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Hi everyone,
Just thought i get everyone's advise on a Gen 1 MPS3. Always loved their looks and their raw power, but not so sure about the reliability. Can someone shed some light in terms of how reliable are they in general and what to look out when i go to inspect one??
Regards,
Ryan
If well cared for, they are more reliable than most cars - and being a Mazda 3 means parts are easy and relatively cheap to obtain. That's one of the attractions I had to it when I picked up an MPS Gen 1 a couple of months ago. Of course over time things will fail, but there appears to be no common showstopping faults with the car unlike others. Obviously look for a full service history and question any parts that were replaced well before they should fail (eg. turbo, driveline, suspension). A good example owned by an "enthusiast" would hopefully have had more frequent oil changes, serviced at a Mazda stealership, good paint condition, etc.
I was originally looking at SP23s, all of which were older models (2004 - 5) with higher k's - they were all in poor condition and well worn. I didn't think twice when an immaculate, well-priced MPS came my way, admittedly with high kms (147K), but clearly was always babied and well kept - thing feels and drives like new.
JB
thanks for the reply. Isn't that the Gen 1 has common issues like turbo seal failure, engine mount??
I wouldn't call them common issues in a stock car.
Engine mount $130 brand new(cp-e duro75) and about $80 labour to install. Turbo seals ? Yeah the point when you start to question the seals is about 110 thousand klms and that's good for any car . I just bought a spare turbo and its only a (just in case) turbo for $150 second hand with Manifold attached as well.
So as said above cheap parts awsome power for a hot hatch and price range. I bought mine 12 months ago and I am not light on the pedal and it hasn't skipped a beat. I have 110 klms on the clock and my turbo is still strong. The fact I like is its a V8 killer and people just cant believe all this (from a Mazda 3) I love it ...........good luck with your decision
.
Glad I could help :weed:
He's left you cold man. Hopefully he'll come back with some thanks.
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He he all good :p I just don't know how anyone could resist ,once one of these little babies is set up to your liking and at a over all minor cost,I cannot think of a better car for the output and huge smile on your face :2thumb:
Sorry for the late reply :p being busy looking up carsales.com and arranging inspection. Got 2 inspection tomorrow.........any thread here I can read up on, so I know what to look out for in a inspection?
He he was kidding mate its been a long day here. Just your normal run of the mill inspection , don't freak with a slightly noisy gearbox, all sport gear boxes are noisy. A good service record and overall good care of the car, noisy valves can be an issue, also the VVT and timing chain on start up its really quick but if its noisy can be up to 2 k to repair so start her up with window down and listen for a chain rattle will go as quick as it comes and a good bartering tool to get a cheaper price :) good luck mate :woot:
Sweet. Good man and good luck. Make sure you walk away after each inspection.
Tell us what you find, will be interesting to hear what's out there...
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Oh shit, in this case, it will be super hard me to find out about the vvt/timing chain issue as I'm only looking into private sales. Would be very hard to get the buyer to let me meet at their place for a cold start test.......Quote:
Originally Posted by Aussie Mps3
You only have to leave it for about an hour or more to notice it its pretty random just tell them one time and then show up way early lol
So, went to test drive 2 mps today. One with only 60+ on the clock and another with 90+. Looked at the 60 in the morning and it really catch my eye for the condition it is in. Had a good chat with the owner and he said he service the car every 10k......? Is that even right? Other than that, the car's in good condition and felt solid all around. As for the 90 one, let's just say, it's a piece of crap and cannot compare to the morning 60 one.
Guess I need to test drive a few more with higher mileage ones (have to put aside the mindset of less mileage = better)
10,000 is the normal service interval.
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Keep looking mate no rush and take a few 3 series for a run as well :) hehe I am not being bias :) . Let us allknow how your going too.
And any help let us know good luck mate you will find her eyes calling you :)
In a few days time, I should get my hands on a very mint black 08 :) fingers crossed about the mechanical inspection (but the test drive and visual inspection gets a thumbs up from me)
So excited :)
Unless its an oil filter most Mazda parts are as rare as rocking horse shit.
