Mazda3

npaladin2000 · June 2004

Well, I just took a nice long hour drive in my 3 yesterday, with the sun beating down and 92+ degrees outside. Muggy too. I had the fan up to 3 for some short periods, but I couldn't keep it there because it was too cold.

Had to keep it turned down to 2 mostly.

mazda6s · June 2004

I have two theories on the AC problem:
1. It has something to do with ambient humidity, as the effectiveness of the AC may vary depending on the amount of moisture in the air.
2. The controller is not working properly on some cars, incorrectly increasing the air temp.

Anybody want to add to these two?

z71bill · June 2004

This is from an on line survey.

View Poll Results: Mazda 3 owners: Which category do you belong?
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 15-20 16 10.32%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 20-25 37 23.87%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 25-30 20 12.90%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 30-35 5 3.23%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 35-40 5 3.23%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 40-45 3 1.94%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 45-50 1 0.65%
Mazda 3 4-door | Age Range 50+ 3 1.94%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 15-20 4 2.58%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 20-25 23 14.84%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 25-30 12 7.74%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 30-35 7 4.52%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 35-40 7 4.52%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 40-45 4 2.58%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 45-50 2 1.29%
Mazda 3 5-door * Age Range 50+ 6 3.87%
Total Votes: 155.

I can't answer your other questions -

The AC issue - should I tint the windows?
I am sure that would help - but that is not the point. The AC system in every other car I drive completely cools the car in a matter of a few minutes - even on real hot days - close to 100 degrees - it only takes about 10 minutes to cool the car. The AC in the Mazda3 should do the same thing. It does not. It does blow cool air - but the passengers - especially in the back seat - get sweaty hot.

But that is really not the biggest problem - the fact that Mazda has made the decision to NOT FIX THE AC system - tell me to go see the states attorney general - that is the real problem. I think it is the same situation with the rear brake issue. There must be something wrong with the rear brakes - but Mazda had decided it is less costly for them to just stone wall customers with complaints.

My AC problem did not show up until I had owned the car for about 10 weeks - on all the test drives it worked fine. I have a black/black car so we tested the AC before we bought it to make sure it worked fine.

mazda6s · June 2004

I suspect we will see a TSB on one or both of these problems eventually. By now I'm sure they are aware of these problems. Look how long it took them to address the door rust problem on the Mazda6.

If I was in your shoes I'd keep calling Mazda until they do something, but then that's just the way I am.

npaladin2000 · June 2004

Ok, sorry, but someone has to say this z71. You're getting incredibly obsessive over ONE e-mail response, by ONE person, and associating that ONE e-mail with some fact that the entire Mazda world organization is an evil empire of some sort. And considering the fact that some stinkin kid on a bicycle tried to enter my car without opening the door this weekend, your A/C-and-e-mail harping is starting to sound quite petty.

creakid1 · June 2004

Actually, I'm sorry to hear that, but it sure provides us some valuable data.

When I was a teenager, I totalled an '83 626 hatchback after it rolled several times & landed upside down, & I wasn't wearing seat belt. I realized that the B-pillar location for the 5-dr saved me, 'cause I tend to set the seat high. The 626 coupe would have crunched my head. Anyway, I got out ok. Even after I removed a piece of glass out of my right ear & asked a spectator to see if there was any bleeding there, she didn't find any. Only the my palms & thighs had some powdery cuts.

At least I was glad the car didn't have to be repaired & the insurance covered the loss.

z71bill · June 2004

Sorry to hear about your break in -

Having an AC system that does not cool the car & brakes that make a grinding sound are not petty problems to me.

but

I don't think a round of personal attacks will do much to solve my problems - so I will try and take the high road.

I have made 4 trips to the dealer

Made 3 calls to Mazda customer service (that is what they call themselves - I would call them some else)

7 E-mails to Mazda - they do not even bother to reply anymore

I do plan on keeping after Mazda - but something tells me I am wasting my time.

Since this will be my last Mazda - screw me once shame on you - screw me twice shame on me- and Mazda knows this - I doubt they will be doing anything to solve my problems.

pat · June 2004

Indeed, personal attacks are not appropriate. Everyone is free to choose which messages to read and respond and which to skip. Just as everyone is free to post their issues here to find out whether others can be helpful.

If folks are not able to be helpful, the issue will go away. There won't be a conversation if there are no responses, so responding to an issue you'd like to see go away is really counter productive.

In any case, let's keep the conversation polite.

npaladin2000 · June 2004

I do apologize, but as I mentioned it had to be said. z71's issue is that they didn't fix his A/C, however, when he first e-mailed Mazda, they replied that their engineers were looking at the problem. I believe I had posted previously, that he should give Mazda time to figure out exactly what is causing the problem so they could get a fix out.

