your fuel economy will improve. It was true on the Protegés and I'm sure it will happen with the new engines. Keep in mind the weather this time of year, being anxious to drive fast, and bad road conditions requiring you to slow down and then speed up again.
The best fuel economy will be when you drive a long route at a steady speed at medium rpms. If you want top performance all the time -- expect poor fuel economy, it's the price of the game.
At 7,000rpm if you hear a sucking sound -- it's your fuel pump trying to draw the last drop of gas.
fowler3
Mazda Mania tonight, bring your questions and ask them LIVE. Many drivers there to answer them. 9:00PM EST, 8:00PM CST, 7:00PM MST, 6:00PM PST. Help us build a great chat room; the Subbies have one, are you going to let them beat us?
...PETPAD...minutia...nice word. I'm not into it either however being quite far from a dealer I want to get as much done locally as I can so have to get things right the first time. And when you don't know what right is...and your dealer doesn't seem to know what right is...that's problematic.
...HOWHO...yes, thanks for those specs..it helps. You said "your dealer is supposed to take care of details" and "my dealer and Mazda CA were no help." I hear you. That's why I gather information from the knowledgeable people on this forum and truly appreciate the time folks take to help. BTW...I'm shopping for wheels and tires for next fall, not right away. And sorry to hear about your windshield.
"At 7,000rpm if you hear a sucking sound -- it's your fuel pump trying to draw the last drop of gas"
That is some funny stuff. Now I know why I keep reading these boards all the time. I wonder if the other car sections are this funny?
I think you would be able to go further than you are once your car is broken in. The Mz3 is rated better than the P5 and I can get 7.5 l/100 (31 MPG - USA) on the avg hwy trip. At 31 mpg you should easily be able to travel 400+ miles without getting too close to empty. I've also heard that people in California get worse mileage than everybody else. Don't know if it is the gas or because you have so many fun mtn roads you can drive on.
"Does anyone know if it is possible to fit a bigger gas tank...?"
..hmmm... interesting question... Let's see what we got here... an award-winning, AJAC Car of the Year and Best in two categories, world platform homerun vehicle, yadi yada, with two engine choices... hmmm... now I dont design gas tank but I wouldn't think there is a single cubic inch of spare space anywhere around the tank....
But WAIT!! I have your solution! The aviation industry, which I am a part of, has solved that nasty problem over and over, for all kinds of aircraft. Auxiliary fuel tanks!! Tip tanks! Fuel bladders and the like... Now you could rip the backseat, get a custom-made 100-gallon fuel bladder, a custom made transfer pump and associated valves, gauges, pressure relief valve and hoses. If you want to keep your back seat, you could put the bladder in the trunk, or better, on top of the roof with a custom fairing borrowed from the trucking industry.
All in all you would could get 800 to 1000 extra miles before refuelling, on top of the regular tank... Cost for the retro-kit, aviation grade I'm afraid, would run in the 40 to 50K range, but well worth it...
spare-tire-well auxiliary fuel tank for over $100. But people discovered that the rear end dips down, so it needs another set of aftermarket rear springs to keep the car leveled.
The weight of this tank full of fuel costs fuel economy anyway, not to mention a worse handling & crash-test rating. The VW Rabbit/Jetta I were able to sort of get away w/ it 'cause its trailing-arm rear suspension allows the spare-tire well located way forward between the rear wheels.
I'd adopt the gear ratio from the Euro diesel Mazda3 to lower the top-gear rpm for the 5-speed manual transmission to extend your trans-Continental non-stop record.
(4 door 3s, auto trans, titanium gray, loaded w/o leather or navi system)
So, after another 20 miles in my new 3 I can say I'm very happy I bought this car. It's replacing a 97 Mystique V6 that I absolutely loved (zillion mechanical problems but it drove like a dream until it died hard), so it's got quite a reputation to live up to.
The car feels roomier inside (at least in the front). Some number crunching here confirms this, so that's cool. As for "peppiness" I had some concerns, going from a very sporty (albeit auto) V6 to an automatic 4, but it seems just fine. I can tell the engine _wants_ to be hooked up to a manual, but the auto is fine (and means my wife can drive it, too). I took it on the highway today and while I didn't really "open it up" I did cruise at normal speed, I did a couple speed-ups to pass people, etc. I didn't feel hampered by the car at all.
Plus, it's pretty sweet looking, though this is my first non-red car. Heh. When we signed the paperwork yesterday we saw a college kid looking to lease one of these -- my wife gave me a hard time about being 30 and buying the same car some college kid wanted. Oh well! She can buy a station wagon, I'll keep the sporty sedan thank you . I told her in ten years I'll be back to buy an RX-8!
