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.

[rdb85]

Butter Face said:

Do you mean the 6 or the 3?

The 3

[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.

[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...

[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

[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...

[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

[rdb85]

BAM225 said:

Vauxhall and hold it's value are words not in the same sentence.......

Thats true to be honest. I would have hated to pay £30k for one.

[rdb85]

I think they are great looking cars. But I think if that Volvo sells then I will look at the VXR and ST3 Focus.

But if anyone else has any recommendations that would be great. As although the MPS looks good I think the issues have put me off.

[rdb85]

Integroo said:

What about a Championship White Civic Type R FN2? The best of the FN2 - rare, LSD, should hold value because of this, in budget, reliable?

That’s an option. I like them.

[rdb85]

Toyoda said:

It all comes down to personal choice. I think the newer Astra VXR looks like a big fat ugly potato and out of all the ones you list, the 1.75 Giulietta looks the best and ticks your slightly leftfield box.

When I mentioned the Focus ST, I meant the 2012 onwards model, which is within budget.

I like the Alfa and I think I will go and see one. Unusual and a great spec. I like the look of the VXR. I’m keen on the 2012 onwards shape. I like the MK2 shape.

[rdb85]

Beato said:

Ran a 10 plate from almost new. Just before 3 years were up turbo blew. Fortunately just within warranty period. Sold as soon as warranty was up. Just didn’t trust it after that

Also eats front tyres. Major wear on inner edge of both fronts

In saying that enjoyed the car outwith these issues. Fast for what it is. Nice wee turbo whistle

Likes to tramline

That’s good to know, I do like them despite the issues. I don’t think they are worth it though, only to get bill for a major fix. Such as the timing chain. I’m assuming it would be a few grand.

[rdb85]

So I’ve narrowed it down:

Volvo C30 T5 - I’ve always liked them for some strange reason.
Vauxhall Astra VXR - Nice car and one that’s affordable with regards to a hot hatch so I will test drive that and an ST3 Focus. Just to see what they are like.
Alfa Romeo - the Cloverleaf - Unusal Car, and one that I think could be the ONE.

[rdb85]

Fastdruid said:

It's about £6-700.

£3-400 for the parts plus fitment - eg parts here: http://www.tuningdevelopments.co.uk/product_info.p...

Not that bad. My clutch and flywheel for my Mini Cooper was £1500.