Mazda 6 MPS vs BMW 330i
Discussion
Afternoon all
I've been thinking of getting a daily driver to run along side my Integra, but I don't really want to get a boring diesel or a 1.2 litre eurobox petrol as I'll be spending upto 2 hours a day in the thing.
My requirements are, 30mpg, 60 in under 7, comfortable, with a £5k limit.
Coming from an Integra daily, the more toys I can get the better, both cars come with cruise, climate, fancy sound systems and hopefully sat nav if I can find it (rare on the E46, even rarer on the Mazda)
The BMWs I've been looking at are mainly coupes, but I wouldn't say no to a saloon.
This looks good but appears to be in Australia
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
A nice black one
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
As for the Mazdas they are quite rare, this is a nice red one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-Mazda6-2-3i-260-MP...
I like the idea of the built in HDD for my music on the Mazdas.
Anyway has anyone owned an MPS, can you comment on the quality of the interior, particular the seats, as cheap leather seats, I hate. I've read about the VVT rattle and then the usual turbo car checks when viewing, anything else worth noting?
I've had an E46 before so I know what to look for on them, but does the 3.0i have any common faults?
Also, is the 3 MPS worth considering?
Thanks
Dan
I've been thinking of getting a daily driver to run along side my Integra, but I don't really want to get a boring diesel or a 1.2 litre eurobox petrol as I'll be spending upto 2 hours a day in the thing.
My requirements are, 30mpg, 60 in under 7, comfortable, with a £5k limit.
Coming from an Integra daily, the more toys I can get the better, both cars come with cruise, climate, fancy sound systems and hopefully sat nav if I can find it (rare on the E46, even rarer on the Mazda)
The BMWs I've been looking at are mainly coupes, but I wouldn't say no to a saloon.
This looks good but appears to be in Australia
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
A nice black one
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
As for the Mazdas they are quite rare, this is a nice red one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mazda-Mazda6-2-3i-260-MP...
I like the idea of the built in HDD for my music on the Mazdas.
Anyway has anyone owned an MPS, can you comment on the quality of the interior, particular the seats, as cheap leather seats, I hate. I've read about the VVT rattle and then the usual turbo car checks when viewing, anything else worth noting?
I've had an E46 before so I know what to look for on them, but does the 3.0i have any common faults?
Also, is the 3 MPS worth considering?
Thanks
Dan
I have recently got a 2007 3 MPS but dont do many miles, around 8k normally but I find the seats very comfy.
I have recently been doing a 65 mile round trip daily for about 5 days to visit my dad whilst he had an operation and never had any issues with the seats.
In terms of MPG I average around 29/30 on my daily 20 mile round trip commute, but doing that 65 mile trip that went up to 31ish.
Not terribly informative but hope it helps.
I have recently been doing a 65 mile round trip daily for about 5 days to visit my dad whilst he had an operation and never had any issues with the seats.
In terms of MPG I average around 29/30 on my daily 20 mile round trip commute, but doing that 65 mile trip that went up to 31ish.
Not terribly informative but hope it helps.
DanielJames said:
My requirements are, 30mpg, 60 in under 7, comfortable, with a £5k limit.
Coming from an Integra daily, the more toys I can get the better, both cars come with cruise, climate, fancy sound systems and hopefully sat nav if I can find it (rare on the E46, even rarer on the Mazda)
The BMWs I've been looking at are mainly coupes, but I wouldn't say no to a saloon.
I like the idea of the built in HDD for my music on the Mazdas.
Anyway has anyone owned an MPS, can you comment on the quality of the interior, particular the seats, as cheap leather seats, I hate.
I loved my 6 MPS. With the recent snow I was fondly thinking back to the good times we had drifting around!Coming from an Integra daily, the more toys I can get the better, both cars come with cruise, climate, fancy sound systems and hopefully sat nav if I can find it (rare on the E46, even rarer on the Mazda)
The BMWs I've been looking at are mainly coupes, but I wouldn't say no to a saloon.
I like the idea of the built in HDD for my music on the Mazdas.
Anyway has anyone owned an MPS, can you comment on the quality of the interior, particular the seats, as cheap leather seats, I hate.
You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
My wife has a Mazda 6 and to me the interior feels cheap and isn't wearing as well as my 2003 Focus. It's only a Diesel TS though, although I can't see the interior plastics etc being much better in the MPS. Corrosion is also a real issue and something i've seen on a lot of older Mazdas. However the BHP per £ of the Mazda 6 MPS does appeal.
I've owned a BMW 330i and they are a fine motor. In terms of interior quality and solid build they are leagues ahed of Mazda although that doesn't necessarily translate into better reliability.