A long, long, time ago the family car had a spare gas tank. My father installed it himself in the old Dodge, in the days when there was still plenty of room under the hoods of cars (and no one knew anything about automotive safety). As a teenage driver I tried making it over the Williamsburg Bridge in NYC on a near-empty tank (gas prices were cheaper in Queens than Manhattan, 28.9 vs 32.9 cents/gal). I stalled out. No problem. Just lifted the hood, turned the petcock, restarted, and continued on my way.
There ought to be some spare room under the Mazda3's hood, don't you think?
If I remember correctly, the 3 does have heated ext. mirrors. And, if I think I remember this from reading the manual too, to turn them on simply turn on the rear defroster and the ext. mirror warming devices come on as well.
"All in all you would could get 800 to 1000 extra miles before refuelling, on top of the regular tank... Cost for the retro-kit, aviation grade I'm afraid, would run in the 40 to 50K range, but well worth it..."
Hey, what we really need are tankers cruising the highways that can refuel 3's without stopping, like fighter jets.
Can't you just see a hose with a funnel coming out of a moonroof and trailing back to a tanker? Just what you need for trans-Canada trips.
I thought the side ducts on the top of the dash also fed warm air through holes near the outside mirrors to defrost them. Some cars have holes in each end of the dash, near the mirrors, for this purpose. You have to open the door to see them.
Us-spec doesn't have heated mirrors (all Canadian trims with power mirrors have them). I'm sure it can be retrofitted to US-spec cars you get the parts from Canada.
heated mirrors should have been standard on all 3s and Sport models in the US.... weird
That's one thing I like about Acuras, you get one price , one car, fully loaded, period. Sure they have a few accessories such as gold trim or roof racks but the beef is all in there.... Walk in, write the check, and drive away with all the goodies...
"I thought the side ducts on the top of the dash also fed warm air through holes near the outside mirrors to defrost them. Some cars have holes in each end of the dash, near the mirrors, for this purpose. You have to open the door to see them."
How creative, by blowing hot air on the back side of the outside mirrors will defog/defrost them. Why don't they just vent some underhood hot air outside the car directly on to the outside mirrors?
I believe these dash holes are to continue the airflow inside the door to defog/defrost the side glass from the opening on top of the interior door panel 'cause we don't always set hot air from the HVAC. It's just some high-tech-looking gimmick, as the side-window defroster can be blown side-way from the dash top directly.
I agree only there is something even better... repalce Acura with Scion
That's one thing I like about Scions, you get one price , one car, fully loaded, period. Sure they have a few accessories such as gold trim or roof racks but the beef is all in there.... Walk in, write the check, and drive away with all the goodies...
In the newspaper ads, I kept seeing V6 Camry specials for the price of 4-cyl Accord LX specials -- $18999. But the MSRP for a LOADED V6 Camry can cost over $29k! See p55 Feb '02 CR. & it didn't seem to have navigation, either. The MSRP for the TSX auto is $27k w/o navigation.
"In the newspaper ads, I kept seeing V6 Camry specials for the price of 4-cyl Accord LX specials -- $18999. But the MSRP for a LOADED V6 Camry can cost over $29k! See p55 Feb '02 CR. & it didn't seem to have navigation, either. The MSRP for the TSX auto is $27k w/o navigation."
hmmm, I maybe the oldest 3 owner in Canada, I'm pushing 61, I like to consider the 3 as a poor man's sport sedan, poor man's audi, poor man's passat etc. Maybe in a couple of years I will look at the 8, you only go through once! love the car, I haven't experienced any of the posted concerns other than the rear rotors seem to be grooved. Have 3500km's and touching wood.
rj... I dont think you should "consider" your new 3 as a poor man's anything, as it is nothing but... I went through this aggravating "self-image myopia" way back in 86 when I bought a new Jetta and kept hearing it was the poor man's BMW... The Mazda3 holds no image backseat to anything. It's also the 2004 Car of the Year from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and is a new world standard in its category. You are rather smart to have chosen the 3 over an Audi!
I have a 93 Probe GT and agree with another ex-Probe GT owner that the 3 drives a lot like the Probe GT - not all of it is good. On the one hand, it's sharp looking inside and out, decently quick and has sharp handling (fun to drive), but it's ride is pretty stiff and the tires rumble very loudly over rough pavement. Also, like the Probe GT, its top gear is too short for relaxed freeway cruising (3000 rpm in a Probe GT 5-speed manual top gear gives you ony 60 mph; 3000 rpm in a 3 hatch 4-speed auto top gear gives you only slightly more - 66 mph). The short top gear makes the cars feel short legged for long distance cruising. It feels very inefficient since the engines have plenty of power to pull a taller top gear.
I was at the Toronto Car Show yesterday and spent most of my time around the mazda booth and the M3. There were alot of men sitting in the M3 that were a lot older than me and I'm 46. So I don't think there is any age restriction on this car. If you like the car go for it. I was talking to the salesman there from a local Toronto dealership and he has the air bag light problem on the demo he is driving right now. So this must be a pretty wide spread problem. He says they are disappearing off his lot as soon as he gets them. But then what else would a good saleman say.
