Mazda 3 MPS (2009 - 2013) 2.3T MPS 5d (2010/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not much. Only one person knew what it was which I must say is the reason I purchased the car. I didn't want to be part of the GTI, ST or VXR crowd. Borrrriiinnnggggg.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My friends love it. Even the wife likes it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. The over all performance and features would cost £30k on another car.

What are you likely to buy next?

The next Mazda 3. The mazdaspeed 3 in 2016. Four wheel drive and 300+ bhp.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,000

When did you buy the car?

June 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

The car was nearly 3k cheaper than the next equivalent dealership model.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A rare car with loads of kit and frightening (in a good way) performance.

What was the dealer like?

Private sale, nice chap.

What's it like to drive?

The credit thing about this car is that it be driven like any regular economy car. It's gearbox is very well balanced and allows you to coast at a very economical pace without having to constantly down change to match engine speeds, unlike other high performance cars I've owned. Around town expect 30-32mpg. Motorway driving yields 40mpg and then some. The engine delivers well and is insanely quick throughout the gears. The steering feels a tad light under heavy acceleration but still grips very well. Take caution in the wet, however. The wife even enjoys driving it which is a real statement. She hated my Celica GT and I must admit, while the light steering makes the car feel not a capable on corning the added comfort is something to appreciate.

What's it like to park?

Rear parking sensors so no issues there. Car is quite wide. The bonnet vent can obstruct some tighter parking attempts.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing so far. Passenger side window is a tad noisy some days.

What's most practical about your car?

5 doors, large boot, plenty of headroom.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Bose sound system.