The M54 3.0 does have a few common issues.
The CCV (Crank case vent) valve sticks. This comes of the top of the cam cover and letts oil carryover to return to the sump while sending vapour into the inlet manifold. When it sticks condensation cannot excape from the top of the engine properly and you get mayo on the underside of the filler cap. This makes it look like you have a head gasket problem when you don't. It can also result in mayo type sludge getting back into the sump as the CCV connects into the dipstick take off.
With the engine running remove the oil filler cap. The engine idle should change noticably as you are allowing an unmetered source of air into the inlet manifold(through the CCV). Also if you put a cloth over the open oil filler hole it should suck in, indicating the top of the negine running a slight vacuum. If the idle doesn't change and there is no vacuum the CCV is knackered. It's a cheap part but is a pain to get at. I've done two and it takes a good 4 hours from start to finish.
Cam position sensors fail. This doesn't make a massive difference unless you drive two cars back to back, one good one bad. However, if the car feels a little lethargic up to about 4k and there is a slight hesitation as it passes about 4k then it is a sign that one of the sensors has a fault. I changed mine and my car felt instantly faster. It's a 5 minute job and a £100 part.
Oil level sensor. Unlike most cars that just have oil pressure, the M54 has an oil level sensor. This is what provides a warning that your oil level needs looking at before it gets bad enough to result in low pressure. If the oil level warning light comes on yellow just after the car is started then goes out again after a minute or two then this is faulty and needs replacing. About £100 again and can be changed quickly at an oil change.
Oil consumption. These engines like a drink. Up to 1 litre every 1k is within BMW spec. Given it needs fully synthetic this can be quite expensive. Changing the CCV reduced mine but it still used a bit, especially if you have a heavy right foot. BMW didn't fit an oil level sensor for nothing!
I've heard the VANOS on these engines can give problems but it's not something i've ever encountetred and i've owne d a 330i and a 530i. There's plenty of stuff on the BMW forums about this.
Sticky gear stick. When cold it's common for the gear lever to not recentralise after you first push it over the engage first. It sticks between first and second until the box warms up when it pops back to where it should be. This is a bit of a niggle and doesn't cause too many problems as long as you know where 3rd and fourth are! It's a gearbox out job to fix although the parts are cheap. I've lived with it on both my BMWs.
I'm sure there are more issue but those are the ones that spring to mind.
As you've owned an E46 before you'll know they have plenty of niggles that can add up to a fair bit of expense.
Edit:
Cooling system problems. Can't believe I forgot this. Radiators fail. Check the bottom of the rad for bowing. It's quite easy to spot as the bottom edge of the rad can develop quite a significant curvature. Radiator hoses and expansion tanks can also split and thermostats snap meanining the can't close properly. This is evidenced by an engine that struggles to warm up.
I've owned a BMW 330i and they are a fine motor. In terms of interior quality and solid build they are leagues ahed of Mazda although that doesn't necessarily translate into better reliability.
The M54 3.0 does have a few common issues.
The CCV (Crank case vent) valve sticks. This comes of the top of the cam cover and letts oil carryover to return to the sump while sending vapour into the inlet manifold. When it sticks condensation cannot excape from the top of the engine properly and you get mayo on the underside of the filler cap. This makes it look like you have a head gasket problem when you don't. It can also result in mayo type sludge getting back into the sump as the CCV connects into the dipstick take off.
With the engine running remove the oil filler cap. The engine idle should change noticably as you are allowing an unmetered source of air into the inlet manifold(through the CCV). Also if you put a cloth over the open oil filler hole it should suck in, indicating the top of the negine running a slight vacuum. If the idle doesn't change and there is no vacuum the CCV is knackered. It's a cheap part but is a pain to get at. I've done two and it takes a good 4 hours from start to finish.
Cam position sensors fail. This doesn't make a massive difference unless you drive two cars back to back, one good one bad. However, if the car feels a little lethargic up to about 4k and there is a slight hesitation as it passes about 4k then it is a sign that one of the sensors has a fault. I changed mine and my car felt instantly faster. It's a 5 minute job and a £100 part.
Oil level sensor. Unlike most cars that just have oil pressure, the M54 has an oil level sensor. This is what provides a warning that your oil level needs looking at before it gets bad enough to result in low pressure. If the oil level warning light comes on yellow just after the car is started then goes out again after a minute or two then this is faulty and needs replacing. About £100 again and can be changed quickly at an oil change.