Anyway, to change the subject a bit, has anyone put an alarm system on their Mazda3 yet? Obviously I need one because I can't trust my apartment complex (it happened AT HOME! You believe that garbage??), and AFAIK the Mazda unit isn't out yet. Preferably, I'd like to get a unit that I can prove someone else has gotten installed without affecting their warranty, since I know car manufacturers are sticky about that these days, what with high electrical loads. I've e-mailed Mazda a similar question, and they're looking into whether any security systems might be approved of, but I'm wondering if anyone has some practical experience.

harddrivet · June 2004

Hello,
Thanks for the response. Please keep them coming.
Now my next questions:
1. Where can I see pictures of M3i with Rear spoiler and Lip? I am leaning towards silver.
2. Where can I find pictures that show M3i's with accessory/appearance package.
3. Are there any cup holders in the back seats?
4. Does the Moonroof wind deflector reduce gas mileage?
5. What is a better time to buy, June or July?
Thanks folks.

harddrivet · June 2004

Does anyone know what the ANTI-THEFT ENGINE IMMOBILIZER does?

I was also wondering about the Loaner Car program and what that is.

Thanks.

kyfdx · June 2004

The car won't start without the key. I believe there is a chip embedded in the key, and without that chip, the car won't start, even if they break off the ignition lock.

IOW, they can only steal your car if they tow it away.

regards,
kyfdx

fnac78 · June 2004

If this is the case, are you not able to make spare keys??

Also, has anyone installed an auto-start function to their mazda3? I've read in different forums that mazda may not honor the warranty if you make this type of installation.

Thanks,
Vicky

mazda6s · June 2004

I think the "Loaner Car Program" is just a fancy way of saying that you will get a loaner car if your car is in the shop for a warranty repair. This is no big deal as most, if not all, auto makers offer the same thing.

mazda6s · June 2004

Vicky,

You can get a spare key made by any Mazda dealer.

Don't mess with the auto-start stuff. It may make warranty claims difficult or impossible. Dealers will blame anything that goes wrong with the car on the auto-start, since it's not a Mazda-approved accessory. Besides, do you really want somebody cutting into the wiring on your new car?

zzz350 · June 2004

Yes, you have to get them from a Mazda Dealer. I don't know what they cost, but I am going to get two more for back ups on my next service stop.

kyfdx · June 2004

You might change your mind, when you find out how much.. I'm betting over $100/each.

fnac78 · June 2004

Just got off the phone with the dealer. Apparently, to have spare keys made they're $30 per key and $100 for the programming. You cannot have more than 4 keys at one time. So if you went to have it done it, have 2 keys made for one programming cost. Also, you needo to bring the car and 2 keys that you received when you bought the car. $160 for 2 spare keys! This ignition safety device better be worth it!

zoomzoom1 · June 2004

Copied from a webpage I ran accross.
---------------------------------------------------------

As you know, the Mazda3 has a built in security system that utilizes a key with an embedded transponder chip that is read by the car's ECU when you start the car. The ECU is programmed to accept only certain transponder codes. If a key's transponder is not registered with the ECU it will not allow the car to be started.

This is a system that Ford has developed and has so far proven very effective at reducing auto theft, while there is nothing that will prevent a determined, prepared car thief from stealing a car system like this make it nearly impossible to start a car by hotwiring or breaking the ignition.

Mazda North American Operations seems to think that their customers are complete idiots and are incapable of wiping their own nose. They don't include instructions in the owners manual for programming additional keys yourself, instead they instruct you to go to your dealer to have new keys made & programmed. As some forum members have experienced some dealers have wanted over $100 to make & program new keys.

Luckily my last car was a Ford Focus with the same transponder key system, Ford I guess has a slightly better opinion of their customers so they provide instructions for key programming in the owners manual (which I retained in PDF format). I decided to take the risk and attempt to use the Focus key programming instructions to program new keys for the 3.

First I needed a compatible transponder key blank cut physically to match my car's ignition & door locks. My local locksmith doesn't carry the blanks (some will) so I had to go to the Mazda dealer. The guy at the parts desk warned me that they needed to be programmed but when I told him I was going to program it myself he was like "ok". 5 minutes and $23.38 later I had a new key physically cut to match my existing keys. I tested the key in the ignition and verified that while it would turn the ignition cylinder it would not engage the starter, it also unlocked & locked the drivers door so I know it's cut correctly.

Now to program the transponder, I have the Focus manual page in hand, here is the basic how-to.

