Mazda3 Hatchback

creakid1

No wonder I feel som'in top heavy while driving the hatch.

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=200408101012099900- - - - 06

The wagon version of the Focus is the worst, but still beats the best pickup.

When I was a teenager, I rolled over an '83 626 fastback hatch due to the short-travel rear suspension w/ the shocks set to "soft" while doing an abrupt lane-change test... The outer rear spring immediately ran out of travel & made the rear tire hopped briefly, then all the corrections couldn't save it & the car eventually shot thru the curb on a hill then rolled several times landed upside down back on the road.

Mazda sure Focused in this area & became the best now! ;-) After all, a zoom zoom company should be able to accomodate crazy drivers.

& now, every Mazda3 oversteers in order to satisfy the wild drivers while providing the rear spring travel sufficiently firm & long w/ multilink geometry to keep the tire angle sliding in a controlled manner.

backy

I can't see the linked article because it requires logon, but here is the story from the NHTSA regarding rollover tests. Note that the Mazda3 sedan fared very well, but they did not test the 5-door. And the Focus wagon is down on the list but was not the worst car tested:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?ye- ar=2004&filename=pr34-04.html

autopilot01

Has anyone been able to put one or two full size mountain bicycles inside the Mazda3 hatchback?

orangelebaron

Anyone here send in the paperwork for the $35 Sharper Image gift card for taking the Mazda 3 test drive back in February?

I still have not gotten the card. I emailed Mazda and they haven't given me an answer yet. So I don't know if this whole thing was a scam or if it was stolen in the mail.

lmp180psu

I sent my paperwork in February and got mine I think in March some time. I know it didn't take an abnormal amount of time to get mine.

I still haven't figured out what I want from Sharper Image yet.

creakid1

That's b/c I haven't gotten a N.A. Mazda3, which lacks the ionic air purifier(electrostatic filter).

avenueroad

Hi, I'm from Toronto, Canada. Just got a Mazda3 Sport (that's Canadian designation for hatchback model.)
Wondering if I got a good deal... like the TMV feature on Edmunds but it seems to be for the US only, with US models and trims.
I know we are getting better deals on cars than you guys down south - probably because we also make less and taxes are higher - but is there a similar Canadian market value calculator anywhere? or if people could share what they paid, that would be helpful. pls include package and options. THX!!

mdaffron

Did I miss this one? A review of the Mazda3 wagon at USAutonews reported that the mirrors are heated. Is this true?

Meade

sschaffer

I think they were confused by the owner's manual which does mention them--I think it's only on Canadian models that the mirrors are heated.

My Monroney sticker makes no mention of heated mirrors--check yours and see for sure.

bunk1968

I have decided on purchasing a Mz3 hatch, but would like to know if it is a silly time to purchase.
I figure the 04's will be going on sale soon and if not why wouldn't I just wait for an 05???
Will they boost the price much for an 05?
Anyone have advice?

eaglewings

6000rpm and 65 mph in 2nd?!!! You'll burn up the engine in no time.

mdaffron

I will check mine -- when I own one! (Next May is when I plan to.)

everfeb

Have you had a new fuel pump installed??? Did you see an improvement in your gas mileage/crank times??? Have you had any problems related to the installation of the new pump???

I've been getting sickeningly poor mileage (trust me) and crank times to start have been getting longer and longer. Mazda is going to put a new pump in. Sure hope this improves my mileage. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks for the help. Regards

everfeb

also posted this in Probs and Sedans-sorry for any inconvenience.

mine is an Oct. 03 build date..Auto Hatch GT.

everfeb

In Canada, the GT's (Sport and Sedan) come with heated power mirrors standard. The other models do not. Don't know about the States.

everfeb

drywall

If you're considering a hatch, be aware that there's really no way to open the hatch if the battery is dead: there's neither a remote release near the driver's seat, nor a keylock in the back. And since inside the hatch is the obvious place to store jumper cables, which you need to fire up your dead battery, you'll find yourself in a bit of a quandary (see my post in Problems & Solutions for details).

