Mazda3 Canada

jandd1

go to http://www.torontogasprices.com - make sure you get the latest results.

I decided that every time I find real cheap gas (can you believe we're calling 60 cents 'real cheap' ) I buy a lotto ticket with the savings.

loonie

Did you mention the Shell at 9th line in Markham? Are you one of the crazy guys who will line up for hours to get at probably the cheapest price in Toronto for gas? I live north of there and I see lineups everyday for that place. It's crazy. For ownly 0.03 cents more on Markham and 14th at Sunoco or Canadian Tires you don't have to wait in line and they have a lot more pumps.

loonie

Saw at McCowan and Middlefield at the PetroCanada 0.58 and that gas station is known to gauge(sp?) customers. So, I'm sure it's a lot cheaper elsewhere but under 0.60? Wow, haven't seen prices like that since the Blue Jays won the World Series.

z71bill

First of all I have used premium gas in a vehicle designed for regular 87 octane. I was trying to improve the 1/4 mile performance of my car - I had run the 1/4 dozens of times with 87 octane - I tried a few tanks with premium expecting an improvement - guess what - no improvement! I just assumed that octane must be good - so more octane must be better. I did not understand that octane is actually a measure of how much compression a fuel can withstand before it burns. High octane fuel is needed in high compression engines to prevent the fuel from igniting during the compression stroke. That would be preignition which is bad - you can tell this because your engine will knock under load.

But even if I had no experience with using premium in an engine designed for regular - I would still accept the opinion of petroleum and automotive engineers - but maybe they are all wrong - the lavaorange3 seat of the pants test must be correct! You should publish an article in popular mechanic!

3owner

I spent the first few week-ends in March cleaning the rims really well. Religiously scrubbing them down and using rim cleaner. I think it has really paid off. There is significant brake dust accumulated that if left untouched will cause some real discolouration and corrosion. The past 2 weeks I've noticed that there has been very little dust. I think after about 6,000 KM's you'll notice a significant decrease in the dust. My suggestion .... don't do nothing, a little scrubbing will go along way.
No I'm not crazy like that loonie. I never line up for gas thats more than a car deep. I figure the waiting time and the idling eliminates any savings ... especially when across the street its a cent more and no cars are lined up. I don't get it, average fill up between 40-45 litres your only saving 40-45 cents yet people will line up for 10-15 minutes to get it. It may be for principal, but saving time is more important to me.
So if no foam cowboy ... then what? LOL

Sylvia

Your post was fine...I actually clicked on the link and the number was available from that site (we had someone posting a phone number once to his ex-wife's house...kind of put the rule in place).

Anyway - post away - and thank you for the resource!

gandrigo

I finished cleaning the 3 and noticed that the side sills in front of the rear wheels are all chipped as others have noted on this forum. When I put the summer wheels back on 2 weeks ago it was nowhere near as bad leading me to believe the goodyears throw alot more debris than my snows. I am wondering if other Canadian owners, specifically in the Ottawa area are seing the same damage. Is this specific to my car/colour (3 hatch titanium), or do we all suffer from it? This issue might be more quickly addressed by Mazda if we approach it as a group. I plan on getting the area fixed and then covered with some form of paint protection, but would obviously prefer not having to pay for damage that should not be there. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.

lavaorange3

Again, you're not listening closely. I'm saying it runs better on premium than regular. Not necessarily faster. Just better. Smoother, less hesitation. Maybe the 5 tanks of regular I got from five different stations was lousy...or maybe I got the one car that is programmed to run better on premium, like the MZ3's in Australia. Their compression ratio is also 9.7:1 like the U.S. models. And if I write an article, I'll write it for Popular Sarcasm, or maybe Car & Idiot. Meantime, I'll drive my car, and ya'll drive yours.

bigdadi118

My car also can tell the diff. of regular and medium grade gas. She is smiling, smoother.

mazda6s

I think the only way to resolve this is to have a "blind test", where somebody else fills up your car with the different fuel grades and then you try to figure out which fill-up is which grade.

lavaorange3

Hop on the next flight to Hawaii and we'll do it. I'll even let you drive! Short of that, I challege all MZ3 2.3L drivers to try their own tests...

fowler3

...should file for a patent on his pants.

gandrigo: After you repaint the sills and let them dry (cure) for 30 days, put some #M plastic on them. The same stuff dealers put on the front end.

fowler3

z71bill

Since all scientific and engineering data proves you are both completely - as in 100% wrong - I don't know what else I can say. Sometimes people can't understand the facts. Run 115 octane airplane fuel in your car - if higher octane makes your car run "better" then with 115 octane it should run great. You can also buy that octane booster stuff in a bottle at Walmart - throw a few bottles of this in your tank.

malibu_jack

Glad to see that we now have a canaian board for the Mazda 3! I am in the midst of a 4 year lease with a 2001 Nissan Sentra and can't wait to ditch it next February. The car has been a real pain in the butt. Plus the there are only three dealerships in the Ottawa Area and they are all terrible short of one.

