Mazda3 Hatchback

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  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    It's already happening, at least in the "green" states up here (because those vehicles are required to have Cali emissions).

    Just as an example, I worked with a dealer from Middletown and wanted a 5 door with the ABS, sunroof, and Xenon packages (AT). DIdn't care what color. They had THOUGHT they could find a black one, but the dealer who had it refused to give it up for anything....and they couldn't locate another. Nor could they locate one with ABS/Xenon without the Sunroof. They took a week and expanded their search paramaters and managed to find a single red 5 door with the ABS and sunroof packages, so I grabbed it.

    I origninally didn't want the roof, because I was getting the DIO MP3 player (throw all the MP3s in the root directory and hit "shuffle"...it can't shuffle between folders. I make 2 CDs, one sorted by folder, one with everything in the root, just in case). I DID want the Xenons. Couldn't do it. (I think I would have hated the TPMS anyway).

    When the new Focus comes out, it's going to compete LESS with the 3. It'll only be available with the 2.0 liter engine, unless you get the sport sedan with manual tranny, then you can get the 2.3. That might drive MORE people to Mazda dealers to look at the 3. ;)

    By the way, a tip on encoding MP3s for the Mazda MP3 player: I used to encode them down to 96 kbps to fit more on the CD, but in the Mazda, that will create ugly noises in the tweeters. 128 kbps seems to be the sweet spot for the Mazda's speakers, so encode them there (most CD ripping software defaults to 160 or 192 kbps...you can fit a LOT more MP3s on a CD by going down to 128).
  • cooldog2cooldog2 Member Posts: 11
    I wish it was april fools, because this is not a joke. My 3 has 5000 miles on it but as I said the problem started right away. I do live in the northeast where there is a lot of snow and they use grit on the road for traction, but I never had this problem with my 2 new Jettas.. Mazda is looking into whether anyone else is complaining about this, but I wanted to see if anyone here was experiencing this problem too.
  • gandrigogandrigo Member Posts: 87
    Same here, titanium hatch. I too am looking for a solution. consider yourself lucky that your dealer repainted once. so far for me no luck. all i can suggest is to have some sort of clear paint protection applied (3M makes a plastic film, much like hard saran wrap for a car). I doubt mud guards will have any effect since it is probably more due to an aerodynamic issue rather than rocks being kicked up by the front tires. I would guess that if you put this car in a windtunnel and forced smoke around the rear wheel that you would see very noticeable turbulence being created in that area...hence the sandblasting. As to why it seems to only affect some of us? Perhaps the different profile of the Sedan protects it somewhat, and it is only very visible on dark coloured cars. i will be trying to get Mazda to subsidize tyhe cost of the paint protection.
  • speedracer007speedracer007 Member Posts: 33
    Are you referring to the dealer in Middletown Connecticut (Town & Country)? I live in Ct and am currently shopping for the Mazda3 Hatch. I have not been to their dealership but I may in the next couple of weeks. If you have any comments (positive or negative) of your experience there, I would love to hear them. I am hoping to make my purchase in the next couple of months.
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    Ack, no...there should be a law against two adjacent states having towns with the same name. I was referring to Middletown NY. I've got very little advice for CT except one small thing: Stay away from Colonial Mazda in Danbury. They wouldn't budge off of MSRP. :)
  • cooldog2cooldog2 Member Posts: 11
    I hate to say this but I am glad I am not alone, the dealer keeps trying to imply it is because I live on a dirt road, but this never happened with any of our other new cars. I think that if people with light colored cars were to run their finger over the curved edge of the rocker panel just in front of the rear wheel,they would probably feel the roughness where the paint is being sandblasted off by the aerodynamics of the hatchback,even though it is not visible (lucky for them...)
  • only120xsonly120xs Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone know if any of the stereo options have an AUX jack where I can plug in my iPod? The MP3 option maybe?
  • swalesswales Member Posts: 29
    Nope none of the Mazda stereo options offer an AUX jack, and there are currently no aftermarket options available that work with the Mazda factory radios (AUX modules), although there are some people in the process of trying to make one. I would put the link up to their site but I'm not sure if that violates the Edmunds rules.
  • npaladin2000npaladin2000 Member Posts: 593
    I think if enough interest is shown to Mazda USA, they'll release some sort of input jack device for the accessory bad, where the cassette or MiniDisc player goes. I'd certainly like to see one, and it would probably be VERY simple to design.
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    So long as you aren't linking directly to an automotive forum and you don't own or profit from the site you want to link to, you can post the link.
  • swalesswales Member Posts: 29
    Don't get your hopes up, I know owners of RX-7's and Rx-8's in other forums (I'm talking thousands of owners) have been contacting Mazda about that exact same thing for years and Mazda doesn't want anything to do with it.
  • swalesswales Member Posts: 29
    Sylvia,

