Mazda 3 SP23s, Learn me..

[Captiva Fan]

If I remember correctly, at the time Mazda replaced the 5spd manual with the 6spd manual in the facelifted '3, they did a reasonable amount of NVH work.
I'm fairly sure that PF people who were test-driving back then said that was the changes were worthwhile; it makes sense, I remember comparing 3 & Focus for that originally-released 3, and it was pretty harsh & noisy compared to the Focus (which should've been pretty-much identical).

Another thing I remember rj_astra saying back then was that the Mazda6 had more kit, had more room, weighed bugger-all extra, had a better engine-tune; and the base model 6 had similar equipment to the SP23. 3 being so popular, maybe a 6 of the same age with more equipment & no less of anything else you want (eg. fuel economy & performance) offers better value for money?

[darwinschops]

Nopics has '06/07 model.

Downsides, interior feels a bit cheap (give no fucks here really, it's comfortable and ergonomically good), motor a bit thrashy at revs, bit of road noise.

Upside, not a single problem in 5 years ownership, steering a bit light but sharp, handling quite good, quite good torque, torque steers and spins it up pretty readily, basically a fair bit of fun to thrash about in for an na wwd handbag car. Fuel consumption good, has done a couple of long rangers no problems (fucking lack of cruise control a bit of a cunt considering the vl had it...). Rego and insurance fark all.

Also, despite interior feeling a bit cheap, and despite minimal care, it's held together really well. Nothing has fallen off, everything feels like it's only a couple of years old and has generally put up with a lot of daily driver bashing (and a trip to Einasleigh last year, good fun in the dirt too) with minimal maintenance (oil and fluid changes so far) and zero fuckups. Might have a good one but haven't heard many major complaints about them either. And get a manual, pretty sure auto would gaids the shit out of it.

Would buy/keep again. Will only change if need for awd wagon kicks in this year.

[darwinschops]

If I remember correctly, at the time Mazda replaced the 5spd manual with the 6spd manual in the facelifted '3, they did a reasonable amount of NVH work.
I'm fairly sure that PF people who were test-driving back then said that was the changes were worthwhile; it makes sense, I remember comparing 3 & Focus for that originally-released 3, and it was pretty harsh & noisy compared to the Focus (which should've been pretty-much identical).

Another thing I remember rj_astra saying back then was that the Mazda6 had more kit, had more room, weighed bugger-all extra, had a better engine-tune; and the base model 6 had similar equipment to the SP23. 3 being so popular, maybe a 6 of the same age with more equipment & no less of anything else you want (eg. fuel economy & performance) offers better value for money?

6 sp manual would also be better. 5 not bad but a bit short and slightly vague. If you wanted a bigger, mor comfortable car a 6 would be better. But 3 is smaller, more agile, actually quite a bit of fun on the right roads (for shopping trolley). Sure 6 would be fine too but if a slightly smaller car suited, sp23 a decent compromise.

Nopics also drove mps, loved it but as wild zero says, didn't really need two turbo performance cars at the time and the money difference was pretty substantial then (~$18k or so). Now? I'd probably take the mps over the sp23 or 6 myself... But can't really go wrong with any, good, reliable newish shopping trolley for the money (the cumrollas, hundis I've been in of same sort of age were much less fun).

[Captiva Fan]

Given the alleged negligible weight difference by the time you kit-out the 3 with the 2.3L engine & all the doodads (whether this difference is real or just according to registration authorities is a different matter - note recent threads where "1.8T" XC90 was on a weighbridge at 2200kg or some-such), is the 3 any more pointy on a nice windy road than the 6?

[bigshipengine.jpg]

My Mate has a SP23 and he is currently doing an engine swap to the SP25 engine as the 23 did the bottom end.
He reckons that they do it fairly commonly? Also said the wreckers wanted over $2000 for an SP23 motor and he got the 25 for $900 as theres no real market
for them as the bottom end is sorted and there newer i guess.

Anyone else heard of bottom end woes on the 23?

[ironhorse]

Id recommend you drive similar era Accord Euro , get a six speed manual.Brilliant little gearshift.I think they are a better drive and better car overall ,a little more refined, a little more reliable ,a little more economical etc.You get the drift.
The SP23 is not a bad car but like most guys are saying they are just "ok" . Nothing really to dislike about them ,but meh. Also Mazda 3's are one of the top picks of rebirthing swedes so triple check any car .

[darwinschops]

Ours is basic, no lux pack, and though haven't had the chance to check dimensions/weight, would wager it handles a bit better? Not a major point of difference really but meh.

[ironhorse]

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...?Cr=25&sdmvc=1

something like this ?

[milo]

Any problems with the Autos in the 5 speed models??

[bigshipengine.jpg]

Agreed it take the Euro anyday.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk

[Captiva Fan]

Id recommend you drive similar era Accord Euro

Shirley an Accord Euro would cost twice as much on the used market?

[TT]

link above shows a 2006 model for $11K

[Backmarker]

Bought an SP23 series one new as a daily and it was a good thing. Only thing that broke in 8 years was an engine mount (common problem apparently) when it was inspected when we sold it last year.
I liked the interior, and it lasted well. Comfortable in the front, a bit snug for kiddies seats in the back. Noisy on course chip roads. Liked the steering a lot, handled pretty well. Engine had punch, but you had to stick it to the firewall to get it going (in ours at least, I also heard there was a lot of variation between power outputs between engines, but that could be mazda forum myth).
Overall would recomend, and we sold ours for 9k with average paint but low miles.

[ironhorse]

Shirley an Accord Euro would cost twice as much on the used market?

You'd think so but not really. The Mazda 3's are priced right up there new too btw. We pay overs for Mazda 3's in Australia ,that doesnt mean they are bad cars at all.But they are popular so a new decked out SP25 is roughly same price as an new Accord Euro, or even the bigger brother Mazda 6 from its own stable. Its a crazy world man.

[Captiva Fan]

link above shows a 2006 model for $11K

You'd think so but not really. The Mazda 3's are priced right up there new too btw. We pay overs for Mazda 3's in Australia ,that doesnt mean they are bad cars at all. But they are popular so a new decked out SP25 is roughly same price as an new Accord Euro, or even the bigger brother Mazda 6 from its own stable. Its a crazy world man.

Aye, I was just looking at SP23 prices after TT's poast ... it's probably the popularity of the class of car (3 class more popular than 6/Euro class) and additionally the 3 being so popular within it's class ... but prices for used SP23's & used Euros seem to be about the same, for cars of same age & mileage. SP23's are probably easier to find due to sales numbers ... but I'd certainly be pre-disposed towards getting a Euro than an SP23 (test-drive comparo's pending of course - who knows if there's some thing-or-other in the Euro which just gets up your nose even though it does everything else betterer).