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Dude I totally had one of those. Spicy orange as well. Yours is in better nick than mine was tho.

Makoyouidiot > EL_ULY 01/22/2014 at 14:12

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A lot nicer than my poor one was, for sure! Too bad he's not another Texan

EL_ULY > Makoyouidiot 01/22/2014 at 14:21

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soon.....soon :]

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 14:31

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That fact that you found a Speed Protege that isn't rusted to hell, in New Englend makes you a lucky man.

mazdaspeed2 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 01/22/2014 at 14:45

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The rust has already started :/

mazdaspeed2 > Takuro Spirit 01/22/2014 at 14:48

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I have heard of people having a lot of turbo problems with low miles (4 turbos by 30k?!). D o you remember any of them coming in for this?

mazdaspeed2 > DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey 01/22/2014 at 14:56

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I have followed jalopnik for a while, just finally thought I should join Oppo, but sorry to hear about the gtx. Those were really cool cars, I have a soft spot for Mazda and rally cars and that is as close as I think it will ever get haha. I am in Lowell most of the time (go to UMass), but I am home most weekends (central mass). I'd love to see your yaris, because I might be getting a Mazda2 this summer depending on the rust on my car even though I would hate to see it go. But, I would most likely do the same to my mazda that you did to your yaris. It would be cool to get a New England meet together to meet some of the jalops around here.

mazdaspeed2 > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 01/22/2014 at 14:59

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I am an EE undergrad right now, but I am thinking about switching to ME. (Don't want to give up on the possibility of working in the automotive world, however unlikely it may be.)

mazdaspeed2 > JACU - I've got bonifides. 01/22/2014 at 15:01

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What mazda do you own?

mazdaspeed2 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 01/22/2014 at 15:02

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I also have a weakness for orange, and thanks.

mazdaspeed2 > CAR_IS_MI 01/22/2014 at 15:03

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I'd love to have an oppo masshole meet!

CAR_IS_MI > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:04

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I am no longer in that area, but I did grow up there.

I now am on the other side of the continent.

mazdaspeed2 > CAR_IS_MI 01/22/2014 at 15:09

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Ah I see.

JACU - I've got bonifides. > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:10

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Wife owns a '14 6 Grand Touring. My DD is a 2004 Subaru Forester XT. Marblehead Mass is my birthplace.

mazdaspeed2 > JACU - I've got bonifides. 01/22/2014 at 15:18

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I love the new 6's, I think they look great. I'm jealous of you being down south, It is so cold up here it hurts.

CAR_IS_MI > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:22

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Said the blind man in the dark alley with his sunglasses on.

pdthedeuce > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:25

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welcome to the funny farm .

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/22/2014 at 15:33

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What part of Michigan are you from

Takuro Spirit > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:35

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No, as far as I remember, they were pretty bulletproof. We had a couple that leaked oil from the oil line gaskets, but that was it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Niquemarshall 01/22/2014 at 15:36

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LOL

I'm a Michigan State graduate. I don't have to really boo you, we already handled our business.

mazdaspeed2 > Takuro Spirit 01/22/2014 at 15:43

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Oh thats good, mine has been solid for me so far. I bought it with 150k and it is closing in on 167k now.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:56

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Welcome! Your Protege has aged very well (the car and the design) - nice ride. I loved my '05 3s hatch.

DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey > mazdaspeed2 01/22/2014 at 15:59

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I agree, it would be cool to get the Massachusetts jalops together. Maybe find a track to meet at in Mass. Also, regarding upgrades, i forgot to mention, i did upgrade the muffler (also TRD), and that probably helped the most, as far as HP goes. All the upgrades (and install costs), did add about 2 grand to the cost, but it really helped the performance. Because they are all Toyota aftermarket parts, the warranty is still valid. Doing the same to a Mazda2 would be really cool, as i think the differences they make would be just as pronounced, if not more so, due to better starting HP, suspension, etc. (one of the advantages of light, tiny cars is that any change makes a huge difference.) Definitely get the short throw shifter from the dealer, but the other accoutrements can be added as time goes on, if budget is an issue. Anyway, glad to make your acquaintance, i hope your Mazda3 lasts a very long time, and you have a good semester at school.

mazdaspeed2 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 01/22/2014 at 19:36

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Thanks!

mazdaspeed2 > DontMakeMeUseTheAllCapsKey 01/22/2014 at 19:40

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Thanks, maybe when spring rolls around we can get the mass/new england jalops together. I actually test drove a Mazda 2 a couple weeks ago and it was suprisingly fun in stock form. The shifter felt nice, it was somewhat tossable, and the limits were easily reachable without being dangerous. I'm sure you are a believer in the old saying, "It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow."

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/23/2014 at 01:05

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I could sense the Michigan-ness in your comments.
Yeah you guys are winning sports, but, at the end of the day, it's..... Michigan.

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/23/2014 at 01:28

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Plus I'm not gonna argue with UMs little brother school lol.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Niquemarshall 01/23/2014 at 09:48

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Yes we are winning sports. And if you're going to pull the little brother school card this will get a lot uglier. Was friendly joking at first, but this will not end well. I hope you're the exception to the rule, but I've never found an OSU fan that was a good person, they always end up as jerks at the football games.

And for the record I've spent quite a bit of time in Ohio, I didn't grow up in Michigan, I grew up on the east coast in NJ. There is NOTHING in Ohio.

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/23/2014 at 10:19

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Hey, just stating facts man. UM is still the flagship school, and the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks "that state up north". Still, Michigan and Ohio are basically the same state, however, I've never heard someone say "OMG I love Michigan" either, so still Ohio is the more desirable place to live. That said, I still have respect for MI and hope they can turn things around. Plus we need B1G respect, and someone has to go make a name. Guess it's you guys.

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/23/2014 at 10:21

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Btw I am from VA

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Niquemarshall 01/23/2014 at 10:41

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UM can be the flagship, that's fine. we have a larger stupid population by about 15,000 students and don't belittle our name with secondary schools like UofM Flint and Dearborn. (Seriously who wants to go to Flint?).

If you compare us academically the two schools are very close in ranking in a large amount of majors. In fact I think I read a stat that we have more #1 programs than them, but we have significantly more programs so that's kind of skewed.

ANYHOW, Michigan is a pretty great state. There are astonishingly beautiful areas in northern Michigan. I really recommend you drive up that way and check it out.

Are you a student at OSU? What are you studying?

Btw, it really REALLY pisses me off when ummm refers to you guys as "ohio". That would be University of Ohio, it's a MAC school...they also wear green and white...and beat UM in basketball last year LOL.

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/23/2014 at 13:09

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It's kinda sad seeing what UM has been reduced to nowadays. As for Michigan, I'll be there this weekend for the car show in Detroit..
Yes I'm a new student here studying BME as a transfer from the USAF. I also don't know where the "Ohio" thing came from. I don't even know where that school is.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Niquemarshall 01/23/2014 at 13:17

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Something to do with their d-bag football coach not wanting to say the full name of the school.

anyhow you'll have to come back in the spring/summer I believe I'm going to try to organize an OPPO metro-detroit meet up.

Which will feature the Montego.

Niquemarshall > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/23/2014 at 14:30

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Will be looking forward to it!

See, Ohio and Michigan CAN get along! I might have to cover my back window though...