You are here: Forums Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Care and Maintenance

Mazda3 Care and Maintenance

203 messages,  Last post on Oct 28, 2009 at 6:06 PM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

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

Messages Page 18 of 21 1 ... 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#164 of 203 Re: Oil Changes [JBaumgart] by ahightower Oct 01, 2008 (2:55 am)
Replying to: JBaumgart (Sep 30, 2008 4:27 pm) Interesting. I've got to assume the oil is good for at least that long, probably 7500 or more (although I also prefer the 5K interval myself, it's about as far away from the old 3month/3K ingrained in my head as a teenager as I can seem to get, even with synthetic).   I just used Mobil 1 for the first time and noticed going in how much darker it looked than the Valvoline I had used a few weeks earlier on my other car. This may be a dumb question, but have you always used Mobil 1 in all your vehicles, and done the oil changes yourself?   Maybe try a higher quality oil filter. Or a better engine air filter. What do you use now? Replies to this message: JBaumgart (Oct 01, 2008 4:45 pm)
#165 of 203 Re: Oil Changes [JBaumgart] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Oct 01, 2008 (8:05 am)
Replying to: JBaumgart (Sep 30, 2008 4:27 pm) With modern engine oils you simply cannot tell anything of informational value by the color anymore. Replies to this message: roadburner (Oct 01, 2008 9:24 am)
#166 of 203 Re: Oil Changes [Mr_Shiftright] by roadburner Oct 01, 2008 (9:24 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 01, 2008 8:05 am) With modern engine oils you simply cannot tell anything of informational value by the color anymore.   Exactly. I've run Mobil1 5W-30 in my Mazdaspeed 3 since the first 5000 mile oil change and I've had the oil analyzed by Blackstone Laboratories at every oil change since. In every case the oil was in good shape; no excessive shearing, a high flashpoint, and a solid TBN. My last oil change interval was 5182 miles, and that included four hours of track time at Putnam Park Road course. Blackstone advised that the oil would have been good for at least another 1000-15000 miles. That said, I change the oils in my naturally aspirated vehicles at 6000 to 9000 miles intervals-also using Mobil 1-and those vehicles are running great as well.
#167 of 203 Correction... by roadburner Oct 01, 2008 (11:01 am)
I meant 1000-1500 miles.
#168 of 203 Re: Oil Changes [ahightower] by JBaumgart Oct 01, 2008 (4:45 pm)
Replying to: ahightower (Oct 01, 2008 2:55 am) ahightower, yes I've been using Mobil 1 in all of my vehicles for many years. I guess old habits die hard, especially when you've had good success with something. I just found it interesting that the color does turn dark relatively quickly, especially compared to my wife's vehicle, a 2004 Lexus RX330 where it seems to stay light and clear until it's time for the next change. My Infiniti FX45 (V8) is somewhere in between her car and the Mazda 3. I've also heard that the oil taking on a dark color doesn't mean it's lost its lubricating properties necessarily, just like the moderator here said. So I'm not going to worry about it and just stick to the 4500-5000 mile intervals.   As far as the filters are concerned, I've stuck to the manufacturer's OEM and have had my cars serviced at the dealership, at least for many years. I used to change oil myself, but I got away from it maybe 15 years ago. On the older cars there weren't plastic shields to take off and put back on, and the filters were pretty accessible - most cars now are kind of a pain and my time is more valuable too.   Getting cooler here in Minnesota, won't be long before I have to put the winter wheels & tires on...used to do this myself too!
#169 of 203 Re: Mazda 3 issues [autonomous] by wolfsport Oct 20, 2008 (4:55 pm)
Replying to: autonomous (Sep 29, 2008 1:37 pm) >>Mazda 3 manual transmission in May 2004. In other words, you bought the first year of a new model. As Consumer Reports has noted there is a risk in doing so even with reliable brands like Honda and Toyota.<< Even the newer MazdaSpeed 3's have the 3rd gear problem. It is indicative of the whole model line and the related European Focus. I'm going back to Audi. I'm trading my Mazda in for one of the more reliable Audi A4 turbo quattros. Several of my friends and relatives own one these.
#170 of 203 Mazda 3 S by halser Oct 27, 2008 (7:03 am)
My son bought a brand new Mazda 3 S with the 2.3 engine and manual transmission in Oct 2005. I bought it from him in July 2008. The car now has 38k miles. The rear brakes needed to be changed at 35K. The only problem that he had was that a purge valve needed to be replaced. The valve only lasts about 10k miles and has already been changed three times. It has always been covered under the warrantee but it’s the aggravation of having the car towed to the dealership. The check engine light comes on, there is a strong gas order, and after 100 miles the car won’t run anymore. I have changed the oil using Mobil I 5W-20. That is what is recommended in the book. I see Some of you used Mobil I 5W-30. What made you decide to use the higher grade?
#171 of 203 by JBaumgart Oct 28, 2008 (10:49 am)
I use Mobil 5W-30 mainly because that's what they sell where I buy it (Costco). It still flows very well at cold temperatures plus I figure it may offer slightly better protection when it's really hot. Why Mazda recommends 5W-20 is a bit of a mystery to me.   That is discouraging to read about the purge valve problems you're having. We have around 28,000 on our '07 and so far so good with this and everything else.
#172 of 203 Looking to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 with 85K miles, need comments by Nyamebaa Dec 10, 2008 (7:22 am)
Replying to: mazdafun (Mar 11, 2004 7:39 am) I have been impressed with the way the Mazda 3 handles and have fallen in love with a 2004 Mazda 3, 5 speed standard, with 85,400 miles on it.   I am wonders what you guys think, should i go ahead and buy this car. It is in excellent conditions engine, body and structure. I am wondering what to expect from a car with this miles on. I know these car can go over 200,000 miles with proper car and maintenance.   HELP !!!!!!!!!!! Replies to this message: autonomous (Dec 10, 2008 12:49 pm)
#173 of 203 Re: Looking to buy a 2004 Mazda 3 with 85K miles, need comments [Nyamebaa] by autonomous Dec 10, 2008 (12:49 pm)
Replying to: Nyamebaa (Dec 10, 2008 7:22 am) have fallen in love with a 2004 Mazda 3, 5 speed standard, with 85,400 miles on it   2004 was the first year of the Mazda3 and I believe there were some issues. You may want to check Consumer Reports Used Vehicles ratings to see what the areas of concern were. In any case, I would have your local mechanic check the car out to ensure that everything is fine.   Best of luck!

Messages Page 18 of 21 1 ... 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Hatchbacks Mazda3 Mazda3 Care and Maintenance