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Comments
Regarding your inquiry on the heated seats, the comments listed on the
Edmunds.com are subjective. For safety reasons, the heated seat does
not heat-up any further once it reaches a certain temperature. Whether,
this temperature is sufficient enough for a person is subjective.
However, Mazda is listening to our customers. Our Product Planning
Department is working with our Engineering Department regarding this
matter. Unfortunately, this situation can not be rectified by a
dealership.
Have you been in a previous generation Saab 9-3? Just curious as to how the 2003 compares. Along with our 6s, our other car is a 2001 9-3. Now, it's a fun car -- that turbo rocks, and the hatchback is mighty useful. (AHEM, Mazda!)
But I was amazed at how much better the ride is in my 6s -- and how much quieter it is than our 9-3.
Anyway, I know the new 9-3 is a completely different car, so I'm guessing they must have done some real work on the interior soundproofing, comfort, and ride quality if you really do feel it's in a different class than the 6. Because comparing our 2001 (Sepang Green :-) 9-3 with the 6s, the 6s is the winner in comfort, handling, and ride.
It's not a perfectly quiet car, about the same as the three 6's I drove. I suppose fit and finish and all the small details make up the noticeable difference. Interior quality is awesome, the leather seats are great, bi-Xenons, front/rear fogs, power everything, moonroof, dual zone climate, three-stage heated seats, blah, blah, blah.
Again, I really did like the 6, but it was the end of the line when I drove the 9-3 and saw the deal they offered. I pay $360/month for 36, 12K/year, $1,000 out of pocket. I couldn't pass that up, particularly since the Mazda dealers were doing anything on lease rates ($300/month for base model for 42). HTH.
Dion
I've been facing the same dilemma. I was looking at my plate at work today and remembered I HAVE to get to the Secretary of State to order the plates...my old ones are so junky looking.
Did you know you can go to the Secretary of State's website and try out different plates...you can see how it will look on all the different types of plates available. It will also tell you if what you want is already taken. I don't know if this is available in all states, but I know the Michigan SoS site has it.
I'm in Michigan as well...we could trade plate ideas and I promise not to steal your ideas ;-0.
That's what I meant in the first place. The Saab's interior might offer a tad more luxury, but as far as performance and utility, I don't see how the Saab is in an entirely different class. Obviously, it's in a different status class, that should go unsaid. Saab is kinda at the bottom of the status ladder as far as European marques are concerned, just as Mazda is near the bottom as far as popularity for Japanese brands. They're both relatively small, unique car companies owned by giant American companies.
Maltb said, "I don't see why every post needs to be a glowing review." Good point.
In the road test I did in a 6s, my first impression was that the 6 is not much roomier than my 2001 Protegé. Maybe 2 or 3 inches wider. The back seat area is another story...considerably more room. I didn't drive it over rough streets and that is my main concern...a smooth ride, otherwise I don't need a new car.
Need a 6...Nope. Want a 6...You bet! (I washed my Pro yesterday, it looks brand new...has only 13,277 miles on it after 23 months.)
And don't say I should buy an A or an C, I appreciate handling, too. Worse, I live in a townhome community, every driveway has an A car in it and their owners are elderly women who drive them like small Buicks.
It's the best looking car out there. Everything you guys do not like about the 6 I do like: the chrome grille bar, the titanium center stack with beige trim, 16" alloys, even the wheel covers if I had to take them to cut cost. And Sepang Green is the 6's best color if you want a classy car and don't want silver, black, or Steel Grey.
Classy means you are not interested in "sport" anything.
Sepang Green says you are independent, you don't follow the crowd, you don't buy what everybody else is getting. You want a car that stands out without being flashy. And you like metallic paints but don't want a car that requires hours and hours to polish to a gloss.
fowler3
I looked up Sepang and it appears to be a city in Malaysia, near Kuala Lumpur, where several annual races are held such as Formula One, Japan GT and Motor Sport GP, Le Mans and Asian Festival of Speed. Looks like my guess that Sepang is a place might be correct after all. It makes sense that Mazda would name one of the colors for the 6 after a place known for Asian Auto Racing.