Oil consumption. These engines like a drink. Up to 1 litre every 1k is within BMW spec. Given it needs fully synthetic this can be quite expensive. Changing the CCV reduced mine but it still used a bit, especially if you have a heavy right foot. BMW didn't fit an oil level sensor for nothing!
I've heard the VANOS on these engines can give problems but it's not something i've ever encountetred and i've owne d a 330i and a 530i. There's plenty of stuff on the BMW forums about this.
Sticky gear stick. When cold it's common for the gear lever to not recentralise after you first push it over the engage first. It sticks between first and second until the box warms up when it pops back to where it should be. This is a bit of a niggle and doesn't cause too many problems as long as you know where 3rd and fourth are! It's a gearbox out job to fix although the parts are cheap. I've lived with it on both my BMWs.
I'm sure there are more issue but those are the ones that spring to mind.
As you've owned an E46 before you'll know they have plenty of niggles that can add up to a fair bit of expense.
Edit:
Cooling system problems. Can't believe I forgot this. Radiators fail. Check the bottom of the rad for bowing. It's quite easy to spot as the bottom edge of the rad can develop quite a significant curvature. Radiator hoses and expansion tanks can also split and thermostats snap meanining the can't close properly. This is evidenced by an engine that struggles to warm up.
Edited by Devil2575 on Tuesday 26th March 13:35
Edited by Devil2575 on Tuesday 26th March 13:36
DaveH23 said:
I have recently got a 2007 3 MPS but dont do many miles, around 8k normally but I find the seats very comfy.
I have recently been doing a 65 mile round trip daily for about 5 days to visit my dad whilst he had an operation and never had any issues with the seats.
In terms of MPG I average around 29/30 on my daily 20 mile round trip commute, but doing that 65 mile trip that went up to 31ish.
Not terribly informative but hope it helps.
Knocking on the door at 30mpg in your experience then, that's good, to be honest only a fool would buy a car like this and expect great MPG. I have recently been doing a 65 mile round trip daily for about 5 days to visit my dad whilst he had an operation and never had any issues with the seats.
In terms of MPG I average around 29/30 on my daily 20 mile round trip commute, but doing that 65 mile trip that went up to 31ish.
Not terribly informative but hope it helps.
Thanks for the post
ArsE92 said:
I loved my 6 MPS. With the recent snow I was fondly thinking back to the good times we had drifting around!
You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
Typical Japanese lol, I expected that, I didn't know if it would be slightly more Ford however.You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
Not happy to hear about the nav or the HDD, I was hoping you could just transfer songs over from a memory stick etc, and the Sat Nav is it really that bad?
Did you have any problems with your ownership?
Devil2575 said:
My wife has a Mazda 6 and to me the interior feels cheap and isn't wearing as well as my 2003 Focus. It's only a Diesel TS though, although I can't see the interior plastics etc being much better in the MPS. Corrosion is also a real issue and something i've seen on a lot of older Mazdas. However the BHP per £ of the Mazda 6 MPS does appeal.
I've owned a BMW 330i and they are a fine motor. In terms of interior quality and solid build they are leagues ahed of Mazda although that doesn't necessarily translate into better reliability.
The M54 3.0 does have a few common issues.
The CCV (Crank case vent) valve sticks. This comes of the top of the cam cover and letts oil carryover to return to the sump while sending vapour into the inlet manifold. When it sticks condensation cannot excape from the top of the engine properly and you get mayo on the underside of the filler cap. This makes it look like you have a head gasket problem when you don't. It can also result in mayo type sludge getting back into the sump as the CCV connects into the dipstick take off.
With the engine running remove the oil filler cap. The engine idle should change noticably as you are allowing an unmetered source of air into the inlet manifold(through the CCV). Also if you put a cloth over the open oil filler hole it should suck in, indicating the top of the negine running a slight vacuum. If the idle doesn't change and there is no vacuum the CCV is knackered. It's a cheap part but is a pain to get at. I've done two and it takes a good 4 hours from start to finish.
Cam position sensors fail. This doesn't make a massive difference unless you drive two cars back to back, one good one bad. However, if the car feels a little lethargic up to about 4k and there is a slight hesitation as it passes about 4k then it is a sign that one of the sensors has a fault. I changed mine and my car felt instantly faster. It's a 5 minute job and a £100 part.
Oil level sensor. Unlike most cars that just have oil pressure, the M54 has an oil level sensor. This is what provides a warning that your oil level needs looking at before it gets bad enough to result in low pressure. If the oil level warning light comes on yellow just after the car is started then goes out again after a minute or two then this is faulty and needs replacing. About £100 again and can be changed quickly at an oil change.
