Mazda 6 MPS

[CJ]

I'm starting to shortlist sensible family cars, the CL7 Accord Euro-R is one, the Mazda 6 MPS is another. The MPS has a lot going for it (shed loads of power, 4WD, goods spec) but looks a bit dreary is comparison to the Euro-R (on the positive side, the MPS has Q-car status). On paper, the MPS returns better economy than the Euro-R (27mpg vs 23mpg) although I would imagine that would drop quite quickly in proportion to the spool rate of the turbo. The MPS is in the same ball park as the Vectra VXR in the performance stakes so its not not slow by any means - 256 bhp and 280 lb/ft is certainly not shabby. It is however a heavy car but appears to be well balanced in the handling stakes.

Has anyone driven an MPS, if so, any thoughts?

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

I'd be more inclined towards the MPS over the Euro R as well - though theres no way a turbo 4wd MPS has better fuel economy than an NA FWD Accord. I'd be taking those economy claims with a pinch of salt.

Haven't driven the MPS - sat in a few alright (kinda like a fancy mazda 6) - but I drove the CX7 with the MPS engine and while it wasn't exactly mind altering it did have decent pickup - I'd imagine the lighter MPS would have a good bit more shove.

The MPS has also seriously dropped in price over the past year - huge amount of newish performance metal for the money.

[adrian]

I like the MPS, a lad in work has a red one. 2.3 on the old road tax though. Nice car but a bit too understated for me I think.

What about a Subaru Legacy 2005 onwards model?? Fantastic looker and a great engine too?



even nice in estate guise:

[adrian]

CJ, what about an EVO 9?? Can't be more expensive to run then a RX?? I would love a 9, top of my 4 door saloon cars for sure


I would also LOVE a WRX STi WR1



Just thinking, I might have put your MPS thread off on a tangent and this might need a topic split "New 4 door power house for CJ"... sorry!!

[Dragonheart]

I dont know anything about the MPS but I have heard of a lot of people having to refurb the turbos in the standard Mazda 6's even when they're still relatively new, don't know if that problem would continue onto the MPS though.

[colm_mcm]

That's the diesel on the old model Martin. a disaster of an engine.

You can get an 08 Legacy diesel 4WD for around 20k now. 150bhp standard but 200bhp and a truckload of torques should be doable,

[optical illusion]

Love the MPS, pity you didn't want one earlier, as they were selling them off cheap recently on the QT as previous track cars for Mondello. I think they look fantastic too.

[Dragonheart]

That's the diesel on the old model Martin. a disaster of an engine.

Ah yup, that sounds right, ignore my ramblings so.

[CJ]

What about a Subaru Legacy 2005 onwards model?? Fantastic looker and a great engine too?

Probably a bit over budget for what I'm looking for but its a sleek looking family car all the same. I prefer the old school Legacy, I've a sweet spot for the B4 RSK Blitzen in particular.

Evo, yes, possibly. On the plus side - its an Evo, on the downside - its an Evo. Scoobys don't really do it for me, possibly an image thing more than anything else.

CJ

[CJ]

TG Mazda 6 MPS review From Youtube.com

[Mustang]

CJ, what about an EVO 9?? Can't be more expensive to run then a RX??
?

I assume you are joking with that comment?

I'd rather a galant VR4 than a lancer evo -but you've already been there and done that.
One of the guys on octane has a mazda3 mps, which I believe he bought new -might be worth asking for his input.
I like the look of the accord especially in blue, but they are way too expensive (irish prices) for what they are. Perhaps a personal import would be a better route (not sure how things are now vis-a-vis exchange rate, vrt ,etc).
I think a turbo would make a refreshing change from the fleet you already run.

[CJ]

The cost unning an Evo would work out similar to the RX-7, the 7 returns less gas mileage while the Evo requires more specialised servicing. Rotaries are very easy to work on and service, Evos need a bit more attention in terms of the AYC and diffs. The 7 is cheaper to tax (1.7 vs 2.0), I can't imagine insurance differing all that much but I would expect to pay more on an Evo.

I did think consider the 3 MPS but I don't like the way Mazda have strangled the first 3 gears in an effort to reduce torque steer, that sort of power shouldn't be put down through the front wheels.

The Yen is gone to pot against the euro, importing has become pretty expensive in recent times (especially when you consider the totally unrealistic VRT rates).

CJ

[adrian]

CJ, what about an EVO 9?? Can't be more expensive to run then a RX??
?