Better than British Racing Green, which has been considered "unlucky" for years. The Brits never won a race in a car painted BRG. So Sepang is not just "classy" it denotes racing history....now that IS sporty.
fowler3
Strecth: It's Redfire. Sorry for adding fuel to the fire. Get it...more Redfires on the road. Good thing I'm in Texas. I originally wanted white, but the dealer's upcoming inventory sheet showed TBD instead of an actual delivery date for the vehicle. I chose the red version and I'm positive I made the right decision.
Why am I so disapointed? I waited over a week for the car to arrive at the dealership. I can't imagine how some of you wait three months. Well, I went in to pick up the car and it was begging to be driven. It was clean and calling my name. Don't get me wrong, the car is everything I expected and more. I'm just having an extremely difficult time dealing with the break-in period. That's why I'm disapointed. Help!! All of the posters' here, I believe, say they will be using a break-in period of 1000 miles. The manual says,"No special break-in is necessary, but a few precautions in the first 1,0000km (600 miles) may add to the performance, economy, and life of your Mazda." I can't take it. Most people try to avoid adding miles to there vehicles, but I'm trying to add as many as possible to reach the magical threshold that will "turn my frown upside down." I'm ready to push this car to it's limits. This is like dessert buffet with no taste buds to enjoy it.
Other Galant owner: I can't really compare the Galant's performance with the 6 yet. I did like driving the Mitsubishi because, although a 4cyl, it did accelerate adequately and I could always count on it when passing. I even like it more than my brother's 2001 Mazda 626 (V6) and my fiance's 2001 Accord (4cyl). It felt like I had more horses than I actually did. At 85,000 miles I needed $2500 transmission job. Other than that the car was maintenance free (literally). Of course, recently I lost my speedometer and my dashboard lights. It now has 118,000 after just over 5 years.
By the way, I'm extremely happy with this vehicle. It is top notch and I would recommend it to anyone.
Stay tuned for more...
Lighten up folks, you'll live longer and have more fine years to enjoy 6...er...ahh...the 6.
I have to admit I gunned it a couple of times in the first few days, just to feel the car take off. I can't see how hitting high RPMs two or three times in the first 600 miles is going to cause long-term harm. But overall I've been sticking to the breakin routine.
I just passed 600 miles, but I'm going to take it easy till 1,000. If my MP3 player comes in on Friday as they hope, then next week I'll be able to finish much of the breakin, since the dealer's 140 miles away.
I hate to say it - but it's bad racing history - I don't think a green car has ever won Indianapolis either. If you want to win and are the least bit superstitious - you don't paint cars green. Look at Jaguar's F1 effort. They've got money and good people and still can't get that green car to get out of its own way.
And if you're referring to the Sepang racing circuit, I hate to burst your bubble there too. That course has only been in existence for two or three years. In racing terms that's no history at all. They just held the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix there this past weekend. Really neat looking facility.
And British Racing Green is WAY darker than the Mazda green. More like forrest green, and non-metallic.
So what is the proper way to break-in the engine? I've heard people say to vary the engine speed a lot...I do mostly city driving so that won't be difficult. Is it best to keep the engine RPM down below 5k (4k?) RPM, or just to not lay on the throttle much, or should you do both? Much fun can still be had if you just have to keep the RPM's down, but can still punch it.
Mike
Wheel Locks?
Alarm Shock Sensor Upgrade?
All-Weather Floor Mats?
Wheel locks - what exactly do they do, and how? I'm assuming they somehow lock your wheels so people don't steal them? Do people really steal wheels that often? (I'm not in a big city - that might make a difference.) I've never had just "rims" on a car - I've always had cars with hubcaps or wheel covers.
Alarm Shock Sensor Upgrade - a guy I work with has a Protege he got a year ago and he has this (or something similar anyway) and he said they turned it off 'cause it's too sensitive.
Floor Mats - I could probably get a decent set of All-Weather mats at Target for $20.
Let's be real for one second. At FULL MSRP (which no one should be paying), all three of these total 150 bucks. You'll have trouble noticing the impact on the monthly payment.