Oil consumption. These engines like a drink. Up to 1 litre every 1k is within BMW spec. Given it needs fully synthetic this can be quite expensive. Changing the CCV reduced mine but it still used a bit, especially if you have a heavy right foot. BMW didn't fit an oil level sensor for nothing!
I've heard the VANOS on these engines can give problems but it's not something i've ever encountetred and i've owne d a 330i and a 530i. There's plenty of stuff on the BMW forums about this.
Sticky gear stick. When cold it's common for the gear lever to not recentralise after you first push it over the engage first. It sticks between first and second until the box warms up when it pops back to where it should be. This is a bit of a niggle and doesn't cause too many problems as long as you know where 3rd and fourth are! It's a gearbox out job to fix although the parts are cheap. I've lived with it on both my BMWs.
I'm sure there are more issue but those are the ones that spring to mind.
As you've owned an E46 before you'll know they have plenty of niggles that can add up to a fair bit of expense.
Edit:
Cooling system problems. Can't believe I forgot this. Radiators fail. Check the bottom of the rad for bowing. It's quite easy to spot as the bottom edge of the rad can develop quite a significant curvature. Radiator hoses and expansion tanks can also split and thermostats snap meanining the can't close properly. This is evidenced by an engine that struggles to warm up.
Great post, I had heard about the cooling systems. That's quite a bit more problems than I was expecting lol. Oil usage I'm use to in the Honda but didn't really want it from the daily. You've put some doubts about 330's for me thats for sure. I've owned a BMW 330i and they are a fine motor. In terms of interior quality and solid build they are leagues ahed of Mazda although that doesn't necessarily translate into better reliability.
The M54 3.0 does have a few common issues.
The CCV (Crank case vent) valve sticks. This comes of the top of the cam cover and letts oil carryover to return to the sump while sending vapour into the inlet manifold. When it sticks condensation cannot excape from the top of the engine properly and you get mayo on the underside of the filler cap. This makes it look like you have a head gasket problem when you don't. It can also result in mayo type sludge getting back into the sump as the CCV connects into the dipstick take off.
With the engine running remove the oil filler cap. The engine idle should change noticably as you are allowing an unmetered source of air into the inlet manifold(through the CCV). Also if you put a cloth over the open oil filler hole it should suck in, indicating the top of the negine running a slight vacuum. If the idle doesn't change and there is no vacuum the CCV is knackered. It's a cheap part but is a pain to get at. I've done two and it takes a good 4 hours from start to finish.
Cam position sensors fail. This doesn't make a massive difference unless you drive two cars back to back, one good one bad. However, if the car feels a little lethargic up to about 4k and there is a slight hesitation as it passes about 4k then it is a sign that one of the sensors has a fault. I changed mine and my car felt instantly faster. It's a 5 minute job and a £100 part.
Oil level sensor. Unlike most cars that just have oil pressure, the M54 has an oil level sensor. This is what provides a warning that your oil level needs looking at before it gets bad enough to result in low pressure. If the oil level warning light comes on yellow just after the car is started then goes out again after a minute or two then this is faulty and needs replacing. About £100 again and can be changed quickly at an oil change.
Oil consumption. These engines like a drink. Up to 1 litre every 1k is within BMW spec. Given it needs fully synthetic this can be quite expensive. Changing the CCV reduced mine but it still used a bit, especially if you have a heavy right foot. BMW didn't fit an oil level sensor for nothing!
I've heard the VANOS on these engines can give problems but it's not something i've ever encountetred and i've owne d a 330i and a 530i. There's plenty of stuff on the BMW forums about this.
Sticky gear stick. When cold it's common for the gear lever to not recentralise after you first push it over the engage first. It sticks between first and second until the box warms up when it pops back to where it should be. This is a bit of a niggle and doesn't cause too many problems as long as you know where 3rd and fourth are! It's a gearbox out job to fix although the parts are cheap. I've lived with it on both my BMWs.
I'm sure there are more issue but those are the ones that spring to mind.
As you've owned an E46 before you'll know they have plenty of niggles that can add up to a fair bit of expense.
Edit:
Cooling system problems. Can't believe I forgot this. Radiators fail. Check the bottom of the rad for bowing. It's quite easy to spot as the bottom edge of the rad can develop quite a significant curvature. Radiator hoses and expansion tanks can also split and thermostats snap meanining the can't close properly. This is evidenced by an engine that struggles to warm up.
