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Mazda3 Maintenance & Repair

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Messages Page 346 of 500

#3442 of 4991 Re: Don't believe CR [ex_tdier] by mrblonde49

Jun 27, 2006 (7:30 am)

Replying to: ex_tdier (Jun 26, 2006 7:06 pm)
I also say this for the last time, those that tend to report praises or no complaints about their A/C either have one with auto climate control, have health issues where they feel typically cooler than the average person, or they have a personal interest in promoting or defending Mazda at any cost and are deliberately trying to negate the legitimate complaints about the Mazda 3 A/C in non auto climate control models. "
 
2006 Mazda3 owner. None of the above. My AC works fine

#3443 of 4991 Re: Don't believe CR [mrblonde49] by audia8q

Jun 27, 2006 (10:23 am)

Replying to: mrblonde49 (Jun 27, 2006 7:29 am)
I'm wondering why you think that CR is skewed, as opposed to JD Power?
 
It's because they don't agree with him.

#3444 of 4991 Re: Don't believe CR [ex_tdier] by richml

Jun 27, 2006 (10:28 am)

Replying to: ex_tdier (Jun 26, 2006 7:06 pm)
I also say this for the last time, those that tend to report praises or no complaints about their A/C either have one with auto climate control, have health issues where they feel typically cooler than the average person, or they have a personal interest in promoting or defending Mazda at any cost and are deliberately trying to negate the legitimate complaints about the Mazda 3 A/C in non auto climate control models.
 
My 2005 3 doesn't have auto climate control, I usually feel warm (health issue?), and I'm not trying to negate legitimate complaints.
 
Regarding CR and JD Powers (and other automotive sources), I take their info as something to consider - not the bible on what new car to buy. I think they lack consistency, I remember a CR auto issue awhile back where one article referred to the Mazda6 very favorably, while a ranking about 20 pages later in the same issue didn't recommend it - go figure. The reviewer(s) may value some characteristics much more (or less) than we do.

#3445 of 4991 Re: Don't believe CR [ex_tdier] by dc_driver

Jun 27, 2006 (5:58 pm)

Replying to: ex_tdier (Jun 26, 2006 7:06 pm)
ex_tdier
 
Sorry, but you are way out of line.. At my office I know of three other people (besides myself) that own Mazda 3's. A 2005 Mazda 3s, a 2006 Mazda 3s, a 2005 Mazda 3s hatchback, and my 2006 Mazda 3i Touring. I talked to all of them about their Mazda's and NONE of them complained about the A/C ( and we live in an area of the country where it is very hot and humid in the summer). I have test driven three different Mazda 3's and none of them have an issue with temperature comfort. Only one has auto climate control. I do not agree with your philosophy that you have an issue therefore everybody has an issue. Go look at the user reviews at msn, yahoo, edmunds, etc. The Mazda 3 is one of the highest rated (by users) cars and folks do not seem to be unhappy with their A/C. Per Edmunds, the Mazda 3 has been awarded by both editors and consumers the past three years. Are you saying that everyone of these reviews and awards on all the sites I listed are bogus? I read all of the professional auto reviews of the Mazda 3 that I could find and not one complained about the A/C. Are all these professionals wrong? Don't you think that they tested the A/C as part of their review?
 
Where do you live? What color is your car? Do you have leather? I have driven a 3 on at least three days where the temperature exceeded 90 degrees (high humidity) in stop and go traffic and all of them were comfortable. The ambient temperature in mine ranges from 74-78 between setting 1 and 2. I rarely have it above three and usually leave it on 2 when it is over 85 degrees.
 
As for CR, it is not perfect but the latest information was taken from well over 1 million consumers who purchased vehicles. Their sample size is much larger than JD Powers.
 
Look, you have written a million times about this issue and I, for one, get it. You are unhappy. You cannot stay cool in your car (must live in a pretty hot climate). You are working with your dealer and it sounds like they are trying to help you. Mazda 3 resale is very strong right now. My recommendation to you is that if your dealer/Mazda cannot satisfy your issues is to sell or trade in your car for a same year Toyota/Hyundai/Honda.. Also there is a whole thread devoted to this issue (AC) and you should really stop complaining on this board about this issue unless you are posting something useful, like a solution.
 
Take care..