Items needed:
1. 2 pre-programmed transponder keys.
2. 1 new transponder key

The timing is critical to this procedure, please read through the entire procedure before attempting.
Procedure:
1. Insert one of the pre-programmed transponder keys and turn the ignition to "on", leave on for at least one second (I wait until the red key symbol in the instrument cluster extiinguishes), remove the key from the ignition.
2. Within 5 seconds insert the second pre-programmed key and urn the ignition to "on" for at least one second but no more than 5 seconds (use the key symbol for this as well) then remove the second key.
3. within 10 seconds insert the new key in the ignition and turn the ignition to "on", if you are successful the red key symbol will illuminate then extinguish after about a second.

If you are not successful the red key symbol will flash repeatedly to indicate that you have inserted an invalid key. Remove the key, wait a minute and try it again, it took me a few times to get it perfect and I had done it before.

To see the applicable pages from the Focus owners manual see
this page

The new key cost me less than $25, the dealer even physically cut the new key for free.

I STRONGLY suggest that EVERYONE go out and get at least one spare key made & prorgammed for their 3. If you lose one of your two original keys and don't have a spare you won't be able to make any new keys (as you need to prorgammend keys to program more) and will need to go to the dealer and have them re-program the ECU.

zoomzoom1 · June 2004

So as you can see above Mazda is ripping you off big time with the $100 programing fee. Go figure.

mazda6s · June 2004

Nice report!

Better yet, get them to include a third key as part of the deal when you buy the car.

dinu01 · June 2004

All of the info you need can be easily found if you just do a search "mazda3" on a major search engine.

Pics, how to guides, etc...

As for buying, it really depends where you're located and factors such as how many cars the dealer has sold that month. Don't expect rebates/discounts in Canada...

Dinu

zzz350 · June 2004

The key thing is total bullcrap, what a ridiculous scheme to fleece the customer. Reprogramming fee -- Mazda should be ashamed of themselves.

dinu01 · June 2004

Most "high-end" manufacturers do this. Mazda isn't one of them, but if you want the info, all you have to do is search for it and you found it.

For the non-enthusiasts that don't read Edmunds or other mazda3 forums, that's too bad - they're not car fans so why should they benefit from it?

npaladin2000 · June 2004

Mazda can reprogram the keys without having a key present. When you buy the 3, you get a small metal plate on your keychain with a code on it. That's the code that needs to be programmed; you need it if you want any other keys made. SO keep it in a safe place.

Incidentally, that $100 for programming new keys, well, you're saving enough on your insurance to pay for that IF you ever need it. Or are you planning on losing your keys often? Maybe you'd prefer that your new Mazda be that much easier to steal?

harddrivet · June 2004

Well I went a drove a 3 on Friday. The dealer had me drive a 3i manual that had the power package but no sunroof. It was a really fun drive. The dealer had the Xeonon lights on it even though it is not usually offered as an option for the 3i. Is the 3s much different from a driving and power standpoint? How about the automatic, what is the manual mode like?
Thanks.

npaladin2000 · June 2004

Well, I've never driven the 3i (I was dead set on the hatch) but the 3s feels like it's got just the right amount of takeoff torque, and it accelerates with authority...BTW this is with the automatic; I can't be buying a manual transmission in my only car

As for the manual mode, it's great. I use it most of the time, unless I'm driving in traffic or cruising on the interstate. Response is pretty close to immediate (under 1/4 of a second is a guess) and it treats it like an actual manual, meaning it doesn't override you. If you're in manual mode in the MZ3 auto, you can rev straight up to redline and then shift if you like. Some cars don't let you do that. The only place it takes over, is if you roll to a stop, at about 5 MPH it drops the gearbox to 1st, to make sure you don't try to launch in 4th.

BUT, if you're stopped and bump the shifter, you can takeoff in 2nd if you need (maybe 3rd too? haven't tried yet).

langod · June 2004

Hey easy there. This is not a Mazda only thing. All car makers do this now with the "chipped" keys. I paid over $100 for a key to my 2003 Pathfinder. Just be glad you don't have a BMW, those keys are $250+.

Sure, it would be great if Mazda (or any other car maker) decided not to charge so much for the programming, but there's not much incentive if, A) all the other manufacturers are charging similar prices and

people are paying the fee.

mz3ct · June 2004

Totally agree - nice report. Nice to see an objective report from an owner of another model. Mazda really hit it right with this car - I had no intention of getting a new car until I saw the 3. Then I drove it - end of story. I love thihs car so much that I didn't even feel any "buyers remorse" from the purchase - it just seems like it's worth more. To boot for those with kids, don't be scared, I have 2 young children and both front and rear seats fit better in the 5-door than my old Accord V6 - plus it feels more powerful and torquey, and just as stable if not more. I feel safer in this vehicle than the Honda, especially with the 6 airbags....it's a solid frame for sure.