Wheel locks - it provides a keyed bolt so only someone with the right key can take the wheel off. It can be a problem, but depending on the area you live may not be needed.
Alarm upgrade - I've had no trouble with it being too sensitive. A little added peace of mind.
All-weather mats -
Here's a pic: http://128.121.187.118/Insidefrontright.jpg
Mazimize your browser to get the best detail.
If you were going to pick only one of these three, this is it. These are some of the nicest mats I've ever seen. Many plastic mats look lousy. Not these. The $20 Target ones would work, but never look as cool & be as custom fit. This is one that while not cheap, is worth the expense. Plus the Mazda ones are front AND rear.
Do the mats have the Mazda logo or anything on them? Or are they just plain black? Are there "channels" all around the outside edge to collect melted snow, etc. so it doesn't get on your floor?
I wonder if you could pick up the mats cheaper at one of those online Mazda accessory places?
As far as the added cost not making much difference on monthly payments, while true, that's not the logic to use here, IMO.
That's the same kind of justification of every cheap sales technique.. "buy our encylopedias.. they may cost $500, but that amounts to only 3 cents per day over a lifetime!" Seductive, but not very wise.
By that kind of logic, why not purchase every frickin' thing that comes along?!!
As for the cost & payment issue. Ease off the java. Perhaps I came off a bit gruff, but good grief. I was trying to put the decision in some sort of perspective. 150 bucks is 150 bucks, no doubt. But it's also less than 1% of the overall car's cost, and not necessarily unwise things to have. It's not like encyclopedias - she's getting a car and spending money one way or the other.
The mats are a slam dunk IMHO. You get the carpeted ones as well. Best 'minor' option I've seen next to the cargo tray/organizer (which is more useful than you can believe).
The other neat thing about these mats is that the underside has a series of little spikes that sink into the carpet. These things will NOT move around on you.
It's probably the way I drive this thing, but I notice my grocery bags sliding around (and falling over) way more than in my Impala.
Are there devices for attatching the net in the trunk? I don't want to drill holes in anything!
But I also don't want to get something I have to have installed.
If anyone has one, can they take a picture and post it?
http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=1282
It does mean you'll have to carry it along in case you need to change a flat tire or take it someplace for a wheel rotation, new tires or a brake job.
Personally, I'm not going to worry about anything I can buy as an accessory, as I can always get it later if I really want it. The only downside to getting some of it after is that you may have to pay for installation if you're not mechanically inclined.
Another neat tray for groceries is one of those plastic cases bottlers use to deliver soft drinks to stores. They are tall and keep packages in place. Maybe you can get one from a driver for a small tip...even free.
If the driver's seat is way back, you can bunch plastic grocery bags together on the floor behind it, between the tunnel and the door. The rubber mats would prevent spills on the carpeting. It's the best way to carry six packs, less apt to fly around in a collision.
Always place heavy items at the lowest center of gravity -- the floor.
fowler3
I have a Bose system in the car. Do i have make adjustment to antenna as some radio channels are always cracking?
Is the road noise while travelling in freeway higher than in Passat/Altima?
I have not installed a cassette player since the dealer didn't have it. Should it be problem if i decide to install it from some other dealer?
Why this question?
buyers remorse?
somebody pass a jerky comment on ur choice?
Otherwise I think they are in the same ballpark.
Idle in neutral.. 46 dBA ... 47dBA
Maximum, 1st gear..78 dBA ... 73dBA
70 mph..69 dBA ... 70dBA
When I called my nearest dealer they quoted $315!!! and that's without installation. GAG!
I saw it for $230 or so on a Mazda accessories web site, but I still have to pay to have someone install it. I'm sure I couldn't do it myself.
Dang. I miss this feature from my old car... and I hate the way my old garage door opener rattles. Maybe I'll just buy a new garage door opener.
You can add your own if you're willing to punch a hole through your sheetmetal.
You could try boosting the signal with an amplifier.
You could replace the factory receiver with a more sensitive one (lower number is better). I don't know what the rating on the factory receiver is.
skyray:
how much does the dealer charge for installation?
cookie:
homelink is one neat gadget. Would simplify the parking situation when visiting my brother's or parents' homes. Not a major consideration when getting a new car but, darn, I want it!
