EP3R vs MPS3 vs XR5

[geeang]

All I can say for driveline and seals is that you've got either a shit**** driver who's red lining it all the time and thrashed the fck outta the car in order to bust a seal. Poor shifting and driving breaks the shafts


Mazadas been around for atleast 70 years man making big bucks to fund r&d and top engineers, motors solid. Same goes for any other car Jap, euro company

No actually, these are known common faults in the Mazda 3 MPS, comb through any Mazda forum and you would know that.
Known issues include:
Poor/leaky turbo seals
Weak engine mounts (particularly the rear, there was a recall for some)
Shocks dying/blowing
Weak synchros in gearboxes (get notchy real quick)

[JohnO]

oh really i thought they'd be reliable, what crappy build quality for a jap car...

[GSi_PSi]

what were they thinking leaving it open diff fwd and turboed ?

[1900-hustler]

Going under the assumption that you can afford all 3 variants, a few things you might want to consider:

- Age of the EP3R
It can be up to 8 years old while the MPS3 (I'm assuming the BK) & XR5T (I'm assuming the LS) are 3-5 years newer
This could mean the MPS3 or XR5T could still have an extended factory warranty which is peace of mind
The EP3R will not have this

- EP3R is an imported vehicle
The other 2 variations are locally sold - not a huge factor but still a factor all the same

- Running Cost (service, rego, insurance etc)
EP3R is an import which will affect your insurance.

Example me doing a quote through NRMA:
Agreed Value of $28,000 and Basic Excess of $800

2002 EP3R - Premium $ 1913.68
2006 XR5T - Premium $ 1392.09
2006 MPS3 - Premium $ 1507.13

There can be common issues with all 3 variations, but can easily be managed with a proper inspection from a professional or reputable mechanic, but also you as the buyer will have to be aware of the risks associated.

As cars age they all suffer from common issues such as worn tyres, CV joints, mounts, suspension components etc etc.

In geeang's post above the BK MPS3's did suffer badly with weak engine mounts, and gearbox issues with syncros - and so did the XR5T.
These were common as these 2 cars were delivering huge amounts of torque through a FF layout - however aftermarket parts can assist to manage this issue.

You just have to factor in not only the cost of the car, or common problems but all other things with owning a car such as running costs & maintenance.
It is a pretty simple mistake but alot of people dont even take these into account.

Personally I have driven all 3 in stock form and they are all great cars in their own respect.
I'd go the MPS3 > XR5T > EP3R based on daily use and use of 4 doors.
But I also have a DC2R so that might be why I didnt want another 2 door Honda.

Anyway good luck with your search!

[Bludger]

Like i said earlier, i would take the mp3 player as well.

[1900-hustler]

Like i said earlier, i would take the mp3 player as well.

ROFL hahahaha

edited post

[JohnO]

Lmzo

Yeah I'm over the whole two door Honda thing.

[Poeter]

Fn2R is not that bad. As androo mentioned their interior is awesome. Yes it's not as hardcore as the ep3r but it's certainly better daily yet still fun to drive imo. I think it's blind judgement to only consider a based on its performance. We're not all daily race drivers.

[Bludger]

Fn2R is not that bad. As androo mentioned their interior is awesome. Yes it's not as hardcore as the ep3r but it's certainly better daily yet still fun to drive imo. I think it's blind judgement to only consider a based on its performance. We're not all daily race drivers.

some of us are,

they call us performance car enthusiasts

[Poeter]

I don't disagree with that.

lol, that's a euphemistic way to call hoons.

[Lukezen27]

I've personally raced both MPS and XR5 multiple times at Eastern Creek Drag Way and I’ve yet to be beaten by either!

Quite surprising considering their both turbocharged and the EP3’s N/A

I’ve not been too impressed with either to tell you the truth but MPS didn’t seem to break things unlike XR5 which seems to breaks drive shafts like crazy!

I guess Honda’s lightweight shell combined with a well built high revving 2L motor with stock LSD holds its own against forced induction boys!

But once you turbocharged or supercharge your EP3 they destroy all haha

[GSi_PSi]

Lol there's a video on YouTube dude snapping driveshaft on his xr5 at wsid