I think this vehicle deserves its own class - it's not a compact! It is so much bigger inside than you would expect. I have seen a few new Volvo s40s and, IMO, I can see the relation to the 3...something in the straight side walls and sloping roof line, plus the shorter length from teh old s40...I like the 3 better than the Volvo, which looks like a mini s60. I like how the old s40 looked different...

[Deleted User] · June 2004

Well, I've had my new AT 3i for five days now, and I'm still in love with it. The ride is so smooth, yet it's very fun to take around. My friends and family all like both the exterior and interior (Black Mica/Black cloth by the way). I have a friend who is a die-hard manual transmission enthusiast, and I let him take it for a ride. He was quite impressed with how responsive the manual mode is, and gave it his seal of approval.

There are some things that I'm still getting used to. The blind spots seem to be larger than in my old Corolla, and the front end is shorter than it seems. But like I said, these aren't problems, just issues to get used to and don't detract from the overall experience. The air condition seems plenty cold for my liking, and no other problems have arisen. I am proud of my decision to buy this car, and I hope it serves me well for years to come.

harddrivet · June 2004

Hello,
I like to take my 2 sons golfing and would therefore appreciate the capability to continue carrying our 3 sets of clubs in the trunk. So how many golf bags will fit in a Mazda3???? The salesman I met the other day of course told me that should be no problem, but I did not get a good and honest feeling about that guy for some reason...
Thanks.

xeider · June 2004

Best thing to do would be to bring your clubs with you when you test drive to see if they fit. They should fit, though it may be tight. Your drivers may be more of an issue though.

npaladin2000 · June 2004

Clubs shoudl fit..all 3. The trunk holds more than it looks like it does, mostly because it's suspended on gas struts (no dippy hinges, just like a Jetta).

Of course, there might be trouble getting them through the hole in the first place, but worst comes to worst, you fold down the SPLIT rear seatback, and put them in lengthwise, which still leaves room in the back for kid #2 to sit.

kmh2468 · June 2004

I have to put my one bag diagonally to fit in the trunk. So, yeah, you'll have to probably fold down one of the rear seats to fit all three in there. HTH.

murphydog · June 2004

Got my new 3 a week ago. All features except Nav. Seems bug free so far, and it is fun to drive. Drivers window one touch does not always bring the window all the way down, will have the dealer fix it. Great car and great value.

saintirish · June 2004

I also have that same problem with my window not going down all the way on the one touch auto. It seems that it is related to how hot it is outside, because on cool days and at night it will usually work fine, but if it is hot outside, it sometimes will go only 2 or 3 inches and stop. Has anyone else had this problem, and was the dealer able to fix it? Thanks!

blackmazda3 · June 2004

Your instructions worked perfectly.
Saved $45.00 by doing it myself.
There seems to be a lot of misinformation at the dealer. They even said would not program the keys on a Saturday, in case they ran into problems and had to call " head office" to sort it out.

Thanks for the info and the $45.00.

fowler3 · June 2004

Did the dealer say anything about keeping the key away from magnetic devices? When I bought a '98 Odyssey the salesman advised me about that: Many eletromagnetic devices and computers give off radiation which can change the programming in the transponder chip.

The silver tag that comes on the second key has the serial number on it. Do not lose the tag! The dealer needs the serial number to cut new keys.

Just a precaution to think about.

fowler3

blackmazda3 · June 2004

No, but the manual mentions the danger of exposing the keys to magnetic fields.
Yes the serial number tag is important to keep in a safe place and not in the car.

What I think the Mazda uses is the same as Ford's "PATS II" system.
I think this whole discussion about keys should reinforce the need to get spares cut A.S.A.P.
If the dealerships are charging up to $100 for what takes 30 seconds to program with two keys, just think how they going to hose you when you have only one key and you MUST go to them to get the car re programed.

I first posted to show that the instructions worked and that if I could do it anyone can ( yes my old VCR always blinked 12:00 as I could not understand how to set it).

I am ticked off at the dealership, its one thing to overcharge for services that others provide cheaper, ie $275.00 for window tinting vs $150.00 one block away at an auto detailer shop. But to not provide basic information and then charge for it when needed, that other manufacturers provide for free is stealing. Buyer beware.

I read everthing I could on the Mazda 3 before buying and this forum was most helpful.