"the 2.0, which has significantly weaker low end than the 2.3, Mazda3 auto revs only about 2200 rpm at 60 mph."
Yeah that may be the case, but the price to pay is no response if you floor it... I like to have some juice in 4th and 5th to either pass without shifting down endlessly. I'm willing to sacrifice a few RPM's for the added benefit of available power. I guess if someone does a lot of highway cruising in the 3, the 2.0 makes more sense in terms of lower gas consumption and quieter ride. But I would argue than most 3 buyers are bugging it around town and short trips. Good thing to know though if you are undecided between the two engines.
Just curious...what color do you own? My 60 year old father in-law loves the 3, but hates all the colors. He is actually going to buy a corolla because all the 3 colors are too "juvenile" for him. (Except the titanium gray, and he thinks it is too flat.)
Maybe there is no hope, but I would have loved to see my avid Toyota fan dad owning a Mazda!!
2.0 is sufficient for old people, that's why there's the light beige interior, & the light beige & light & dark green exterior to satisfy them. Although I'm not old, I still like the Starlight Green more than the other color choices.
Exactly what isn't qualify for old people anyway? It's the low seating, which Mazda3 isn't.
Recently I saw an old man driving an "old people's" ES330, which sacrificed handling for ride comfort. What Lexus missed is that this old man tided two wood sticks vertically w/ ugly-looking duck tape to the corners of the front bumper.
This is also what's wrong w/ the new Acura TSX/TL sedans, 'cause the new Mazda3 allows the driver to see a good portion of the hood.
By the way, about the only car I don't tide little fake antennas on the front bumper corners is my boxy '84 Jetta. People have been wondering about my amazing skill in the parking lot, especially I also added a fake antenna on my right trunk corner if the car doesn't have a rear spoiler.
the only reason the 2.3 auto revs high on the fwy is because Mazda got no 5-spd auto to keep the gears close enough for this "weak below 3000 rpm" 2.3. & Mazda must make the customers able to feel the significant increase in liveliness when upgrading from the 2.0 auto to the 2.3 auto, which is already less lively than the 2.3 5-sp manual.
Mazda also lacks Audi's CVT technology, which not only provides "infinitely close enough" gear-ratio selection but also wide range of ratio from the bottom gear to the top gear for a CVT.
As far as Acura's it was cool when the TL was priced under 30K but now I wouldn't probably buy one. Its just alot of money to shell out: 34K that is. I like the new TL and everything but the price tag just scares me but Acura had to go away from the value buyer and go upmarket. You don't want to stay "value leader" forever if your Acura. The Mazda 6s takes the place of the 99-03 TL in the value book in my opinion.
BTW, I saw a black 3 sedan yesterday and a woman in her 30's or 40's was dirving it. Mazda is getting buyers from all ranges with this car it looks like. I see the same black 3 everyday diving to work sometimes meaning I already counted it in my tally of 3 sightings so far.
My salesman threw in a little booklet - he said it was a quick reference guide - but it turned out to be a "How to sell the Mazda3 handbook"
It is titled "2004 Fast Facts"
This is straight out of the book -
"The Mazda3 is targeted at technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts for whom instant gratification is a way of life. These buyers in their early twenties to early thirties like being busy and are easily bored.
The Mazda3 4-Door directs itself at socially active professionals in their twenties and early thirties who often live in an urban area. These status conscious buyers want to be noticed, yet tend to be a bit more reserved than Mazda3 5-Door target customers"
The book also tells the salesperson what to say on a test drive - and even tells them what to say if the customer says - I like the Corolla (or Civic) because of its reliability -
If I would only have know that I was too old to buy a Mazda3 - I would have bought it anyway!
I asked this a while back, but I guess nobody knew?
I hear the 2.3L Mazda3 manual revs kinda high on the freeway. I have a 2.3L Mazda6 manual and it’s pretty relaxed on the freeway, definitely more relaxed than my old 2001 Protégé ES 2.0L manual.
Why would Mazda put lower gears in the Mazda3 2.3L compared to the Mazda6 2.3L when the 3 is lighter and could probably do OK with taller gears than the 6? It doesn’t really make any sense.
Well, I'm not bored, I'm 47, and I own a Mazda3 hatch...with a stick no less. Hmmm. Meantime, just turned 3500 miles, so we're off to the local Mazda dealer for an oil change tomorrow. And we just scored our best mileage yet with the 2.3L: 30.581 mpg...mixture of freeway, highway, and steet...
well, I just look at the spec for MT, the ratios are 3.1 vs 3.0 (for resp. Mazda3 vs Mazda6). There are also very little different between the wheel diameters. That's 3%, no big deal.
