Changes You'd Like To See in the Mazda3

Replying to: shipo (Dec 24, 2008 7:08 am)

FYI another compact that has heated mirrors is the Elantra, even in base form. Even in the U.S.

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 8:01 am)

I have a soon to be fifteen year old son who was just itching for me to get either a GTI or a MazdaSpeed3. Ummm, yeah, I don't think so. Depending upon the economy and how well my business partner and I manage to dispose of the fall-out from our failed second business, I see three options for my next car:
 
1) We do real well and both wifey and I plant our butts back in BMWs (and our kids get to share the Mazda3), at least one of which MUST be obtained via the ED program.
 
2) We do moderately well and I plant my butt in a Gen 6 GTI, wifey takes the Mazda3 (which she loves), and then we'll let the kids share our one remaining Dodge Grand Caravan (won't they be thrilled with that).
 
3) We just scrape by, I keep the Mazda3 as my commuter hack, wifey buys something like a Rabbit/Mazda3/Civic for her next car, and the kids once again get to share her 2003 DGC.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 8:36 am)
  • shipo (Dec 24, 2008 9:22 am)
    • roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 5:58 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: shipo (Dec 24, 2008 8:16 am)

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Dec 24, 2008 9:22 am)
  • roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 5:58 pm)
    • shipo (Dec 24, 2008 7:42 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 8:36 am)

Given that the Mazda3 is the only car with a stick that we currently have, even if the kids don't get it to share, I will make very sure that they learn how to drive it and get plenty of seat time.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

Replies to this message:
• roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 5:58 pm)
  • shipo (Dec 24, 2008 7:42 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Dec 24, 2008 9:22 am)

I'm going to teach my kid how to drive a manual using my Wrangler. The MS3 has a really abrupt clutch engagement. Heck, I stall it once or twice a week.

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Dec 24, 2008 7:42 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 24, 2008 5:58 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Dec 22, 2008 3:46 pm)

Replies to this message:
• autonomous (Jan 13, 2009 2:28 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Jan 02, 2009 1:02 pm)

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Jan 29, 2009 4:46 am)
  • joem5 (Feb 02, 2009 5:05 pm)
    • roadburner (Feb 02, 2009 8:05 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: joem5 (Jan 28, 2009 9:33 am)

While I certainly agree on the heated mirrors and the Eagle RS-A tires (and don't care either way about the antennae, the heated seats and the ashtray), I don't understand your comment about the 5-Speed. Correct me if I'm wrong, but ALL versions of the Mazda3s come with a 5-Speed as the base transmission with the automatic as the option. Yes, no?
 
Regarding the Rabbit, that was my top choice for a new car (with the Mazda3 a very close second) last fall when I was looking, unfortunately, due to the MKV to MKVI model change-over, U.S. spec Rabbits are no longer being produced (and won't be again until sometime this Summer). I spent the better part of two months shopping around for a 5-Speed model, and after hearing, "Are you sure we cannot interest you in a Rabbit with an automatic transmission?" for the umpteenth time, I finally gave up my quest for the VW and bought a Mazda3 i Touring Value Edition with a 5-Speed.
 
FWIW, I've had the Mazda for almost ten weeks now and am just about to turn over 6,000 miles on it. Other than needing to replace the Eagle RS-A tires at the 700 mile mark (with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires), and wishing I had the time to install a set of heated exterior mirrors (you can order them from your dealership or from a few online sources), the car has been perfect.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

Replies to this message:
• joem5 (Feb 02, 2009 5:05 pm)
  • roadburner (Feb 02, 2009 8:05 pm)
    • joem5 (Feb 03, 2009 8:51 am)