#3446 of 4991 The Problem with CR by ex_tdier

Jun 27, 2006 (7:34 pm)

CR surveys their own readership aka subscribers. They don't survey others. Using the analogy, ask a Democrat who will make the best president, they will tell you another democrat. That's the problem with CR's survey.
 
dc_driver, it still sounds like you folks have the auto climate control model or have 2006 versions. i live in the west coast of Canada and it sure doesn't get too hot where I am. The inadequate cooling is common complaint about the A/C, not just in Canada. Our models are different than your Amercians, that's for sure. People have pretty much given up on Mazda in this regard. Everytime they go to the dealer they mention the problem but nothing is done, it performs within spec (well the spec is wrong). In other cases, they are oblivious and think it's normal. I see everyday lots of 3's with excessively dirty rear wheels while the fronts are fine. The new pads that took care of this problem have been available since February.
 
Make no mistake, the A/C issue is genuine and common. It's just a coincidence that the people you know share the same opinion as you. Mazda Canada has issue a TSB on the A/C issue (not the diffuser plate). I got an email from my dealer today and the parts are on order. I will be the guinea pig as far as the install goes...I am not sure if I like that.
 
Anyhow, I have no other explanation on why you're A/C is ok and those that you kow,other than what I have previously stated. Everyone I know, everywhere I read, whomever has a 3, either has a problem with their non auto climate controlled A/C or uses natural air conditioning: rolling down their windows.
 
Consider yourself one of the few lucky one's if you dont have the auto climate version, and don't forget, go buy a lottery ticket.

#3447 of 4991 Re: Don't believe CR [dc_driver] by nifty56

Jun 28, 2006 (5:03 am)

Replying to: dc_driver (Jun 27, 2006 5:58 pm)
Isn't it amazing that their is 4 owners of the Mazda 3 working at the same place as you...Spent 4 weeks in Florida last year and in total saw only 10 Mazda 3. While in Canada I can see at least 2 to 3 at our large mall parking lot at any one time. Canada sells more M3 than in the U.S. You have a right to defend the car, but WHY would or do you? IF my A/C was great I would post here and just say its ok, I wouldn't go on and on and on defending the car, it works end of story and not put down those who are having a problem. Could please post the links to the Toyota/Hyundai/Honda A/C issues you have mentioned.

#3448 of 4991 Re: z71bill [sidruid] by nifty56

Jun 28, 2006 (5:05 am)

Replying to: sidruid (Jun 23, 2006 8:10 pm)
Wow you have spent your time checking who has posted more than once on this issue..who holds the record for the most posts?

#3449 of 4991 Re: Don't believe CR [nifty56] by dc_driver

Jun 28, 2006 (6:24 am)

Replying to: nifty56 (Jun 28, 2006 5:03 am)
"Isn't it amazing that their is 4 owners of the Mazda 3 working at the same place as you..."
 
I work for a very large Fortune 500 company and the office I work out of has over 200 cars in the parking garage. I also work in the tech industry and there are a lot of younger folks employed in the company and the 3 seems to be pretty popular (mods?). So no, I do not find it strange that out of two hundred co-workers, four people own Mazda 3's. It's not like we are talking about some rare collectible here, the Mazda 3 is a big seller and a top pick by most auto sites and magazines (Edmunds included).
 
"You have a right to defend the car, but WHY would or do you? IF my A/C was great I would post here and just say its ok, I wouldn't go on and on and on defending the car, it works end of story and not put down those who are having a problem."
 
Just as you and a few others have the right to post over and over about the A/C issues, I have that same right to point out that this issue is not affecting EVERYONE as many of these posts are led to believe. There are many people shopping for cars that read these forums and folks who make broad statements to the effect that every Mazda 3 has weak A/C is simply false. So, if someone is shopping for a car and is concerned about the weak A/C posts (as was I) I recommend that you do a test drive and checkout the A/C for yourself.
 
"Could please post the links to the Toyota/Hyundai/Honda A/C issues you have mentioned."
 
I only commented that there are several posts in the 06 Civic board have complained about the A/C.
 