I was not complaining about the gears in the 3, I've never driven one. I'm just responding to those who think it's geared too high.
It still doesn't make sense why the heavier car with the same engine would be geared taller. With less weight to move around, you'd think the Mazda3 would have the taller gears.
"The Mazda3 is targeted at technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts for whom instant gratification is a way of life. These buyers in their early twenties to early thirties like being busy and are easily bored.
The Mazda3 4-Door directs itself at socially active professionals in their twenties and early thirties who often live in an urban area. These status conscious buyers want to be noticed, yet tend to be a bit more reserved than Mazda3 5-Door target customers"
I happen to be in my early 20's, and fit this description for the most part. I like people to notice what car I am driving, and am also a bit reserved ( I am getting a sedan). I do happen to get bored fairly easily, so I like the many features the Mazda3 offers such as the steering wheel audio controls, 6CD changer, and moonroof, which will keep me entertained. Also, I was almost instantly satisfied with the car the first time I threw it in a corner at a speed I thought MIGHT have been too fast, yet the MZ3 handled it with ease.
Too bad, the advertising doesn't reflect the sentiments expressed in this book. The commercials are way too juvenile for "socially active professionals" and "technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts", especially when they talk about "all this stuff". UUGGGHHH!
That's funny. The salesman who rode with me when I took my initial test drive must have read it. He kept up a running commentary during the whole drive extolling the strong points of the 3 vs. the "low" points of the Civic, Corolla and Sentra. I wasn't really listening since I'd already done my research anyway. I also don't really fit their description either. Seeing as I'm married, 39 years old, living in suburbia, holding down a "high-level" (snort!) technology job, and my "active" social life involves getting a babysitter once a month so I can go out and have a grown-up dinner with the wife.
When I signed in, I got multiple "secure" and "not secure" warnings, including the one where I entered my email and PW which said "this is a mixture of secure and non-secure areas". It might be a good idea to bring this to the attention of the appropriate people. If I'm enetering my PW, it should not be in a non-secure area.
"2.0 is sufficient for old people, that's why there's the light beige interior, & the light beige & light & dark green exterior to satisfy them." You obviously have incorrectly sterotyped old people (or maybe you just don't like them). Wanna race? I'll kick your butt. haha
bean3422: You should have done a better job selling your father-in-law on buying the MZ3. Oh, he will like the Corolla's mushy ride, but he will miss out on what "handling" means.
Tell your father-in-law I said to take a test drive in the MZ3, he may change his mind. And tell him a happy, 73-year-old Protegé owner said this. At 60, he is still young enough to buy a red or Lavaorange car. I have a 74-year-old Protegé5 owner/friend in Florida, he bought a yellow one. Too many 60-year-olds think they are OLD before their time. We only come this way once, enjoy it!
Imp180psu said: "Too bad, the advertising doesn't reflect the sentiments expressed in this book. The commercials are way too juvenile for "socially active professionals" and "technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts", especially when they talk about "all this stuff". UUGGGHHH!"
I agree, Mazda's magazine ads and commercials leave a lot to be desired. They lead off nicely but fail to inform with details. Mazda depends too much on sales people doing that and most haven't done their homework -- they don't know half as much as people on this board. Car dealers have high salespeople turn-over rates. They should hire people who identify with sport sedans and are enthusiastic to sell, as well as older, knowledgeable salesmen who understand the older buyer's needs.
Any idea if Mazda ever plans to offer stability control on the 3? This is an extremely important safety feature. The lack of stability control might keep me from buying a 3. I sent an email to Mazda and am awaiting a response. Maybe a bunch of us can send emails to Mazda so they offer it for MY2005
"You obviously have incorrectly sterotyped old people (or maybe you just don't like them). Wanna race? I'll kick your butt. haha"
Typical old people are the ones not interested in accelerating more than, say, the 1.7 Civic can. I guess the power of the Civic 1.7 is design to satisfy old people. ;-) I will be old one day, & I don't know how will I drive compare to others in my age.
I think it has to do with how Mazda wants to present each car. The same engine is "positioned" differently in two different cars. In the 6, 2.3L is the smaller of the two engines (2.3L and 3L), so they gear it tall to appeal to people who want the benefit of a smaller engine - economy. In the 3, 2.3L is the bigger of the two engines (2L and 2.3L), so they gear it low to appeal to people who want the benefit of a bigger engine - performance. The old Ford Probe GT had a similar arrangement, kind of - the bigger "performance" engine (2.5L V6) revs higher on the freeway than the smaller "economy" engine (2L 4).
