Please share your views of everyday life with a current model MPS3...

[satz]

hi all

not trying to be poetic or philosophical, but as I'm quite keen to get a current model MPS3, I'd love to know owner's long term views...

especially after the initial honeymoon period is over!

eg...how is it in traffic, how is the AC on really hot days, is there much lag like when crossing a busy intersection (with AC on)... Can you 'lazily' toodle about town, or does it need to be revved all the time to get decent acceleration?

How is it as a family car?

I'm asking, because I had a CX7 for 3 years, and loved it some days, but hated it others (especially in summer....issues with lag, performance, AC, etc). Had a few warranty issues with the 7, including VVT acuator, knock sensor, AC compressor, and AC that blew warm air when you came to a stop( never resolved)

Anyway, I now have a 2008 Golf GTI which is like a lovable, but naughty kid. Fun to drive (in sport/manual mode) but has loads of rattles, trim buzzes, probs with the DSG gearbox, and is only 2 doors (in my case!). To some extent the issues are overwhelming my enjoyment...and somehow affecting my trust for the car in the long term.

I've been reading through this forum, and also online reviews of the MPS3, but
would appreciate any insight or views, esp from longer term owners

many thanks

Satz

[SarcasticOne]

well, I've only had mine for 3-4 months now (a gen 1 model) so not 100% sure how much use i'll be...
i do alot of driving around inner sydney, and the only time i have issues getting through interections is when it's wet and i use too much trottle...

the air con is absolutely fine for me, but i havent had it in summer yet... dont need revs, 2000-2250 rpm is more than enough for me to move off easily, even with 3 other people in the car

in traffic, well, the legs can get a bit sore with constant stop start driving, but that's a given with a manual gearbox and crappy sydney traffic

in terms of a family car... compared to a standard mazda 3... the suspension is a bit firmer (obviously) and it was noticed when i went back to see my parents when they went from their mazda 3 into my MPS... nothing bad, but they certainly noticed it...

[Lachlan]

Iv had mine for abour 16000km so far, so probably still in the 'honeymoon' period, but have a few comments
Iv found it relativle pleasent to drive around town. The car is much lighter than the CX7 so you pretty much have good acceleration wherever you are, very few issues with lag. The rediculous amount of torque helps quite a bit on this front too. Very easy to change lanes, overtake etc when your over about 2000 rpm

No ac problems so far, im very happy with the climate control system too. Never failed to cool the car down nor heat it up.

One issue that can be a bit irritating in peak hour traffic is the clutch - its almost to the point that it's either on or off, nothing in the middle. Its also rather heavy so creeping a few meters at a time can become both frustrating and quite exhausting after a while. Thats only in the extreme however, at all other times its easy to use.

Warranty wise - and this might just be my car, but there have been a few problems. Lots of creaks and rattles which occasionaly get fixed, but the main issue was a completly shot turbo the day after my 10,000km service. Seals went and whole thing had to be ripped out and replaced - but honestly, I hope it dies the same just before its out of warranty - free new turbo!

Also, and this probably goes for the golf too, the handling makes it much more reassuring to drive. When I have to drive my family's other cars (toyota corolla, falcon station wagon, toyota prius) its bordering on scary how little controll you have even at slow speeds. This in my opinion is one of the nicest things about the MPS - it inspires confidence all the time.

Overall, Im very happy with the car. It's easy to live with in the city, and lots of fun out on country roads.

[satz]

thanks guys, for the responses so far

It's good to find out info that you don't get from magazine reviews
Guess I'm seriously considering between an MPS and a Ford XR6 Turbo. But the size and the economy on the XR6T concern me...

Do you find the engine performance reduces on hot days? Especially if the car has been parked hot, and then driven after say 30min?
On the Cx7 it used to result in a noticeable loss of power, and poor AC performance.

I always guessed that was due to underbonnet heat soak, which I'm hoping the new MPS doesn't have much of, thanks to its hood vent?

Hope the turbo blowing is not a widespread issue?
cheers

Satz

[rogwick]

Hi Satz and to ozMPSclub

As you will see in my sig below, I own a MPS6. I thought a few comments on the 6 may offer a different yet similar perspective. Not trying to persuade you to get a 6, just a few things I can mention for info. Most of my comments below can be reflected on the MPS3 but I'll try incorporate on a basis of an MPS3 (from what I know) if that makes it easier.

How is it in traffic: I assume you mean heavy traffic? Generally the MPS is a performance car BUT on the other hand it can be very tame and reasonably smooth. I'm not talking European style transmission smooth but easy enough to comfortably drive through traffic on a daily basis. With the MPS6 the clutch can get a bit of getting used to and also the AWD and initial weight of the car sometimes requires a bit of licence to realising the clutch and giving revs etc. I can only imagine the 3MPS is a much more "user friendly" vehicle in traffic.

How is the A/C: Very good. I wouldn't go so far as to say brilliant as I believe some vehicles have it better. HOWEVER with auto-climate control I find at any point hot or cold its easy to find my comfort zone. Often even feeling a little cold on a really hot day with the A/C on and bumping the temp up a little. Only experience one summer in my car is saying that!

Lag with the A/C on...no, in my opinion. Naturally having the A/C draws more power but in the newer cars these days I find its less and less of an issue. I used to turn the A/C off to overtake in my old car. The MPS doesn't even feel it, no difference at all. Not to mention the A/C and radiator fans are exceptionally quiet in these cars.

As far as lag goes across an intersection...the MPS6 requires a bit of revs to get the 1.6tonne right off the line. With AWD, all it wants to do is grip, as does the clutch. I won't lie the MPS6 has the smallest bit of lag if you do not know how to drive it. Throttle first, then clutch and my 400+Nm takes over. Once again, I can imagine in the 3MPS this is only better. As far as turbo lag, very minimal - none. That's the one good thing about these cars is the lack of turbo lag. Just to mention, if you know how to drive it right OR you want to put your foot down, don't be surprised if you blow past a V8 off the mark in the 3 and especially in the 6MPS (wet)

Yeah you can lazily drive around town. I think stock the MPS spools onto positive boost around 2,500RPM. With my mods I seem to be spooling at least 3-400RPM sooner. With so much torque in these motors, pushing it over 3,500RPM means you're well and truly moving. I used to redline my last N/A pulsar all the time, not the case with 400+Nm (max torque @ 3,000RPM) As scarcastic one mentioned, put people in the car and its still goes really well. I left a VE SS ute behind once with a mate in the car.

If you wish to know common problems with the MPS check out the "tech talk" section or on this thread below

mazda-3-mps-gen-ii-problems-you-have-had-warranty-fixes

I honestly can't comment to the practicality of the 3 as a family car. All I can say is possibly the 6 is a larger car and therefore a little better for size and comfort (kids in the back) but I've never been in a 3MPS so I best leave that answer open. Also depends on the size of the family. Toddlers or teens in the back?

I think you will like the MPS series vehicles in either 6 or 3. They're both two cars at heart. The stylish car that is reliable, getting you were you want to go. Or the car that leaves a grin on your face and gives you a thrill. Two cars in one really...

Hope that answers a few questions you had

[240MPS]

thanks guys, for the responses so far

It's good to find out info that you don't get from magazine reviews
Guess I'm seriously considering between an MPS and a Ford XR6 Turbo. But the size and the economy on the XR6T concern me...

Do you find the engine performance reduces on hot days? Especially if the car has been parked hot, and then driven after say 30min?
On the Cx7 it used to result in a noticeable loss of power, and poor AC performance.

I always guessed that was due to underbonnet heat soak, which I'm hoping the new MPS doesn't have much of, thanks to its hood vent?

Hope the turbo blowing is not a widespread issue?
cheers

Satz

I have come from big V8's like the SLR 5000,Brocks and HSV's etc, I normally only hang on to my cars for 2 years and get bored with them except for my HSV GTO i had to let go . I have the 08 Gen 1 sports and just turned 2 years old on the 1st of August and I'm just having so much fun with it that i'm keeping it when I get the new car in the new year. It's never missed a beat and no problems except for a loose swaybar when new, love the power love how it drives love everything about it ..... And I had many cars in my 29years of driving i can tell you....You will not be disappointed....

[Leelu]

Hi Satz, welcome to the forum!

I've had mine since December 09 - just over 11,000kms.

This is my first perfomance car and I don't really have a lot of technical knowledge but here goes...........

In traffic I find the MPS performs really well, the only time I have any issue is in start stop traffic, I find the clutch gets a little heavy but it definitely doesn't bother me enough to not want to own the car. It's got great pick up with not a lot of effort when you need to zip round the odd slow poke or make it through a light that still has plenty of green left in it. It's also very easy to speed in which I really need to keep a close eye on!!!

I basically have my AC on all the time in the car so haven't really noticed whether there is a great deal of difference to power when it is turned off. I've only experienced one summer in the car having bought in December last year but find the aircon quite responsive and can always be adjusted to my perfect temp. I don't really have anything other than a Mazda Astina to compare that too though.

I'm the only one in mine most of the time and am single, my best friend travels in it a bit though and has commented on the suspension - that is feels more rough than her Mazda 3 Maxx Sport. It's not something that really bothers me though.

I've not had any warranty issues other than the cruise control occasionally deciding to turn itself off, which is a common complaint with other owners as you would have seen in the thread from Rogwick's post. I had some internal door clips come loose on the driver's side door but that was because Tint-a-Car did a total butcher job on a $600 tint package and damaged my car while they were at it. Only other issue I experienced was the clutch plate shifted about 2 months after I got the car which felt a bit weird but I am used to the new position now so it's all good.

Not really sure whether this has helped at all but good luck with your decision!!!

[duglet]

Well I have had my 3MPS since Jan 07 and travelled over 150000kms

I have not had any issues or warranty claims and my car was stock for most of it.

I change my oil every 5000kms and rotate my tyres as well.

You cant really compare the CX-7 and 3MPS...as yes they have the same motor...but CX-7 is AWD, auto and less power torque and different turbo.

MPS has no lag...wel you cant notice it....heat soak isnt an issue...unless your stuck in traffic and not moving.

Once you start moving....it cools down very quickly.

Its manual as well...not auto..so lag will be reduced.

More power and torque as well....and also about 300kgs less wait and FWD.

No rattles inside my cabin....suspension is hard and firm....heaps of tyre noises..depending on your tyres.

Susp does creak and rattle...but you just get is serviced etc..

Anyways....the best way to experience it...is to drive one

Not sure on Gen2....but after owning a Gen1 for over 3years.....i think the Gen2 is only different in the shell and interior..

But they have *refined* the car to be more driver friendly and smoother.....etc

Happy Motoring
duglet

[Scaredycrow]

Owned a Gen 1 since March 08. Still in the honeymoon period, will be for the forseeable future

I seriously never get tired of looking at it OR driving it.

Look after it, it'll look after you.

[BlueMPS]

I am at 25,000km

lag is not an issue, one of the main benefits of the MPS is the power on tap.

There has been some rattles but half have been the seat belts not placed back correctly and then hitting the plastic's near by.

it is a firm ride but easy to live with.

I have no issues as a every day car.

It would be more hard core than the GTI and more fun.

You can drive it lazily around town but what fun is that?

One of the things that surprised me is how great a cruiser it is. You put it in to 6th and it quieten down and changes to a great cruiser. (so much better than the SP23 i had)