Mazda6 Sedan

capitano

I don't know that they reset it. They can read the code with a handheld device.

My wife's civic had the CEL light go on. I went to Autozone. They read the code. Something like 0138. Look it up in the book. Primary O2 sensor is out. So I bought an O2 sensor for $80 and installed it. I then reset the ECU with pulling the fuze. I don't remember if I lost all the radio stations or not. That happens with disconnecting the battery cable.

xplorx4

Does the Mazda6 use the OBD-II system? If you're a more do-it-yourselfer type (or even if you just want to know why your CEL is glowing), you can pick up a relitively inexpensive OBD-II code reader that plugs into the connector under your dash for around 50 bucks at harborfreight.com. Why pay autozone $80 to do the same thing?

This way, at least you'll know whether the CEL is caused by a loose gas cap or if it's something more serious... plus you can give the dealer a better idea about the problem when you call them for service:

"The check engine light is on, I've got a code reader that shows the code as 39 [or whatever] so I know it's not a gas cap problem. Any idea how long that might take to fix?"

capitano

Autozone does the reading for free. They are hoping that they can sell you a part, but don't charge for the service.

ashutoshsm

... its part of the learning process when a totally new car comes out. Mine has had the brake reservoir recall issue (or 'non-isue' as my Mazda service guy called it) fixed at the factory. He opened it and checked for it when he installed my options last week.

 And my VIN doesn't figure in the list of VINs affected by the current CEL recall. And it hasn't (knock on wood!) gone of yet either.

 The two older recalls were also rectified on newly built cars.

 Of course, Marla's CEL surprises me, because she got it a day or two after it got off the truck, about 2 weeks after my purchase - so the recall has got to have alredy been taken care of. Hmmm - shall wait and watch. But I agree with the general opinion that emissions systems are made really sensitive to minor variations now, and also that manufacturers are terrified of getting a bad rap, and would rather issue a recall and rectify minor things they've overlooked than let something happen to a handful of cars.

Of course, that excludes the wheels falling off or the brakes dying (Ford Focus)!

glideslopes

Do you know the build date of your 6? The CEL was an issue in early production cars? Did you order yours, or purchase it off the lot?

Mark.

glideslopes

I have 5,000 flawless miles on my 6s.

  
Just in case you were interested,
Mark. : )

mazdamarla

I'm not sure of the exact build date, but it was built during the week of June 23 and completed June 27. I ordered it, so it was not sitting my dealer's lot. It was delivered to my dealer on 7/8 and unloaded from the truck, and I picked it up on 7/10.

audia8q

let's remember this is a first year car...and as first year cars go, the MZ6 has been very very good....

We have seen a few come back with little problems but so far there is no major problems and certainly nothing to prevent somebody from considering this car.....

The only major problem we have seen so far have been caused by the owners of the cars trying to do their own maintance.

mazdamarla

Oooooh, did I miss a failed-repair-story? Who tried to do what to their car?

mazdafun

So we may learn from their experience and not learn it the hard way ourselves.

seaf

someone tried to put on aftermarket mods and messed something up. Or they changed the oil, but didn't put the filter or nut back on correctly. These are very likely scenarios with any car.

audia8q

Seaf got it.....give him the prize.

we have replaced a few MZ6 engines....due to the consumer doing their own oil change and they also changed the filter seal, which is tricky on the 4 cyl and they didnt do it just right. The oil ran out and they didnt think the oil light was anything important and kept driving with no oil in the car....duh

I think its great the some consumers can change their own oil....but some shade tree mechanics need to do more homework before trying some stuff on their own. Engines are expensive.

narenji

were an everyday occurence in my wrx wagon. i had some major CEL lights with a completely stock car. the dealers had a tough time figuring out the problem. now that i have turbo-back exhaust and a modded chip, i have had no CELs... my 6i had a CEL too, but i just reset it and moved on. Cars these days seem to be more sensitive to throwing CELs, but most of the time they're for like a misfire or something.

newcar31

I think anyone who changes their own oil should understand the significance of the oil light. It's more likely that they just didn't notice the light until it was too late. After I change my own oil, I try to pay extra attention to the instrument cluster to make sure there is no oil light. After the oil change, I'll go drive it and drive it pretty hard. If a filter seal is gonna go, it will go shortly after the oil change. I'm extra careful with my Mazda 6i because it has a canister filter instead of a simple spin-on. I don't know how someone could mess up replacing the filter seal though. Just put it back on like it came off. I also can't see someone forgetting to tighten the oil pan drain plug either, and if they do, they deserve to buy a new engine.

dinu01

And just as an FYI, how much does a Mazda6 engine cost?