Awesome mate well done glad you found her :)
Thanks guys. The most annoying thing is, to organize a pre purchase inspection (even worse when its Aus Day long weekend where i can't get hold of anyone :()
My stock turbo died at about 120 000km, it isn't as bad as it could be with the BNR replacement options but other than that the MPS reliability is like all others, you win some you lose some. GL HF
Whats a BNR replacement and how much is it for a swap? Need a retune I suppose?Quote:
Originally Posted by Seba
I bought a spare turbo for $150 lol which is a standard k04 the BNR you get as a stage 1 from america or get a standard turbo cheap and get it (high flowed) which is pretty much a BNR stage 1. OK so to get a BNR stage 1 is about a grand and need to work out shipping he has a website just Google BNR turbo orrrrrrr but one of a wreck and get it high flowed with new seals and bearings for about $500.
Dont panic mine has done 111 klms a d still strong ......
Another noob question, why does the stock turbo die? Wear and tear or design issue.....? If it's design issue, changing to another stock one.....will have the same issue over time?
The seals wear through its quite normal for any turbo but you can have the seals fixed
Good day mate I've been an owner for almost a year love the car never knew the potential of this car till I got one as is said look after the car and it will look after you just like in anything I will recommend you to buy one because its a car like no other had many cars such and supra skyline BMW etc nothing comes near not only the power the reliability and comfort cheers mate your in good hands mazda power :)
Thanks for all the confidence votes. The car's scheduled to be checked out by Tunehouse this thursday. Full check + engine compression. Finger's crossed that everything's sweet and i will be a proud owner of a black 08 MPS3 Gen 1 from now on :)
Picked her up this evening :)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8...5b4b1a3a_c.jpg
Given a all clear from Tunehouse (bar some minor things that needed attention to) Engine compression are all above 160psi, so its in very healthy state :)
Nice one. Hope you enjoyed the trip home... :D
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Great stuff, be sure to come along to one of our meets.
Yes, keen to go to a meet now :)
Noob question: The air ducts for the TMIC has a split side duct to the battery holder box......why?? Is it because the battery's located close to the turbo, so the duct's there to cool the battery??
To cool the ECUQuote:
Originally Posted by lovecolt
Oh.....that means I can't use it to provide cold air to my pod filter......Quote:
Originally Posted by rayd
You can, it's been done by a few guys in America. Some just did it and took the chance with the ECU getting warm, others relocated the ECU to the cabin.Quote:
Originally Posted by lovecolt
I don't think anyone has ****ed there ECU doing it, but I personally wouldn't risk it! Ecu's are expensive lol
Just get an airbox if your concerned, I did it, cooled my IATs by about 15 degrees! Lol
Would love to get a airbox to cover my COBB SRI. Being monitoring the intake temp through OBDII and i find the temp climb real quick if i sit in traffic for a min or two.
Or maybe i can cut open a hole for the ECU duct to split the air towards the SRI side (although it might be pointless)
Another noob question: What is our engine's code? Like EVO uses 4G63, Subie uses EJ25......etc? I think ours L3VET or something??
Anyone???Quote:
Originally Posted by lovecolt
Another intake option to get air to the SRi on a gen 1:
Attachment 13642
Not sure about wet weather protection though.
That's a good idea, but yes the weather protection might be off. Looks like i have to get the Corksport airbox then, which ain't too expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by 03blk
A quick Google search seems to say the engine code is L3-VDT.Quote:
Originally Posted by lovecolt
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A quick feedback/review after a few weeks of driving:
- Not sure if its the stock REM's that bad or its pretty much need replacement, but i can feel some vibration in the cabin while idling (seems to stop if i'm idling on a uphill....???)
- Taking off seems like abit of a bunny jump affair for me. I believe its the electronic throttle lag, where the releasing of the clutch isn't matched up with the right. (If i take off while the car's rolling slightly downhill, its fine....)
- And what's with the 2nd gear....??? It seems like its almost pointless to have them. Whenever i change gear from 1st to 2nd, the car would seem like its hit a anchor for a split second.......unless i shift from 1st at low low revs like 2000rpm.......but 1st gear hits 3-4000rpm in almost split second anyway....... What i find recently is, i would have a much better upshift if i just go from 1st directly to 3rd gear. But does it cause any damage to the gearbox????
- Barely feel much boost in 2nd gear, but i guess that's the 1st/2nd gear restriction.