BTW, I haven't gotten the 6 yet. Kind of hard to find the one I want:
6s + autodim/homelink + airbags.
And the hatchback , please.
well i am all approved for the loan for the car. Just have to decide on the color. The dealership told me that if i wanted the black,silver,red,or blue i would have to wait tell late may or earlier june for it to come in but i dont no if i can wait that long. The yellow is comeing in in 2 weeks so i think i am going to go with that one. What do you guys think of the yellow on this car. i have only seen pics on the internet of it, it looks great but not sure if it will look that great in person. Cause ive seen some pics of the blue one and it looked awsome, but when i went down to the dealership i seen one and it wasnt as great as i thought it would be.
What color of neon lights would look good under the yellow one? blue? yellow? purple? or any others. please give me your input on this...
thanks
I bought the net online, but haven't had time to put it in yet. Note that it DOES requires some drilling, but only to make some existing holes bigger. You're not actually making any new holes.
rgb2,
Well, the dealer charged a single labor fee for adding my spoiler, mirror, and MP3 player, so I'm not sure how it breaks down. I know the spoiler apparently takes a while due to the tail light wiring and stuff. My guess would be to figure on an hour's labor charge at your dealer's rate.
What color neon would look good? None. Neon would look silly. :-) Haven't most states/provinces outlawed that now anyway?
None. That crap looks so cheesy and does nothing except make a car look cheap.
As for yellow - it's what I've got and it rocks. It's LOUD, but the best color for this car IMHO.
cookie01: "I hate the way my old garage door opener rattles."
If it's an aluminum door it's going to rattle no matter what kind of opener you have. I have the same problem, mine sounds like it is going to jump the track. Maybe the screw-type opener will be somewhat quieter. I've debated the additional expense of changing to the better opener.
One thing, they don't make as much noise when you are outside when it opens. It's the echo effect of the large space plus a noisy chain-drive and a metal door.
rajkrishna: The antenna is in the rear window along with the wiring for the defogger. Not as sensitive for reception as a metal antenna. Meant for closer radio stations. The power of the radio to speakers has nothing to do with its reception abilities. The only way to increase it is an external steel mast antenna (fixed, not aluminum telescopic) or have the dealer "increase the gain". (They probably don't know anything about "gain".)
Your radio speakers need breaking in, don't use high volume until the foam around them loosens up, becomes more flexible.
"I have not installed a cassette player since the dealer didnt have it. Should it be problem if i decide to install it from some other dealer?"
Yes, Mazda says it can damage the Titanium center stack trim if dealers or anyone else tries to change the radio or install other electronics. Evidently, it wasn't made for easy removal and replacement.
Somebody asked on the previous page about breaking in a new engine: Mazda says to vary your speeds; do not make full-throttle starts from a standing start; no hard braking; do not hold a steady highway speed for long periods of time. Do this for the first 1000 miles. What you are doing is helping the rings to seat and tight engine parts to loosen up gradually. This requires moderate driving and lower stress on the engine.
Think of it this way: Enjoy the scenery and drive moderately for 1000 miles, because, afterwards, the way you drive, all you will have time for is keeping your eyes on the road. Don't be anxious to "see what it can do"; from what other new 6 owners have said it isn't going to do what you expect until it IS broken in.
fowler3
For the people who are so sure that antennas in the glass are worse performers than free standing antennas....please explain to me why if possible. I would think twice about drilling a hole in your car just to install something for which you have no proof will improve your radio's reception.
Mazda has a few dealer installed audio options for the 6 and if you have the shop manual, it's not an issue. Stretchsje has done it without a problem(once he had the manual
My antenna works fine, I just like the look of the roof antenna on the euro 6.
that's for ruefus. boyracer boyracer! LOL!
the truth is.. this car absolutely rocks when combining the gfx and yellow paint. The yellow is deep and.. thick looking, for lack of a better description. I also love the way the red tail lights and paint play of off each other. The yellow doesn't work as well with the non-sport pkg. though, IMHO.
oh, and don't get the neon lights.. too boy racer-like.