Dinu

sickasadog

can someone please tell me if there is a current recall dealing with the CEL? my dealer can't seem to figure out what was wrong with my car

vkar

I bought a Silver 6i AT with Premium package, ABS, side airbags, cargo net, cassette player, wheel locks and all-weather floor mats for $16,600 ($18,600 - $1500 cash back - $1000 loyalty - $500 grad rebate + $966 tax + $50 document fee) today. This includes the destination charge. Morries Mazda in the Twin Cities area.

jbchapman

After 6100 miles, here is the list of problems
I have encountered with my Mazda6 S (built in
late 2002):

<problems>
</problems>

So much for "first year" issues.

miata10ae

I bought my M6s MT since April and it has been solid since day one.
Originally when I reached 1000 miles I thought the engine was loose and acceleration was better compared to when it had a few hundred miles. Well, now with 3600 miles on it, I can definitely say that the beast is unleashed. It accelerates quicker and smoother even from very low rpms. I wonder if it has anything to do with my first oil change at 3000 miles?

newcar31

Great deal. Conrgrats.

mazdafun

...and doesn't check it frequently right after the change and look for spots on the parking space is just careless. I think they need to pay for the cost of repair themselves. Of course, I also think the oil filter should be designed to not be as tricky.

I always keep a close watch (every day for the first 3 days...I guess I like the number 3) on the oil level right after I change it and inspect the floor of my garage and the drain plug for any signs of seepage.

dinu01

http://www.velocityphotos.com//images/full/2002/s2002020701/mz200- 365001.jpg

Nice car, way too "in-your-face" colour!

Dinu

pzev

I read an article about Mazda's engine factory in Japan where they build the Mazda 4-cyl and the article said it cost them around $1,200 to make an engine. What a person would have to pay to replace one may be completely different though. Also the ones built in Mexico may be more or less. Take that for what it's worth, but the number mentioned was $1,200. Not sure how much it cost them to build the Protege engine but I got the impression the new engine is costing them less to make. It basically went into details about how efficient the factory is and the changes they made to it over what was being done when the Protege engine was being built. It also mentioned it cost them very little to build multiple versions of the same engine, such as a 2.0 and 2.3. They could easily switch to making a different version with no problem. Overall it seems they have a very cost-effective and efficient system going on over there.

jgriff

waaaay too in your face. That is a red you don't see much of.

I quit buying red cars (all shades of red), for me they were always BAD karma.

mazdamarla

Well, I was able to leave the dealer with my car this morning, but it has not been "fixed" yet. It was not the gas cap deal; he said the code was one number off from the gas cap code. The computer told him that the "evaporation pump" needs to be replaced, but because they have no code info on this yet, they are going to call Mazda this morning to get more information, before they order the part and schedule the work on my car. Who knows - maybe it's throwing a faulty code. But they'll be calling me to let me know, and if it does need to be replaced it'll probably be the week after next, as the Mazda mechanic is on vacation next week. They told me that the CEL will stay lit, but it's nothing to be concerned with at this point; my car is not going to leave me stranded or anything.

So that's what I know as of right now.

Side note, my vanity plate came yesterday and we put it on last night. 10 days since I ordered it from the DMV - not bad considering they tell you it could take up to 60 days!

pzev

I'm no expert, but I believe the Tribute and Mazda truck are basically all Ford, where as the Mazda6 has a lot of Mazda influence. From what I understand the 6-cyl is just a Ford block, and even then that particular engine is supposedly reliable. The 4-cyl is all Mazda I believe. The 4-speed auto transmission is the same one in the Protege I believe and the 5-speed auto is Jatco, the 5-speed manual I'm not sure about but I think it's Mazda as well. The chassis is Mazda too right? The big stuff seems to be all Mazda, how much of the parts is Ford I don't know. I wouldn't be too eager to dismiss the Mazda6 yet though, give it a few years before making a judgement, it's too early to call.

