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Mazda3 Hatchback

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  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    I was at Mazda yesterday and snapped (with permission of course) two photos of a pre-production Mazdaspeed 3.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    That car is so tempting...
  • d_hyperd_hyper Member Posts: 130
    Here's more meat from the official source:
    http://www.mazda.com/publicity/release/200606/0606.html

    Note, their grades indicate engine volume + trim.
    Some of the grades won't make it to US market, of course.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    A national news magazine is looking to interview college students who has “pimped” out his/her ride Have you tricked out your car with big rims, outrageous stereos, wild paint jobs, spoilers, ground effects, neon lights, nitrous, the works . Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Friday, June 9, 2006 by 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET containing your daytime contact information and the make and model of the car you’ve “pimped” out.

    Thanks,
    Chintan Talati
    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds.com
  • ricktatorricktator Member Posts: 3
    Hi. As many of you know, Mazda doesn't offer a roof rack for the 3. I have the hatch, with sunroof. Has anybody found a good set of aftermarket roof rails?

    Thanks,
    Rick
  • cmkcmk Member Posts: 59
    I am interested in Mazda3 hatchback, but would prefer smaller wheels. Do you think a set of 16's from the sedan would go on the hatchback (which only comes with 17's)?
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    They will fit but most dealers will not substitute the 16" wheels for the 17" models.

    You might ask if they will exchange them with the 16" alloys on a sedan and adjust the difference. Then they would have to add the difference to the sedan price. Or you can sell the 17" wheels and buy after-market 16s w/tires. If you do the latter be very careful about the tire size so there is no difference in diameter compared to the 17" wheels and tires. (This could affect the speedo reading.)

    Check wheel and tire prices and ratings on tirerack.com

    Look for a 16"X 6.5" wheel and a tire size equal to what Mazda uses on 16" wheels.

    fowler3
  • bret27bret27 Member Posts: 10
    I am thinking about buying a 2006 automatic Mazda3 hatchback. What is the mileage for city & highway I can expect to get? I am driving a Pt Crusier GT now & the mileage on almost any car is better than the PT.
  • marscatmarscat Member Posts: 7
    I've got a 2006 M3 hb. Just got back from a road trip. Highway mileage is 29. City is a disappointing 19-21. Of course I'm spoiled. My last car was a 92 Honda Civic si with city mileage of 30 & highway 45.
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    Anyone know (audi8q) when the 07's will hit the lots?
  • bret27bret27 Member Posts: 10
    I also read where oil changes have to be done at the dealership. Is this true?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    That would depend on your ability and the tools you have. The filter housing should be removed with a special cap wrench but you may find that a regular oil filter cap wrench from your local parts store will do the trick.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    The Mazda3 uses a cartridge type oil filter (not the more common spin on)

    You need a special tool to remove the filter housing so you can get to the paper filter.

    IMO - just go to the dealer for oil changes - the cost is not that much more and I have read a few cases where the filter was installed wrong - the result was an oil leak and a new engine NOT covered by warranty.
  • mazdazoommazdazoom Member Posts: 43
    You actually don't need a special tool, you just need an alan-wrench, a strong grip or an oil-filter wrench to get the black screw on cap off. Then when you swap the paper cartridge you have to be certain to replace the two rubber o-rings. Pretty easy but if you want to be 100% certain it is done right and not fuss with it then taking it to the dealer really is the best advice. They also look at a lot of other things that a person might miss and can help you find a problem.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    September
  • dridedride Member Posts: 139
    It's about $27.00 at most dealers, and they typically have me in and out in about 40 minutes. It took me a bit longer, but my garage doesn't have a lift and I don't have creepers. I only go to the dealer for oil changes. There were some bad horror stories about bad seals and askew filters, etc...
  • dridedride Member Posts: 139
    Buy a manual, the hassle of shifting is totally worth it in gas savings. I'm glad I went with the 5 speed. I think it is more fun to drive as well.
  • picksixpicksix Member Posts: 2
    I'm thinking of leasing a Mazda 3 but heard that AC isn't so great. Anybody? :D
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    a million or so worldwide are happy with their A/C.....a few on edmunds arent happy with their a/c. You decide.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Rich, I think if you look at JD Powers IQS, you can safely say that is more than a few on Edmunds. Trust me, I'm a big fan of Mazda but it's something that needs to be corrected.
  • picksixpicksix Member Posts: 2
    Thanks - I'll be taking a test-drive this weekend so I'll have to really check it out.
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    I have test driven 3 Mazda 3's now (3i, 3s, 3s hatchback). All of them were driven on very hot days (90+ degrees). I found the A/C to be fine (none of the cars I drove were black, and none had leather).