can't believe that i beat bluong1 to posting this and helping us all. he usually comes up with all the useful info.... he must be out buying a ferrari or something
_______________________________________
01-008/04 2004 MAZDA3 - MIL ILLUMINATION WITH DTC P0128 APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS 2004 MAZDA3
VIN Lower Than
Vehicle Application
JM1 BK1431 41 152012
FED / Canada, 2.3L, M/T
JM1 BK1234 41 150905
FED / Canada, 2.3L, A/T
JM1 BK12F5 41 151846
FED / Canada, 2.0L, M/T
JM1 BK12F1 41 151679
FED / Canada, 2.0L, A/T
JM1 BK1436 41 152555
CAL, 2.3L, M/T
JM1 BK1232 41 150952
CAL, 2.3L, A/T
JM1 BK15F5 41 150194
CAL, 2.0L, M/T
JM1 BK32F0 41 149661
CAL, 2.0L, A/T
DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may experience the MIL illumination with DTC P0128 (Coolant Thermostat Stuck Open) stored in memory. This condition may be caused by improper PCM calibration.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicles repaired using the following procedure.
Please update the PCM of vehicles in dealer inventory. When a customer brings their vehicle in for service, update their PCM also.
REPAIR PROCEDURE Verify customer concern.
Using WDS B29.2 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the "Module Reprogramming" procedure. NOTE:
Always update the WDS PTU first, then install the needed calibration file that WDS shows during PCM reprogramming. Go to "WDS Calibration" on ESI and download the "update" file. If the PTU is not updated to the latest WDS calibration level, the calibration file will not install into the PTU.
It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the WDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the WDS reprogramming procedure.
WDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.
Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of WDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.
When reprogramming a PCM, WDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.
When performing this procedure, if the WDS PTU is not docked and connected to 115V-120V, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it will damage the WDS PTU.
Place an "Authorized Modification" label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new calibration information near the Emission Control Information Label located on the hood or in the engine compartment.
Verify repair. NOTE: After reprogramming a PCM, it is necessary to road test the vehicle to relearn KAM (Keep Alive Memory) strategy and verify no MIL illumination or DTC's are present.
bean3422 -- I've got the Titanium Gray. I don't think it's too flat, but to each his own . I was tempted by the brighter colors but I kept going back to the gray. Black can't really be too juvenile, can it?
z71bill -- isn't it fun to be reduced to a market segment? I wouldn't have thought "instant gratification was a way of life" for me, but whatever. I'll take the "socially active" label; but I'm not sure staying home and watching TiVo with my wife is "socially active." But, as Imp180psu says, some of the shoes do fit, so I guess I should wear them .
I do hate the Mz3 commercials, though. When I tell people what car I have, and then hear, "Oh, with that awful commercial where the doofy guy says, 'Why isn't there a car for me?'" ... I have to hang my head and nod. "But it's much nicer than that," I offer. That's ok. Everyone who has seen it or ridden in it has praised it.
Comments
The best fuel economy will be when you drive a long route at a steady speed at medium rpms. If you want top performance all the time -- expect poor fuel economy, it's the price of the game.
At 7,000rpm if you hear a sucking sound -- it's your fuel pump trying to draw the last drop of gas.
fowler3
Mazda Mania tonight, bring your questions and ask them LIVE. Many drivers there to answer them. 9:00PM EST, 8:00PM CST, 7:00PM MST, 6:00PM PST.
Help us build a great chat room; the Subbies have one, are you going to let them beat us?
...HOWHO...yes, thanks for those specs..it helps.
You said "your dealer is supposed to take care of details" and "my dealer and Mazda CA were no help." I hear you. That's why I gather information from the knowledgeable people on this forum and truly appreciate the time folks take to help. BTW...I'm shopping for wheels and tires for next fall, not right away. And sorry to hear about your windshield.
Thanks again.
everfeb
That is some funny stuff. Now I know why I keep reading these boards all the time. I wonder if the other car sections are this funny?
I think you would be able to go further than you are once your car is broken in. The Mz3 is rated better than the P5 and I can get 7.5 l/100 (31 MPG - USA) on the avg hwy trip. At 31 mpg you should easily be able to travel 400+ miles without getting too close to empty. I've also heard that people in California get worse mileage than everybody else. Don't know if it is the gas or because you have so many fun mtn roads you can drive on.
..hmmm... interesting question... Let's see what we got here... an award-winning, AJAC Car of the Year and Best in two categories, world platform homerun vehicle, yadi yada, with two engine choices... hmmm... now I dont design gas tank but I wouldn't think there is a single cubic inch of spare space anywhere around the tank....
But WAIT!! I have your solution! The aviation industry, which I am a part of, has solved that nasty problem over and over, for all kinds of aircraft. Auxiliary fuel tanks!! Tip tanks! Fuel bladders and the like... Now you could rip the backseat, get a custom-made 100-gallon fuel bladder, a custom made transfer pump and associated valves, gauges, pressure relief valve and hoses. If you want to keep your back seat, you could put the bladder in the trunk, or better, on top of the roof with a custom fairing borrowed from the trucking industry.