It is a great car, but the dealership will definitely keep me on my guard.

modestmouse · June 2004

I am looking at the:
05 Corolla S
04 Mazda3 s
05 Focus ZXT

The focus and the corolla got very good ratings, with the Corolla coming out in front. I was very excited about the Mazda3 when I first saw it here on eDmunds. However I was a little distrubed by the mechanical quality rating of 2 out of 5 from JDPower. (The Corolla got a 4out of 5 and the Focus a 3 out of 5).

The Corolla and the Focus are no match for the Mazda's standard features, style, and horsepower, but it won't matter if the Mazda can get me where I'm going with speed and style if its in the shop. What do you think about the Mechanical Quality of your Mazda3.

Anyone care to comment?
MM

PF_Flyer · June 2004

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npaladin2000 · June 2004

As it is I'm very impressed with the quality, especially for a first-year model. I've only had 1 minor problem in 4 months. Feels like a solid, well-built car that they didn't cheap out anywhere on.

zoomzoom1 · June 2004

Got this from another forum. Don't let Mazda charge you for programing this either. Works for the 3 and 6 only.
------------------------------------------------

Procedure for programing new keyless entry remotes

Step 1: Open driver side door and leave open.

Step 2: Lock and Unlock the drivers door using the power door lock switch on the door

Step 3: Insert key into the ignition.

Step 4: Turn Key to ON position and return to Lock (off) position. Do this 3 times within 10 seconds. LEAVE key in the ignition in Lock (off) position.

Step 5: Close and open the drivers door 3 times. Leave door open after this step

Step 6: ECU should respond by locking and unlocking the doors once.

Step 7: Press any button on new remote twice. ECU responds by locking and unlocking the car doors.

Step 8: Additional remotes, repeat Step 7 for up to 3 remotes total.

Step 9: Remove the key from the ignition and the ECU will respond a final time with a series (about 4) of door locks and unlocks. You're done!

gambit293 · June 2004

You forgot some steps:

Step 10: Stand on one leg. While jumping up and down rotate left by 45 degrees and then right 180 degrees.

Step 11: Take the number from section 5g and subtract this from the total in 7d. Multiply this times pi, and then add 14.

Step 12: Open and close the passenger-side rear door twice. Roll the window down 3/4 of the way. ECU should respond by blinking the left fog light 17 times. If you don't have fog lights, the right taillight will blink 11 times. If it blinks 12 times, RUN!

Step 12: Recite the following: "One Ring to Rule Them All. One Ring to Find Them...."

Step 13: Proceed to section 11g, regarding sacrificial ceremonies.

Good job! You finished part 1.

audia8q · June 2004

14...start the car.

15...drive down the road to your favorite adult beverage establishment.

16...ask for a tall cool one.

17...life is good.

alternator · June 2004

that I don't remember seeing before in this discussion

http://www.fyilondon.com/perl-bin/niveau2.cgi?s=wheels&p=7883- 8.html&a=1

fowler3 · June 2004

You got it!

Best remote idea.

fowler3

jp34 · June 2004

Most JD Power ratings need to be taken with a grain(lg container?) of salt. They have several surveys, but most of their auto "Quality" surveys are actually customer satisfaction surveys. A few past losers of the JD "Quality" Survey:

MINI Cooper: Received horrible initial quality marks. Reason:Customers felt the car was small.

Hummer H2: Received horrible initial quality marks. Reason:Customers felt the car had poor gas mileage and was too big.

So, just keep that in mind that when viewing JD surveys, dig deeper and find the issues responsible for low marks. Sometimes it is due to defects, but other times its due to customers being idiots. This frequently happens with new models since the "gotta get the new hot thing" people purchase a car for the wrong reason.

creakid1 · June 2004

a lot of people interested in the Mazda3 hatch are after the quirky styling 'cause they don't want another sedan-looking car. The problems is that many of them don't want cars w/ a firm sport suspension, & especially the 3S hatch also comes w/ the 17"s std...

kupper25 · June 2004

Hey Audia8q, it looks like I may qualify for S-plan. I'm looking at a 3 hatchback and have some questions. I assume the S-plan price stays the same all model year long (since it is related to the invoice pricing), therefore by definition the "value" of the S-plan pricing is worth more at the start of a model year vs at the end of the year (like now) when the vehicle is about to become one model year old. Is this right?

So I would be smart to wait and buy in November instead of now, except of course that I am looking for a solar yellow, and I believe you posted that this color is discontinued after 2004.
Can you confirm that color discontinuance?

What is the dealer's view of working with buyers on S-plan (from your posts I am assuming you are a dealer). Any issues there, or just another sale? Thanks.

Mazda3

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