- Heat soak on the intercooler's quite epic. Being observing my BAT and its always like 15 degree+ more than the intake temp.Will drop when i hit boost, but its still a fair bit of difference to the intake temp........might consider doing up the alu plate insert between the tmic/engine.......
Other that the above, its being a sweet car :)
Mine vibrates too at idle. They're a bit of a rough one the g1's
I do a lot of bunny hopping too I've found, only at low revs like you said as well.
2nd gear not needed? Dunno about you, but mines insane in 2nd gear. Hits boost better than in first. 2nd gear is my go fast gear when taking off. I pretty much only use first to get it rolling!
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Hi lovecolt,
I'm new to the MPS too (had for three months, Gen 1, haven't had chance to drive it as much as I'd like), and find similar things too. But nothing major, love the car, just finding my first turbo car very different to drive. Like you, I suspect the REM on mine needs replacing to improve gear changes and I will definately replace the gearbox fluid on its next service. I just can't get the gear changes "right" all the time, even though I've driven many manual cars. I am finding I need to hold the accelerator pedal a lot more between gear changes for a smooth transition (on other manual cars usually I'd back my foot off considerably). I definately wouldn't go from 1st to 3rd on a regular basis unless you want a stuffed gearbox.
When funds permit, I'll definately be getting an ECU reflash to remove the 1/2nd restrictor, improve fuel economy a bit, and also get a replacement intercooler to reduce heat soak. But it's been a long hot summer in Melbourne which makes our little turbos not very happy :)
How are you finding fuel economy? Mine has progressively improved, I'm averaging around 10 - 11L/100km (city traffic), and a boxed SRI also gives me an extra 50km from the tank. I'm trying out different 98RON fuels at the moment, having started with BP Ultimate (the most expensive) and now 7-Eleven 98RON (which is Mobil without any fancy additives I believe - I'm getting better fuel economy it seems and less black crud builds up in the exhaust, maybe a good sign).
JB
I'm on my 3 tanks till date. I too average around 10-11km (pure city traffic with mixed of little peak and more off peak). Getting a box for my SRI is also on the card as the intake temp increase real quick in traffic......(but getting more mileage out of it, is a bonus :))
As for gearbox, yes i will definitely be changing that as well very soon. Have the famous woop woop sound when the car's cold + doing tight turns.
My plan of attack, is to get a throttle controller (ordered) from Pivot Japan, which will make the shifting alot more liveable. (had the same issue when i have my Ralliart Colt and the throttle controller totally saved me :))
The Pivot throttle controller looks interesting, is it easy to install/how much did you get it for shipped?
JB
Haven't got it yet. But i would expect it to be relatively easy to install (the most difficult part, would just be getting a power source hooked on to the unit). Not sure on the shipped pricing yet as my contact there need to get his hand on the item first, before giving me the final pricing. But going by how good the exchange rate is nowadays with Japan, it will be somewhere between 250-300 delivered via EMS.
Crap 1-2 shift cause of triple synchros
Bunny hop is driver fail
That pivot throttle controller looks like a complete waste of money, a flash tune will fix throttle tables and it's also useful for ECU to keep control to in case of over boost situations
keep control of boost = i agree, but waste of money as flash tune fixes the table = i don't agree.Quote:
Originally Posted by SarcasticOne
Can i guess that you never had a throttle controller in your cars before, ya? Because no one that had one, would ever said its a waste of money. In fact, most people that had one, will refuse to go back without one.
Changing the throttle via flash tune is kinda like a aftermarket shock/spring suspension change (where you are fixed down to 1 settings and the car owner will have no input or control over how he would like it the best) and changing the throttle controller is like a coilover where its has multiple adjustments (and that you can adjust to what suits you best through long term experimenting).
In this case, a throttle controller's like 1/2 to 1/3 cost of a flash tune and i'm still relatively happy with how the stock car performs, so its a no brainer for me
Btw, i totally agree with bunny hop is so driver's fail........i sucked at using any heavy clutches (i find the stock clutch on the heavier side)
Get an access port or versatuner, change maps in 1-2 minutes... And there is throttle plate control tables in the mps which determine how far the throttle plate is opened based on accelerator positioning
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Hmmm.....that sounded quite interesting then. Pity I have already committed to the throttle controller and that no budget to get a AP......for now :)Quote:
Originally Posted by SarcasticOne