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Mazda3 Hatchback
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What % of the Mazda3 is carried over from these cars?
Ultimately, Bill, you'll have to pose that question to the editors of several car magazines as well as Consumer Reports. Flipping this over, if someone told you that Mazda completely redesigned their Mazda3 and called it the ZBILL would you think that the tiger lost its stripes? Seriously though, I think the point of the linkage between these models is that Mazda has been building small cars for quite a while and these vehicles consistently rate well no matter what they are called.
KBØCOO here. Licensed in 1989 originally, only a Tech Plus - morse code has kept me from upgrading. Haven't been on in a number of years, my shack was a corner of my bedroom with an old Heathkit tube transceiver and antennas strung up in the back yard. Most of my contacts were done in the 10 meter range if I remember correctly. Sometimes I wish that I had kept up with it better. A middle school teacher of mine was an enthusiast and got a bunch of us students licensed.
I was never able to go mobile, but I always wanted to. Of course the only car I have owned that I would have considered mounting an antenna to was my 1973 Grand Am.
Glad to hear other parents have such good taste in names. :shades:
73,
Sean KBØCOO
I always wondered how CR could have rated the AC in the Mazda 3 as excellent - now I know.
I don't read CR anyway and if this is the way they do things why bother/
What's so surprising about that? I bought a Protegé LX 2.0 in 2001 and love it, don't even want to trade for the Mazda3 at this time. Oh, and BTW, I was 71. If I was ready to trade I would go for the 5-door hatchback. I can't think of any other car that is so RIGHT for the times we live in today. Sure, you have to compromise here and there, but it's the best value around and also very reliable. You can't beat the versatility and fun to drive elements.
If you buy another compact brand to pay less -- you will get a whole lot less standard; if you pay more for another -- you will not get much more for the additional expendature and none of the Mazda3's features. There just isn't anything else out there like it.
There are no carry-over parts from the Protegé that I have read about, not even the 15" steel wheels on the "i' model since they are 5-lug. All Protegés had 4-lug wheels making after-market alloys hard to find or limited choices.
fowler3
OK then, so much for that "legendary Honda reliability" when the new Civic comes out!
Meade
FWIW, here's my Mazda3/Protege history to date:
2005 Mazda3 hatch: 6,050 miles, no problems (current car)
2002 Protege5: 52,000 miles, no problems (wife's current car)
2000 Protege ES*, 91,100 miles, replaced front strut bushings at 70,000 miles
1992 Protege LX*, 83,000 miles, no problems
1992 Protege LX*, 29,000 miles, no problems (hydroplaned and totaled it in 1992)
(* = no longer own)
I did own one other "Mazda" product, a 1994 B2300 pickup -- a rebadged Ford Ranger, as all Mazda B-series trucks are, built in Lima, Ohio. It was a piece of crap. Engine problems started at 8,000 miles and plagued me until I unloaded the truck with 114,000 miles on it. I was "stuck" (financially) and had to keep the truck, and lemme assure you, it was five years of sheer hell. The Protege and Mazda3 are built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, using nearly 100-percent Japanese parts. BIG difference!
Meade
mike
I'm 40.
Meade
"Also, since I just turned 50, I am somewhat surprised myself that this car appeals to me as much as it does."
Heck, I just turned 60 and the 3 is tops on my list to replace my '96 VW Golf GL. I haven't yet decided whether to opt for the hatchback or sedan, probably the sedan, as I don't need the bigger engine (Anything would outrun my VW, but it has great handling, seats and ergonomics.)
As an aside, when I drove onto a dealer lot to look at cars, the salesman said, "What kind of VW are you driving? I've never seen one of those around here." I live in the middle of Nowhereville, Florida.
Please, Dear God, no. NEVER!
Meade
mike
Meade
I don't read CR anyway and if this is the way they do things why bother/
In defense of CR, they openly state that the Mazda3's overall reliability is "predicted" because there's a very short reliability record when a model is brand new. But their rating for the 2004 Mazda3 (reported by them in 2005) is supposedly based on data from actual 2004 Mazda3's.
Then I am sure we have passed each other. Mine has a South Carolina plate, my current home state.
mike
Mine has a Virginia plate with a ham radio callsign on it.
Meade
thanks. it is undercoating, not rustproofing of the car. my current car had both and it is an 89 Legend with no rust. i did take care of it and it was kept in a garage so i am not sure how much of a difference either the undercoating or rustproofing meant.
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/43096/page007.html
Undercoating is a scam. Jjust like all the other add-ons dealerships try.
If you intend to keep your new car for a while (5+ years) and you live in an area that regularly salts its roadways, proper rustproofing makes sense. In fact, in Canada it's a bit of a religion. Most of us can avoid surface rust with some regular cleaning; what is more difficult to combat is the rust that you cannot see, for example the rust caused by trapped moisture inside the doors or under the car. The rustproofing should not just coat the car but repel moisture. The Krown treatment I use is applied annually to ensure that no gaps have been created since the last application; several police forces and the Canadian military have it applied on their equipment. By the way, keeping a car inside is effective if your garage is unheated; heated garages promote thawing which converts that snow-salt to convert to rust soup.
