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Mazda3

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  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I don't recall exact fix - the first time I think they just reset & re flashed the computer for a software update - my MIL came back on within a week - next trip they replaced a purge valve. The light came back on a few days later - this was about the time Mazda came out with a TSB that fixed the problem - the dealer had to wait until Mazda sent them some kind of a special tool - so they could perform a smoke test. What ever that is. Then they replaced something else in the emissions system.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I'm trying to figure out what would cause a 33% (or more) reduction in gas mileage. So far I'm not making a connection. Have you ever asked them to revisit your gas mileage problem?

    Meade
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Bad software and/or sensors... that are controlling the fuel mixture.. I could easily see a big fuel mileage drop-off with no effect on the actual driveablity of the car...

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  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    The first time I filled up after the MIL fix I got 16 MPG - I was getting 21 + before. At first I thought it was caused by letting the car idle for a long time while it was in the shop - you know while they were working on the problem - but the next few tanks were also around 16 MPG. The good news is I am now getting a little over 19 MPG - that is mostly city - AC (if you can call it that) running full blast - not shy about pushing the gas pedal down - that is what it is there for right?
  • s0seng02s0seng02 Member Posts: 7
    It is really unfortunate about your experience with a Mazda 3. I had to visit Mazda twice to reset my MIL and the last time they changed the gas cap sensor and updated some engine software. My 04 Mazda 3i goes 23-25 miles a gallon with AC on (in city) and the AC also cools down (at 2 position with recirculator on) within a couple of minutes. I think I have also discussed about this issue under some other topic, but it seems really strange that you are getting such abyssmal gas milage in a Mazda 3. If you like the car, I would suggest you to go to another dealer, trade-in and buy a new one, or just sell the car and buy a Toyota Corolla. I am sure you will be very happy with the gas milage you will be getting.
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    Longest day of the year, so there should be some extra time around for the Mazda Chat this evening! :)

    PF Flyer
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  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    I was getting 21 + before.

    Bill, there's something very wrong with your car. You do have a 3S, don't you? My 3S routinely gets 27-28 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving that is all commuting -- and believe me, I'm guilty of having a lead foot and a desire to zoom from every toll booth and stop light. Still, in 3,500 miles I haven't gotten under 26 at all. For you to have been getting only 21 when your car was "OK," there is something very wrong. Dammit, take that car to a reputable dealer and get them to diagnose what the heck is going on.

    NOW!!!

    We'll wait.

    :shades:

    Meade
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    Tested the Corolla before I bought the Mazda3 - Have had several Toyota vehicles -love the way Toyota takes care of its customer - but the Corolla has no soul.

    MPG is not that high on my priority list - sure it would be nice - but I only drive (the Mazda3) about 800 miles a month - it is a bit of a pain only going 225 or so miles before I need to stop and get gas - I know this is the wrong way to look at things - but since it takes less that $25 to fill up the Mazda3 VS almost $50 to fill up my Z-71 it does not seem that bad. Car runs great - except for the occasional stall - but the fuel pump replacement should fix that (I don't see anyway replacing a fuel pump could improve MPG but you never know) dealer did a computer scan and it showed no problem codes so I am not sure what any dealer would be able (willing) to do. This is not just Mazda - every dealership has the standard - MPG will depend on how the car is driven bla bla bla statement.

    I have only taken the Mazda3 on one pure highway trip - and got a shade over 29 MPG - which is above the EPA rating.

    Don't want to get too far off topic - but I have been looking for a replacement - would consider the Mazda3 - mainly because I can't find anything else (under $35K) that I really want - but would hold out for a 2006 -

    The technical specialist from Mazda corporate is scheduled to look at my car today - service manager told me he has worked with him and he is "the best he has ever seen" I can only hope.
  • darius2kdarius2k Member Posts: 5
    I don't know if this has been discussed here or elsewhere already, but does anybody have the DVD/GPS navigation option? I'm looking for some feedback on it. Does this same system exist in other vehicles (kind of like how the same graphics card would be shipped in different PCs) that I can research independently of the Mazda 3?
  • darius2kdarius2k Member Posts: 5
    Hi guys,

    I also made another inquiry in a different post, but was (politely) reprimanded for putting this in the audio forum, where I thought it belonged:

    'I'm just inquring of those of you who have a Mazda3 with the CD player option with mp3 support, can you comment on its quality? Specifically, I hear the one in the Ford Focus randomly skips, so was wondering if there any 'weird' issues with the M3's player.
    Also, does it support auto resume, meaning that when you turn the car off, does it start exactly at the point where it left off when you turn it back on again? (Important for audiobook junkies like me.)'
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    Yes, it supports auto-resume, and no, I've never noticed any wierd issues or skipping, but I've noticed with other MP3 players that the chances of skipping reduces the slower you burn it (I'm on a laptop with a 16x burner).
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    You can't be seriously saying that Toyota dealers treat customers well. While I've found the Toyotas that I've owned to be the most reliable cars I've had, the treatment I got from dealers is another matter. I found them to be quite obnoxious and arrogant. They seem to have the attitude that since they have the most reliable cars on the planet, they can treat you like crap.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    You can't be seriously saying that Toyota dealers treat customers well ... I found them to be quite obnoxious and arrogant.

    I don't share your experience; the two Toyota dealerships here (in Ottawa, Canada) are among the best in the city for their courtesy and attention to detail. Making a deal though is not the easiest because they don't budge as much on price as others. Let's treat each dealership for what it is, an independent business; some have the right approach to customers, others need to learn from them.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I always have had great treatment in the service department - but I would say that the sales side of Toyota can be hard to deal with.

    Since Ford is having such a hard time (GM too) maybe they will sell Mazda to Toyota and then I could get both - a fun car to drive and some service after the sale - what a concept that would be. But I guess that is what Toyota is trying to do with the Scion brand.
  • eklektikeklektik Member Posts: 12
    Ok...about tire noise..reached 9K miles on my Nankang tires and they are almost as loud as my old RS-A's with 10K miles. When I initially put the Nankang's on, they were really quiet..but with wear they are becoming louder. The Nankang's are 215/45-17, not sure how that affects the noise level, they feel more stable than the 205/50-17 RS-A's..
  • babaran22babaran22 Member Posts: 3
    I'm seriously considering purchasing a new Mazda3 s 4-Door with manual, and I'm wondering how well the car handles without the sport package vs. with it. From what I can tell, the only significant difference is the tires- 16 vs 17 in., and no difference at all in the suspension itself. If I would be giving up too much in terms of handling, I'd probably go for the sport pkg. Any comments would be appreciated. TIA.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I really don't think the handling will be THAT much difference - only when you get close the limit will you even notice any. My guess is 99% of the time for 99% of the drivers they will not see any difference in HANDLING.

    I think you will see a very small difference in ride quality - the 16" wheels / tires should have a little bit softer ride.

    You should just drive both and see for yourself. When I bought all the S models had the sports package. I like the look of the sports package - IMO it gives the Mazda3 - a "sportier look" imagine that!

    You may want to price out replacement tires in both sizes - very limited choice in the 205 50 17 size - and the cost in MUCH higher - If you compare stock Goodyear RS-A the 205 50 17 is $163 VS $82 for the 205 55 16. BTW - I will be lucky to make it to 20K on the stock Goodyears -

    I plan on going with the Kumho ASX - $93 for the 205 50 17 VS $65 for the 205 55 16.

    This is per Tirerack - but Discount Tire is close to the same.
  • anon70anon70 Member Posts: 82
    From Edmunds.com, the mazda3i "1PP Power & 16" Alloy Wheel Package" has coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.33.

    LINK

    what is the coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.33 and is that better/worse than a plain 3i w/o the power package?!
  • mpg60mpg60 Member Posts: 71
    Hi,

    Coefficient of drag refers to wind resistance or how easy an object can pass through the air. The more streamlined the less resistance an object has. Thus the lower the (Cd) the better. The power package has no relation to this.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Theoretically I suppose the sport package could have a different drag coefficient.
    i.e. spoiler creating more down force, wider tires creating more drag etc. but this isn’t a 911 turbo compared to a “regular” 911…it’s just a Mazda 3 so I guess you’re right.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Wider tread will definitely affect the drag... Most cars that come with upgraded tire sizes will have a higher coefficient..

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  • anon70anon70 Member Posts: 82
    interesting.. if it's a negative, i wonder why MAzda listed it then? or does Edmunds add in their own comments in the options lists?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Hmmm.. who knows?

    But, almost every upgraded "sport" model is less slippery than the base model.. But, the better handling and acceleration usually more than makes up for it...

    I'm not the kind of person that checks for coefficient of drag when I'm shopping.. though I do pay attention to the estimated fuel mileage.... I'd guess that 99% of buyers wouldn't even know what it means...

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    It’s probably just listed to show all specs, I don’t think a small difference really matters that much.

    If the drag went from .30 to .35 it might affect mileage and top speed (just making this up).