    Actually the link would be directly to another automotive forum so I won't put it up. I'm sure a google search would find it, it's an RX-8 forum.
  • only120xsonly120xs Member Posts: 9
    Thanks for the input. I guess I'll wait and hope that the new Alpine receiver coming out this summer will work in the 3. Until then, I suppose I'm stuck with my FM transmitter. Oh well.
  • haloclinehalocline Member Posts: 20
    Does anyone have a picture of a 3 with an aftermerket radio installed? I'm curious what the central console looks like without the factory fitted unit.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    As an aftermarket radio in a 3? Looks like it would stick out like a sore thumb.
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    Full Test: 2004 Mazda 3

    http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/mazda/3/100364240/roadtestarticle- .html?articleId=101737
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    “The only drawback is that our test car had black cloth seats with a blue tint (the only available colors are black leather and blue/black cloth on the five-door) and the material was rather hot and didn't seem to breathe all that well.”

    What are we gonna do to stay cool? Downgrade to the 2.0 w/ beige cloth? Or just get the S40 T-5 w/ grayish-beige T-tech cloth, since the S40 2.4I seems to rev too loud.

    “The bottom line is that it's a smooth motor that offers composure (even at higher rpm) befitting a more expensive vehicle.”

    That’s right, it seems to rev quieter than the 5-cyl S40 2.4i.

    “On the road, the Mazda 3's chassis matches the composure of the engine. The ride is firm and tight without being busy. Handling is excellent and our test driver through the slalom commented that the car has "communicative steering and chassis," which makes it easy to control.”

    With available oversteer all the time, you bet it needs to have the “"communicative steering and chassis," which makes it easy to control.” This may explain why the other guys are afraid to dial in oversteer.
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
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  • dkd2003dkd2003 Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know what the dealer holdback is on M3 5 doors??
  • gokalpsgokalps Member Posts: 10
    It's 2% of MSRP if I remember right.
  • dkd2003dkd2003 Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know what the Costco pricing is for M3 in California??
  • dkd2003dkd2003 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks
  • modockmodock Member Posts: 55
    Not that I tried to use Costco but I tried through AAA and right now they seem not to be able to even get the cars. They are selling so quickly off the dealer lots that they don't want to buy from buyers.

    After first contacting him he tried all his sorces and could not find a M3s sedan with no additional options as I requested. He said that he still had some feelers out and that he would get back to me with a price when they got back to him. I had already looked around at dealers and there was one offering 2% over invoice + $359 handling. The AAA guy said that he could beat that buy about $200 but that was it so I am purchasing from the dealer. As he has found me the car I want. Hope this helps

    Corey
  • macsomjrrmacsomjrr Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know of any good sites to find parts and accessories for the Mazda3? I picked one up this weekend after my Neon finally bit the dust and it is awesome! I don't remember ever having this much fun driving a car:)

    Thanks.
  • zoomzoom_girlzoomzoom_girl Member Posts: 8
    I was just looking at the Mazda3 forum at Edmunds.com and read this interesting little bit of information: "we order japanese built cars 4-5 months out from order to production month..then figure 4-6 weeks on the boat. Many of you know, mazda only takes orders once a month and its on 4/15 this month....this will be for Aug/September production". I also read that May 14 was the last order cycle for 2004s and that factory orders take on average 4-5 months to fill. Is this true?