Edited by Devil2575 on Tuesday 26th March 13:35
Edited by Devil2575 on Tuesday 26th March 13:36
Perhaps I will look into the diesels again
DanielJames said:
DaveH23 said:
I have recently got a 2007 3 MPS but dont do many miles, around 8k normally but I find the seats very comfy.
I have recently been doing a 65 mile round trip daily for about 5 days to visit my dad whilst he had an operation and never had any issues with the seats.
In terms of MPG I average around 29/30 on my daily 20 mile round trip commute, but doing that 65 mile trip that went up to 31ish.
Not terribly informative but hope it helps.
Knocking on the door at 30mpg in your experience then, that's good, to be honest only a fool would buy a car like this and expect great MPG. I have recently been doing a 65 mile round trip daily for about 5 days to visit my dad whilst he had an operation and never had any issues with the seats.
In terms of MPG I average around 29/30 on my daily 20 mile round trip commute, but doing that 65 mile trip that went up to 31ish.
Not terribly informative but hope it helps.
Thanks for the post
Unless you are cruising on a motorway I would guess a 6 MPS won't be a 30mpg car.
DanielJames said:
ArsE92 said:
I loved my 6 MPS. With the recent snow I was fondly thinking back to the good times we had drifting around!
You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
Typical Japanese lol, I expected that, I didn't know if it would be slightly more Ford however.You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
Not happy to hear about the nav or the HDD, I was hoping you could just transfer songs over from a memory stick etc, and the Sat Nav is it really that bad?
Did you have any problems with your ownership?
The only problem I had in my ownership was that someone kicked down my front door to get the keys after I'd owned the car a week. That was disappointing, but I got the car back the next day with relatively minor damage.
Other than that I had no issues at all. Have a look on the mpsowners forum as there should be a buyer's guide on there. I think there's an issue with the turbo-charger on some models that means it doesn't burn oil correctly or something, and it ends up getting into the turbo and causing smoke.
ArsE92 said:
DanielJames said:
ArsE92 said:
I loved my 6 MPS. With the recent snow I was fondly thinking back to the good times we had drifting around!
You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
Typical Japanese lol, I expected that, I didn't know if it would be slightly more Ford however.You'll be lucky to get 30MPG though, think high 20's for average use. It's a heavy car, with an old-tech engine and permanent AWD so it's not going to be efficient. Interiors are 'ok' but very Japanese. Hard plastics and hard-wearing leather, but still a nice interior and a good place to spend a commute.
Clutches can be a bit 'snappy'. Mine had a really high biting-point and felt almost digital in operation, but once I got used to it it was fine although it did result in the odd kangaroo start. Apparently it's a known issue but I can't recall what the fix was, but I just left mine.
Mine had the pop-up Sat Nav which was useful. Don't rule out a car just because it doesn't have the Nav though, it wasn't that good. It's the same system that is in the LR Discovery and other Ford/Mazda/LR cars of the same era.
The built-in HDD for ripping music to is also not standard and is quite a rare option. Again, don't let it be a deal-breaker as you'd probably never use it. You have to put a CD in and let it rip the CD to the internal HD, and you can't use the stereo whilst it's doing it (I think).
At £5k, if you can find a decent unmolested one, they're a bargain.
Not happy to hear about the nav or the HDD, I was hoping you could just transfer songs over from a memory stick etc, and the Sat Nav is it really that bad?
Did you have any problems with your ownership?
The only problem I had in my ownership was that someone kicked down my front door to get the keys after I'd owned the car a week. That was disappointing, but I got the car back the next day with relatively minor damage.
Other than that I had no issues at all. Have a look on the mpsowners forum as there should be a buyer's guide on there. I think there's an issue with the turbo-charger on some models that means it doesn't burn oil correctly or something, and it ends up getting into the turbo and causing smoke.
I've been commuting 40-50 miles a day in the Integra for quite a while now, the new job is still 40-50 miles (in another direction thankfully) but with the wage increase a daily really needs to be bought.
I am still weighing up the possibility of selling the Integra and buying something like a 335i or E46 M3 but we'll see!
DanielJames said:
Krikkit said:
Surely the antidote to an ITR is something with a bit more waft than a 3 series or MPS Mazda?
I have also been looking at E39's and MG ZT's, but I would only be able to afford to run the diesels, not sure that I want that. DanielJames said:
Great post, I had heard about the cooling systems. That's quite a bit more problems than I was expecting lol. Oil usage I'm use to in the Honda but didn't really want it from the daily. You've put some doubts about 330's for me thats for sure.
Perhaps I will look into the diesels again
The 3 litre engine is a great motor but you shouldn't buy an E46 330 and expect it not to have any issues. Perhaps I will look into the diesels again
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