    I think .33 or .32 is “ok” but not great.

    If I recall correctly I think a Passat had one of the better coefficiencies of .27 and Prius around a .26.

    Don’t remember precisely, but a Lamborghini has a higher one…like .35 or .38 even though it’s so small and sleek (those big tires again).
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    Whats really impressive is that the blandish Camry is a .28, and the Accord is a .29.

    ~alpha
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    the Camry and the Accord are longer shapes so the air passing over them is guided better. The frontal area may be similar, but with a longer body they are more aerodynamic. I read where Lexus updated the 2005 LS 430 with special fairings to reduce the Cd to .33. Maybe the GFX on the Mazda3 help, maybe not. If they are just for appearance then they have had no wind tunnel testing.

    fowler3
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    We bought this car yesterday and they are trying to locate the car as we speak. Got the S model with wheel locks for invoice minus the $500. Mazda coupon and a dealer specific $300. gas for 6 months coupon, though I had to push for that, as it had no experation date. That was my arguement and they finally saw it my way. Dealt with the internet manager. Hopefully the car will be found tomorrow or friday. The wife is thrilled!

    The Sandman :sick:
  • mpg60mpg60 Member Posts: 71
    Hey Sandman,

    You'll get there. I had my 3s special ordered and it took me 4 months of waiting to get what I wanted. The only thing I didn't get was Navigation...Enjoy the new car...Zoom, Zoom... :shades:
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    They got our car in yesterday morning. They even put a dark gray pinstripe on at the port, eventhough we wanted a black one. The dealer is giving it to us gratis. The car drove very nicely...I did notice a little bit of torque steer but nothing we can't handle. Can't believe how powerful the 2.3 engine is.

    We pick her up today at 3!

    Zoom Zoom!

    The Sandman :)
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    After putting on 1000 miles…I find that power is the thing I wish I had a little more of..

    Not that the car is under powered. Its just that it handles so well it overshadows the power. There are times when I’m cornering at 4500+rpm at higher g’s and when I accelerate harder as I exit I expect it to squeal or to pull to the out side of the lane.

    It’s almost as if I’m “scrubbing” off the power…maybe it’s my driving…heh.

    Turbo kits are a little too pricey…and I don’t want to affect my 5 year 100K warranty.

    Still very happy
  • eklektikeklektik Member Posts: 12
    Sandman,

    I've considered a CAI and exhaust for a little extra torque and HP. Another MZ3 forums has dynos for just those mods with a few members installing both. Together they should increase TQ and HP by 10ft-lbs and 10 HP.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    We absolutely love this car...it's so awesome! But wood u believe the wife already drove over a screw yesterday and we didn't get the tire protection package. Luckily she hit the screw in the dead center of the drivers rear tire. The patch will cost $23. at my local tire place.
    Live and learn I guess. But we are lovin' this car. I hope the mileage will approach the epa #'s after the 1st oil change or at least by 5k miles.
    Zoom Zoom y'all!

    The Sandman :)
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    The past 5...yes 5!!! new cars I've owned I've had a flat within the first 3 months.

    So far the 3 is still intact :surprise:
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    I got a nail in my tire a while back - Discount Tire fixes flats (and spin balances) for free.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Down here in South Florida, we have no Discount Tire outlets.

    The Sandman :(
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    The past 5...yes 5!!! new cars I've owned I've had a flat within the first 3 months.
    quite a record ... makes you pause before getting another car. :P

    As I think about what could happen in traffic as we zip along at 70+mph it sends a shiver up the spine ... but then we just all continue on our merry way.
  • riopelleriopelle Member Posts: 132
    Nice package, that could be my next car.

    Thanks for the update.
  • cticti Member Posts: 131
    Did I buy my Mazda3 5-door in February!!!

    I already had a car that worked. I hated it, but it functioned. If I knew all the cool new features I might have held out for a 2006.

    The local Mazda dealer has a special no-haggle price (300 over invoice) for all military people so buying a new car at the beginning of the model year would not have mattered.

    I bought a loaded 5-door and would have waited for a Special Edition if I knew one was coming in to my local store. One was, but I found out too late.

    ALL the features are great additions.

    Pollen filter - why not? sounds like a good option. How much extra can it be?
    Outside temp - definitely. I bought the electrochromatic mirror because I wanted the temp gauge.
    Trip computer - This I really don't care too much about but I would use it if I had it.
    Auto climate control - Yes, Yes! I very much want this.
    Variable wipers - Sure. I guess. I don't know how much of an improvement this is over the current wipers. It rains a lot in Georgia so I'd get to use them often.
    5AT - Probably the option I want the most. I keep wanting to shift into 5th gear when I hit cruising speed. I am curious to see how much this improves highway fuel economy.
    Bose/6CD/Moonroof package - Already have the second two. Wish I had the Bose audio as the only place i listen to music is in my car.

