Talk to me about the Mazda 3 MPS

[funkyrobot]

I've had the 2.0i Sport model for about a year now and have been leaning towards a serious look at the MPS. I thought i'd pop on here and ask what they are like. Does anyone on here own one, and if so, what are they like to own?

I have heard that they seem to be a bit of a theft target at the moment. Is this true? If so, I would be a little concerned as I park on a street around a corner from my house.

I understand that they aren't very good on fuel economy, but my weekly mileage is only around 200 miles (150 for 5 trips to a and from work, then social mileage). Also, I wouldn't be buying a car like this for economy purposes.

If I was to commit, I would probably be looking at the same shape model as my Sport. If I got one in Silver my fiancee might not even notice the car change

Anyway, i'm planning a test drive in one (if i'm allowed) as there is one at a main dealer only 14 miles away. Performance wise, i've read that they are a little, well, wild? They do sound like fun.

So, are they actually any good? Thanks all.

[JonnyFive]

Excellent cars. End of.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

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[funkyrobot]

JonnyFive said:

Excellent cars. End of.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

Whoops.

[JonnyFive]

You needn't take one persons opinion, the threads are full of them.. They're brutal when you actually go, definitely go for a drive

[Marf]

Torquey engine, LSD, 300hp on tap, focus chassis. What's not to like?

[Marf]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Could say that about any number of post 2001 performance cars though eh?

[funkyrobot]

JonnyFive said:

You needn't take one persons opinion, the threads are full of them.. They're brutal when you actually go, definitely go for a drive

Well, I made the decision I don't want children the other day so I can afford something silly.

It's just the on-road parking that worries me.

[JonnyFive]

funkyrobot said:

Well, I made the decision I don't want children the other day so I can afford something silly.

It's just the on-road parking that worries me.

Guess so.. They are pretty known to be good fun for hooning around, and what'd a theif rather go for a hoon in.. Matiz or a 3MPS?

You can for less than £500 get a decent alarm installed w/ tracker etc.

[Marf]

So long as you go into it eyes wide open I dont see a problem. If residuals are affected that badly the lower purchase price will offset the high tax bracket.

[funkyrobot]

Marf said:

So long as you go into it eyes wide open I dont see a problem. If residuals are affected that badly the lower purchase price will offset the high tax bracket.

Oh yes, I will definitely have my eyes open. I have read a bit about them so far and i'm aware of the road tax, fuel economy etc. Insurance may be another issue altogether, so will need a check.

I'm after a Silver one as i'm hoping the fiancee won't notice the change

[Mazdarese]

I have a 6 and love it, so I'm sure you'll love the 3 even though it's only FWD (Pfft).

Be aware that the increase in tax will cost you about 55p a day over a 'normal' car. Are you ready to take that on?

[Mazdarese]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

They didn't have balaclava's or machetes. And it was 7pm.

[danneth]

excellent cars, i have a mk1 aero great spec i have the hypertech map and SRI on it and its around 300bhp goes pretty well for what it is and surprises few cars, im getting around 29mpg round town and 38-40mpg plodding down the m1, i dont think theres a quicker, newer, cheaper, better spec hot hatch about imo

[Grovsie26]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

So paying 150quid a year extra to tax it than another similar car would stop you buying one? Thats 2 tanks of fuel.

[duffman]

For some reason Mazda decided to offer me a test drive in one less than a year after I'd bought a new Mazda 2, clearly I wasnt going to buy it, but wasnt going to turn down the opportunity. I'd been looking at it anyway as my next car once I'd paid off the 2, so went down for a test!

Absolutely loved it, a Mazda racing driver went out in it with me, went tearing round some lovely country roads near the dealership, and she (yes, she), drove it back and scared the sh*t out of me! I love the looks, the power, the gadgets as standard etc, price is very reasonable compared to other hot hatches. Only problem I found was the lack of colour choice, only red, white, black and silver from what I recall. I want one in the metallic blue that the regular 3 is often shown in!

Anyway, still waiting until finance is up on the 2 next year, and hopefully look at trading it in for a 3 MPS. (PS im talking about the new model)