Just thought I'd warn everyone.

npaladin2000

You know, with all the room in the glovebox, you COULD stash the jumper cables in there if you wanted.

z71bill

You could put a spare battery in the glove box - one of those emergency portable jump start yourself in a box things - can't recall what they are called.

It is a little strange that the Mazda3 still uses a battery that requires the addition of water - what did that save $1.00?

Do all Mazdas use this type of battery?

mdaffron

... instead of burying them under the cover. That way you can reach them easier by folding down a back seat after you come outside and realize that you left your lights on for eight hours and didn't hear the warning chime when you got out of the car.

Meade

npaladin2000

".. instead of burying them under the cover. That way you can reach them easier by folding down a back seat after you come outside and realize that you left your lights on for eight hours and didn't hear the warning chime when you got out of the car.

Meade"

Don't forget that they also didn't see that the taillights were still on when they used the fob to lock the doors and looked at the turn signal flash to make sure it did.

bunk1968

I don't know the cut off date for models that had problems with the A/C?
Secondly, if they offer good deals on 04's would it be better to snatch one of those up instead of worry about resale value loss and waiting for an 05?
Oh, and I would also like to ask if there is a better chance of having less problems with an 05 since it is not a first year production?
Do late model 04's have less problems (like with the A/C) than the first 04's?
Does anyone know when or if Mazda will be starting deals on the 04's?
** AND COULD SOMEONE PLEASE CLEAR UP WHETHER OR NOT THE HATCH HAS A TENDENCY TO ROLL OVER? AND IS IT ANY MORE THAN THE SEDAN?
** IS THERE MORE HORSEPOWER COMING OUT IN THE 05,S??
Any input is welcome, thanks.

stickguy

you would have to do something real stupid to get the 3 to roll over. In theory, and car can roll, but the 3 Hatch has got to be pretty far down the list. It's not really top heavy, certainly not like an SUV.

kataleo

I am relatively new to the forum, and posted a question on another thread (without getting any reply). I am hoping I can get better luck here.

I actually have several questions:

1. Anybody has a hatch in Ottawa Ontario (Canada)? How is the handling of the car in a typical Ottawa winter?

Actually, any input on its handling in any city with COLD winter would be appreciated.

2. I was searching on the forum about the xenon light. Somebody made a reference saying that the xenon is not being offered in Canada. Is this true? So what do you get in Canada instead of the Xenon?

3. I might be opening up another can of worm here... but... :-) There seem to be A/C problem with M3. I am just wondering if the problem is noticeable in areas like Vancouver, Toronto or Ottawa...

Thanks for your help!

mdaffron

Re: "So what do you get in Canada instead of the Xenon?"

You get heated mirrors, for one thing. We don't get 'em here in the States.

Meade

wongpres

1. Handling is fine. And like all cars, get winter tires for optimal winter performance.

2. Xenons are not available as an option in Canada (and won't be available in '05 either). You get halogen bulbs, just like 90% of the cars on the road (and just like US cars without the xenon option).

3. Subjective issue, testdrive yourself on a hot day to see if its up to par with your standards.

eaglewings

Why defile the inside of a beautiful car such as the G35 with bikes? Just get a roof mounted or trunk mounted bike rack.

kataleo

Will it work if I go and install Xenon myself?

Is there some kind of legal issue involved?

audia8q

The biggest concern is related to the new car warranty. If you install the lights yourself and you, by accident, blow out the electrical system or anything else it will be at your expense. We had a major retailer install a remote starter in a customers car and they did something that caused a short in the engine emobilizer....$1800 later it was fixed. The major retailer paid the bill. So if your going to do your own install, make sure you know exactly what your doing.

bchaplin

I'm thinking about buying a Mazda3 hatchback. I need a car for running errands and for weekend trips. I'm really attracted to the Mazda3 for a lot of reasons, but one of them is the optional navigation system.

So I'm curious: Has anyone used it? Do people like it? Is is usable for a solo driver?

Also, would I be wasting money getting a built-in nav system that might be out of date before the car is (since I'm planning to keep whatever car I get for a while; perhaps 10 years). Am I better off with a portable nav system, pricewise?

And, like previous posts, I'm curious about the car's handling in snow.

wongpres

"Will it work if I go and install Xenon myself?"