    I just placed my order last Friday and my dealer said "we got very very lucky and managed to snag an order from another dealer". Not exactly sure what this means but I was promised the car for August. Any input? What have you heard about factory orders?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    essentially what your dealer is doing is a dealer swap for an incomming car at another dealership......the other dealer had the car on order and your dealer is swapping it for your order...

    this is not uncommon on a high demand car.
  • zoomzoom_girlzoomzoom_girl Member Posts: 8
    I guess the car must have been part of the other dealer's normal incoming inventory as a "factory ordered" vehicle is promised to the purchaser, right? From looking through these posts it seems like most people are getting their cars 2 months after the build date and that the last step of the build process is slapping on the VIN. So, as long as my car is done being built this month, I should be good to get it by August.
  • mnedmundguymnedmundguy Member Posts: 8
    I placed a deposit, last week, on a car already on order for the dealer's lot. They are estimating 4 weeks for delivery.

    I have a VIN on my buyers agreement.

    Any guesses what the approximate wait time should be once the VIN is known?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    it can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.....your dealers inventory report will give them a more specific estimated ETA.
  • zoomzoom_girlzoomzoom_girl Member Posts: 8
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Mine is "in production" and my dealer said 6 weeks max - do you think this seems reasonable and to be expected from your experience?

    Thanks,
    Dinu
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    http://www.nasva.go.jp/assess/html2004e/type/08_axela.html
  • marcvillmarcvill Member Posts: 9
    Arrival time from date of order to dealer is anybody's guess. I really doubt that you will get your car in 6 weeks max. Though, you maybe lucky. My dealer said 6 - 8 weeks for the whole process. I am working on week 13 right now. I sure hope it arrives on the expected delivery date. Come on June 14th!
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Think of it this way, that's only 1/3 the time it takes to get a baby delivered! ;)
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    if it hasn't left japan yet, 6 weeks might be a stretch... Our japanese cars are running about 2 weeks behind mazda's ETA's right now. But your region may be a bit different..
    We are also experiencing a delay on domestic built stuff due to a rail car shortage.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Really appreciated it
  • zoomzoom_girlzoomzoom_girl Member Posts: 8
    I just confirmed with my dealer that my car was built in mid May and shipped from the factory on May 28. Anyone else in the same situation? Have you received any updates on where the boat is now and ETA? I'm in Northeastern Canada. Heard that it takes 30 days from Japan to BC by boat, 7 days by train from BC to Toronto, and max of 2 days from Toronto to my dealer in Sudbury by truck.
  • chris87114chris87114 Member Posts: 10
    I test drove a 3 on Monday, but until I figure out how I'll get my mountain bikes around on it, I can't give up my Nissan Pathfinder with a full Yakima setup yet.

    I called Yakima yesterday and they said they're investigating how to mount one on a Mazda 3. The customer service rep said that it could be a month if one of their current designs works or a few months if they need to design a new one.

    The interesting thing is that the Mazda 3 brochure that I got from the mazda dealer shows a rack on the 3 on the accessories page. It says in small letters near the picture that "aftermarket rack shown"... what ever that means. Looks like a Thule rack to me, but I can't tell for sure.

    Has anyone put a rack on their M3 yet? If so, what brand, how's it working etc...
  • chris87114chris87114 Member Posts: 10
    Anyone have any updates on the AC issues? I've been reading these boards for a while and know some folks have had issues with the AC.

    I test drove a hatch on Monday and really liked it, but did notice that my back was really sweaty after my 20 minute or so test drive. The air felt cool to maybe cold, but I'm nervous if at lot of people have having issues.

