Mazda MPS - Advice on buying one - Or something else?

[rdb85]

I am looking at getting a bigger car than the Mini I currently have. I have seen these a Mazda MPS, they look great, very under-rated and quite rare from what I have seen. Can anyone give me some advice on them please? Or would you buy something else. Budget is £12k MAX.

[Butter Face]

Do you mean the 6 or the 3?

[rdb85]

Butter Face said:

Do you mean the 6 or the 3?

The 3

[Toyoda]

Google tining chain issues. I think it's a matter of when rather than if.

[Butter Face]

Toyoda said:

Google tining chain issues. I think it's a matter of when rather than if.

Yes, this.

We took one in PX last year, I almost bought it but chickened out, a week later the timing chain went tits up.

I dodged a bullet.

Otherwise they’re alright, but typical plastic interiors and they feel quite billy basic but good fun!

[Toyoda]

I always liked the look of the mk1 3 mps as it's pretty anonymous, bordering on ugly but packs a big punch, and that sort of thing appeals to me. I don't think handling was particularly well rated though and at your budget the focus st is sadly a lot more accomplished but obviously you lose the rare factor.
The mk2 3 mps was far more shouty. More reasonable tax bracket though. I remember looking into these a while ago but the timing chain borkage put me off.

[iwantagta]

Hadn't realised how expensive these were still.
12k for an 11 plate seems chunky to me.
Not as exciting but if its pushing financially at 12k have you considered a;
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Kia ProCeed - Still got 4 years of Kia warranty.Just an idea.
Enjoy whatever you get.

[rdb85]

I will have a look at the issue, I dont mind the Focus ST, but they are a bit 'common' I wanted something a little different. I also considered a Volvo C30 T5, but they are hard to get hold of now, but I do like the facelift C30.

Another consideration was an Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf. I have not seen many of them.

I am just after something a little bigger than my Mini, but its practical and is fun to drive.

A friend of mine said an 130i or R32 - But both are quite high on the tax.

[Fastdruid]

Toyoda said:

Google tining chain issues. I think it's a matter of when rather than if.

They give plenty of warning though.

PH even has a buying guide!

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guide-c...

[TheAngryDog]

Don't bother unless you factor in a new engine. They are very happy to put a leg out of bed in standard tune amongst other issues.

[rdb85]

Alfa: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

R32: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

MPS: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-MAZDA-3-2-3-MPS-MI...

ST3 FIESTA: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2015-FORD-FIESTA-1-6-ST...

R32: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-R3...

130I: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-1-SERIES-3-0-1...

SEAT LEO CUPRA R: http://revitupuk.com/product/201111-seat-leon-cupr...

RENAULT MEGANE RS250 GP MONACO: http://revitupuk.com/product/201111-renault-megane...

[OldGermanHeaps]

Do these not rust like fk as well? Every one i have seen recently has looked like a 70s alfa or a 90s merc.

[ZX10R NIN]

The engines on the MK1 were prone to issues I'm not sure if the MK2 was improved but you seem to hear less about the MK2, with this in mind (so I'd be tempted to land one with a warranty or factor in buying one) as for alternatives well why not go for the car the Mazda3 is based on which is the 2.5T Focus in ST-3 spec it was the car I chose when looking for a fun car.

There's a wealth of very good hot hatches at this price point so you will have to take some test drives to workout what you want from your car.

Mazda3 MPS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Obviously the Megane RS265 A Lux with the Cup Chassis & the Recaros is the one to try & get.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ford Focus ST-3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra GTC VXR These are great value for money as well as being a good hot hatch

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Seat Cupra R

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Civic Type R GT You may find the ride crashy on these

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf R32

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Hatchback Subaru WRX S.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If it was me I'd be looking at the Focus Megane & VXR but my curiosity would have me taking a look at the Subaru.

[TheAngryDog]

The k04 turbo is pretty weak and prone to oil seal failure on mps. The oil feed restrictor is too big.

[rdb85]

ZX10R NIN said:

The engines on the MK1 were prone to issues I'm not sure if the MK2 was improved but you seem to hear less about the MK2, with this in mind (so I'd be tempted to land one with a warranty or factor in buying one) as for alternatives well why not go for the car the Mazda3 is based on which is the 2.5T Focus in ST-3 spec it was the car I chose when looking for a fun car.

There's a wealth of very good hot hatches at this price point so you will have to take some test drives to workout what you want from your car.

Mazda3 MPS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Obviously the Megane RS265 A Lux with the Cup Chassis & the Recaros is the one to try & get.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ford Focus ST-3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra GTC VXR These are great value for money as well as being a good hot hatch

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Seat Cupra R

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi S3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Civic Type R GT You may find the ride crashy on these

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf R32

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Hatchback Subaru WRX S.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If it was me I'd be looking at the Focus Megane & VXR but my curiosity would have me taking a look at the Subaru.

This Renault Megane looks good: http://revitupuk.com/product/201111-renault-megane...

There is also the one you have mentioned. I am still keen on the MPS. ST3 looks good: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

But I think they are too common, I am not really that much a fan of Ford. The VXR looks really nice, quite understated and a decent car from the build quality etc.

To be honest I am just looking for

- Something unusual
- Holds its value
- Not to high on the tax band - £500 is a lot of money.
- Reliable

Something else I like as you dont see many Polo GTI: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by rdb85 on Sunday 14th January 21:59

[ZX10R NIN]

Well I thought you'd have a better idea by now as you've been looking for long enough, go for the Vauxhall it ticks your boxes, so your Mini didn't sell then?

[rdb85]

ZX10R NIN said:

Well I thought you'd have a better idea by now as you've been looking for long enough, go for the Vauxhall it ticks your boxes, so your Mini didn't sell then?

I know I just like too many cars, No I have had interest, so I may hang on a little longer. So you think out of everything Vauxhall would be my best bet?

I like these: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They are a Subaru, its a rare car, but also with that comes deep pockets. What do you think of that Renault from Revitup, supposes to be quite rare or so: http://revitupuk.com/product/201111-renault-megane...

[TheAngryDog]

rdb85 said:

This Renault Megane looks good: http://revitupuk.com/product/201111-renault-megane...

There is also the one you have mentioned. I am still keen on the MPS. ST3 looks good: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

But I think they are too common, I am not really that much a fan of Ford. The VXR looks really nice, quite understated and a decent car from the build quality etc.

To be honest I am just looking for

- Something unusual
- Holds its value
- Not to high on the tax band - £500 is a lot of money.
- Reliable

Something else I like as you dont see many Polo GTI: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by rdb85 on Sunday 14th January 21:59

I've owned an mps, they really aren't very good. I wouldn't care about getting something common, but I'd get the vxr or the St.

[ZX10R NIN]

You've gone from hot hatches to sports saloons, you need to workout what you actually want, yes I'd say the VXR is the one to go for or the 2.5T C30 I told you about four months ago.

[rdb85]

ZX10R NIN said:

You've gone from hot hatches to sports saloons, you need to workout what you actually want, yes I'd say the VXR is the one to go for or the 2.5T C30 I told you about four months ago.

That is true, I know I want a hot hatch. There is this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-C30-T5-2-5-T5-R-D...

But its likely to go I would imagine. If not then I will definitely look at an ASTRA VXR. It seems to most practical, its a lot newer, and should hold its value. I will also look at an ST3, Test drive both and see how I feel.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by rdb85 on Sunday 14th January 22:44