Anyway....enough venting. I took out a Mazda 3 and a toyota Matrix out for a test drive several weeks ago and man oh man....I was really surprised with the Mazda 3. It instantly became my favourite. I am starting my research now for my Sentra replacement. Yeah I know its early, but I love reading up on stuff like this.

Does anyone have a decent comparision between the Mazda 3 and the Mitsu Lancer Ralliart? They both seem to be in the same class. What I do know about the Mitsu is that the insurance is higher than the Mazda. I called my broker yesterday to get a quote on the following and was surprised by the results:

Corolla "S"
Lancer Ralliart
Mazda 3

The corolla was the most expensive, and the 3 was the least!

loonie

Before I got my mazda 3 I was looking into the Mitsu Ralliart. I still do like the Mitsu, although the interior is a little outdated and the exterior is not as flashy as the 3 but still appealing. Personally, I think the performance and handling of the Ralliart is better then the 3. But, since I am not planning on racing people on the streets I think the 3 has more then enough power and better on gas. The other thing that sold me to the mazda is the reliability issue. Mazda 3 is definitely known for their reliability whereas Mitsu in the past has been questionable. However, I do believe they may have turned it around with the 2004 Lancers. I have testdriven the Lancer and found it great to drive. It has the sport tuned exhaust which sounds very sweet. The interior space of the Lancer is also bigger I think then the Mazda 3.
So, the reason I chose the Mazda3 over the Ralliart...fun to drive, reliable, cheaper, and looks.

malibu_jack

Thanks for the information. I think it will be a tough decision, but will keep everyone in the loop...won't be for some time though.

daveinto

I'm fairly new to this & doing some research before I buy (probably in the fall)- personally I think this is great as some of my questions relate directly to Canadians- others I'll post on other boards. I'm not going to get into anything political! Here are my questions:

1) looking for the best dealer in the Toronto area- so I'd appreciate any advice/ experiences.

2) Has anyone heard what Mazda's plan is for the 2005 M3? eg. release date, any changes?

Thanks, Dave.
(dave in t.o.)

loonie

Did not go into various dealership in Toronto to get the best price. I kinda based my decision on what I've heard and went to the dealership closest to me and squeezed out a sale. I've been told it would be difficult to get a really good deal so when I was able to knock off $1000 from the pricetag I thought it was pretty good. The dealership I went to was Markham Mazda. The first guy I went to see wasn't very friendly. Did not even offer me a test drive. When I went back I had a different salesperson and he did not hesitate to give me a testdrive.
I haven't heard of anything new for the Mazda3 in the new year.

loonie

So, my girlfriend was driving my car to work one day (had to let her take it, she paid for part of the car) and she tells me the Passanger Airbag Light went on. I was thinking, "oh great", was hoping I had the model where all the problems were resolved. Anyways, when I drove the car the next day, no lights went on. The day after, same thing. I heard it was intermittent so I thought, ok, maybe someday soon. Well, it never happened. So, two weeks later my girlfriend wanted to take the car to work again and she emails me when she got to work that the light came on. I was thinking, "what the heck is she doing to my car?" Anyways, further in her email she tells me she found it odd that the light would come on only when she put her purse on top of her laptop on the passenger seat. When she lifted her purse the light would come off. When she put it back down, it would come on.
So, to make a long story short, I did not know my car had a sensor in the seat to determine if the weight did not exceed x amount it would deactivate the passenger airbag.
For a minute there, thought I had the defective airbag problem. Now I know it's another hi-tec gadget in my car. This car just does not cease to amaze me.

jandd1

Dinu,

I believe it was you who was asking me for the number of the guy who fixed my dents. The company name was Dent Tech and the guy's name was Rick...I don't think I should post the number so reach me via email and I wiil pass it on to you.
I never met this guy personaly as it was done as part of a bigger job at my body shop. So I can't quote you a price but I can tell you that every ding (probably 8 or more) vanished and he must have did it in the span of 4-5 hours. Plus I believe he does alot of work for Lease Busters out of Mississauga.

3owner

Hi jandd1,

I am very interested in someone to repair dents.
I have these 3 little dents at the rear driver door, looks like someones knuckles or something. Your email is listed as private so how can I find out more about this company? Thanks!

dinu01

Your email shows as private.

I'll look up the company. I have 2 bad ones on the drivers' door on the Protege - looks pretty bad.

If I can't find it, I'll make sure to post again.