Meade
We had it done to my wife's 2002 Protege5 when we bought it in January 2002. It's a thick, rubbery compound -- not the sticky tar stuff many may think of -- that is actually a little flexible when you push your finger on it. Not only did it cover nearly everything under the car and in the wheel wells, it also made her car quite a bit quieter than the interior of my 2000 Protege ES with the same tires. I probably wouldn't do it again (and I didn't on my 2005 Mazda3 hatch) -- but since the 2002 was our fifth new Mazda from this particular dealership, they threw it in for practically nothing -- and it made my wife happier with her purchase. What price spouse satisfaction, I ask?
:shades:
Meade
Not me , I have been Tampa, FL for the past few days. That ZZ must be a non forum owner, I would have acknowledged.
Back in town later this week.
mike
Undercoating does more harm than good - traps water and salt and makes it impossible to wash off the underside of your car - I would not let them do this to my car even if they wanted to throw it in for free.
Back in the 1970's it was normal to see a 3 year old car with rust spots - (any where salt was used on the roads) - Today you see cars that are 7-10 years old that do not show any signs of rust.
But if you still have doubts - and think this is what you want to do -
Then at least - ask them to let you watch the rust proofing of another car - before you let them do yours. I think after you see what they really do you will change your mind.
I wouldn't want all of that on the underside of my car.... keeping air from the exhaust, etc.. Any idea of the running temperature of a catalytic converter?
And...I live in an area where roads are heavily salted...
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Keep in mind that your car has a certain amount of rustproofing already applied at the factory. And if it's done correctly, it won't trap water -- it'll keep it sealed out. Like I said before, I'm generally against it being done -- unless, of course, it's thrown in for virtually nothing like ours was. Bill, it was more like throwing one $20 bill down the toilet for us. Maybe two. Hell, that's less than two movie tickets, popcorn and sodas these days.
You gotta learn how to deal with a dealer -- I had to take my 3 back after delivery to get the wheel locks they forgot to include, and instead of just complaining, like many are prone to do, I grabbed a Mazda3 accessories flyer, walked straight in to the sales manager's office, and said, "I'm mad about having to come back here three days later to get you to install the wheel locks you said were on my car. And I know what I'd like to you do to make it up to me."
"What?" he asked.
"I'd really like a set of these $90 'Premium Carpet Floor Mats,' in red."
"Done," he said. "I apologize for the inconvenience."
Now I use the standard-issue black ones in bad weather, and the free $90 ones in nice weather!
Negotiating pays off even after the sale, my friends!
Meade
P.S. Walt, they use just as much salt (mixed with a nice measure of sand) over here in Virginia as they do in Kentucky. My wife's Protege5 has been through four icy, snowy, salty winters and her (car's) underside is doing just fine!
But I believe the answers to your question are, "No" and "No"
Too bad, too. Because I would like the option to get both.
Meade
New Features for 2006
The 2006 Mazda3 is a carry-over model, but there are some exciting new features for 2006 models including the addition of variable valve timing (VVT) to the 2.0L engine, the addition of PZEV (for five states) to the 2.3L engine, and the addition of a 5-speed Sport AT to the 2.3L engine. All models with air conditioning also contain a pollen filter and ambient (outside) temperature display in the center instrument panel. All 2.3L models add standard ABS and variable-intermittent front wipers. The new 2.3L "s Grand Touring" model (which replaces the successful 05MY Special Edition SP23) contains the SP23 features plus automatic climate control and a driving information system (trip computer) for around the same price as SP23 -- a great value on a well-equipped car! There are two new exterior colors for 2.3L models: Copper Red Mica (replaces Lava Orange) and Whitewater Pearl Mica (replaces Rally White).
Pricing for 2006
The 2006 pricing is based on 2005 models with pricing adjustments for equipment changes. Estimated pricing for major equipment changes includes ABS ($300 MSRP), SAB/SAC ($500 MSRP), 5AT ($950 MSRP), Bose Audio ($400 MSRP), Manual A/C ($880 MSRP), Automatic A/C ($100 MSRP), Driving Information System ($50 MSRP), and Whitewater Pearl Paint ($200 MSRP).
Build Combinations and Model Lineup for 2006
In addition to all these great new features, the really big news for 2006 Mazda3 is a reduction in factory build combinations from 110 to 50 MSCs which will help all dealers with production ordering and inventory management.
This MSC reduction is a direct result of dealer feedback regarding the need to streamline the Mazda3 ordering and inventory process. The majority of MSC reduction is a result of making previous 2005 model optional equipment (e.g., ABS, SAB/SAC, Xenon, TPMS) standard on certain 2006 models. Also, the Navigation System is now only available as an option on the "s Grand Touring" model, and Bose Audio is added to the Moonroof and 6-CD changer option package on the "s Grand Touring" model.
2.0L 4-Door "i" model
The 15" alloy wheel option is no longer available.
The ABS/SAB/SAC package is now available on entry-level 4-door models with A/C. Please consider the increasing popularity of this option (over 50% take rate nationally for 05MY) and the expectation that key competitors will offer standard ABS/SAB/SAC for 06MY. The Mazda3 ABS/SAB/SAC will be competitively priced for 06MY.
