RE: Mazda 3 MPS: Spotted
Discussion
I have a Gen 1 (2006) Saloon 2.0 Sport which I prefer the look of to the hatchback (https://i.imgur.com/ZpJkjCF.jpg). Would have been great to see an MPS in the saloon like a baby Mazda 6 MPS.
I'm selling her now, with only 65k on the clock because I bought a Mondeo Titanium X Sport 2.5T which is quieter inside, even more comfortable (Mazda was not bad, proven by a 3,000 mile road trip), a bit smoother (even with new bushes up front on the Mazda) and roomier.
The Mazda was very practical inside, if not as lush. Better cup holders, centre storage / armrest and glovebox etc. Mondeo also thirsty! Mazda wasn't the best in fuel consumption but much better than the Ford. Otherwise reliable!
I'm selling her now, with only 65k on the clock because I bought a Mondeo Titanium X Sport 2.5T which is quieter inside, even more comfortable (Mazda was not bad, proven by a 3,000 mile road trip), a bit smoother (even with new bushes up front on the Mazda) and roomier.
The Mazda was very practical inside, if not as lush. Better cup holders, centre storage / armrest and glovebox etc. Mondeo also thirsty! Mazda wasn't the best in fuel consumption but much better than the Ford. Otherwise reliable!
I used to sell these and in my opinion they were a very underrated car.
The Mk1 had two suspension options-the lowered version was very stiff but would be the better for track use.
The Mk2 had a softer suspension set up but was a more refined car and with improved technology inline with the second generation Mazda 2. The mk2 was the better road car as a result.
The interior of both versions was fine and they were very well specified-being Japanese things also fitted well and continued to work after a few years had passed. To be honest, most 'affordable' cars nowadays have some combination of black plastic/leather/shiny bits-they do the job but are nothing to write home about and that includes cars like the Golf GTI and various Audis etc.
In terms of performance they were sharper and faster than my Focus ST 2.5 and the Mk5 Golf GTI (including the edition 30). Indeed the MK1 felt a bit like an EVO Viii 260 (I also sold those at the time) but cost less to buy and run (especially service).
The reason why they have a strong following second hand is that they are a good car that can be easily tuned (see BBR) and is good for track use. Early timing chain issues aside (same with 6 MPS and CX7 turbo) they are also pretty robust mechanically. The engine is part of the Ford Duratec/Mazda MZR family and related to the Ford 2.3 engine, which has been a favourite of Cosworth and is now in Ecoboost form in the Mustang etc. I am sure many changes have been made over the years though.
The Mk1 had two suspension options-the lowered version was very stiff but would be the better for track use.
The Mk2 had a softer suspension set up but was a more refined car and with improved technology inline with the second generation Mazda 2. The mk2 was the better road car as a result.
The interior of both versions was fine and they were very well specified-being Japanese things also fitted well and continued to work after a few years had passed. To be honest, most 'affordable' cars nowadays have some combination of black plastic/leather/shiny bits-they do the job but are nothing to write home about and that includes cars like the Golf GTI and various Audis etc.
In terms of performance they were sharper and faster than my Focus ST 2.5 and the Mk5 Golf GTI (including the edition 30). Indeed the MK1 felt a bit like an EVO Viii 260 (I also sold those at the time) but cost less to buy and run (especially service).
The reason why they have a strong following second hand is that they are a good car that can be easily tuned (see BBR) and is good for track use. Early timing chain issues aside (same with 6 MPS and CX7 turbo) they are also pretty robust mechanically. The engine is part of the Ford Duratec/Mazda MZR family and related to the Ford 2.3 engine, which has been a favourite of Cosworth and is now in Ecoboost form in the Mustang etc. I am sure many changes have been made over the years though.
Just a shame that they are plagued with an engine that really isn't that strong. Pushing a stock engine past 400bhp is asking for trouble. You also need meth injection as the fuel system doesn't really have enough scope to go beyond 400. It isn't the bhp that kills these but the torque. They do seem to be more reliable when running a good stage 1 map. Not many people know how to map these in the UK so you have to choose your tuner well.
I had a 6 MPS and I thought it was a good looking car. The audio system was very good. I was always worried about the engine though so sold it on.
Buy these with your eyes open as they know how to go wrong.
I had a 6 MPS and I thought it was a good looking car. The audio system was very good. I was always worried about the engine though so sold it on.
Buy these with your eyes open as they know how to go wrong.
TheAngryDog said:
Just a shame that they are plagued with an engine that really isn't that strong. Pushing a stock engine past 400bhp is asking for trouble. You also need meth injection as the fuel system doesn't really have enough scope to go beyond 400. It isn't the bhp that kills these but the torque. They do seem to be more reliable when running a good stage 1 map. Not many people know how to map these in the UK so you have to choose your tuner well.
I had a 6 MPS and I thought it was a good looking car. The audio system was very good. I was always worried about the engine though so sold it on.
Buy these with your eyes open as they know how to go wrong.
Bit of a thread hijack:I had a 6 MPS and I thought it was a good looking car. The audio system was very good. I was always worried about the engine though so sold it on.
Buy these with your eyes open as they know how to go wrong.
AD if you're still thinking about selling the E55 then the guy in the link below may well be interested.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
ZX10R NIN said:
Bit of a thread hijack:
AD if you're still thinking about selling the E55 then the guy in the link below may well be interested.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks for the heads up! Yes still looking to sell sadly! The boiler is looking like it's about to give up so there's a few grand already. AD if you're still thinking about selling the E55 then the guy in the link below may well be interested.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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