Right so it is looking like the mps or st probably in that order but will need to see how the cash flow is in a few weeks. The only cons for the mps are the 400 quid a year tax and the few stories I read on here about the vvt issues

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S.W.A.L.R.

** Warning this post may contain sarcasm and/or banter.......it's your decision to get upset about it **

I've previously owned a ST-3, they are a good car, handled well, very powerful and the Volvo 5 Pot engine is a truly magnificent sound. However they do come with some issues i.e. the alternator, not a cheap fix either mine cost me £350 after it went, when the guy from Green Flag come to tow me away first thing he said to me was 'i'll bet ur alternators f***ed' and surprise surprise it was. He said he's towed quite a few ST's due to the alternator going. Mine went about 40k. Another common issue around the 50k mark is the oil diaphragm going another expensive fix, the oil pressure is lost (i think) and sounds like a vacuum cleaner.

If u go for the post face lift models (anything upto the 57/08 plates) if its been raining and u open the boot too quickly water falls into the boot, this was a design flaw and can be fixed with the addition of water rails along the edges of the rear window seen on the pre face lift models but this was a fault on all focus'.

My 06 plate ST started rusting on the top side of the luggage compartment under the top of the boot where the rear screen wash hose is, the hose constantly rubs against the main body work and premature rusting can be caused. This was later addressed by Ford by applying a small sticky patch which my 10 plate tdci focus had.

The ST's are being really common now as well which seems to be pushing the insurance premiums up rather steeply, i've just insured my Mk 1 3 MPS for £578 with 3 points.

I would say test drive both and see which u think suits u best, after owning both i would say the MPS is the better car but thats my opinion.

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Mazda 3 MPS Crystal White Pearl Mk2 - Stock

Vvt issues are really rare, to be honest hardly an issue.

If you are worried about An extra couple of hundred road tax then it's the wrong car for you as its not cheap to run

Worth every penny though

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Useful threads and FAQ's (members only)

Wouldn't say I was worried simply listing the pros and cons or each and that is one to consider

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S.W.A.L.R.

** Warning this post may contain sarcasm and/or banter.......it's your decision to get upset about it **

Hi and welcome. Noticed that road tax has been mentioned, my 6mps is cheaper at 245 quid as its a 55 plate. Did the 3mps arrive later? If not then that's another option in getting a 55 plate.

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Cobb accessport-Jtuned / 3.5" HTP Intake / BNR S4 v2 / xs power manifold v3 / JMF intake manifold / METH / tial mrv 44mm ewg / Grimmspeed 3port BCS / 3BAR MAP sensor / Autotech hpfp / DM duel OCC's / EGR delete / CS injector seals / Arp head studs / Arp main studs / Balance shaft delete / Manley H-beam rods / Wiseco forged Pistons / Turbosmart bov / ATP downpipe / 3” custom stainless exhaust system / HDI FMIC / CPE REM / Stoptech grooved discs, Hawk HPS pads / Hel braided brake lines / BC Coilovers / Whiteline RARB / CPE rear diff mount / White widow diff mount / Carbon fibre wrapped centre console / Boost gauge / Red calipers / Shadow chrome rx8 alloys / colour coded badges(red mps badge) / red mps side decals / Xcarlink.

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MkII '11 Mazda 3 MPS