    Sigh. Oh well.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Pollen filter - Buy a box of surgical masks.

    Outside temp - Buy an outside thermometer, red type, mount on outside A-pillar, right side facing driver.

    Trip computer - keep pad and pencil in glove box and pocket calculator.

    Auto climate control - That's what windows are for, i.e. auto down button.

    Variable wipers - they park UP as well as DOWN.

    5AT - Be thankful, it could be a 3AT.

    Bose/6CD/Moonroof package - You have the second and third, hire the Boston Pops

    Fowler3.
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    The past 5...yes 5!!! new cars I've owned I've had a flat within the first 3 months.

    How about this?

    In December 2004, I purchased a brand-new Mazda B2300SE pickup truck.

    Two months later, I was on a 55-mph, 2-lane highway in the mountains when a flatbed truck passed me going the other way. He was carrying a load of soli oak front doors to new houses. Guess what? One flew off just as he passed me, hitting me squarely in the grille. The 110-mph impact broke the door in half, sending half of it bouncing over my hood, windshield and roof, and the other half under the truck. (Thank God it wasn't a steel door, eh?)

    $3,000 later (in 1995 dollars and on the trucking company's tab), I had a sort-of new truck with 900 miles on it again.

    Meade
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Jim, let me add my observations.

    Pollen filter - Thank the Lord you don't get hay fever.

    Outside temp - What's next? A rain gauge? I have a radio that tells me not only the outside temperature, but also the forecast.

    Trip computer - Thank goodness my head still works.

    Auto climate control - Yep, then I'll be in a quandary as to whether I really like it at 71 or 72. Or maybe 73? Tell me, what's so "auto" about it? You've still got to decide where you want it set.

    Variable wipers - OK, maybe this would be nice. But then again, my finger can push the little arm upward with very little caloric loss.

    5AT - Oh well, learn to drive a stick and you would've always had 5 speeds -- and a lot more flexibility than a "diptronic."

    Bose/6CD/Moonroof package - Yeah, but where does the 60-inch DLP HDTV go? Out on the hood might be too close for comfortable viewing. Maybe in the open hatch of my 3 wagon, and I'll just ride along in front of you?

    :P

    Meade

    P.S. Just remember, Mazda's going to make you pay more for these now-standard things. Me, I'll enjoy my lower car payment and less stuff to break down the road!
  • jbolltjbollt Member Posts: 736
    "In December 2004, I purchased a brand-new Mazda B2300SE pickup truck."
    December 2004? or 1994?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Outside temp - They real value here is for safety. If it's raining and the temperature is around, say 32 degrees F, well that's good to know. :surprise:
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    You mean that white stuff coming down? Ever skid on a snowflake?

    fowler3
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Actually I was referring to freezing rain which can sneek up on you, especially if you don't know the outside air temp.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    just joking, sorry. You are right about freezing rain, especially black ice, which can form above freezing temperatures in low lying, shaded areas, where fog sometimes appears.

    fower3
  • mdaffronmdaffron Member Posts: 4,421
    Ooops. 1994.

    Meade
  • umcericumceric Member Posts: 1
    Reading about the bose speakers, werent they standard on the SP23 before and now they're part of a package? So now if we want the bose then we have to pay a higher price for the grand touring s then add the moonroof package (probably 1200+ with the bose..). I hope i'm misreading this, i was really hoping they would allow the option of bose on the standard s.
  • cticti Member Posts: 131
    I would think the Bose system would be a strong selling point to younger buyers.

    The Focus has the better stereo as a stand-alone option. I wonder how often it is included without the other high priced options like sunroof and leather.

    Restricting it to the GT doesn't seem like the wisest idea.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    It's probably because Mazda doesn't want to order more Bose systems than they will sell. Keep in mind Mazda's audio is proprietary to the 3-series and can not be sold to other brand owners. So they limit it to the GT models since high-end buyers are most likely to go for it. This is the age of J.I.T. (just in time) parts ordering, Mazda wouldn't have a large quantity of Bose units onhand at any one time. Ordinarily, it would be a BTO item unless a car came equiped with it. To simplefy production, and avoid having to pull cars off the line to equip to BTO specs, Mazda decided to make a GT model with high-end equipment. IMHO

    fowler3
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