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I have it, works well
PIE- Line in only. Provides RCA or 3.5mm inputs (depending on which connector you buy) through the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. You also need the connector ALP/M-RCA for RCA, ALP/M-3.5M for 3.5mm. ~$95
Aux Mod Basic- Line in only. Provides 3.5mm input through the Tape/MD jack. ~$55
Audio Link/NASmusic- Full Integration with steering wheel controls. Provides a line in plus either an ipod dock connector or a USB plug, and charges the ipod. Connects through the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. ~$140 (Audio Link [AL2005U] for USB instead of ipod)
Denison Icelink (DICE) / icarkits I-MAZDA-R- Full ipod integration with steering wheel controls. Connects to ipod with dock connector, to the sirius/CD changer jack on the back of the HU. Charges the ipod. ~$159
It's tough waiting when you know it's out there and you just can't get your hands on it!
Never have a found a car in which the A/C was working that the A/C was so bad that it would keep me from buying a car.
If you prefer a manual, I think the 3i (2l) is more than adequate. In 2006 Mazda included variable valve timing in the 2.0 engine and, to me, there was only a slight difference in acceleration. If you want an automatic, I would probably go with the 2.3L since it has a five speed auto and feels much more responsive than the four speed auto in the 2.0 liter...
My .02 cents...
I'm looking for good gas mileage and as much interior room as I can get. I also want a car that I won't look fruity in. The 3 has a sporty look to it. I also like the versatility of a hatch. I wish the 3 had better crash test scores but since IIHS only tested it without side airbags... :confuse: Not many economical sedans have great crash test scores except the 2006 Civic only I've heard it's having mechanical problems. :sick:
And my AC in Kansas City stinks. the black leather interior is probably partially the culprit. Thinking of tinting the windows in the hopes that will help. If anyone has any experience with tint and the effect on the interior temp, please respond.
AC on max would make me comfortable for the most part, put it never froze me out which is a bit of a concern. I'm usually home in 20 minutes though so not sure if it would if I drove it longer.
Recently had Solargard Premium 28 (near the legal limit here) added all around and it made a BIG difference IMO. Car still doesn't freeze, but it's much more confortable.
I went with Solargard HP charcoal 32 - which means it lets 32% of the light through (transmittance) - absorbs 58% and reflects 10%.
The law in Texas is the combined film for the side windows (what came on the car plus what is added) can net be less than 35% transmittance, so I am not really legal.
This is a good site.
http://home.pcisys.net/~bpc/auto_law/tint/
The guy that did my cars has been tinting windows in Texas for 15 years - he told me that he has used this dark of film on thousands of cars and never had a problem. But said he would not go any darker - it could cause a problem when you get the car inspected.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/vi/Misc/faq/tint.htm
I'm looking more to protect myself from the UV rays and heat rather than for aesthetic reasons. Yesterday I took my 3 for the first time for an hour drive in sunny weather and wow was my arms and legs burning after only 10 minutes or so.
I would stay away from the "bargain" tint shops, ask them how long they have been in the business, and make sure it comes with a lifetime warranty that covers fading.
I'll bet if you ask around you can find a reputable shop in your area.
15" steel wheels/16" alloy wheels
air cond.-Opt. /air cond.-std.
No power windows/power windows
no power locks /power locks
no keyless entry/keyless entry
N/A /moonroof 6-CD package-opt.
remote dual /power dual
outside mirrors /outside mirrors
N/A /Driver's seat lever type
/height adj. with adj. lumbar support
N/A /2 tweeters
N/A /cruise control w/mounted
/ill. mounted controls on steering
MSRP: $13,710 /$15,990 a difference of $2,280
Invoice:$12,848 /$14,975 a difference of $2,127
Did I miss anything?
I called around to a few tint shops and the prices ran from $99 to $450 - which is a crazy range.
They all claim to have a LIFETIME warranty - but how many of these guys will even be around in 12 months?
That is why I went with the dealer - they have a better chance to still be around if there is a problem.