The Mazda3 will be built in Japan but will share 60% with the new Focus and Volvo S40. How much of that 60% is Ford I'm not sure, but some of that 60% will be the Focus platform, which from what I understand is a good platform. Also the Mazda 4-cyl will make up some of that percentage, the transmission which will be the same as the current Protege I believe is part of it, etc. Basically a lot of people are saying that the Mazda3 is too heavily influenced by Ford but I won't jump to conclusions yet until people drive it in the real world. The Mazda6 and Mazda3 they sell all over the world, I'm sure Mazda is doing it's best to make sure they're reliable as possible and don't have any major problems.

I guess we can't buy Subaru or Suzuki either since GM has a stake in those. Can't buy Mitsubishi or Hyundai since Chrysler has their hand in that. The only true Japanese companies in the US I'm aware of is Toyota and Honda. No company is perfect, I take it one car at a time and figure out how reliable each car is on its own, not because of the badge that's on it. It's too early to say that Ford messed up the Mazda6. I am by no means a fan of American car companies, but Mazda makes some good stuff and I'm not ready to give up on them until it becomes obvious that Ford really has messed them up.

newcar31

they are going to start using, or already have started using engine blocks cast by GM. They also use some of the same parts suppliers as GM.

mazdafun

They're supposed to meet the same specs, but I bet a nut made from supplier A is a little different than that from supplier B. A lot depends on incoming inspection too. And the assembly of the whole thing depends on how well-run the assembly plant is.

At least nobody's found an empty soda can in their door yet (I hear this used to happen sometimes due to the occasional disgruntled employee on the assembly line).

mazdamarla

Toyota Matrix = Pontiac Vibe

Aren't they basically the same car? Literally? Just with different nameplates on them, and maybe minor differences in styling, etc.?

seaf

Sounds like a good deal, according to your numbers, your tax was calculated AFTER all the rebates have taken place? I thought a few discussions back most people thought (me included) the tax was calculated BEFORE the rebates take effect.

Also, you sure your starting price was $18,600? That's a pretty great starting price compared to invoice.

capitano

Matrix/Vibe is mechanically Toyota. The interior design comes from GM. Each company designed its exterior.

While it's easy to see the advantage for GM in a partnership like this, I can't see what Toyota gets out of the deal.

hairong

Mazda truck (B series) is totally Ford. Tribute/Escape was engineered by Mazda, styled separately, used Ford powertrain, and built by Ford. Mazda6 is all Mazda, with a modified Ford engine (V6), and is built in a Ford-Mazda co-owned factory, which built the 626 and will be building the new Mustang.

seaf

Yes, toyota matrix is basically the pontiac vibe. Lots of car companies share components these days. However, I'd definitely not get close to a car that is mostly designed by one of the american domestics. Fortunately the mazda6 is not in this category. It is pretty much all Mazda designed, and Ford is trying to get some of that good work because they own 1/3 controlling interest in Mazda. Understandable since ford has trouble designing good vehicles themselves. Though considering how Ford's market capitalization has been going downhill, I don't know if they can keep a stake in Mazda for long.

mazdamarla

Even with my CEL mystery (for now), I still love my 6 and am happy I bought one.

mjvchicago

for the brake resevoir, threw in a tire rotation and the whole thing took 1/2 an hour at the dealer. In case anyone is wondering how long it will take.

smarticus19

I've been a proud owner of a 6s for about 3 weeks and I can't say enough good things about it. The car is loaded, comfort, bose, and sport packages, in onyx black. I just tinted the windows and it looks really sharp. To owners of black cars who can't keep them clean: spend $10 on a car duster. This is my third black car in a row (92 Integra, 98 Altima) and I swear by it's effectiveness. They work really and save you money on car washes. Anyways, last night was the first night I got to park my car in it's new garage! Does anyone have a brand of carwax they would reccomend?

robr2

Actually the Toyota Matrix is made at a Toyota plant in Canada. The Pontiac Vibe is made at a joint venture operation (NUMMI) which makes Corollas and Tacomas for North America and the Toyota Voltz (rebadged Vibe) for export to Japan.

ashutoshsm

... How's it going, holding off those Romans?

