Discussion
Currently driving a Grand Picasso but the kids are growing up and I'm starting to wonder if I need so much space. So I've been looking around at a few hot hatches.
Seen a Mazda 3 MPS for sale and it looks seriously tempting but although I know of them, I don't know much about them.
I remember when they came out that the motoring press praised how quick they were but that's it. Looking at the specifications online, they have some very impressive figures.
What are they like to live with and are they reliable?
My mum had a 2004 Mazda 6 that had to go back to the dealer every 2 years to sort the wheel arch rust out. Would a 2008 Mazda 3 suffer from the same problems or did Mazda sort the rusting issues out by that time.
Any general advice, experience, would be much appreciated.
Seen a Mazda 3 MPS for sale and it looks seriously tempting but although I know of them, I don't know much about them.
I remember when they came out that the motoring press praised how quick they were but that's it. Looking at the specifications online, they have some very impressive figures.
What are they like to live with and are they reliable?
My mum had a 2004 Mazda 6 that had to go back to the dealer every 2 years to sort the wheel arch rust out. Would a 2008 Mazda 3 suffer from the same problems or did Mazda sort the rusting issues out by that time.
Any general advice, experience, would be much appreciated.
Brummie Lad said:
I had a Mk1 for 2yrs before trading in for a Mk2 demo with only 120mls on the clock and £4k off list.
Unless the 'sleeper' looks of the Mk1 appeal, I'd go for the Mk2 although there are few for sale. I'm certainly not selling mine any time soon.
The standard Hitachi K04 turbo can be prone to failure if not treated to the proper oil change schedule and warm up / cool down - Evo blew their press demo.
Otherwise it's rock solid although the dash is 'plasticky' but it's very well kitted out. Yes it'll torque steer if you're a flat footed billy who just stands on the throttle, but feed it in smoothly and it's not an issue.
The engine is rife for tuning. BBR do a 290 upgrade including remap and induction (standard rubber induction hose and filter are crap)that delivers a much more linear power delivery. They also supply softer springs which are much better on B-roads, as the standard suspension is slightly over sprung and under damped. Traction is very good with the standard LSD. There's a BBR test drive on here if you search.
I had both the 290 and 320 upgrades before going the whole hog and currently run 350 with Garrett GTX turbo, Corksport intercooler/ TBE and HTP intake. I've also got the softer springs and lightweight OZ rims. BBR have a rolling road for tuning and my tune was beautifully smooth and progressive. I've run this for 18months now, thrashing around Wales and it's been a riot.
I'd disagree about super RON, I only put V-power in but I'd agree about the paint - it's crap and seems to chip very easily. The clutch take up can be tricky, it seems to bite very quickly which can make it a pain in town traffic. I've got a £500 banger I use for work and the MPS is a weekend / holiday toy. Keeps the fuel costs down when only doing 6k a year.
Overall I love being in something different from two a penny ST's, GTIs or tractor juice repmobiles and the fact I rarely see another.
Thanks very much. The sleeper looks of the Mk1 do appeal to me.Unless the 'sleeper' looks of the Mk1 appeal, I'd go for the Mk2 although there are few for sale. I'm certainly not selling mine any time soon.
The standard Hitachi K04 turbo can be prone to failure if not treated to the proper oil change schedule and warm up / cool down - Evo blew their press demo.
Otherwise it's rock solid although the dash is 'plasticky' but it's very well kitted out. Yes it'll torque steer if you're a flat footed billy who just stands on the throttle, but feed it in smoothly and it's not an issue.
The engine is rife for tuning. BBR do a 290 upgrade including remap and induction (standard rubber induction hose and filter are crap)that delivers a much more linear power delivery. They also supply softer springs which are much better on B-roads, as the standard suspension is slightly over sprung and under damped. Traction is very good with the standard LSD. There's a BBR test drive on here if you search.
I had both the 290 and 320 upgrades before going the whole hog and currently run 350 with Garrett GTX turbo, Corksport intercooler/ TBE and HTP intake. I've also got the softer springs and lightweight OZ rims. BBR have a rolling road for tuning and my tune was beautifully smooth and progressive. I've run this for 18months now, thrashing around Wales and it's been a riot.
I'd disagree about super RON, I only put V-power in but I'd agree about the paint - it's crap and seems to chip very easily. The clutch take up can be tricky, it seems to bite very quickly which can make it a pain in town traffic. I've got a £500 banger I use for work and the MPS is a weekend / holiday toy. Keeps the fuel costs down when only doing 6k a year.
Overall I love being in something different from two a penny ST's, GTIs or tractor juice repmobiles and the fact I rarely see another.
Edited by Brummie Lad on Wednesday 28th January 18:55
I had a brief look at engine remapping and was pleasantly surprised of the power gains for such little cost. I will definitely look into the tuning aspect, if I get one.
What are the real life MPG figures like? It's official MPG is 29 but I imagine it will be a lot less than that.
And if the turbo does go, what's the cost of replacing it?
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