    BTW, I live in albuquerque so it's hot and dry out here. Seems like some folks have felt that their AC was ok, but like folks have liked it better in the humid climates...
  • chris87114chris87114 Member Posts: 10
    Anyone know if you can add the mirror w/ the homelink & compass to a mazda 3 that didn't come from the factory with one? Seems like you can since it's listed on accessories for the M3, but my sales guy said that it has to come from the factory. Seems like he's wrong...

    Anyone have any comments? Added themselves after the fact?
  • cdnp5cdnp5 Member Posts: 163
    Even though I drive a P5 I did look seriously at the new Mz3 and this was one of my issues also. The salesguy said it wouldn't be until late spring/early summer until they got the roof racks in. Don't know if he was just saying this or not and since I decided to not buy the car so now don't have to worry about it. From what I could tell it looks like they have the same setup as the Jetta does, where that plastic strip goes along the roof line using hook (2 on each piece) like attachment (hard to describe). This is different than my P5 which actually screws into the roof and then back it off with a knob. I have the Cdn version remember so my bars are Thule compatible.
    You may also consider a trailer hitch. I know its not the best if you need in the hatch but they should have hitches out for the Mz3 by now.
  • chris87114chris87114 Member Posts: 10
    Ya, I looked for a hitch (quick websearch), and couldn't find one that fits. I had one made for my old Nissan 200sx se-r that worked great, so that's probably an option on the M3.

    However, I have a nice Yakima set up with 4 bike trays (not that 4 will fit on the M3 anyhow), and a ski attachment that I'd like to continue to use.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Chris,

    I'm in Albuquerque too and have also been wondering if the AC might work differently depending on humidity. I always get a sweaty back in the summer, even in cars with cloth seats (no leather for me!).

    I take it from your username that you are in the 87114 zip. I'm in 87120, right next to you. :)

    Are you going to University Mazda or Rich Mazda? Seems like Rich always has more Mazdas on the lot, maybe because of the construction at Univ.?

    Gary (mazda6s)
  • cdnp5cdnp5 Member Posts: 163
    I had a feeling that you would use your roof rack for more than just bikes. This is the same reason I went with on top vs behind for my bikes. I also have a 15cf Thule roof box for extra space. I did some looking on the web and didn't find much. You would think that this would be something very simple wouldn't you. I did go to Thule's website and they do have a match. I know you really don't want to change brands (cost) but right now it doesn't look good.
    Let me know what you end up doing. I think I have to get my oil changed soon so I'll ask my dealer when they are coming in. Sometimes we do get things before you do.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    So I'm helping another friend look for a new car. Last night we visited two dealerships - Acura and Mazda.

    My friend's not totally sure what she wants. Beyond the ability to hold her dog comfortably.

    So we looked at the Base RSX. Nice enough little car. Then the RSX S-type. She liked that more - the tighter suspension and 6 speed made her happy.

    The TSX was discussed but she didn't drive it. Confidently, she said, "I'd probably love it, so lets look at things I'm not sure about yet."

    On to Mazda. The 6 wagon was quickly dismissed - "I feel like a soccer mom." The 6 hatchback got a nod of approval but some worry about the back not fitting the dog. The 05 Tribute got the once over and quick "they really haven't changed this thing, ever."

    Finally, on to the Mazda3. I was familiar with all the cars up to this point. I'd seen Mazda3 5 doors and found them strangely attractive. So did my friend.

    She slid into the car, looked up and said, "This feels right."

    We took it for a spin and I was impressed by many things.

    1. Nice pick up from that engine with the manual. It feels gobs more torquey than my 03 Pro ES. No replacement for displacement.

    2. Smoth, sharp handling little devil too. She was having a blast darting around with it. Gotta say I didn't drive it but man did I like what I felt. Seemed more buttoned down than my Pro. More european - not like my Bimmer but still solid.