Wax - I just used Meguiar's Gold Class on my Blue 6i and loved the effect. Need to post pittures sometime soon. I've used Turtle Wax on my Pro (OK) and Meguiar's normal (whats-it-called) wax (quite good)

The car duster is a great idea - I'm going to get me one as well.

qddave

Toyota, and GM for that fact, would most likely get a share of the profits from the sales of both vehicles. Since it's a share of technology, they would have to share profits. So, if more Vibes than Matrices? are sold, Toyota still gets some good coin.

Now....back to the 6

houset

Got my mp3 player in on tuesday from MazdaSouth and installed Wed. First impressions: It definitely plays louder than the stock unit, but I am not sure how since the Radio portion still stays attached to the car. Anyway, some of my mp3 cd's take up to 15 seconds to load, but other than that i am very satisfied.

Installation was very easy. My only gripe is that while installing I imprinted a very small part of the shifter plate with my screwdriver trying to pry open the clips. It's barely noticeable, but those clips were tough.

Stretchsje - 3 questions: I remember you mentioning that you bought the Clarion compact subwoofer, how did they work out for you

How exactly did you hook the amplifier up in your car to the back of the stereo, did you have to splice the speaker wires? I never installed an amp, so I might just take it to Circuit City.

Finally, if I buy an amp would you recommend me keeping my stock speakers, or getting a new pair for the front and rear?

Thanks

fowler3

Check this review for a down-to-earth report with many links to explanations on suspensions and other components. It also has the best photos with some animated to show how things work or where they are: such as the storage bins in the center armrest. Be sure to click the Gallery or on the main photo at the top of the review. There is one photo that shows the difference between the standard instruments and the electroluminescent guages on the Sport Package models.

http://www.cars.com/carsapp/usatoday/?srv=parser&act=display&- amp;- amp;tf=/features/mvp/mazda/mazda6/mazda6_overview.tmpl

This web site can also be linked to on USAToday, click Cars. If the above URL is too long and doesn't work for you, try cut and pasting it into your Location window. Delete the underline.

The test car is a Lapis Blue MZ6-s MT with Sports Package and leather.
A Gallery photo shows a MZ6-i with Beige leather as well as grey leather images.

fowler3

chikoo

next month the 2004 would start. Any ideas on the changes in the Sedan?

fowler3

When I took my 1975 BMW in to get the CEL light checked the mechanic didn't know what the problem was nor where the "reset" button was -- so he put a piece of black electrical tape over the light on the instrument panel so it wouldn't blind me to the other gauges at night.

And you think some Mazda dealers are bad.

fowler3

mazdamarla

wow - great review. Thanks fowler!

fowler3

fowler3

MZ6 in the photo has been "doctored", edited in Photoshop to produce that color. Teltail signs are the shadow areas for the doors and hood cutlines which are also pink, especially the shadows on the door handles. They would be a shade of dark grey.

It's easy to change a car's color in a good photo editing program. Just dial out the real color and dial in another one using the Saturation controls. Photos on a computer are basically black and white and the color is added. Remember early TV when you set the grey tones first and then dialed in the colors? Same thing.

fowler3

fowler3

There was an article in the Washington Post.com yesterday about a color expert for Pantone. She helps manuafacturers decide on what next year's product colors will be. Her suggestion for home and car buyers is to think about which color you wear the most, that would be your favorite color and the one you will be most happy with.

You should let the color of the car compliment what you wear most days. If you choose a neutral color: black, grey, white, etc. it makes it easier, but not exactly a statement.

fowler3

mazdamarla

Hmmmm...so what does a SPEED YELLOW car say about me? ;-)
And I do have a floral yellow shirt now that matches it! But other than that I don't wear a lot of yellow. My second color would've been the Lapis Blue probably. But I don't wear a lot of blue except on "jeans days" at work, etc.

mazdafun

I wear lots of dark blue, tan and grey. I'd be bored to tears driving a car those colors. I like my cars bright red and yellow myself. It always makes me smile when I walk up to it at the end of the day ("we're free!, we're free!, time to thrash some curves!" and all that).

himiler

My color succession:

silver '80 Corolla SR-5
red '84 Renault Encore (don't laugh!)
Kubota Orange '80 Vanagon (how I miss thee!)
grey '87 Prelude
red '91 Civic hatch
red '91 Prelude
silver '96 Integra
red '98 Integra
silver '01 Prelude
red '04 WRX wagon

Anyone see a pattern here?