Technically, you can do it yourself, but because of the issue below, everyone in Canada I know of has had to get a shop to do it.

"Is there some kind of legal issue involved?"

Yes, there's a legal & practicality issue here because daytime running lights (DRL) is mandatory in Canada. So to do a xenon conversion, you must do one of the following (I know people who have done all 3 methods):

- divert the DRL to something else (foglights in the case I'm familiar with)
- turn on all your lights 100% of the time (but be prepared to change more bulbs more often)
- wipe out DRL completely (this is really like the option above but you're not turning your lights on during the day, but Canadian cars without DRL are illegal)

Xenon cannot be DRL because the law says it can't, and xenon running lower voltage (which is how the standard halogens do their DRL), will make xenons flicker like crazy.

billherrmann

Any idea when specs [changes] will be available for "05 M3 models

mdaffron

http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/200408/0824e.html

Note where it says it's Mazda's newest "global vehicle" ...

Geesh, do I have to delay my plans for a 3 next May???

Meade

big_guy

Do you suppose this will be the replacement vehicle for the MPV? I had heard that the MX Flexa concept vehicle may be the replacement for the MPV but sometimes rumor mills produce a lot of bad information.

mdaffron

http://www.whatcar.com/News_Article.asp?NA_ID=210719

Meade

sschaffer

The Mazda 5 is designed to compete in a class that is very popular in Europe and Asia but does not even exist in the US, a sorta mini-mini van designed to carry 5 or 6 people comfortably on a
Corolla class chassis platform.

If you remember the little Dodge Colt Vistas or Nissan AXXESS you get an idea of what this thing is. It's 2 sizes smaller than the MPV we get here, probably not a suitable replacement for that vehicle.

creakid1

accomodates adults.

Honda/Acura got a new low-center-of-gravity small Odyssey that might be coming to Acura dealers.

mz3ct

I agree - it was my brother-in-law driving - not me the owner. I have not done it again nor do I plan to. It did seem very compliant in doing it...I was just surprised the manumatic allowed it....

mz3ct

I like it a lot and would think about trading in my 3 hatch for it if it were available now - I have 2 kids and it looks like it would be very fun and even more practical than 3, which is the best car I've ever had....just MO

daryl

Just bought an '04 Mazda3 hatch. Pick it up in two days. I think it's a great time to buy, but there isn't a lot left, and I'm in the Chicago market. Wanted 5spd, moonroof, and abs. That's all, and I had 2 colors to choose from, one if which was my first choice anyway.
Auto. trans. in abundance but opions vary. Paid $100 under invoice but they didn't want my trade so I took it to Carmax and came away happy. Hope this helps

mdaffron

Beth ...

Sorry it took so long for you to receive an answer to your question.

I don't own a Mazda3 yet, but my dealership let me "borrow" a loaded one for a weekend back in May. It had the Nav system, and I played with it.

First of all, keep in mind that it's DVD-based. (The DVD unit was in the glovebox, if I remember correctly.) Manufacturers selling vehicles with DVD-based Nav systems issue DVD upgrades every so often. Your question is a good one, but I think that the manufacturer understands how fast technology changes and would plan to offer upgrades at least for five years or so.

I found the Nav system surprisingly feature-packed. I let it "follow" me home from the dealership (about 13 miles) and around town for the next two days, and by zooming in and out, I was able to discover roads, side streets and alternate routes I never knew existed around and behind the neighborhoods I was passing. I can only imagine that on a trip, it would be indispensible letting you know what was around the next bend in the highway or how to maneuver around the area you've just exited into. It was quite detailed.

It also TALKS -- and I found that it can not only talk in English, but French also. You can tell it (well, enter manually -- it doesn't accept verbal commands) where you want to go, and it will monitor your progress and tell you where to turn next, how far it is to your next change in course, etc. -- all verbally.

I liked the dual-display modes, one with a white background for daytime and use and another that reverses the display to a black background for nighttime use. I found the display (whose tilt can also be adjusted) to be very easy to read, and so did my passenger.