I assume you are joking with that comment?

Absolutely not... CJ would be well used to the running of an EVO is cost and effort terms with his RX7..... The RX8 at 15MPG is not much better purely from a fuel economy point of view either.

[CJ]

I asked my broker (McCarthy Bestquote) for a quote on a few different models (currently paying €550 on the RX-8, missus named):

Car 1: 2006 Mazda 6 MPS, 2.3L......................€755.48
Car 2: 2003 Honda Accord Euro R, 2.0L.............€620.66
Car 3: 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8, 2.0L...€1124.33
Car 4: 2003 Subaru Lecacy B4 RSK, 2.0L............€620.66

The Legacy and Accord fall into the same group is would seem while the MPS (surprisingly) is one above, The Evo (not surprisingly) is a couple of groups up.

CJ

[soc]

I think a turbo would make a refreshing change from the fleet you already run.

I think you'd love the torque of a turbo's - anything under 2.0lt should have a blower

[CJ]

I think you'd love the torque of a turbo's

The RX-7 and the VR-4 got me seriously hooked on torque, I'm willing to put up with turbo niggles as a trade off for extra shove. I just need to resist the urge to install boost controllers and big FMICs

CJ

[colm_mcm]

Have you considered something like an Octavia RS? Drove one for a week in 07 and was seriously impressed, not just by the engine, but by the interior - it's amazing how adding goodies to an Octavia transforms the interior.

Also, diesel mpg, resale, blah blah

[CJ]

Have you considered something like an Octavia RS?

The likes of Skoda and VAG don't do it for me, a Jap bias is difficult to shake! Diesels are definetely out (GTTDI aside).

CJ

[Mustang]

CJ, what about an EVO 9?? Can't be more expensive to run then a RX??
?

I assume you are joking with that comment?

Absolutely not... CJ would be well used to the running of an EVO is cost and effort terms with his RX7..... The RX8 at 15MPG is not much better purely from a fuel economy point of view either.

The RX7 is thirsty but a relatively low maintenance car otherwise compared to an evo (engine rebuild excepted).
The RX8 is also a thirsty car but not as much as an evo. It is also a low maintenance car similar to any mainstream car I'd imagine?
The ownerships costs of an evo are in a different stratosphere compared to an RX8. As far as I can see every single aspect would cost more, fuel, insurance, tax, -frequent engine and diff oil changes. frequent clutch and flywheel changes. They just are not comparable.

@CJ Yea the B4 Legacy seems to fly below the radar as far as insuarnce is concerned -a real Q car. Not even the insurance companies know what it is.
To my mind it's closest rival would be the galant VR4. I remember trying to get quotes on both.
Hebernian (turns and spits on ground ) would insure the B4 for very reasonable money -but wouldn't touch the VR4. Engine size aside they are very closely matched.

[CJ]

The ownerships costs of an evo are in a different stratosphere compared to an RX8. As far as I can see every single aspect would cost more, fuel, insurance, tax, -frequent engine and diff oil changes. frequent clutch and flywheel changes. They just are not comparable.

I think Adrians initial comparison was between the RX-7 and the Evo, the 8 is more mainstream in terms of cost of ownership. The biggest single cost of running an RX-7 is fuel cost (I averaged 11mpg), I would expect to get more (not much) out an Evo. Both cars have the same engine oil change interval, the Evos diff and AYC fluids need to be changed every 10k kms IIRC. AYC servicing aside, all of the rest can be done by someone with a spanner and a pair of hands. If you drive the stones out an Evo, expect to changing clutches and flywheels regularly, if not, discount the cost. Insurance wise, i was quoted about €950k last year on an RX-7 so its somewhat cheaper in that regard. The Evo will cost more to keep on the road but not significantly so if you're happy to roll up your sleeves.

Back on track, the B4 seems to fall under the radar alright, there are some nice examples out there at reasonable money - definetely worth considering.

CJ

[colm_mcm]

Have you considered something like an Octavia RS?

The likes of Skoda and VAG don't do it for me, a Jap bias is difficult to shake! Diesels are definetely out (GTTDI aside).

CJ

Drive one if you get the opportunity, I'm not saying they're an MPS beater by any means, but they're hugely fast (170bhp and 350nm of torque - FTO GPX has 200nm) and compsed in real life (was able to maintain 100mph through the scottish highland twisty hilly roads without herself even batting an eyelid) 0-60 isn't shockingly quick, but it's not a very relevant stat for real life.