What car - something as fun as Mazda mps

[funkyrobot]

Hello. Another what car thread I'm afraid.

I test drove a Mazda 3 mps yesterday and instantly fell in love it. The speed and the handling of the vehicle left me with a big grin. The problem with this car is that it's nearly 19k and would involve some finance (see my other thread for details).

It was suggested that I start a what car thread as there may be other vehicles out there that would suit me just as much and not cost so much.

So, I'm after something that is like the mps and gives you a big grin when driving it.

Finance wise, I'm planning on either trading in or selling my current vehicle (57 plate Mazda 3 sport 2.0 petrol) and will look at some finance if the new vehicle is right. At the other end of the scale, if I can find something that is suitable and is cheaper, I'll sell my current car and keep the difference for a rainy day.

Sorry if this is a bit of a vague thread, but I've only looked at the mps so far. I suppose something with a v8 would be nice. I just want something more fun than my current car.

Edited by funkyrobot on Saturday 31st December 13:02

[FreeLitres]

Fun you say? Have you ever been in a TVR?

[funkyrobot]

FreeLitres said:

Fun you say? Have you ever been in a TVR?

Nope. This is why I'm asking on here. I only made the move to petrol cars in late 2010! Before that I had owned some unlively diesels. Have been after something more fun for only a few months now. Late developer you see

[superman84]

The mps is a good value all rounder but if your if willing to buy used and pay higher running costs then there are many many faster better handling cars you could get.

[woody2846]

Where are you based, as I have a mate who is in sales for a Madza Main dealer- I could see if he could beat your current deal?

[FreeLitres]

For fun, its hard to beat a 2-seater soft top. Some of them will not be as fast as the MPS but for fun they have to be well up there.

Take a look at the usual suspects:
S2000
Elise
Boxster S
Chimaera
Griffith
Tamora
and yes... the humble MX5!

Try a couple of these (with the roof off) and see how they feel. Even a passenger ride would do you for now.

[Tonberry]

Why don't you just buy an older MPS?

[funkyrobot]

woody2846 said:

Where are you based, as I have a mate who is in sales for a Madza Main dealer- I could see if he could beat your current deal?

Lincolnshire, 19 miles from stamford and peterborough. However, I would travel if the car and price were right. Thanks.

[funkyrobot]

Tonberry said:

Why don't you just buy an older MPS?

I like the older one, but I like the newer one even more.

[funkyrobot]

FreeLitres said:

For fun, its hard to beat a 2-seater soft top. Some of them will not be as fast as the MPS but for fun they have to be well up there.

Take a look at the usual suspects:
S2000
Elise
Boxster S
Chimaera
Griffith
Tamora
and yes... the humble MX5!

Try a couple of these (with the roof off) and see how they feel. Even a passenger ride would do you for now.

Thanks. I should have mentioned that I'm 6ft 5in tall with size 13 feet. I also have a slightly dicky back. Would I fit in the smaller cars ok?

[terry tibbs]

megane 250 cup

having tested both back to back before purchase

go for 6 - 12 months old and get one with recaro seats and xeon headlights as standrad seat and headlights are very poor

renaultsport forum has dealers and owners advertsing cars for sale

[Tallbut Buxomly]

Ok really simple....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Less £££ than the mps you were looking at. Faster than the mps and a much nicer place to be. Cheaper to service.

V10 maybe???

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

make an offer...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...


Or wait a few months and make an offer...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

or

If you would prefer to stay small...

not brand new not quite as fast but sexy and makes a lovely noise...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Go wild but dont blame me when your bank manager calls and abuses you...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

or buy your own oil field....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

very suspicious waftyyyyyyy licisousness!!!!!!!!


I take no responsibilty whatsoever for any downfall bestowed upon you should you explore this beyond doubt utterly ruinous path....
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[superman84]

Good suggestions.

If you want MPS practicality as well as performance and luxury I'd go for a low mileage E46 M3 or for something really ballistic a Evo 9 MR FQ360.

[Poverty]

fast mazdas depreciate big time, steer clear of new ones, they arent all that anyway

[Ved]

superman84 said:

Good suggestions.

If you want MPS practicality as well as performance and luxury I'd go for a low mileage E46 M3 or for something really ballistic a Evo 9 MR FQ360.

If the mileage and insurance match up a Evo would make a lot of sense. They tend to depreciate very little of the annual mileage is kept under 10k. Servicing isn't that bad so if you factor in the entire cost of ownership it may well end up to be cheaper than owning a 19k MPS over 3 years.

Extreme in Dudley usually have a nice selection so they might be worth contacting, OP.

[frosted]

I think you should go for the MPs but hold out for one you like around 12k . You can get 2010 focus rs for 19k , not a bit of me personally but loads of people rate them

[funkyrobot]

Thanks all.

Tallbut, that vxr looks ace!

[ArsE92]

6 MPS?

[frosted]

Taken from another thread, look at what 16k can buy you http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2994405.htm

[funkyrobot]

frosted said:

Taken from another thread, look at what 16k can buy you http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2994405.htm

Good god!

I must admit, I'm rather tempted by the lorinser merc on the smoker barges thread!

Thanks.