All in all you would could get 800 to 1000 extra miles before refuelling, on top of the regular tank... Cost for the retro-kit, aviation grade I'm afraid, would run in the 40 to 50K range, but well worth it...
Good luck!! :-)
Pet
The weight of this tank full of fuel costs fuel economy anyway, not to mention a worse handling & crash-test rating. The VW Rabbit/Jetta I were able to sort of get away w/ it 'cause its trailing-arm rear suspension allows the spare-tire well located way forward between the rear wheels.
I'd adopt the gear ratio from the Euro diesel Mazda3 to lower the top-gear rpm for the 5-speed manual transmission to extend your trans-Continental non-stop record.
So, after another 20 miles in my new 3 I can say I'm very happy I bought this car. It's replacing a 97 Mystique V6 that I absolutely loved (zillion mechanical problems but it drove like a dream until it died hard), so it's got quite a reputation to live up to.
The car feels roomier inside (at least in the front). Some number crunching here confirms this, so that's cool. As for "peppiness" I had some concerns, going from a very sporty (albeit auto) V6 to an automatic 4, but it seems just fine. I can tell the engine _wants_ to be hooked up to a manual, but the auto is fine (and means my wife can drive it, too). I took it on the highway today and while I didn't really "open it up" I did cruise at normal speed, I did a couple speed-ups to pass people, etc. I didn't feel hampered by the car at all.
Plus, it's pretty sweet looking, though this is my first non-red car. Heh. When we signed the paperwork yesterday we saw a college kid looking to lease one of these -- my wife gave me a hard time about being 30 and buying the same car some college kid wanted. Oh well! She can buy a station wagon, I'll keep the sporty sedan thank you
-is that good or bad?
"...my wife gave me a hard time about being 30 and buying the same car some college kid wanted"...
- I'm 43 and I also wanted it... she'd hate me!!
"...I told her in ten years I'll be back to buy an RX-8!..."
- Now you're talking, she'll wish you were still 30...
Pet
A long, long, time ago the family car had a spare gas tank. My father installed it himself in the old Dodge, in the days when there was still plenty of room under the hoods of cars (and no one knew anything about automotive safety). As a teenage driver I tried making it over the Williamsburg Bridge in NYC on a near-empty tank (gas prices were cheaper in Queens than Manhattan, 28.9 vs 32.9 cents/gal). I stalled out. No problem. Just lifted the hood, turned the petcock, restarted, and continued on my way.
There ought to be some spare room under the Mazda3's hood, don't you think?
Anyone know of a way to upgrade the outside mirrors - so they have the defrost feature?
Maybe someone else can confirm this for me?
Hey, what we really need are tankers cruising the highways that can refuel 3's without stopping, like fighter jets.
Can't you just see a hose with a funnel coming out of a moonroof and trailing back to a tanker? Just what you need for trans-Canada trips.
fowler3
fowler3
That's one thing I like about Acuras, you get one price , one car, fully loaded, period. Sure they have a few accessories such as gold trim or roof racks but the beef is all in there.... Walk in, write the check, and drive away with all the goodies...
How creative, by blowing hot air on the back side of the outside mirrors will defog/defrost them. Why don't they just vent some underhood hot air outside the car directly on to the outside mirrors?
I believe these dash holes are to continue the airflow inside the door to defog/defrost the side glass from the opening on top of the interior door panel 'cause we don't always set hot air from the HVAC. It's just some high-tech-looking gimmick, as the side-window defroster can be blown side-way from the dash top directly.
That's one thing I like about Scions, you get one price , one car, fully loaded, period. Sure they have a few accessories such as gold trim or roof racks but the beef is all in there.... Walk in, write the check, and drive away with all the goodies...
and it sounds even more adequate here
(sorry, I dont have a life...)!!
:-)
I appologize to Toyota fans, couldn't help it.
It was ok when they offered the old V6 TL because it was under $30k anyway. These days, even the 4-cyl TSX seems expensive 'cause we just got a Passat for much less:
creakid1 "Acura TSX vs. Mazda6" Feb 17, 2004 4:27am
creakid1 "Acura TSX vs. Mazda6" Feb 17, 2004 4:11pm
In the newspaper ads, I kept seeing V6 Camry specials for the price of 4-cyl Accord LX specials -- $18999. But the MSRP for a LOADED V6 Camry can cost over $29k! See p55 Feb '02 CR. & it didn't seem to have navigation, either. The MSRP for the TSX auto is $27k w/o navigation.
fowler3
"In the newspaper ads, I kept seeing V6 Camry specials for the price of 4-cyl Accord LX specials -- $18999. But the MSRP for a LOADED V6 Camry can cost over $29k! See p55 Feb '02 CR. & it didn't seem to have navigation, either. The MSRP for the TSX auto is $27k w/o navigation."
