Hi guys, I'm looking to get an mps in the next coue of weeks, I havnt decided which model yet, I prefer the mazda 6 but the ones near enough me to go and view all seem to have a lot higher mileage than the 3s.
Is there any advice you could give me when going looking at one, like common faults etc?

Also I've been getting insurance quotes on the sport models and comparing it to the mps, on both models it was cheaper to insure the mps, over £100 cheaper on the mazda 3 mps compared to the mazda 3 2.0 sport. Surely it should be dearer for the mps?!

Any info would be appreciated, thanks guys Lee

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Have a read through this thread here: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=20013

That should help to answer a lot of questions regarding potential issues etc.

The search bar is your friend!

Common faults to look out for: VVT rattle, Smokey turbo (oil seals), diff mounts on the 6, underbody rust...more details on the forum, just need to have a look through

6 is cheaper and bigger, also all wheel drive! But pre Dec 2007 models suffer stock VVT failure which are easy to check if you search in forum and also being cheaper helps to save enough to replace the VVT within £600!

3 on the other hand a bit quicker, mark 2 has no VVT issue and is front wheel drive, easier to park and feels nippy. But they are newer so more expensive, smaller both inside and boot space, not ideal for a spirited run in rain or ice.

Hope this helps

Can you go and drive one of the high mileage 6's near you and get a feel for whether you like it? At least that way you may be able to narrow down your search without having totravel for miles.

Where are you based? Might be able to find some friendly members nearby that can take you out in the different models.

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Titanium Grey 6MPS, Autotech fuel pump internals, Custom 3" cat-back, H&R springs, Forge BPV, AWR REM, Corksport SRI & TIP, Cobb V3 + J-Tune

Gone but not forgotten: Velocity Red 6MPS, AWR REM, Sure SRI & TIP, Forge BPV, 2nd decat, Eibach pro springs, Cobb V2 - J-Tuned

You get alot more car for the money with a 6 which is why i bought one. However i think id buy a 3 mk1 aero if i were to do it again.

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Gtx2867R Turbo, RX8 Seats, Bilstein B8 Dampers, H&R -35mm Springs, HDI GT2 FMIC, Whiteline 24mm Rear ARB, AWR 70d REM, CPE & Sure Rear Diff Mounts, Spam SSP, HTP 3" Intake, Forge v2 Recirc, Long Downpipe, R-Spec Boost Gauge, Cobb Ap V2, Autotech Hpfp, Cobb 3 Port BCS, 3bar MAP Sensor, EGR Block Off, Throttle Body Coolant Bypass, JBR TIG's, VTCS Removal, DIY intake porting, Toyota Injector Seals. DJJUT Tune!

Farmer Chris Build Thread --> http://mpsowners.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=16911

welcome to the forum. the mps is a rare beast which helps with insurance as they are not classed as a higher risk hence cheaper insurance

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Mazda 3 MPS Crystal White Pearl Mk2 - Stock

Thanks for all the replies and info, I'm in the Manchester area. I went to look at a 6 in Wigan, I drove it, and loved it! But the boot was damp, there was rust under the boot mat and also around the rear wheel arches, he also offered me a ridiculous price to part exchange mine which is why I walked away. I havnt had a go of the 3 yet but I really like the look of them. My dad has had two mazda 6 estates, both sports since 2002 so I know they are a class car, just don't know about the turbos.
I will definetly have a scan through the forum after work and get as much info as possible. Thanks guys

Loads of us round Manchester dude. Although not very many that are standard...
Best bet is to go to the NW monthly meet, last Wednesday of every month, next one is January though, at Krispey Kreme next to the trafford centre - then you can have a nosey at 3's and 6's

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That is a great suggestion for someone who is unsure about the MPS and which one to favour.

Mk2 if your a modern guy.

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If you want to play be ready to pay ££

MPS NOW SOLD , COME FORTH THE X-TYPE (RIP) , COME FORTH THE BRAVO DERV

BNRS3 HTP 3" INTAKE AUTOTECH HPFP FORGE INTERCOOLER TOTAL MPS DOWNPIPE KFORD TYRES 3" PIPEWORK & MIJ BACKBOX COBB 3PORT EBS DICE DUST CAPS TB COOLANT DELETE FORGE V2 BPV JBR REM 88a DAGHER TUNED 3Bar Map Sensor

I like the mk1 just as much as the mk2, it's a shame they havnt done a new mazda 6 one. By the end of January I'm hoping to have my own already, I will definetly still come though, always up for having a look at some nice cars. What time do you all get there?

Mark2 I would choose ....but I'm prob being biased
Best bet is to go to a meet as said above

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J-TUNED,Autotech HPFP,cobb v3,cobb REM,TIP,JBR 3" tru widepath intake,Kinugawa banjo bolt,2nd de cat,ultimate racing cat back,NGK spark plugs,HR springs on koni strt, ,Powerflex ARB bushes front+back,MPS mud flaps,GFB BOV, spamface ssp,HDi FMIC,catless DP, cobb 3 port EBCS, bnrs3,3 bar map sensor an harness,JBR egr block off plate,couple struts and braces,sure anchors,south bend stage 3 clutch,stoptech brakes all round..front and rear lips and side skirts,rear spoiler extension,front eyelids,flat bottom steering wheel,carbon fibre scoop,JBR drivers side engine mount,Sure Transmission Mount,JBR RARB,Damond OCC,valve cover breather,
CANT ADD REST AS NO MORE ROOM

The Mk2 is a lot more expensive than the MK1. It is the latest model, it has more toys and it is more refined. It is also cheaper on the road tax.

However, IF Mazda produce another 3MPS which is significantly better than the MK2, then the MK1 and the MK 2 will be seen as very similar and not worth much of a price difference. All a big if though.

Mark 2 might have all the gadgets but Mark 1 is allegedly faster, but with a few mods that can be achieved in Mark 2.

Mark 1 is also discreet btw, I hope they don't make another 6 and keep them as rare as they are