Hello everyone,

Just a little introduction... My name's Elliot I'm 23 and I'm looking for a Mazda 3 MPS Aero Sport / Sport Aero, Preferably in White!

I'm probably going to wait until January to buy mainly because I'm hoping a few more White MPS's come up for sale, but also I don't fancy getting a new car during the worst part of the year.

I'm hoping enough of you will see this and be able to give me some advice and feedback on the 3 MPS. My uncle had a Black 3 MPS Aero Sport / Sport Aero when they first came out and he has nothing but good things to say about them and reckons not much will touch one on the road.

The fact they don't immediately scream "SPEED & POWER" is drawing me in as well, I like the idea of driving something understated... Even if it is in White

On the performance side, Am I right in assuming that Ford Focus ST's and Honda Civic Type R's won't be able to compete with a Mazda 3 MPS? It always annoys me when people say a Mapped Focus ST will beat a Stock 3 MPS... but surely they only have them Mapped because they aren't quick enough Stock to keep up. Also is getting a 3 MPS Mapped worth it? I mean they are quick enough without any Upgrades... Is the extra HP a worth while expense.

Well I think that is enough waffle for now

Any response will be a great help!

Many thanks in advance

Elliot

I agree with you about the MK1 not screaming at you. In fact I think it is one of its great charms. The MKII has racier looks but still quite reserved compared with a Focus RS.
I think remaps are expensive for the extra bhp but I am a bit tight. The Hypertech is a bargain basement option but is still around £360. Very popular though. Important thing is to get something asap when you get the car to get your money's worth. Whoever buys your new car next will give you nothing for mods. In fact you might get less.
Best of luck with your search.

that said.i'd always recommend an intake and rear engine mount as they totally transform the car and make it much more enjoyable to drive,as well as economical if driven properly.

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What sort of difference did you get with your intake only.

Hi Elliot

I was of the same opinion as the reason I bought the mk1 was due to its relative understated looks (and mine hasn't even got the MPS logo on the back so even more fun to be had with unsuspecting motorists) and also its practicality.

Take a look at the following web site which compares the data of each of the cars you mentioned versus the mk1. The most telling stat is the 80-120kmh (50-75mph) and 80-180kmh (50-110mph) which you will note the MPS is streets ahead.

http://www.zeperfs.com/en/match1388-1328-175-1595.htm

I'm considering some extra horsepower now after owning the car for around 16/17 months but don't know whether just to get a map or air intake, turbo inlet and top mount intercooler and then map.

Oh and a colleague of mine has bought an FRS so felt it was a perfect time to enhance my car. Strange thing is that apart from cornering and 6th gear acceleration, which the FRS wins hands down, there isn't that much in it across the rest of the board. However, as the mk1 looks like any other 5 door practical japanese family hatchback in comparison, nobody at my work realised that my stock mazdy would be anywhere near it for performance.

http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel1388-2747.htm

As mentioned above check out the times for the minimum 50-75mph and 50-110mph.
Nothing in it. In fact MPS takes the 50-75 by a gnats nadger.
Also 0-400m is the same and km from 0 is a difference of only 0.2secs also.

So with a mk1 you get roughly the straight line performance of the FRS for about 40% of the price. Bargain!!

Good luck with the hunt but if you get hold of a decent example you will not be disappointed.

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Dolf
3MPS Mk I Aero in Sunlight Silver - some say anaemic looking but I say f**k you! B-)

What's an FRS? Keep on reading it.

Focus RS

I saw somebody else refer to it as that so jumped on the bandwagon

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Dolf
3MPS Mk I Aero in Sunlight Silver - some say anaemic looking but I say f**k you! B-)

most of the intakes offer much the same gains.you only have to compare the standard intake and turbo inlet pipe against aftermarket ones to see how restrictive the standard set up is

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Hi and welcome. I have just bought a MK1 3MPS in white, and i love it. I managed to get a 58 plate with 22000 on the clock for £10,000, the best car i've ever bought.
Unlike you, i couldn't wait any longer, and bought mine the second i could!

Good luck, you won't regret it!

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White Mk1 3MPS - Black wheels

+1 (only mine's a red one)

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Sure Aeros SRI Sure Sidewinder TIP and Sure Return. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's. NGK ILTR6A-8G Spark Plugs.

+2 only mines a black one with 12k on the clock. As already stated very understated with only true petrol heads knowing anything about the car. Most at work with their type r's/ST's don't have a clue what it is, very amusing when I pass them going home :-)

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Sold - Mk1 3 MPS Black.

Massive for all the messages guys, Really appreciate it.

I have to admit I'm swaying towards the new shape now !! It's grown on me over the past few weeks... Plus I really like all the equipment you get standard with it.

What do the Gen 2 owners think of them??

Cheers

Elliot

Casual look at prices, MKII's are about £3K more than MKI's for the same year. Sounds a lot but is offset by £200 per year less R/T and slightly lower fuel bills. So if you can afford the outlay the MKII may be better option but you would lose the stealth look of the MKI.

Yeah that's exactly why I'm thinking a MKII would be a better option... Save for a few more months and get the newest version I can. Is the Road Tax on the MKII £200 cheaper !?!?

Els

Sorry, it is £180. See here, MKI is in Band L, MKII is in band K:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Ow ... G_10012524