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Hello all OZMPS members. I asked this on OMC but thought it'd probably get more responses here. I am in the market for a Mazda3, either a newer low km SP23 or an older, higher km MPS. I was wondering what people's thoughts were on a MPS with 110,000 km?
Personally I'd be quite satisfied with the SP23 but I keep thinking on what I might be missing out on with the MPS. Will there be a lot of costs associated with maintenance and repairs?
I'll let you know when I get there ;)
Dunno many MPS with over 100.000k's on them...can only think of 2.
I've got a MPS6 with 23,000kms so I can't comment with any degree of accuracy or experience, but from what I know, most turbo's require a rebuild at around 100,000kms. Depending on driving habits and how often the vehicle is on boost and such. This is only a guide. Some turbo cars have been known to click 200,000kms on the stock turbo.
It may be beneficial to chase up some threads of common problems/faults that MPS owners have had on this forum. Chances are, you're probably more likely to have some of the issues that some of the guys have experienced due to the MPS your looking at having generally twice-thrice as much kilometres on it.
This MPS you're looking at...has it been modded at all? Or is it stock? If you decide to go with the MPS, for piece of mind, it might be an idea to get a major service done on it (or what is required) Personally, if I didn't know the mileage on the spark plugs, filter, oil, coolant etc, I would just change the lot. Pads I would get done at a proper brake specialist (rather than general mechanic) and ask to have the dics machined
No need to worry about timing on the MPS. It's not a belt its a chain. The clutch might need to be done however. There's a few ways to see if the clutch is gone. I'm no expert but, if its slipping on acceleration just as you change gears I would say it needs to be done. I've always tested mine by putting the vehicle in 3rd gear with the handbrake up (while stopped). If the car wants to stall, its biting (no worries) If it starts to rev up I would say the clutch is slipping and you're due for a new one @ $500minimum (guess)
Generally, any car I've bought in the past, I've always got a professional service done on it even if its running ok. Just so I've got a benchmark to when it was serviced last. I can justify a couple of hundred bucks for piece of mind if I'm not sure on the history. Usually mechanics write up a report which alerts you to any issues you did not observe prior to purchasing the vehicle
Hope that helps you out a little
threads like this shit me.actually no its the people who say "dont touch a car with over 100k"..100.000kms the cars good as run in..yeah some people treat their car like crap and a inspection on a turbo car would be a must if purchasing... but 100k is nothing.. 200.000kms things start to wear
You may get lucky but it makes a hell of a lot more sense to buy something with less kms, less wear, less to worry about. A comprehensive check by a mechanic though should give you a good idea if you have a well loved gem or something that has lost compression etc and is going to give you issues.
I know everyone has a story of someone they know who got 280,000km out of a Ford Falcon or something. Yes it does happend but its the exception. Cars do have a 'Best before date'. They may well be fine well past it but like an out of date pottle of yogurt I Im not going to take the chance.
I wouldn't buy any turbo car that has done over 100000kms. Its a turbo and 99% of people flog the shit out of them at some stage
Mines just about there now. to be honest its the same as the day i got it. Although the original mazda tune when i got it was crazy!!!!!!!!! that aside it's fine don't worry.
Mine is at 109,000km. The turbo is original, blows no smoke, makes full boost and the car performs stronger than the day it was new. I have every expectation of the car going another 100,000km without the turbo needing attention.
I don't think it's the car you should be questioning, but the previous owner.
114,000kms. Although I have to replace the Brake pads, rotors, shocks and in not too long the clutch (All parts which wear), my car is still reliable and in good mechanical condition..... Believe me, it's been horribly abused for those 114,000kms too. Even seen some off-road use :p
Having said that, I agree with Laino. I wouldn't buy a car like this with over 80,000km on it unless you plan to spend more money in the near future.
Totally agree!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by kmh001