When I got my Acura TL tinted I called the guy who had done my Mazda3 2 1/2 years ago - in Texas the company doing the tint must (by law) put a sticker on the drivers side window indicating who did the work. Since I new he had done a great job with the Mazda3 I felt good about him doing my TL.
He charged $175 (no tax) - came to my house - did the work in my garage - it took him about an hour.
PS I'm on the north side of town
On the i model, the gauge faces are white and there is a wood-like dash trim that looks rather nice. Also, the HVAC controls have a "titanium like" finish. looks very nice. A/C was the coldest I have ever felt in a Mazda3. The i model fabric is great, nice and soft, yet feels durable. Another nice change to the i model is the s model tail lights. No more solid red. The 16" alloy's are quite nice.
3i invoice-$14,975 + 4 speed auto trany-$810 + ABS/SAB/SAC Package- $340 + Destination- $560 = $16,685
Sonata GLS 4 cyl invoice- $17,896 + Destination-$600 - 1,500 current rebate = $16,996
So this means one could buy a considerably larger sedan (3i=94 cu ft interior, 11 cu ft trunk/ Sonata 105 cu ft interior, 16 cu ft trunk) and 12 more horse power (3i 150 Hp/Sonata 162 Hp) for only $311 more!
If you want more power,try a Sonata GLS V6 for invoice- $19,231 + Destination $600 - $2,500 current rebate = $17,331 (235 Hp). Only $335 more than GLS 4 cyl and $646 more than 3i!
Don't forget the Hyundai has longer warranty!
While the 3 is smaller than the Sonata, it also handles completely different (much more sporty feel than the Sonata) and is much lighter, thus negating the Sonata's horsepower advantage. The 3 will also get better gas mileage overall as well. I have driven the Sonata and think it is a solid value, but IMHO it is a more boring car than the 3. If I were in the market for a larger sedan, I would definitely consider the Sonata.
However, 3 important factors need to additionally be weighed if you're comparing cost.
Fuel: The 3 is more fuel efficient.
Warranty: though the sonata has an incredible warranty, it is not fully transferrable, and extended warranties are available for Mazdas at a pretty reasonable cost.
and
Depreciation: Hyundai autos have horrible depreciation,(Mazda 5 yr depreciation =$10267 v. Hyundai $12558) which can be partially avoided if you plan on hanging on to the sonata for a long while and taking advantage of the long warranty. But if you finance the car, as most folks do, gap insurance is a must, and should be factored into the overall cost (but only if you're financing substantially the full cost of the car).
Incidentally the 5 year TCO on the 2 cars is $0.42/mile for the mazda3 v. 0.49/mi for the sonata.
So, on the mazda3 v. the Hyundai Sonata apples/oranges price matchup, the 3 will be cheaper long run unless you plan on driving the vehicle into the ground and equalizing the hyundai warranty benefit with the depreciation problem while not consuming much fuel.
That said, the sonata's not a bad choice at all. It's a good car and is a better choice than many small cars out there. That 3 just comes out a little ahead on a cost comparison (and on a performance comparison, though that's not analyzed here)
I like the 3i's MPGs and definitely an out-the-door price under $20k.
I like Sonata's interior, warranty, and also, either GLS, has an out-the-door price under $20k.
I have a family of 5. Wife, 12, 9, 3 year old kids and I to fit in a car. Over the next 5 years the kids are growing. I'm wondering if the 3 will be big enough.
While you're considering the koreans, the amanti may be worth a look if you like the styling, as it's been advertised here in the Kansas City area at 18.9k.
I was in a Hyundai Azera a couple days ago, and was very impressed with the styling, comfort, and space. If you look hard enough, you may be able to break the 20k barrier with that too.
Good luck with the fun car buying/looking process. IMHO though, the mazda3 is too small.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/07/20062007-mazda3-facelift-in-depth
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=23151
The new stability control and mp3 input makes me almost wish I had waited till 07 instead of getting my 06 a few months ago.
- Mike K.
Scott
GUYS CAN YOU TRY TO PUT SOME PICS ON THE FORUM!
THANKS.
maybe the washers are optional or in a luxury package (my money is on the pack)... i do think someone talked about packages and options in the posting before you.