    I also test drove the new 06 Civic (EX/LX) and did not notice any drastic difference between the two makes. You have to remember, these are fairly inexpensive economy cars. I would agree that the A/C in my 06 Honda Odyssey EX-L and Nissan Altima SE do work better, but it is not that much of a difference and both those vehicles cost considerably more...

    I say drive it on a hot day and see what you think.. It certainly did not take 20+ minuets for the car to cool off based on some of the comments made in this forum.
  • mazdazoommazdazoom Member Posts: 43
    I found that my mazda 3 had a bad o-ring on the high side of the compressor which resulted in a leak, thus taking longer to cool the car. Having this replaced fixed the problem. Also on a hot day it is better to change your settings to allow fresh air in from outside for a few minutes then with cooler fresh air switch to recycle. that should get the cabin cooler and in less time...
  • meth819meth819 Member Posts: 1
    Im looking into the Mazda3 and was wondering the same thing. I know you can get aftermarket racks from Thule. You can see what they offer for the Mazda3 at www.thuleracks.com.

    Chris
  • marscatmarscat Member Posts: 7
    I'm not sure if it's that the a/c is bad or the dash is so large and black that it pulls in the heat. I have black interior on my m3 2006. I'm going to check out tinted windshields.
  • ostiaanticostiaantic Member Posts: 17
    Hi-
    Thule and Yakima make systems for the Mazda 3 in the US, that are widely available. I recently bought the Thule rack from an internet source called Car Racks Direct, in CT, but I haven't mounted it yet.
    In Japan, I've read, there is a dedicated Mazda brand rack system that mounts to points on the roof under the black rain gutter strips that run the length of the roof. It is made by Thule for Mazda. It isn't sold in the US. I here it's over $600.00 if you order it from Japan.
    There is yet another roof rack that uses the same rain gutter attachment. I saw it listed on an Australian web site. I can't recall the name of the company at the moment.
    There are a few pics of the 3 with a rack, on the internet, if you search.

    Hope this helps
  • ricktatorricktator Member Posts: 3
    Hey Ostiaantic, thanks for the info. (First post in this thread, I believe, that actually addressed the question!) I realized after posting that the whip antenna is a bit of an issue, plus the sunroof if you have one (which I do) and probably for those reasons Mazda doesn't seem to be encouraging rack use. But somebody always finds a way. Appreciate the response.

    Rick
  • richmlrichml Member Posts: 156
    If you're concerned about the AC - then on a hot, sunny day you should test drive the exact vehicle you are planning to buy.
  • lmp180psulmp180psu Member Posts: 399
    I have an 06 Grand Touring hatch with the auto climate Control. It works great (better than my 04 sedan), and I noticed that if I forget to put up windshield sunshade, it takes around 6-8 mins for the A/C to get cool, while with it up, it takes about 4-5 mins for it to get cold (not cool). For $10-15, a windshield sunshade is a wise investment, given the black plastic dash :)
  • marscatmarscat Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info. I've been wanting one since hurricane season started. This time I'm evacuating with my car...
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    A national personal finance magazine is looking to interview consumers who have recently purchased (within the past year) a new Mazda 3 and would like to talk about your new car. Please send an e-mail to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, June 28, 2006 by 2:00 PM PST/5:00 EST containing your daytime contact information.


