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Mazda3

9314 messages,  Last post on Nov 15, 2012 at 5:26 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Hatchback, Sedan

    

Messages Page 885 of 933

#8832 of 9314 06 Mazda3 S GT Sedan report. by davesbrew by z71bill

Jun 07, 2006 (6:42 pm)

I assume you have the auto climate control?
 
20 minutes to cool the car when the temp is only 95 is not very good - sounds like you used the right process (roll down windows - outside air at first bla bla bla)
 
Its the same situation as my 2004 - except on some days - when traffic was heavy - stop and go - my car would never cool off.
 
I wonder how many posts about problem 2006 Mazda3 AC's (with climate control) we will need to read before we all accept the fact that Mazda still has not fixed this obvious defect?
 
Then we can look forward to - its the 2007 model - Mazda solved the AC defect by installing a _____________ - but they did not need to increase the capacity of the system - its magic!

#8833 of 9314 Re: 06 Mazda3 S GT Sedan report. by davesbrew [z71bill] by davesbrew

Jun 08, 2006 (7:13 am)

Replying to: z71bill (Jun 07, 2006 6:42 pm)
Yup. Auto climate control. To be fair, it was humid that day, which may have compounded the discomfort. Since then, it's still not great, but maybe I'm getting used to being hot in the car, because it doesnt bother me as much anymore. Maybe this is normal and I was spoiled before. In my 94 altima to this day, 5 min with the AC on fullblast and I'm freezing. That car has the best AC of any car I've ever been in. Wish I knew who made that component part. (on the flip side, hit the AC button and the engine makes a jerk as the monster kicks in, but I think it's worth the tradeoff.) Wish the 06 mazda3 was like that...

#8834 of 9314 davesbrew by z71bill

Jun 08, 2006 (7:27 am)

I am not as forgiving as you - sure high humidity makes it harder (to cool the car).
 
So does having a black interior - larger glass area -
 
But if anyone with 1 ounce of brain was designing an AC system they should have made it strong enough to handle a bright sunny 110 degree - high humidity day.
 
Mazda must have been a sleep when they designed this system. Where did they test this thing the north pole?
 
It's bad enough that they designed the car with a weak AC system in the first place - worse to not fix the problem - but to just keep making and selling cars - for 2-3 additional model years with no change is just about criminal.

#8835 of 9314 Re: 06 Mazda3 S GT Sedan report. [davesbrew] by lateralg

Jun 09, 2006 (6:50 am)

Replying to: davesbrew (May 22, 2006 9:42 am)
It should be operated in re-circ mode for the initial cool-down, then switched to outside air.

#8836 of 9314 lateralg by z71bill

Jun 09, 2006 (7:04 am)

"It should be operated in re-circ mode for the initial cool-down, then switched to outside air"
 
This is true in most cases - but when you get in a car that has been sitting in the sun for a while and the inside is boiling hot - it is better to start the system with outside air (not recirc).
 
The reason is - in this case the temperature of the OUTSIDE air is actually cooler that the air INSIDE your car. This is even true if you have rolled down your windows to let the super heated air escape. The dash and seats will still be hotter than the outside air temp.
 
This allows your system to produce cooler air at start up. Since the air you are circulating through the evaperator is slightly cooler to start with.

#8837 of 9314 Re: lateralg [z71bill] by davesbrew

Jun 09, 2006 (8:04 am)

Replying to: z71bill (Jun 09, 2006 7:04 am)
yeah, z71bill, I agree. Fresh air first, then recirc on a hot car, then back to fresh after it cools is what I've always heard and had the best results with. In fact, I think that's what the owner's manual states for an 01 Honda CRV. It's been a while since I read it, but think I'm remembering that as the source. I don't remember seeing a similar provision in the mazda3 manual however.

#8838 of 9314 Nice car.. by dc_driver

Jun 14, 2006 (6:08 pm)

Debating on whether or not to sell my 05 Mazda Tribute S (paid off) and get either a Mazda3 S, or an 06 Honda Civic LX/EX.. We recently purchased a Honda Odyssey EX-L and love it..
 
Honestly, I really like both the exteriors very much and think that both the Civic and 3 are sporty, good handling cars that get great gas mileage..
 
That said, I have been a little worried about the A/C issues I have read on these forums by some of you and two co workers own 06 Mazda 3 S sedans. I spoke to both and neither had any problems with the A/C (it was in the mid 90's here a few weeks ago which is very hot for this region). Both said that this is not an issue and their cars do not take 20+ minutes to cool down..
 
For me, it will come down to the drive and the price if I decide to sell the Tribute (love the vehicle but it seems ridiculous to own it and an Odyssey when gas prices keep creeping up)...
 
I have to say, the Mazda3 appears to be the better value compared to the Honda, but I have a great local Honda dealer who I may be able to convince to sell me an Civic at invoice...

#8839 of 9314 Re: Nice car.. [dc_driver] by samtheman1

Jun 15, 2006 (3:44 am)

Replying to: dc_driver (Jun 14, 2006 6:08 pm)
The A/C on my Mazda3 is weak compared to my Passat, but it does the job. As others mentioned, open windows for first minute of so, then crank A/c on high for 3-4 minutes and you can set at 1 or 2 and be fine.
 
Test drive each. I found 3 to have a much sportier handling and stronger acceleration (especially with the manual tranny). You can get the 3 below invoice with a little effort. Also might want to wait for the 07's as the 3 is getting a facelift.

#8840 of 9314 Re: Nice car.. [dc_driver] by mpg60

Jun 15, 2006 (9:18 am)

Replying to: dc_driver (Jun 14, 2006 6:08 pm)
Hi,
 
Don't let the naysayers sway you. I have had 3 Mazdas in a row. Two prior generation Proteges and now a 05S Sedan. Go test drive a 3. The first time I saw the replacement for the Protege I was totally moved. The 3 is the best looking economy sedan. and, my ac works fine.

#8841 of 9314 Re: Nice car.. [samtheman1] by dc_driver

Jun 15, 2006 (11:54 am)

Replying to: samtheman1 (Jun 15, 2006 3:44 am)
I would expect the Passat to have a better A/C system (it is also much more expensive), and while it gets hot here, it is not like I am living in central Florida or the Arizona desert
 
I definitely plan on test driving them (Civic and 3) back to back, but am already leaning towards the 3 based on the overall value and the fact that the Civic SI is not available in a sedan (yet) and I am not certain I want a coupe..
 
I have also have had a great experience with my Mazda Tribute (reliability/service) which is a factor considering the Honda Civic is such a new design and appears to have its own faults..

Messages Page 885 of 933

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