Thanks!
Dinu

greg2

I just bought Mazda 3 around month ago and I was just wondering if anyone out there that owns this vehicle have had any A/C problems. I'm not sure if it is even a problem but when I turn it on, the air doesn't seem to get very cold at all. Can anyone give me a heads up. Thanks.

z71bill

Go take a look at Mazda3 Owners: Problems & Solutions board. Starting around post 500 - a dozen or more posts about AC issue.

3owner

I went out today to get quotes on the dents in the rear driver side door. For such little dents the prices ranged from $200-$800. They all wanted to strip down the door and repaint. They look like dimples on a golf ball. There must be a better way.
I was able to find a site that may be the place jannd1 was referring to. I'm gonna check it out tomorrow. Will let you know what I find out Dinu.
http://www.modracer.com/details.asp?intCustomerID=13984

jandd1

Sorry guys that was silly of us! Got the number if you still want it.

jadams6

Hi all. Got the Pro5 in September '03 and am not enjoying it that much. Find it loud, not very comfortable and overall it just doesn't give me the feeling I thought it would. Have test driven the 3 (GT sedan) and find it to be a superior car to the Pro5....its quieter, I feel "higher up" on the road and other improvements... Of course, payments would increase (by about $173/month) but think I would be getting a much better car. So, am I being a baby or should I make the switch while I can still salvage something for the Pro5 (they sure do depreciate fast...sheesh)? Also any tips for dealing with the dealership? There are only three here in Ottawa so not much room to manoeuver...I have already visited two and their offers are a bit high (even from "my" dealer)...probably because the 3s are selling well now...but I think in a couple of months, I could at least get a better interest rate...am I dreaming?!?!?!

Thanks.

fowler3

is in the first year. You will have to cough up more to make the deal. (The worst situation is to trade cars in the same model year.) Waiting longer doesn't mean you will do better, cars depreciate every month.

Your best bet is to sell the Pro5 yourself to an individual and then buy the Mazda3. Check Edmunds Used Car pricing lists for what the Pro5 is worth. Take digital photos of your car and post them on AutoTrader.com for your area. Cheaper and wider coverage, AutoTrader is the best way.

fowler3

malibu_jack

I heard there is a company here in the Ottawa area called the Auto Dentist....

I found a link (not sure if I can post it or not)

http://www.autodentist.ca/usethisone.swf

malibu_jack

I posted a note on the Mazda 3 sedan forum a while back, but can't seem to find the forum now...

Anyway, does anyone know what the towing capactiy is on the Mazda 3 GT? I was hoping to consider a tent trailer down the road and I am looking to purchase a new car this winter (possibly a mazda 3 GT...I really like this car). Wondering if it will handle a small tent trailer or ashould I consider a larger car?

z71bill

I looked in my owners manual under towing - It says

"NEVER TOW A TRAILER WITH YOUR MAZDA"

malibu_jack

DOH!!!!

kataleo

Hello, I am new to the forum.

Anybody has a Mazda3 Hatch in Ottawa? I am wondering how is the handling of the car in a typical Ottawa winter...

Also, has the A/C problem been fixed yet??

Thanks

avenueroad

.. for a Mazda3 Sport GS with A/C and A/T?

I knocked CAD $585 off the sticker, don't know if it's decent or below average. AFAIK they do sell well so the dealer may not have a lot of incentive to lower the price. It was Downtown Mazda in T.O.

204meca

I just got back from 5 days at BC's Sunshine Coast. I was amazed at how many P5s and Mz 3s I saw compared to the US -- seems like they must sell at least 10 times more in CND. At the same time, I never saw a Mazda Tribute which are modestly common (much more so than P5 / Mz3)in the US. I can't help but wonder why?

akarli

I'm having a problem deciding on a GS or GT Sport. I really love the GT, but I heard few people telling me how the 17'tires are unsafe for the Winter in Canda. Have anyone have any trouble with the car? I really like the sport GT c'uz of its power and heated mirrors and of course the SPOILER. Would changing to Winter tires helps? If i get the GS, I know i won't have the spoiler and I will be much safer. I really dont' know what to pick. Should I even add on a spoiler (which i also heard it will rust the car)? I am really struggling with choosing between the two models. If i can fix the 17' wheel problem then it will be a easy choice.

Please help me! I'm so confused.
AKarli

zoomzoom1

Low profile tires will not give you worse traction in the winter. It's the tread that makes the difference regardless of the sidewall size. The factory RS/A's are not the best all seasons you can get. However no mater how good your all seasons are it always a good idea to get winter tires.

akarli

So do u think if I get the gt and just buy a good set of winter tires, then it will solve the problem?

I am planning to buy it this week very soon
I hope i can make a decision

Thanks for ur advice too!