I have read every single professional review regarding the Mazda3 I could find and not one review mentioned anything about weak A/C. Don't you find that odd? If this issue is as huge as you and others are saying why has this not been
 
http://nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2006_Mazda_3&ReviewID=1813
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/jedlicka.aspx?year=2006&make=Mazda&model=Mazda- - - - 3
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/Sedans_and_Coupes/2004_Mazda3.S1- - - - 80.A6380.html
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2329.shtml
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?ASSET_TYPE=Affiliate+Review%2CBuyin- - - - g+Guide%2CVehicle+Profile&revlogtype=17&section=reviews&makeid=30&modelid=7491&y- - - - ear=2006
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?revid=49495&indcriteria=ASSET_TYPE-- - - - Affiliate+Review%2CBuying+Guide%2CVehicle+Profile%7CM-_30_%7CD-_7491_%7CY-_2006_- - - - %7CresultStructure-combined&makeid=30&modelid=7491&year=2006&myid=&revlogtype=19- - - - &section=reviews&mode=&aff=boston
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.jsp?revid=48763&indcriteria=ASSET_TYPE-- - - - Affiliate+Review%2CBuying+Guide%2CVehicle+Profile%7CM-_30_%7CD-_7491_%7CY-_2005_- - - - %7CresultStructure-combined&makeid=30&modelid=7491&year=2005&myid=&revlogtype=19- - - - &section=reviews&mode=&aff=boston
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/mazda/mazda3/100614382/researchlanding.html
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2003-11-26-mazda3_x.htm
http://www.automotive.com/2004/12/mazda/mazda3/reviews/index.html
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/cc/05mazda3.htm
 
Those are just a few.. Also, if you look at the user reviews on MSN, Yahoo, Edmunds, and Cars.com you will find the Mazda3 to be ranked at the very top. I would dare say that if the A/C issue was affecting the majority of Mazda 3's there would be a ton of negative reviews and bad feedback.
 
I really do believe that some folks are having some A/C issues. I am not denying that. But, this issue seems to be affecting only a small percentage of people. If Mazda cannot solve your problem sell your Mazda3. I have had two cars in my lifetime (Saturn SC2, VW Jetta VR6) that caused my a lot of problems and I sold them and moved on. There is a big demand for the Mazda3 right now, it is a good time to sell it and get something comparable that you are happier with.
 
No car is perfect. Go look at the message boards. Honda Civic's and Toyota Corollas have their share of problems too. If the dealer/Mazda cannot solve your issues try one of the other manufacturers out.

#3450 of 4991 Re: The Problem with CR [ex_tdier] by mrblonde49

Jun 28, 2006 (7:14 am)

Replying to: ex_tdier (Jun 27, 2006 7:34 pm)
CR surveys their own readership aka subscribers. They don't survey others. Using the analogy, ask a Democrat who will make the best president, they will tell you another democrat. That's the problem with CR's survey. "
 
I don't get your analogy. There are cars rated poorly in CR, and cars rated highly. Your analogy would mean they are all rated highly
 
All it means is that the sample comnes from people who are, in general, concerned about reliability (which is CR's bread and butter). What's wrong with that?

#3451 of 4991 Re: The Problem with CR [ex_tdier] by dc_driver

Jun 28, 2006 (8:10 am)

Replying to: ex_tdier (Jun 27, 2006 7:34 pm)
ex tdier,
 
  Let me get this straight. You live in Vancouver, Canada and the major source of your annoyance with the Mazda3 is the air conditioning? I understand you have SOME hot days where it reaches the high 80's, low 90's, but (according to Wikipedia) your average temperature in the peak of summer is 22 degrees celsius (71.6 degrees fahrenheit).
 
  Umm, isn't that kind of like someone in Arizona complaining about how the Mazda 3 handles in snow? Be honest, how big of an issue is this in reality? The temperature this morning outside on my commute to work was 76 degrees with about 90% humidity. I had my A/C set to 1 and my ambient temperature was 72 degrees in my car (almost a little too cold for my liking). Our temperatures have been in the mid to high 80's this past week with about 90% humidity and I have been very comfortable with my setting between 1 and 2.
 
Like I said, there are hundreds of user and professional reviews out there and the Mazda 3 ranks very high. I researched this car to death, and I did not find any data to support your theory that nearly every Mazda 3 has A/C issues. I do believe that some folks are having issues, and that they should either work through Mazda or, if it bothers them enough, sell the car and get something different.
 
This is my twelfth car that I have purchased in my relatively short driving life (15 years of driving) and every car that I have owned has had one issue or another. Some were very minor. Some were very major. Such is life.
 
I appreciate the fact that you and others have posted about this issue and raised attention. Believe me, I really looked for this issue when I was cross shopping the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla. To me, it was a non-issue. That said, your point is noted, and there is a specific thread dedicated to this A/C issue. I think that is the place to keep discussing this versus all the other forums where you and others continue to post. I mean this topic (A/C issues) seems to creep up in every Mazda3 board.

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