I sound like Anthony Robbins now do I... LOL...
The cheapest way to lower your fwy cruising rpm is getting a set of taller-sidewall tires.
Yeah that may be the case, but the price to pay is no response if you floor it... I like to have some juice in 4th and 5th to either pass without shifting down endlessly. I'm willing to sacrifice a few RPM's for the added benefit of available power. I guess if someone does a lot of highway cruising in the 3, the 2.0 makes more sense in terms of lower gas consumption and quieter ride. But I would argue than most 3 buyers are bugging it around town and short trips. Good thing to know though if you are undecided between the two engines.
Maybe there is no hope, but I would have loved to see my avid Toyota fan dad owning a Mazda!!
Exactly what isn't qualify for old people anyway? It's the low seating, which Mazda3 isn't.
Recently I saw an old man driving an "old people's" ES330, which sacrificed handling for ride comfort. What Lexus missed is that this old man tided two wood sticks vertically w/ ugly-looking duck tape to the corners of the front bumper.
This is also what's wrong w/ the new Acura TSX/TL sedans, 'cause the new Mazda3 allows the driver to see a good portion of the hood.
By the way, about the only car I don't tide little fake antennas on the front bumper corners is my boxy '84 Jetta. People have been wondering about my amazing skill in the parking lot, especially I also added a fake antenna on my right trunk corner if the car doesn't have a rear spoiler.
Mazda also lacks Audi's CVT technology, which not only provides "infinitely close enough" gear-ratio selection but also wide range of ratio from the bottom gear to the top gear for a CVT.
As far as Acura's it was cool when the TL was priced under 30K but now I wouldn't probably buy one. Its just alot of money to shell out: 34K that is. I like the new TL and everything but the price tag just scares me but Acura had to go away from the value buyer and go upmarket. You don't want to stay "value leader" forever if your Acura. The Mazda 6s takes the place of the 99-03 TL in the value book in my opinion.
BTW, I saw a black 3 sedan yesterday and a woman in her 30's or 40's was dirving it. Mazda is getting buyers from all ranges with this car it looks like. I see the same black 3 everyday diving to work sometimes meaning I already counted it in my tally of 3 sightings so far.
It is titled "2004 Fast Facts"
This is straight out of the book -
"The Mazda3 is targeted at technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts for whom instant gratification is a way of life. These buyers in their early twenties to early thirties like being busy and are easily bored.
The Mazda3 4-Door directs itself at socially active professionals in their twenties and early thirties who often live in an urban area. These status conscious buyers want to be noticed, yet tend to be a bit more reserved than Mazda3 5-Door target customers"
The book also tells the salesperson what to say on a test drive - and even tells them what to say if the customer says - I like the Corolla (or Civic) because of its reliability -
If I would only have know that I was too old to buy a Mazda3 - I would have bought it anyway!
I hear the 2.3L Mazda3 manual revs kinda high on the freeway. I have a 2.3L Mazda6 manual and it’s pretty relaxed on the freeway, definitely more relaxed than my old 2001 Protégé ES 2.0L manual.
Why would Mazda put lower gears in the Mazda3 2.3L compared to the Mazda6 2.3L when the 3 is lighter and could probably do OK with taller gears than the 6? It doesn’t really make any sense.
To me the Mazda3 gearing is fine.
It still doesn't make sense why the heavier car with the same engine would be geared taller. With less weight to move around, you'd think the Mazda3 would have the taller gears.
The Mazda3 4-Door directs itself at socially active professionals in their twenties and early thirties who often live in an urban area. These status conscious buyers want to be noticed, yet tend to be a bit more reserved than Mazda3 5-Door target customers"
I happen to be in my early 20's, and fit this description for the most part. I like people to notice what car I am driving, and am also a bit reserved ( I am getting a sedan). I do happen to get bored fairly easily, so I like the many features the Mazda3 offers such as the steering wheel audio controls, 6CD changer, and moonroof, which will keep me entertained. Also, I was almost instantly satisfied with the car the first time I threw it in a corner at a speed I thought MIGHT have been too fast, yet the MZ3 handled it with ease.
Too bad, the advertising doesn't reflect the sentiments expressed in this book. The commercials are way too juvenile for "socially active professionals" and "technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts", especially when they talk about "all this stuff". UUGGGHHH!
I also don't really fit their description either. Seeing as I'm married, 39 years old, living in suburbia, holding down a "high-level" (snort!) technology job, and my "active" social life involves getting a babysitter once a month so I can go out and have a grown-up dinner with the wife.
It might be a good idea to bring this to the attention of the appropriate people. If I'm enetering my PW, it should not be in a non-secure area.
