Ask the Car People.SM


Mazda3

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

You are in the Mazda3 Forum.

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

    

Messages Page 918 of 932

#9167 of 9314 Re: Just bought a Mazda3 [ahightower] by igozoomzoom

Nov 17, 2007 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: ahightower (Nov 12, 2007 8:34 pm)
Congrats on your new Mazda3 i Touring. I have an '06 Mazda3 s Touring 5-door, 5-speed manual in Titanium Grey with Black/Red interior. I like it so much that I'm seriously thinking about trading it in on a new one.
 
I also found the 2.0 to have more than sufficient power with the manual transmission. In the automatic versions, the power difference (and torque curve) between the 2.0 and 2.3 are a little more noticeable. You'll be thankful for the few extra MPG you'll see compared to 's' models. I wanted the 5-door bodystyle and 17" wheels, so the 2.3 was my only choice. My fuel economy is a little disappointing, but the power makes it a fair trade-off.
 
I also considered the Honda Civic and VW Jetta when I was shopping in 12/05. The Civic had just been released a few months prior and dealers weren't discounting. I didn't find the looks appealing either. As a final strike against it, I couldn't find any interior/exterior color combo that I actually liked. I didn't like the ivory interior at all and gray only came in exterior colors I didn't like. I do have to give kudos to Honda here- for 2008, the Civic Sedan in Taffeta White can have either Ivory or Gray interior. One of the few times they've ever offered a choice in a Civic.
 
I double checked on the leather steering wheel cover and you are correct, the Mazda Accessories catalog doesn't show one available. It may be because the 's' models already have it as a standard feature. Google "Mazda3+steering+wheel+cover" and see what you can find. There are some aftermarket ones available.
 
As I mentioned in the beginning, I'm seriously considering the purchase of a new Mazda3 to replace my 2006. I recently changed jobs and have a 42-mile one-way commute in Atlanta traffic. The manual transmission just isn't practical given the driving conditions. An automatic is really the only way to go with that kind of drive. I'll also trade-up to a Grand Touring model, but I will stick with the 5-door bodystyle.
 
Enjoy!

#9168 of 9314 2nd Mazda & It's Great by fitguy

Nov 18, 2007 (6:33 pm)

I bought a 07 Mazda 3S 2 months ago and wanted to report it so far is a incredilble car for the money (18K). I also own (or should I say, my ex-wife now has and won't give back!) a 2004 6S that has 45K miles with 0 problems. Drove the new Civic as I have owned 3 Accords in the past; didn't drive a Jetta as I owned a 2000 Passat that I really liked until it became a reliability nightmare and soured me on VW permanantly. Corolla wasn't even a consideration- they are for chicks and old ladys. The 3 blew the Civic away in driving dynamics; also the seat on the Civic has odd placement of the headrests (tipped forward at an extreme angle) that was bothersome and I drive 25-30K miles/year, so seat comfort is key. I have about 5K on my 3, and average 32 mpg hwy/28 mixed on regular- not bad for the 2.3 In all the car is tight & quick handling as all the reviews state; road noise is a little high as it is on my 6 but the handling is a worthwhile trade-off. Build quality of the interior & exterior has been perfect; interior not quite as plush as a VW but Mazda reliabilty again is a worthy trade. The only minor thing I wish Mazda would address would be be to add trunk release to the keyless system- a minor inconvenience but important to a salesman who is in/out of the trunk a lot. As small sedans go, I think the 3 is probably the best overall- offering decent economy, a fun drive, and nice build quality for under 20K. For those looking for an economy car that has more to offer, go drive the Mazda 3, you most likely will be impressed.

#9169 of 9314 Re: Just bought a Mazda3 [igozoomzoom] by ahightower

Nov 19, 2007 (9:23 am)

Replying to: igozoomzoom (Nov 17, 2007 6:03 pm)
I did test drive the 3i with the manu-matic, and thought it was really good for an auto. The shifter seemed backwards - you push forward to downshift and pull back to upshift - but I'd get used to it. I chose the manual to save money and for fun to drive, but if I had a commute like yours, I wouldn't have a problem getting the 3s with its 5-speed auto (i only has 4-speed auto).
 