    3. Fit and finish were way beyond what this class offers. I'd say the interior even bests the VW kids.

    4. Tons of room for such a small car. I sat in the back and found it great. I'm small but have limited flexibility and I had no problems back there.

    5. Xenon lights! I so wish my Pro had these. I hate driving that car at night with its weak headlights.

    6. Great mileage. Again, better than my pro and with all this other great stuff.

    Couple of sour notes:

    1. The 5 doors on the lot didn't have leather. We found a 4 door with it. Yuck! I've never been a leather snob before but man that was definitely plastic. The salesguy said he'd go with aftermarket for $900 from them so it's a higher grade of leather and in a better color. Must agree.

    2. Black interiors. Why not some gray? Not big on beige but come on mix it up.

    3. Lots and lots of road noise in the backseats.

    She's still going to check out Subaru, Scion and Toyota products but the 3 is really getting her eye.

    After the drive she kept calling it, "My M3". I tried to tell her it's not a good idea to call the car an M3...sorta misleading. ;)

    Even without driving it, I must say I made a grave mistake in November. I should have just plunked down a few grand more and gotten the "M3".
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    Gosh, add insulating pad in the trunk area should help.

    Switch to 16" to quiet it down.

    Sounds like a 3S sedan w/ 16" solves the noise problem at least half-way already.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Switching to 16s would hurt the car's road manners. I've got 18s on my other car and it's far quieter on the road.

    Not a huge issue but certainly not one that's remedied by retarding the 3's exceptional handling.
  • creakid1creakid1 Member Posts: 2,032
    Wow! Like the '92-95 Civic -- wrap-around glass on a hatch!
    http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=3031&m=5&url=h- - - - - - - ttp%3A//php.motorcities.com/image/index_photos.html%3Fimage%3Dhtt- - - - - - - p%3A//media5.motorcities.com/04EID415729009A.jpeg

    http://www.motorcities.com/contents/04EID415729009.html
    “Another characteristic element on the Toledo Prototipo is the panoramic glass roof that covers almost the entire passenger compartment, flooding the interior with natural light.” & perfect for seeing the city view.
    http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=3031&m=5&url=h- ttp%3A//php.motorcities.com/image/index_photos.html%3Fimage%3Dhtt- p%3A//media5.motorcities.com/04EID415729009E.jpeg

    Suppose to have a huge trunk:
    http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=3031&m=5&url=h- ttp%3A//php.motorcities.com/image/index_photos.html%3Fimage%3Dhtt- p%3A//media5.motorcities.com/04EID415729009G.jpeg

    em…all the buttons are just ahead of your right hand:
    http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=3031&m=5&url=h- ttp%3A//php.motorcities.com/image/index_photos.html%3Fimage%3Dhtt- p%3A//media5.motorcities.com/04EID415729009D.jpeg

    Looks like a high-thigh-support chair for 1st-class comfort! Something the Mazda3/S40 doesn't got.
    http://media.fastclick.net/w/get.media?sid=3031&m=5&url=h- ttp%3A//php.motorcities.com/image/index_photos.html%3Fimage%3Dhtt- p%3A//media5.motorcities.com/04EID415729009F.jpeg

    This car is related to the Mazda3. At least the Control-blade rear suspension is also designed by the Focus engineers.

    Don't laugh, just because it's only a Seat. At least it's got the quiet technology from the Golf V the Mazda3 doesn't. & I'll probably go live in a foreign country so I can get one. ;-) & it's especially suitable for crowded places.
  • cross6cross6 Member Posts: 9
    Is it possible with front wheels taken off to get two mountain bikes in the back hatch? I own a G35 coupe and can get two bikes in the back if I completely remove the wheels and pedals which is getting old and I am considering the Mazda3 hatchback as a second car. Can anyone help?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I've been wondering the same thing myself. I think you could do it, but it might be a struggle.

    I can't imagine taking off the pedals, though.
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