You obviously have incorrectly sterotyped old people (or maybe you just don't like them). Wanna race? I'll kick your butt. haha
Tell your father-in-law I said to take a test drive in the MZ3, he may change his mind. And tell him a happy, 73-year-old Protegé owner said this. At 60, he is still young enough to buy a red or Lavaorange car. I have a 74-year-old Protegé5 owner/friend in Florida, he bought a yellow one. Too many 60-year-olds think they are OLD before their time. We only come this way once, enjoy it!
Imp180psu said: "Too bad, the advertising doesn't reflect the sentiments expressed in this book. The commercials are way too juvenile for "socially active professionals" and "technologically aware vehicle enthusiasts", especially when they talk about "all this stuff". UUGGGHHH!"
I agree, Mazda's magazine ads and commercials leave a lot to be desired. They lead off nicely but fail to inform with details. Mazda depends too much on sales people doing that and most haven't done their homework -- they don't know half as much as people on this board. Car dealers have high salespeople turn-over rates. They should hire people who identify with sport sedans and are enthusiastic to sell, as well as older, knowledgeable salesmen who understand the older buyer's needs.
fowler3
Typical old people are the ones not interested in accelerating more than, say, the 1.7 Civic can. I guess the power of the Civic 1.7 is design to satisfy old people. ;-) I will be old one day, & I don't know how will I drive compare to others in my age.
can't believe that i beat bluong1 to posting this and helping us all. he usually comes up with all the useful info.... he must be out buying a ferrari or something
_______________________________________
01-008/04 2004 MAZDA3 - MIL ILLUMINATION WITH DTC P0128
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2004 MAZDA3
VIN Lower Than
Vehicle Application
JM1 BK1431 41 152012
FED / Canada, 2.3L, M/T
JM1 BK1234 41 150905
FED / Canada, 2.3L, A/T
JM1 BK12F5 41 151846
FED / Canada, 2.0L, M/T
JM1 BK12F1 41 151679
FED / Canada, 2.0L, A/T
JM1 BK1436 41 152555
CAL, 2.3L, M/T
JM1 BK1232 41 150952
CAL, 2.3L, A/T
JM1 BK15F5 41 150194
CAL, 2.0L, M/T
JM1 BK32F0 41 149661
CAL, 2.0L, A/T
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may experience the MIL illumination with DTC P0128 (Coolant Thermostat Stuck Open) stored in memory. This condition may be caused by improper PCM calibration.
Customers having this concern should have their vehicles repaired using the following procedure.
Please update the PCM of vehicles in dealer inventory. When a customer brings their vehicle in for service, update their PCM also.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Verify customer concern.
Using WDS B29.2 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the "Module Reprogramming" procedure.
NOTE:
Always update the WDS PTU first, then install the needed calibration file that WDS shows during PCM reprogramming. Go to "WDS Calibration" on ESI and download the "update" file. If the PTU is not updated to the latest WDS calibration level, the calibration file will not install into the PTU.
It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the WDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the WDS reprogramming procedure.
WDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.
Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of WDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.
When reprogramming a PCM, WDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.
When performing this procedure, if the WDS PTU is not docked and connected to 115V-120V, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it will damage the WDS PTU.
Place an "Authorized Modification" label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new calibration information near the Emission Control Information Label located on the hood or in the engine compartment.
Verify repair.
NOTE: After reprogramming a PCM, it is necessary to road test the vehicle to relearn KAM (Keep Alive Memory) strategy and verify no MIL illumination or DTC's are present.
CALIBRATION INFORMATION
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name
Vehicle Application
L373-18-881D
SW-L373ED020
FED / Canada, 2.3L, M/T
L374-18-881D
SW-L374ED020
FED / Canada, 2.3L, A/T
LF66-18-881D
SW-LF66ED020
FED / Canada, 2.0L, M/T
LF68-18-881D
SW-LF68ED020
FED / Canada, 2.0L, A/T
L3A1-18-881C
SW-L3A1EC020
CAL, 2.3L, M/T
L3A2-18-881C
SW-L3A2EC020
CAL, 2.3L, A/T
LF67-18-881C
SW-LF67EC010
CAL, 2.0L, M/T
LF69-18-881C
SW-LF69EC010
CAL, 2.0L, A/T
WARRANTY INFORMATION
z71bill -- isn't it fun to be reduced to a market segment? I wouldn't have thought "instant gratification was a way of life" for me, but whatever. I'll take the "socially active" label; but I'm not sure staying home and watching TiVo with my wife is "socially active." But, as Imp180psu says, some of the shoes do fit, so I guess I should wear them
I do hate the Mz3 commercials, though. When I tell people what car I have, and then hear, "Oh, with that awful commercial where the doofy guy says, 'Why isn't there a car for me?'" ... I have to hang my head and nod. "But it's much nicer than that," I offer. That's ok. Everyone who has seen it or ridden in it has praised it.