2.0L 4-Door "i Touring" model
The core 2.0L 4-door "i Touring" model replaces the "Power Package with 16" alloys" and both the equipment level and pricing are similar to that of the 2005 model.
Standard equipment: "i" model plus air conditioning with pollen filter and outside temperature display, power door locks/windows/mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, driver's seat tilt/height/lumbar, 16" alloy wheels, 205/55VR16 tires, front tweeter (2) speakers.
2.3L 4-door and 5-door "s" models
Carry-over 2005 model equipment plus pollen filter, outside temperature display, and variable-intermittent wipers. ABS is now standard equipment on all 2.3L models.
Options include the all-new 5AT, the very popular Moonroof & 6-CD Changer package, and SAB/SAC package (on 4-door model).
2.3L 4-Door and 5-Door "s Touring" models
Making key sport and safety equipment standard on the "s Touring" model and simultaneously limiting options results in a significant decrease in build combinations.
Standard equipment: "s" model plus 17" alloy wheels and side sills (4-Door model) and standard SAB/SAC. Options include 5AT, Moonroof/6-CD package, and Leather Trimmed Seats.
2.3L 4-Door and 5-Door "s Grand Touring" models
Builds on the popularity of the well-equipped and highly popular SP23 (with black leather interior and eight available exterior colors) while reducing built complexity by offering only three options: 5AT, Moonroof/6-CD/Bose Audio package, and Navigation System.
Standard equipment: "s Touring" plus leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, automatic climate control, driver info system, auto on/off headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Xenon HID headlights, tire pressure monitor system, security system, LED taillights (5-Door).
The new 2006 Mazda3 model lineup is streamlined and less complex, and we expect the great sales momentum to continue in 2006 for this class-leading compact car!
Source: Mazda North American Operations, May 10, 2005
The 20 in 5w20 is the weight of the oil after the engine is fully warmed up - 20 weight is lighter than 30 - so this oil will be easier to pump (less viscosity) and still provide the lubrication your engine needs in ALL NORMAL driving conditions.
A heavier oil is not automatically better and can actually be bad for your engine.
Although many people will say things like - I have been using 10w40 since 1972 and I have never had any engine problems! Or I want a heavy oil because they provide better protection - a thicker film between the moving parts - and I drive hard so I need the "extra protection". All pure myth.
Use what the owner manual calls for.
You can buy 5w20 at Walmart, Target, AutoZone or just about any place were oil is sold. Ford (Motorcraft) & Honda even have their own brands. My dealer uses Castrol which is available everywhere.
I have run strictly 5W-20 in my Mazda 3 2.3 for the past 12 months and 32,000 miles and it doesn't burn a bit of oil and gets superb mileage.
Strongly suggest youy stick to the reccomended 5W-20
the 5-door has more space.... you can fit in a dishwasher... can any sedan?
and the look.... it looks similar to the BMW 1 series... jsut a little better and bigger.
Rear headroom.... booh hooh.... the one who pays for the car sits behind the wheel, and uses the trunk... doesn't sit in the back :-)
I fell in love with hatchbacks way back before summa you youngin's was born. My second car was a 1980 Saab 900 Gli 3-door. Then (after the Saab and its monthly repairs ruined my bank account) my next car was a 5-door Hyundai Excel GL. I was saddened when Mazda dropped the 323 hatch the year before I bought my first Protege -- and then the hatchbacks disappeared from the U.S. in the early 90s. I think one of the best-looking hatchbacks ever was the last-generation Honda Accord hatchback in 1987, which they dropped in 1988 in favor of the 2-door coupe.
When Mazda brought the hatchback back to America in 2001 as the 2002 Mazda Protege5, we bought one for my wife. I realized how much I missed not only the cargo-hauling capabilities, but just the plain sexy looks of a hatchback. When my 2000 Protege ES sedan was getting "long in the tooth" earlier this year, there was no question what body style I wanted. I'd been in sedans for 14 years, and the hatch was back!
I owned a small pickup truck for a few years, but I realized soon after buying it that it was only occasionally that I needed the full functionality of a pickup truck. But alas, back in the mid-90s, there was really no other choice. Now there is. I get many comments on the looks of my Velocity Red Mazda3 hatch, yet it still carries mulch home from Home Depot and even carried my lawn mower to the repair shop a couple of months ago.
With apologies to Volvo, I tend to use a phrase to describe my 3 hatch that Volvo used in an ad introducing its Turbo wagon in the early 1980s. It was a full-page magazine ad showing the Turbo wagon from the side, and you could see a happy driver in front and grocery bags in the rear. And the tagline read,
"With xxx horsepower, groceries aren't the only thing it hauls."
Loved that ad.
Love my 3 hatch!
And btw, in 7,900 miles and a bunch of twisty mountain roads, I have yet to hear one slosh from my car's derriere! So you can put that myth to rest!
Meade
Come on -- don't post stuff like that without checking your facts first!
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/pdf/specs_features/veh_specs_MZ3.pdf
Meade
Meade
fowler3