New Motor

Skilid

Skilid

Skilid

Soldato
Joined
20 Sep 2006
Posts
2,818
Location
Hampshire
Hi guys,

As some of you know I have been looking for a replacement for the Type R for a while now. Well, I've finally settled on this;

2008 Mazda 3 MPS Aero


Got a little money off and 6 months tax included in the price. Seemed excellent mechanically, has only had 1 owner, all Mazda service history and has 11 months MOT. HPI clear and has only 36k miles. I'll be picking it up some time this week :)

What do you think?
 
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Thanks. That's what I thought. They are more prone to problems, but I checked the engine carefully before buying. I like the fact that it looks so inconspicuous compared to the new one or any other hot hatch. Suits me more than the Civic.

I'm not keen on the smaller mirrors though, they're a bit weird... I'll see how I get on with them.
 
I agree, always had a lot of time for the MPS. I remember being taken for a few laps in it at Thruxton and was surprised at how quick it was. The killer for me is that high rate of road tax though which I believe in the new ASBO one they sorted out.
 
I really like these and had a test drive in one a year or so ago, the thirst problem put me off in the end.

I love how like you say quite inconspicuous and not your see one every 5 minutes type. The Bose systems sound lovely as well.
 
Really like these, they seem to be the ultimate sleeper.

Sadly can't see myself affording one anytime soon. Have fun destroying a wide variety of unsuspecting german execs lol :D
 
G|mp said:
I really like these and had a test drive in one a year or so ago, the thirst problem put me off in the end.

I love how like you say quite inconspicuous and not your see one every 5 minutes type. The Bose systems sound lovely as well.
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Thirst doesn't bother me as I don't do many miles. Not had a chance to test out the Bose system yet, but I have high hopes.

Sindri said:
Really like these, they seem to be the ultimate sleeper.

Sadly can't see myself affording one anytime soon. Have fun destroying a wide variety of unsuspecting german execs lol :D
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I plan to ;)

hurfdurf said:
Is this Mazdas alternative to the Focus ST? If so why is it a 2.3 Ford engine and not the 2.5 in the ST? Where has the engine come from?
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I believe the 2.3 was actually a collaboration between Ford and Mazda. The 2.5 in the Ford is a Volvo engine.
 
kona786 said:
CO2 levels - where have you been the last ~5 years :p

Edit - 231 g/km - isn't that where the top threshold starts - very unlucky for this car.

Ah no it's 226 - still soo close.
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I had no idea the CO2 was so high on it, madness! Lovely looking car though.
 
DiCe! said:
I had no idea the CO2 was so high on it, madness! Lovely looking car though.
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Same goes for the Mazda 6 MPS. There was a guy on here who bought one a few months ago and if you read his thread, he waited ages to get a version that was made pre march 2006 (or something similar) so the road tax wasn't in the higher bracket.


Didn't realise how quick these 3MPS were:

Performance

Engine Size 2261 cc
Cylinders 4
0-60 mph 5.9 secs
Top Speed 155 mph
Power Output 256 bhp
Valves 16
Torque 380 Nm 280 lb-ft
 
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Nice motor. Has it got cruise?

I was tempted by the MPS before I bought my 2.0 Sport, but my GF has to drive it and she's only had a licence a year. I feared going from a 1.4 Fiesta to a 260BHP FWD car would only end badly!

I've driven a new shape 3 on a track and I have say I was rather underwhelmed. I just couldn't seem to drive it smooth and fast through the corners at Croft - it had chronic understeer and just didn't feel planted. I couldn't get any confidence up with it. Now it could be my poor technique but I had no such problems throwing an Astra VXR round there and that's not exactly renowned for its handling.
 
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