    Thanks,
    Chintan Talati
    Corporate Communications
    Edmunds.com
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    I asked the question earlier about these and then found a supplier on the Net. This is really cool for Mazda3 and other 5-door owners. Great for tailgating and weekends introducimg your kids to the Great Outdoors. Especially those Mazda meets with other owners.

    http://www.napierenterprises.com

    It can be used alone without the "sleeve" which attaches over the liftgate. Sleeping bags, an ice cooler w/food, a Coleman stove and pan and you are good to go.

    Only $189.95

    Don't forget your digital camera --we want to see pics.

    fowler3
  • qddaveqddave Member Posts: 164
    Well, I can finally say that I'm a proud papa. June 30th I picked up a 2006 Copper Red S Hatch, 5spd. It just happened to be on the truck to the dealership and I put my money on it. I wanted to get a few weeks of driving before I added my thoughts. I've had some good and bad experiences. I put my first scratch on her pulling into my garage. Nothing too deep, just a light 1" scratch from hitting dragging the recycling box. Then yesterday I picked up a screw in the right rear. Props to Discount Tire for helping out a long time customer with the no charge fix.

    Now to the good. I have to say that the A/C is acceptable. That's it. I'm pretty tolerant to hot and cold so I, and my wife for that fact, accept it for what it is. West Michigan is in for some heat indexes of 100F coming up this weekend. That'll be the real test, but I'm not expecting greatness. There are too many positives that outweigh a moderately acceptable A/C. Driving this car is amazing. It's so smooth on the highway. I babied the throttle for the first 600 or so miles and I'm just now starting to accelerate a little harder (3-4k shifts) with the odd trip to 5k. First tank was 27mpg, about half the tank was loaded with four people and A/C on. Second tank was about 50% highway, just me and my wife, A/C on, doing about 70-75mph. The other 50% was with four in the car, mix of highway/backroads, A/C on and I got 29mpg. People love the color, obviously I do too. I couldn't be happier.

    My sales experience was borderline effortless. Thanks to East Imports here in Grand Rapids and the awesome sales staff. I won't lay down any numbers here because a "good deal" is all relative to the buyer. I paid what I thought was very fair and respectful for the relationship I have with the dealership. Thanks to them again.

    Well, back to the grind.
    Zoom-Zoom!
    Dave
  • mfgreendeermfgreendeer Member Posts: 1
    I was wondering if anyone could give me their opinion. We are thinking of buying a Mazda 3 Hatchback, automatic, 2004 with 34K on it. Its got all the options, AC, cdplayer, etc. and it is through a private seller. they are asking 14K for it. Is this a good deal. Also, we live in the midwest with back winters and wondering how it drives in the snow. Can anyone tell me any mechanical problems they have had with theirs? We bought an Audi a few years ago (sold it now), it was a 97 so that may have been the problem too, and had so many problems with it. So we just dont want to make the same mistake when buying another car.
    Thanks
  • mazdazoommazdazoom Member Posts: 43
    Hello,
    I have a 2004 Mazda 3 Hatchback and I actually bought mine used with the exact milage of 34K from carmax. They had it listed at 13.5K, so I would say depending on the overall condition of the car and maintenance history it sounds like you are getting a fair deal (really look the car over). I like my car and you can cram all kinds of stuff in the hatchback with the rear seats folded down. Here are the problems I have had in my car.

    First off the rear brakes on these cars wear down fast, there is no type of tattle tale on the pads so you have to keep a close eye on them or else they will trash your rotors. Don't depend on mazda service to do this for you, they said my brakes were fine and I was too busy to double check them, long story short I had to fight them to replace my rear rotors. Second, the window regulator / motor has come loose on two of my windows making a knock sound when rolling it up. I had to take it back to mazda to have them tighten them back up, not a huge deal.

    And last my A/C was not performing as well as I had hoped (I live in Texas so it is a must to have a strong a/c) and turns out there was an o-ring on the high side line of my compressor that needed replacing, after that it was great. So really only ONE Major problem so far. The gas milage is great and I get between 26 - 31 MPG depending how agressive I feel like driving. It handles great, quick for a 4 banger, and stops quickly, fun little car to drive. I am a former mustang and Dodge RAM HEMI owner, so this car was a change for me. It took some time to get used to but I really like this car, it gets the job done efficently.

    One last complaint though, the seats are kind of hard. This car is built around sport, so the suspension is a little stiff along with the seats; but it is tight feeling and fun. If you want a more luxury ride in the same range I would look at a Sonata or Toyota.
  • mazdazoommazdazoom Member Posts: 43
    By the way my car has 60K miles on it now and running great.
  • z71billz71bill Member Posts: 1,986
    You can buy a NEW Mazda3s Touring 4dr Wagon with auto for under $18K. Is $4,000 less enough of a discount? Hard to say - but I would adjust the $4,000 to try and get your real savings.

    Some things to consider -

    Wear items - tires and brakes - for sure need to be looked at - if the used car needs these soon you should add them into the cost.

    If you finance you will be able to get a lower interest rate on a new car loan VS a used car loan - you may also get a lower rate even if you finance over 60 months VS 48 months - the new car payment may still be higher but it is something you should look at.

    Warranty? The 2004 only has 16K miles left - a new 2006 will have 50K - not saying if you buy used you must buy an extended warranty (I never do and never will) but you could find out how much an extended warranty would cost - if its $1,500 (I have no idea what is should be) then in a way you are only "saving" $2,500 buying used. I am using the cost of the extended warranty as a way to estimate the EXTRA costs of repairs you will have if you buy used - of course you may get lucky and pay no repairs - you may be unlucky and replace the engine and tranny.

    Insurance may cost more on a new car. But that depends on many factors - so you just need to check it out.

    Will you keep the car for 10 years? Then resale is not that big of a deal - but if you trade every 3-4 years the 2006 will be worth a few thousand more when you trade it in.

    I have look at these factors a few times and always end up buying a new car -
  • richmlrichml Member Posts: 156
    The 3 handles a lot better in snow with winter tires, as opposed to the OEM "all season" tires.

    Prepare yourself for sticker shock if you buy low-profile winter tires.
  • dridedride Member Posts: 139
    By 34k miles most of the bugs have been worked out. I think 2004 was the first model year for the 3. I live in MN, and the car was really difficult to drive in the winter w/o a set of snow tires, which was a sizeable investment for 4 new rims and four snow tires. I used to drive a VW, and compared to that nickel and dime piece of junk the 3 has been much better. 14k seems a bit steep, but these cars hold resale value quite well. They are also high in demand.
  • luvmbootyluvmbooty Member Posts: 271
    Just recieved a Sept. 2006 Consumer Reports mag. In it was an article comparing Mazda 3, Audi A3, Saab 9-2x, and Dodge Caliber. The order above is how they ranked. CR basically said the HIGHS: Nimble handling, engine and trany, braking. LOWS: Road noise, intrument contrast.

    Also mentioned Electric stability control will be optional on 2007 models! ;)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    That's a great showing for the Mazda3, considering the price of the competition. Also consider that was the 2006 model, not the improved 2007.

    I'll bet the Caliber didn't fare very well in that comparo.
  • luvmbootyluvmbooty Member Posts: 271
    No, it didn't. CR said Highs: CVT trany, handy interior features. Lows: Acceleration, noise, visibility, fit and finish. :sick:
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    I found the Sept. 2006 Consumer Reports article on hatchbacks interesting also. Below is what I posted in the
    Protege5 forum. The Protege5 is the predecessor to the Mazda3 hatchback. In most cases the Mazda3 hatchback is a big improvement over the Protege5 but it looks like Mazda dropped the ball when it came to fuel economy since both automatics only get 25 mpg. Also, the Protege5 had an Excellent reliability rating back in 2002 whereas the current Mazda3 gets a Better than Average rating.

    "In the current crop of hatchbacks the Mazda3 tops CR's list over the Caliber, Audi3, Saab 92X, Matrix, Vibe, Focus, Malibu Maxx, PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Prius, and Scion XB. Quite an accomplishment considering some of these vehicles cost thousands more.

    The one surprising deficit of all of the hatchbacks tested in the Sept. 2006 issue (i.e. Mazda3, Caliber, Audi3, Saab 92X) is the cargo area! Surprising because that's the one area of a hatchback that one would think that a hatchback would score well.

    In August 2002, Consumer Reports recommended the Protege5 even though it came ninth in the list of hatchbacks. The top choice that year was the VW Jetta Wagon.

    Since I had a copy of CR's earlier hatchback review back in 2002 when the Protege5 came out, I found it interesting to compare the specs for the Mazda3 hatchback against those of the Protege5. As you can imagine in most cases the Mazda3 bested the P5 (horsepower, torque, acceleration, transmission ...). But here are a few places where the P5 scored better: the Protege5's brakes stop you in the dry from a 60mph in 126 ft compared to the Mazda3's 129 ft. The P5 weighs nearly 10% less than the Mazda3 hatchback and likely because of a heavier front end the weight distribution is better on the P5. Finally, it is interesting to note that both the P5 and the Mazda3 hatchback average the same 25 mpg."
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    "Finally, it is interesting to note that both the P5 and the Mazda3 hatchback average the same 25 mpg."

    What did they drive, an auto? The Mazda3 2.3 with manual gets an average of 28 mpg.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    "... both the P5 and the Mazda3 hatchback average the same 25 mpg."
    What did they drive, an auto?

    YES.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    An auto in a 4 cylinder car that heavy? Might as well be pedaling the darn thing.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Look at all the automatic I4 Camrys, Accords and the like that are out there--they are bigger/heavier than a Mazda3s. It's a fact that automatics far outsell sticks, that's why CR tends to test mostly automatics.
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    It's a fact that automatics far outsell sticks
    True!
  • vincepvincep Member Posts: 12
    Does it seem like the 3 has small cargo space for a 5-door/wagon? When compared to the Volvo V50, a car built off the same platform as the 3, the 3's cargo looks downright tiny!

    Sure, the V50's a "wagon", and the 3's a "hatch", but when you look closer at their specifications, something doesn't add up.

    Measure Mazda3 V50
    Wheelbase 103.9" 103.9" <- same platform, same wheelbase
    Length 176.6" 177.7" <- V50 only 1.1" longer!
    Width 69.1" 69.7"
    Lugage Cap 17.1cf 27.4cf <- V50 with 60% more luggage space
    Cargo Cap 31cf 63cf <- V50 with 103% more cargo space!

    Like I said, something doesn't add up, the 3's only an inch shorter, less than an inch narower, but has half the cargo space?

    Visually, the 3 has the sloping rear, where the V50 is straight back to the rear door. But it couldn't make THAT much difference, could it?
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    Interesting. I wonder how Volvo carved out so much more cargo area in the V50 which appears to offer double the space of the Mazda3 hatch. On the other hand, the V50 appears to be priced an additional $10,000 and to weigh an additional 500 lbs! Maybe the more relevant comparison to the V50 is the Mazda6 wagon.

    Consumer Reports in their current (Sept. 2006) review of hatchbacks (including the Mazda3, the Saab, and the Calibre) noted one common fault: poor cargo area.

    Personally, my Protege5 (the precursor to the Mazda3) is fine for my needs, a flip of the back seats reveals gobs of room.
This discussion has been closed.