Spec me

Diagro · 19 Apr 2017 at 18:57

Hey all.

So the Mazda 3 has to go due to whatever reasons.

I'm looking for a car that will fulfil my needs come sept when I change from a 50mile per day commute to a 9 miles per day commute.

So the criteria:
- Petrol
- 200BHP+
- 5 doors
- 2010 or newer
- less than 60k miles.
- NOT ford.

Budget of £6.5k - £7.0k

What can I get?

Diagro · 19 Apr 2017 at 21:07

5 doors isn't particularly set in stone.

Diagro · 19 Apr 2017 at 22:43

Must be petrol

Diagro · 20 Apr 2017 at 10:32

Unfortunately the MPs goes for around 9+ for a non abused example that's had its vvt done.

I just don't like fords. Bad experience with the brand.

Regarding the age requirement, i find that most pre 2010 to look boreing and lacking the toys i want.

Diagro · 20 Apr 2017 at 10:34

mccarf said:
Clio RS?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201611129695538

Gearboxes are made from chocolate on those

Diagro · 20 Apr 2017 at 10:39

adolf hamster said:
which toys specifically? if its things like bluetooth integration, dab radio or satnav then the aftermarket can fix that for you.

Oh I'm well aware those can be added later. Did that using an android head unit on my car.
Mainly cruise control and parking sensors.

Also not all cars can have a 3rd party head unit fitted. Which is a shame.

I'm looking at some 2009 Astra vxrs
Anyone know much about them?

Diagro · 20 Apr 2017 at 15:36

So..
Found an MPS very very local which is very appealing.
With PX my car it's a very attractive deal.

Diagro · 20 Apr 2017 at 16:14

Howard said:
Finally!

P.s. why does it say you're banned?

I was suspended ages ago and still was when new forum came.
It never changed. And i like it

Trying to convince the wife to allow the exchange. Ha

Diagro · 20 Apr 2017 at 17:06

Howard said:
It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

You don't know my wife.. !

Diagro · 21 Apr 2017 at 10:51

http://www.rs-vehiclesales.co.uk/cars/mazda/3/mps/128002/0

Yes it's slightly older than my car. Same milage though.

It has some body work issues which they agreed to sort.
I also get to keep some upgraded bits from my car and just have to swap them over.

It's had a new turbo late 2015, along with some other bits and bobs.
It's also had a new turbo back exhaust which is nice.

If not this one then they just got a red one in stock which could also be a contender. Wife has agreed to let me get one Monday.

Diagro · 21 Apr 2017 at 12:28

I have looked at the other cars that are similar. But all those will cause me to loose my bits like my Alloys, Headunit and car seat. All of which i paid extra for. This place is letting me swap them all into the MPS.

I Really like the shape, and the feel of the mazda 3. I know how much bits cost when they need doing and i can do them all myself. (such as the drop links and other little things that wear out more often). Hell i have a bunch of spares for my car that will also be fine on the MPS as its the same thing apart from the engine :O

Diagro · 21 Apr 2017 at 12:31

Dav4 said:
Yes I totally agree the mk2 MPS does hold its value well as there is so few around but I think if OP looks around properly he could get a 2009 private for 8.5k and there is even a few dealerships with 2010 models for 9k so the one Diagro linked to is a little overpriced imo

The dealer is actually doing a great deal with me. Ignore the listed price

Diagro · 21 Apr 2017 at 12:48

Dav4 said:
Oh in that case it sounds like a good deal then especially if they are letting you swap your bits over as well from your old car. Have you had a test drive yet?

Not yet. My wife wants to come with and she won't do that until Monday afternoon.
So no final decision to be made till Monday evening.

If it does ago ahead then i will be turning up there Friday and swapping all the bits over on site... thankfully i can prob get that done in under 2 hours.

Diagro · 24 Apr 2017 at 18:14

Well.

I test drove it the mps.

I must say... It was disappointing.
My car feels faster, more zoom zoom than the MPS.
The car had a nice exhaust sound though and engine feel.

Grumbles at full steering lock though.. possible LSD grumble?
Had the typical drop link clunk from the rear.

I'm now not sure... I like the near 380ft of torque my car has at 210bhp... Prob why it feels faster than 260bhp/280ft

What would you all do?

Diagro · 24 Apr 2017 at 18:34

Acme said:
You have probably grown used to the low down torque of yours. Back to back when driving both as they were intended to be driven, the MPS will be much faster, but in general driving it is probably a bit less flexible due to the nature of the torque delivery on the 2.2D. The MPS will be about the fastest and torquiest hot hatch which meets your specs, so you might have to re-consider your options if it doesn't live up to expectations!

Remember that your car is already stage 1+/stage 2 tuned as well. Do the same to the MPS and it will be in the 320 - 350BHP range.

I suppose you have a point.

Hmm i really need to think

Diagro · 24 Apr 2017 at 20:18

I never really pushed it.
Decided to go for it. Only live once

Diagro · 26 Apr 2017 at 16:18

I have no idea what i will feel with the LSD. Less wheel spin around corners?

Diagro · 26 Apr 2017 at 17:09

Well I'm keeping my wheels which have rain sports on.