Akarli

zoomzoom1

Yes....buy a good set of winter tires and you will be fine.

fuey

hey guys/gals,
i am thinking of getting a 3 HB GT. can u tell me what u paid "on the road" (everything tax, etc included) for which model and which dealers? I recently went to markham mazda and they got 2 '04 3 HB GT left and quite a few '05 model..there were asking for $28,700 for the newer models. i try to haggle and go them to $28,000 on the road for the '04. the sale guy told me that the '05 will increase in price in 2 weeks
oh ya..the GT package includes everything except moonroof and no leather seats.
feedbacks plz.
thanx and cheers,

fuey

akarli

Hey Fuey,

I just got my Mazda3 Sport GT '05 (without the moonroof and leather seats). You should just go buy the '05 before it increase. It is the same price and every else in the car is the same as the '04, unless you choose the new colour(indigo Blue). I was able to get the $700 discount with the grad rebate.

The dealer was very nice and was able to give me a big discount for the 2005. I was able to get the total purchase price of $27,968.85 (Discount, Freight, FACT, FUEL, Admin Fee, License fee) This does not include the grad rebate which will be deducted after this price. He threw in some extra stuff for me too.

The dealer I went to was in Oakville Mazda. I don't know if this is too far for u, but I have searched the whole Mississauga, Oakville and Markham,I found Oakville has the best deal. Most of the dealers I went to said they could only give me a hundred off or even none for the new 2005. All of them told me that the car is very popular , they are actually running out of 04 to sale, and asking us to buy the 05.

*the next shipment of 2005 will come in the mid November! Go book one now*

Cheers,
Akarli

gdg

The price of the GT Sport with Air and Automatic is $23500 and with tax is $26790. That means you paid $1180 for Freight, PDI, etc. and that doesn't strike me as much of a deal. Am I missing something?

gdg

Fuey,
What a load of crap. It's 2 weeks later and the newly posted price on the Mazda website for the 2005 M3 is exactly the same as the 2004. The line the salesman fed you is the oldest trick in the book:"Buy now because the price is about to go up"
That's the kind of tactic that makes buying a new car so utterly unpleasant. Maybe I won't buy a Mazda at all!

audia8q

gdg writes..."What a load of crap. It's 2 weeks later and the newly posted price on the Mazda website for the 2005 M3 is exactly the same as the 2004.."

Do you realize that mazda raised prices of 2004 models 2 weeks before releasing 2005 prices? This way mazda can say they didnt raise prices for the intro 2005 model year, but as you can see they did raise the prices. Mazda traditionally has 4-6 price increases per year. The Mazda6 had 6 price adjustments for 2004. The MZ3 had price adjustments in Jan, April,July, Aug.

gdg

I began to look at the M3 GT (manual) in July of 2004. Looking at the price sheet I obtained at the time the price was $21,445. The price today on Mazda's website is $21,445! How do you get that there was a price increase, let alone 2 or more? There sure weren't any in Canada.

Ahhhh.....wait, now I understand. You're a dealership manager. Say it enough times and people will believe it right!
Interesting.

gdg

Lately when I go into a Mazda dealership and the response I get is that "Everyone is charging virtually the same thing: MSRP". They figure that if everyone has fixed the price the consumer has nowhere else to go.
My response as a consumer is simple: "If the price is the same down the street why should I buy from you"? At which point I walk out, put off buying a Mazda indefinitely, and begin to look more closely at other options (including not buying a new car at all). If this is beneficial to Mazda my suggestion is to keep it up............ but they won't be getting my business.

Sylvia

No personal attacks...

fuey

i have resort to asking internet car broker for pricing, he still have to get back to me, then i will check out other dealers in my area and compare prices.

audia8q

if you can cut our the rhetoric maybe you would see things a little more clearly....

I didnt say every item had a price increase... But there has been numerous price adjustments. example. The power pkg on the 'i' went from $1190 to $1400. Base price on the 's' went from $16405 to $16615. destination charge went up $25, they added advertising costs to the dealer side..and the list goes on. A nickel here a nickel there and it all adds up to real money.

gdg says ....""Everyone is charging virtually the same thing: MSRP". They figure that if everyone has fixed the price the consumer has nowhere else to go..."

-----Wow, maybe mazda dealers were up on the grassy knoll in Dallas. putting the conspiracies aside. The free market has a way of working out the prices. If everyone didnt come to the same conclusion as you, that the MZ3 is the car for them, then you would get a lower price....but when there is more demand than supply the prices go up. If your selling something and you have 3 people who want to buy your one item will you discount it or sell to the guy who is willing to pay the asking price?? Well we know the answer. If you feel discount is an important factor for buying, then you should consider a car in less demand and better supply. There are some decent discounts on Mazda6....

joe249

In order for my RSX Type S to have heated seats,I had to go to Canada.
   Does the Canadian Mazda 3 come w/them?
    Thanks