Regarding steering wheel cover, has anyone tried Wheelskins?
http://www.autocarparts.com/part/1168/96/
 
That turned up on the google search. Only $40, worth a shot. I've ordered a couple of free sample swatches. Will probably just go with black, but would like to see the charcoal and oak colors in person.

#9170 of 9314 cargo net by ahightower

Nov 20, 2007 (1:46 pm)

I need help. Perhaps I'm just missing something obvious, but how does the cargo net go in the trunk of the Mazda3 sedan? I can't see any hooks or anything to hang it from. I don't have the offical Mazda net, I just kept the net from my old car, and it looks about the right size, but I can't see any way to install it. If you order the net from Mazda does it come with some hooks to hang it from?

#9171 of 9314 Re: Just bought a Mazda3 [ahightower] by igozoomzoom

Nov 21, 2007 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: ahightower (Nov 19, 2007 9:23 am)
A lot of manu-matics seem to use forward for the downshift and pull back for the upshift. I'm not sure what logic (if any) is behind that. My best friend just bought a 2004 BMW 330i and the manual gate is set up the same way, I just left it in D after a few minutes of fumbling with it.

#9172 of 9314 Re: cargo net [ahightower] by acd

Nov 26, 2007 (10:33 am)

Replying to: ahightower (Nov 20, 2007 1:46 pm)
I ordered the cargo net through my Mazda dealership and and installed it myself. The four attachments for the net come with the kit. You'll need a drill for installation. With some effort as well as climbing in and out of the trunk several times, I got it installed. I had a cargo net in my previous vehicle and just wanted one again. I think it was worth my trouble.

#9173 of 9314 Re: door ajar light stays on [osource] by jskusn

Dec 08, 2007 (5:02 am)

Replying to: osource (Jan 31, 2004 9:48 pm)
A late response since you asked this question almost three years ago but I just had the same problem. My Mazda 3 is a 2007 still under warranty. Dealer replaced a junction box. Of course it took 3 days for the part to arrive...must not be a high demand part!

#9174 of 9314 AFTERMARKET power locks by spiffy1

Dec 16, 2007 (10:26 am)

I am considering having these put on my car...has anyone had any experience doing this or having it done? Any recommendations as to where I would go to have ths type of work performed. Thank you for your time...

#9175 of 9314 HOW IS A/C ON '07 AND '08 MAZDA 3S? by smallcar1

Dec 30, 2007 (10:33 pm)

Funny to post this is in Jan, but I am having trouble w/ my present car and I'm not sure if I can wait until the summer. How is the A/C in the '07 or "08s? In '06 I test drove 3 Mazda 3s w/ temps in the '90s and the A/C did not cool the car and did not blow out that cold. I test drove an '07 w/ temps in the '90s and the a/c felt like it was blowing cold air but the car was still too hot. I rented an '06 w/ temps in the mid to upper '80s and the A/C was fine.
 
I have a neighbor who has an '06 w/ dak tint and his A/C does not cool the acr with temps in the '90s.
 
How has the A/C been for people that have '07s?

#9176 of 9314 Re: HOW IS A/C ON '07 AND '08 MAZDA 3S? [smallcar1] by scwmcan

Jan 03, 2008 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: smallcar1 (Dec 30, 2007 10:33 pm)
I have to say that it seems to be a bit of a gamble still (though maybe not more on this in a sec). We have two '07 mazda 3 sports (hatchback here in canada). Mine cools the car extremely well in the summer (and heats it well in the winter), The other seems to blow ots of cold air, but does not cool down the car as effectively, and also does't seem to heat the car as well either, so like I said maybe a bit of a gamble. Now for the possible difference, my car is phanotm purple and as such came with the grey seats, the other is phantom blue and came with the black seats, I think that part of why mine seems to cool better is that the grey seats don't hold as much heat as the black ones, I don't think either car is too bad in terms of cooling though, but the one definately takes longer to cool down than the other. So if you are looking for the best performance from the air, you may need to get the lighter seats/ interior, if you don't mind the colour of it that is.
 
Scott

Messages Page 918 of 932

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement