Test drove the HB today. Excellent ride, responsive, power, etc. About to buy BUT have to decide between cloth or leather seats -- anybody have the cloth and regret no leather? Or anyone have the leather and love it / dislike it? Thanks in advance!
Both my mazda3 cars a HB and a sedan have cloth seats and I wouldn't have it any other way !! I lived in Canada for 28 years and then in many parts of the Ol' USA before moving down here in Guatemala !! I have always felt that leather was too cold in the north and too hot in the south !!
I have driven many cars with leather seats and never liked them !! I owned a 1966 Jaguar XKE that had leather seats when I lived in Seattle and we got enough sun there that I burnt my --- and my back too many times !!
Good luck on your purchase -- you can't go wrong with a Mazda3 !!
I test drove the 5-door manual recently: what a blast to drive. However I did notice that acceleration was pretty tepid at about 60 mph in top gear (I didn't get a chance to really crank it above 70). I assume most Mz3 stick shift folks are spirited drivers: can some of you tell me how you deal with this matter? I suppose you could simply do a lot of shifting, tho' that might be tedious for long interstate trips. Do you find yourselves staying mostly in 4th gear when cruising between 55 and 70? Just curious.
Cloth is my preference. My '99 Pro LX has cloth. My wife's '03 P5 has leather. I find the leather too hot in summer (especially since it's black), too cold in winter, and slippery all times of the year (though this doesn't matter if you either don't push that hard in turns or fit snugly between the bolsters).
I have to admit the black leather hides most dirt better, and its smooth surface wipes clean more easily.
Im seriously considering buying the 3hatchback. Since this is my first new car purchase, its a big deal. For those that own it already: any regrets?? like it or love it?? any common problems?? is mazda reliable?? Thanks!
I would never buy another brand. Ideally, I would never buy another VEHICLE. Everyone needs one, unless they want AWD. Then they should just wait for the Mazdaspeed version.
Oh, be aware that tires can be a LITTLE hard to find and a TOUCH expensive compared to other cars. The size is only really popular as an OEM on one other vehicle...the BMW 3-series. But you can always change the wheels. Or get a Focus, but that's wimping out.
& it's for those of you who find the Mazdaspeed 6 too porky w/ AWD.
"Oh, be aware that tires can be a LITTLE hard to find and a TOUCH expensive compared to other cars. The size is only really popular as an OEM on one other vehicle...the BMW 3-series. But you can always change the wheels. Or get a Focus, but that's wimping out. "
The 16"s Focus, either the ST w/ the SVT shocks or the less-sporty SES, actually ride on 205/50, not the "wimpy" 205/55 the way the 16"s Mazda3 or some soft-spring '01 Focus ZTS do. The lighter-weight smaller diameter wheels actually help acceleration especially off the line. & the '05 Focus 2.3 engine is even more powerful off the line than the Mazda3 2.3 engine.
I prefer the 205/55 for more ride comfort & earlier break-away for more predictable, frequent & fun drifting, though.
Hope you can join us tonight for the first chat of the new year. Everything automotive is fair game, and the planning continues for our "meet up" to the Philadelphia Auto Show in Feb! Hope to see you there!
The 5 door uses the 17 inch wheels. 205/50VR17. Standard. There's no 16 inchers on the hatch. Like on the "wimpy" ST with the 205/50R16
Incidentally, I don't think the Mazdaspeed3 is set in stone yet. But we all know that the platform is capable of accepting an AWD system and Mazda has probably been looking VERY carefully at A: The sales success of the WRX, STi, and EVO, and B: the rally racing success of the Focus, which was Mazda's starting point chassis-wise.
I have gray 3 Hatchback and I am experiencing the same problem after only two weeks. I haven't even taken it to the dealer yet. Besides this, I love the car.
Going to (hopefully) pick up a Titanium Gray 3s tonight after work. I was supposed to get it last night and did everything but sign the dotted line when the contract and the verbal agreement didn't match up. The salesman had quoted one figure yet the contract had two addition months of payments tacked on the end. He claimed that's what we agreed on when he clearly stated another figure to my father and I. Interesting stuff. That's what happens when you're a 22 y.o. minority buying a car, you don't get respect. Anyways, hopefully the dealer will get its act together and work out a good deal. The car has moonroof/6CD, 4spd Auto, ABS pckg, Leather and Xenon. I could do with or without leather but definitely needed ABS and sunroof. Once you drive with Xenons, I'd imagine halogens look dim. This dealership is in the suburbs of Philly so I really got to see them in the dark with no street lamps(which I'm used to in the hood of Philly). Looks like a small patch of pure daylight in front of your car. Every car should have these lights not as a trendy looking feature but as a safety feature. Seems to be a pretty nice car and can't think of another that a demanding (driving) buyer would want. I just hate that whole compact Japanese car tuner scene thing. I like the car because I like to drive fast around corners and want something a little distinctive and absolutely hate the image of Corollas and Civics. Hope cuz I'm young, people don't perceive me as a fast and furious, 1" off the ground NOx inhaling speed junkie. I looked at a used '03 6s sedan w/ 30k mi for $17.5k. I'd figured just go with a new one with a little bit more money but at least I'd have a full 4 year warranty. Hopefully next time I post I'll have the keys.
In Canada both the 3Sport GS (less expensive) and GT have the 2.3 engine.
The only things the GT gets that the GS doesn't are -17"wheels -spoiler -heated power mirrors
-2 tweeters -steering wheel mounted cruise -anti theft -leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob...not much really.
For options - on the GS you CANNOT get moonroof,
leather seats and leather door and trim headliner.
I preferred to get a GS but really wanted the cruise control so got GT. In hindsite the seats are so comfortable and my driving position so great I didn't need cruise. And I really don't like these 17" tires in winter. Ahh..hindsite..wish now I had bot the GS.
Have you noticed thatthe Mazda hatch styling is being copied by other mskers? There's a Kia version being promoted right now and I think I even saw a Lexus or some upper-end brand with a model like it advertized.
gee35coupe is right. The Yaris (aka Echo hatchback) has been the rage outside North America for many years.
It seems like the SUVs ran the hatches out of the USA for a while. With more SUV-hybrids coming on line it will be interesting to see whether hatchbacks can survive in America.
p.s. small cars and hatchbacks have always been popular in Canada as well as Europe.
I purchased my Mazda 3 hatchback 12/18/04. It is a 2004 Strato Blue. Having read other postings, I can say that yes, you will get brake dust on the rears, more than the fronts. For me, it's not a big deal. I just clean them everyday. Hate dirty wheels. The car is a blast to drive. More then enough power for real world driving. I did experience one problem. At 539 miles, the check engine light came on. Took it back to the dealer that day and they replaced what they called a purge valve. They also replaced the gas cap, but I had to wait a week for that to come in. The light never came back on, but the service advisor told me to come back and get the new cap anyway. So far, so good. Don't let that stop you from buying this vehicle. This is my first Mazda, so I hope I made the right choice!!
I read plenty of review about the Mazda 3 S (hatchback) and I think I will go buy one.
Right now I own a Golf GTI VR6 (1997), pretty supped up (new chip, muffler, suspensions ... the whole deal) with all the pretty things we like... leather, cd changer and so forth...
I did not test drive any car so far, but based on Cosumer Report this one seems a good choice (way above average reliability and a big customer satisfaction).
I was initially oriented also towards the Honda Si, Acura CRX and Toyota Celica (pretty much in the $20K) but the M3 seems a winner (I know I know, my inner voice still say "check the RX8 or the Toyota SR2" but hey.... extra $5k might be too steep!)
Anyhow the Mazda3 with manual transmission seems the better choice, not only in performance/mechanics (yeah the RSX-S seems a biiit more fun but...) but also with the optionals (leather, sound and so forth.... yeah I like a pretty car ).
anyhow, I got financing from Capital One at 4.05% for $10K.
So the question now:
1. Is THAT financy any good, or should I look for a better one?
2. Do you have any experience with any of the Mazda dealer in the Greater Boston Area (I live in Belmont, MA)?
3. Any goooooood salesman you had experience that I can talk to?
I replaced a 1.8T with a P5 from Mazda Gallery on the automile, in Norwood. They were the best of the many Mazda dealers I went to. I found the power I lost switching to the P5 was more than made up in tossability and reliability. I've had 40K trouble free and fun miles, but am ready for an SP23 or Mini this summer.
I was negotiating the purchase of a Mazda3 hatchback when the salesman stated that a car's factory cloth trim could be replaced by leather trim for about the same price as the factory-installed leather option. I was at a loss, as I had never engaged in such a transaction, nor even previously considered it. Does anyone out there have any experience with dealer installed leather upholstery (actually, trim)? Is it likely to be about as well crafted as the factory version? Any advice would be appreciated.
If your car has side air bags, be VERY careful about aftermarket seat covers. They need to be designed and installed carefully, to take into account the air bags. You'll want to get written assurance from the dealer (and/or from the seat cover supplier) that their leather seat coverings are in fact designed to accomodate the SABs.
backy --this is very useful advice. The important issue of side air bags never occurred to me. I will certainly carefully reconsider this procedure. Many thanks.
Why? Certainly our own names are posted; if we can post and recommend names of dealerships, why can't we recommend sales people at those same dealerships?
Because the discussions become overwhelmed with salespeople recommending themselves or acting as happy customers and recommending themselves. We have dealer locator on the site for consumers to connect with dealers. The discussions should not be a free clearing house cluttered with solicitations.
Hey, I was just browsing through some old messages for anyone with paint problems and there you were, I have the same exact problem with my black hatchback... I have had it for a year now and mazda has painted it twice and put mud flaps on also but it keeps happening. Do you live on a dirt road? I do and they refuse to fix it again claiming that I am the only person with this problem, have you contacted your dealer? I also live in Pa.. Anyway please let me know about the dirt road thing, because I am about to go ahead with a lawyer and explore the lemon law option...
I found an SP23 at a local dealer and the salesman told me to hurry if I wanted it because the SP23s were of limited production and no more were being made for the rest of this year. Is that true or just typical salesman lies?
I just got a MAZDA 3 SP3 and I am about to go pick it up in the next few days:
It comes with moonroof and security package BUT no MP3 player... that I found pretty handy on my current car.
The dealere is asking for it $355 and installation is $84.
Insted of that pricier solution I was thinking having an external audio jack to plug my ipod, but they do not provide such service.
So considering I already feel I paid gold for the car ($21K), is it worthwhile adding the extra $439 for it or looking into a cheaper solution like the jack installation by a car sound shop (mind you I do not even know how much that would cost anyway)?
I found that a Belkin TuneCast II Mobile FM Transmitter (F8V3080) works great with any player that has an earphone jack. You tune your radio and the transmitter to any frequency with a weak signal. You can't beat the price at $28. Radio Shack has something similar but the reviews aren't very positive.
Picked up my SP23 on the 22nd and have been greatly impressed! Mine has black leather, 5-speed, moonroof, all the goodies....traded in an '02 Protege5 and am unbelievably happy with the SP23! Anyone else out there have one ??
My "on-the-road" price was sticker....$21,545. Wheel locks were thrown in....my car does not gave the navigation system. Drove it all over town today and am still incredibly happy! Outside of all the crap on Wisconsin roads in winter, it's been a pleasure to drive. Let me know when you get yours
Just purchased a 2005 Mazda3 SP23 which has the option of purchasing a kit for Sirius satellite radio. I am currently an XM satellite radio subscriber (because I'm a baseball geek!) and was wondering if there was any way to get an accessory kit that would enable XM reception in the SP23 instead of Sirius ?? It would be great if I could use my XM throuth the SP23 Bose stereo!
Time for another chat session with your fellow forum residents! Should be another fun hour as we discuss the automotive (and some not-so-automotive) issues of the day.
Yeap, got mine yesterday, your same one.... and looks great. I am still looking into how to connect the IPod to it, considering it has the BOSE system and not the ALPINE (if I got it right).... or is it only the sound system? Uhm... maybe this is another question
Yeah, I saw that solution but it seems the SP3 is monting a BOSE system and not the alpine.... Actually I have trouble finding out what type of "stereo" it is (model and such). I ma pretty sure about the speakers tho
So would the piemaz working on it or not (actually I was looking into the ICE-Link plus)?
What other solution is available IF this is a BOSE stereo?
Yep...the SP23 has the Bose audio system. I'm not sure how to connect the iPod...would you know of anyone who could answer the question regarding the Sirius satellite available through Mazda ?? I currently subscribe to XM and would love to have that in my SP23
Fitting a bike in the back was a huge factor when car shopping, and my 5 door 3 holds my road bikes perfectly with the seats down. I also looked at the Matrix and the decision wasn't even close. Hope this helps. Daryl
I firmly agree with the above post! My Mazda3 5-door holds my road bike with ease (whith the front wheel off). Had the Protege5 before this car and the bike fit in the P5, but barely! I am quite impresses with my 3!
Comments
I have driven many cars with leather seats and never liked them !! I owned a 1966 Jaguar XKE that had leather seats when I lived in Seattle and we got enough sun there that I burnt my --- and my back too many times !!
Good luck on your purchase -- you can't go wrong with a Mazda3 !!
barry42
I have to admit the black leather hides most dirt better, and its smooth surface wipes clean more easily.
Oh, be aware that tires can be a LITTLE hard to find and a TOUCH expensive compared to other cars. The size is only really popular as an OEM on one other vehicle...the BMW 3-series. But you can always change the wheels. Or get a Focus, but that's wimping out.
"Oh, be aware that tires can be a LITTLE hard to find and a TOUCH expensive compared to other cars. The size is only really popular as an OEM on one other vehicle...the BMW 3-series. But you can always change the wheels. Or get a Focus, but that's wimping out.
The 16"s Focus, either the ST w/ the SVT shocks or the less-sporty SES, actually ride on 205/50, not the "wimpy" 205/55 the way the 16"s Mazda3 or some soft-spring '01 Focus ZTS do. The lighter-weight smaller diameter wheels actually help acceleration especially off the line. & the '05 Focus 2.3 engine is even more powerful off the line than the Mazda3 2.3 engine.
I prefer the 205/55 for more ride comfort & earlier break-away for more predictable, frequent & fun drifting, though.
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Incidentally, I don't think the Mazdaspeed3 is set in stone yet. But we all know that the platform is capable of accepting an AWD system and Mazda has probably been looking VERY carefully at A: The sales success of the WRX, STi, and EVO, and B: the rally racing success of the Focus, which was Mazda's starting point chassis-wise.
Meade
Mazda3 Special Edition MSRP starting at ????????
The Sport GT has the 205/50/r17's.
Up here, the SportGS does not have a spoiler and several other things like factory installed cruise for instance that the GT has. Regards
everfeb
They have to do that to get us stuck-up Americans to part with our stupid looking, inneficient trunks.
The only things the GT gets that the GS doesn't are -17"wheels -spoiler -heated power mirrors
-2 tweeters -steering wheel mounted cruise -anti theft -leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob...not much really.
For options - on the GS you CANNOT get moonroof,
leather seats and leather door and trim headliner.
I preferred to get a GS but really wanted the cruise control so got GT. In hindsite the seats are so comfortable and my driving position so great I didn't need cruise. And I really don't like these 17" tires in winter. Ahh..hindsite..wish now I had bot the GS.
everfeb
It seems like the SUVs ran the hatches out of the USA for a while. With more SUV-hybrids coming on line it will be interesting to see whether hatchbacks can survive in America.
p.s. small cars and hatchbacks have always been popular in Canada as well as Europe.
You made the right choice.
Meade
I read plenty of review about the Mazda 3 S (hatchback) and I think I will go buy one.
Right now I own a Golf GTI VR6 (1997), pretty supped up (new chip, muffler, suspensions ... the whole deal) with all the pretty things we like... leather, cd changer and so forth...
I did not test drive any car so far, but based on Cosumer Report this one seems a good choice (way above average reliability and a big customer satisfaction).
I was initially oriented also towards the Honda Si, Acura CRX and Toyota Celica (pretty much in the $20K) but the M3 seems a winner (I know I know, my inner voice still say "check the RX8 or the Toyota SR2" but hey.... extra $5k might be too steep!)
Anyhow the Mazda3 with manual transmission seems the better choice, not only in performance/mechanics (yeah the RSX-S seems a biiit more fun but...) but also with the optionals (leather, sound and so forth.... yeah I like a pretty car
anyhow, I got financing from Capital One at 4.05% for $10K.
So the question now:
1. Is THAT financy any good, or should I look for a better one?
2. Do you have any experience with any of the Mazda dealer in the Greater Boston Area (I live in Belmont, MA)?
3. Any goooooood salesman you had experience that I can talk to?
4. Any other advice?
Thanks in advance guys....
Max
Thanks!
The important thing is for the dealer to remind the leather company that the car does in fact have side airbags.
And..I had always heard that it was to be avoided..
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Why? Certainly our own names are posted; if we can post and recommend names of dealerships, why can't we recommend sales people at those same dealerships?
Meade
Thanks!
I just got a MAZDA 3 SP3 and I am about to go pick it up in the next few days:
It comes with moonroof and security package BUT no MP3 player... that I found pretty handy on my current car.
The dealere is asking for it $355 and installation is $84.
Insted of that pricier solution I was thinking having an external audio jack to plug my ipod, but they do not provide such service.
So considering I already feel I paid gold for the car ($21K), is it worthwhile adding the extra $439 for it or looking into a cheaper solution like the jack installation by a car sound shop (mind you I do not even know how much that would cost anyway)?
Is there any other solution to such a dilemma?
Thanks
Max
The MSRP difference over a loaded 3 hatch is, I think, ~$900. But I imagine the difference would be greater after price negotiating.
Glad I pulled the trigger now. It's not like I need bun warmers in Georgia anyway.
Jason
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I am still looking into how to connect the IPod to it, considering it has the BOSE system and not the ALPINE (if I got it right).... or is it only the sound system? Uhm... maybe this is another question
Actually I have trouble finding out what type of "stereo" it is (model and such). I ma pretty sure about the speakers tho
So would the piemaz working on it or not (actually I was looking into the ICE-Link plus)?
What other solution is available IF this is a BOSE stereo?
Let me know
Thanks
Max
When folding the rear seat flats, can it hold a Mountain bike laying flat with the front wheel off?
Thanks. It's between the 3 and the Matrix.
Hope this helps.
Daryl