New to this site, possible future 3 MPS owner?

[Demuire]

Hi all,

New member on these forums, have been reading random threads everywhere I'm considering buying a Mazda 3 MPS, hence joining these forums

About me:
Grew up in Malaysia, so around Lancers (Protons) and Evo-wannabe's. Have always wanted an Evo. Had a Lancer CB GSR about 10 years ago, rolled it at Queensland Raceway, and have since been club racing a 1975 Toyota Corolla. I drive a very practical and sensible Nissan XTrail as a daily driver, and I'm very much getting the itch to have a "fun" car to drive around on a daily. Have been primarily looking at 2nd hand Ralliart Lancers and older Evo's (Evo 6), although I think the Evo would be a little too impractical, not being able to fold the rear seats etc. Also, no cruise control is a bit of a bummer as I do many highway k's. Budget is about $20-25K.

Anyway, where does the Mazda 3 MPS fit into this then? Well, finally went to the local Mitsubishi dealership last weekend to see if I could test drive a Ralliart Lancer, and they didn't have any. Had a bit of spare time, so thought I'd drop into the Mazda dealership as I'd heard good things about the MPS. Was pleasantly surprised that the MPS was cheaper than the Ralliart, and better spec'ed. Took it for a test drive, and was B-L-O-W-N A-W-A-Y! WOW.

Later went to another Mitsubishi dealership and drove the Ralliart, and while it was good (and probably more suited as a daily driver with a more plush ride, SST gearbox), it didn't have the same fun factor as the MPS.

So yes, MPS becomes possible candidate.

Currently thinking of a BK 3 MPS as I prefer the shape, and it fits better within my budget, however have noticed the occasional BL 3 MPS coming into that price range, and from what I've read, the BL is a significantly better car than the BK was, so that's something for me to consider too...

Anyway, I talk too much. "Hi", and if I do end up with an MPS, I guess you'll be seeing a bit more of me

[Johnny]

G'day mate and welcome to ozmps.
I'm a newbie myself also looking for an mps. I went to my local Mazda dealer on the weekend to look at a new one and they didn't have any. I have alo decided to go for a bk series 2 , probly 08 model.
Good hunting and enjoy.

[SarcasticOne]

BK series are a bit more "feral" (shorter gearing/harsher suspension)
the BL is probably easier to live with on a day-to-day basis tho

enjoy the forums, and feel free to browse the forums

[Demuire]

What is the difference between the series 1 and 2 BK? Looking on carsales, it seems there are year isn't a good indication as to whether it is a series 1 or 2?


Fook.

[Demuire]

BK series are a bit more "feral" (shorter gearing/harsher suspension)
the BL is probably easier to live with on a day-to-day basis tho

enjoy the forums, and feel free to browse the forums

Harsher suspension than the BL? Geez, it must be really harsh then! The BL I drove was pretty harsh, much harsher than the Ralliart was, which was really very comfortable, even though it was hardly a barge at all, very composed through the corners even with the tyres squeeling . but yes, comfortable, but a tad boring, not like the adrenalin pumping MPS!


Fook.

[SarcasticOne]

What is the difference between the series 1 and 2 BK? Looking on carsales, it seems there are year isn't a good indication as to whether it is a series 1 or 2?


Fook.

easiest way to tell there is a black strip above glove box with MPS logo, rather than grey

[Demuire]

easiest way to tell there is a black strip above glove box with MPS logo, rather than grey

Is it just cosmetic difference?


Fook.

[240MPS]

Welcome to the forum, hope you find your right car...

[Demuire]

Found it!

http://www.ozmazdaclub.com/3-323-dis...on-series.html

Although it still doesn't explain the Series 1 vs Series 2 thing. I'm assuming when people talk about Series 1 they mean A or B. sounds like its mostly cosmetic, and it sounds like a series 2 is a better option, with the DSC etc? I can't imagine what it would be like driving a powerful front driver like this with no DSC/TC!

[TD]

Reallly quick answer as I'm at work, may expand later at home.

The original Mazda 3 body shape (BK) is sometimes now referred to as 'Gen 1', the 2009 onwards model which you see in showrooms now (BL) as the 'Gen 2'.

Relating to the 3MPS, the 3 MPS was introduced at BK Series 2 release (2006 as the 'C' evolution of the 3 platform) in two versions, normal and sport (sport having part leather seats, Bose Stereo, low beam Xenon headlights and shadow chrome wheels) then refreshed in 2008 ('D' evolution).

The 'A' and 'B' evolutions of the BK Mazda 3 are referred to as 'BK Series 1', the 'C' and 'D' evolutions as 'BK Series 2'. You will see this Mazda 3 Series 1/2 naming in ads on Carsales. BK Mazda 3MPS's are always Series 2.

An update to the 'D' evolution of the BK occured in 2008, and for the 3MPS changes to interior trim were the most obvious difference from the 'C' evolution, with the introduction of a new colour (Metro Grey). All 3MPS's have DSC and TC as standard.

Progressive improvements were made throughout the build cycle, with changes in componentry (i.e. revised turbos) in response to issues noted through warranty claims and observed by dealers during servicing. In short, buy on build month and year when combined with condition and km. Get the latest one, with the least km in the best condition. The last of the BK 3MPS's (late 2008 build) had most niggles sorted out and are a pretty good buy.

In 2009 the BK model Mazda 3 was then replaced by the BL model and the BL Series 1 3MPS was part of this range. The BL Series 2 change over has just happened in the past few months, with a revision to colours, standard equipment and pricing.

Hope this helps!