I'm enamored with it and think it would be a cool addition to the 3 wagon I'm planning on purchasing next spring. I just don't know if I'm willing to stomach the exhorbitant price tag for what will be a toy 90 percent of the time. I have a feeling it will come down to the features of the stock on hand when I make my purchase. Since color, transmission (5-speed only!) and seating materials will be more important to me, the final decision on the Nav system may just be whether it's there or not on the car that has the more important options I desire.

Now, if someone announces a way to play DVD movies on it ...

Meade

bchaplin

Thanks!! That helps--

I also found an article in the New York Times (which, unfortunately, I can no longer link to because it's now only available by purchase), reviewing portable navigation systems. In short, the portables are very full-featured as well, and have the advantage of being able to move from vehicle to vehicle.

Also, I'm really thinking of owning whatever car I end up buying for as long as ten years. So it's possible (from what you're saying), that the built-in nav system might only be updated for five years? And on the Mazda3, the navigation system is bundled with some other, expensive options. It sounds nice, but I may ended up going with a portable.

Of course, something mounted on the dashboard won't have the same Batmanesque quality of a built-in. Oh, well.

npt2000

Hi,
I've been reading the Mazda3 boards here for a long time. I find them very informative, thanks to you all. I have a question regarding the options you see when you "build a vehicle", on the Mazda site or on Edmunds. There are a lot of "looks nice" options like "Appearance Package 1", "Rear skirt diffuser", etc., but a dealer I spoke with said that these are already included on the 3 5-doors. Is this true? Specifically (looking at Edmunds):

Appearance Package 1
Lower Door Moldings
Wheel Arch Moldings
Rear Skirt Diffuser
Door Edge Guards
(any thing else I missed)

I don't want to redundantly add these to the price when figuring out how much it will cost, or (worse) go to a dealer and let them add them to the price if they already come standard.

Thanks!
-Mike

mdaffron

... the 2005 vehicles predicted to hold their value the best. The RX-8 made the list, and according to KBB, the Mazda3 "just missed it."

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040826/lath003_1.html

Meade

kyfdx

Edmunds is great, but try KBB.com

Their software won't let you add options that aren't available together..

kyfdx

Considering that RX-8s have $4250 of rebates and dealer incentives right now... I'd beg to differ on the resale of RX-8s.

regards,
kyfdx

mdaffron

KBB will be what the dealership uses at trade-in time.

(By your logic, though, the RX-8 will be even BETTER at resale time since you paid so much less for it to begin with.)

BTW, why the anonymity? Isn't it more neighborly to sign your posts with "Walt" than all that "kyfdx" gobbledegoop?

Meade

kyfdx

By my logic, the guy that paid MSRP in September last year will take a bath.. And depreciation numbers cited by KBB, etc.. are always taken off of MSRP, not actual sale prices, just as lease residuals are.

I'll be honest.. I didn't read the article, but my guess is they are using the residual percentage numbers that the captive leasing companies put on their own cars.. Mazda puts a pretty high residual on the RX-8, but that doesn't mean it will be worth that at the end of the lease.

regards,
kyfdx

EDIT: I try not to become too neighborly with people that live in refrigerator boxes...LOL

npaladin2000

Actually, dealerships around here use Galv's. They won't touch KBB for trade-ins, only to set asking prices for used cars. Galv's prices them much lower, earning a big "Thank you!" from car dealers.

audia8q

you posted..."Galv's prices them much lower, earning a big "Thank you!" from car dealers..."

Why do you say that?

kyfdx

Dealer values trades with Galves, prices retail with KBB.. achieving largest possible gross profit spread..

(not my post, just chipping in)

ramon1

I am also considering a 3 hatch. Here is the answer to your question.

The hatch comes standrad with a sport pkg that includes the 17-inch wheels. You can add the following non-std items: a rear diffuser(RSD), appearance pkg (front lip spoiler& rear flares)(1AP), lower door molding (LDM), wheel arch moldings(WAM), door edge guards(DEG), rear bumper step plate(RBS), and floor mats, etc.

Prices for these are all on Edmunds. I have the accesssories brochure from Mazda, so I can tell what is std on the car and what isn't.

For my money, I don't think the apperance add-ons are worth it; the car looks great without them. But this is only my opinion.

Have fun!