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3i: all manual features, 15" tires, steel wheels, optional air conditioning Base MSRP:$13,710, Invoice:$12,848.
A difference of $2,280 on sticker price, is it worth it?
I think the car would be especially sharp (BMW-esque even) in grey with the tan interior. (There were no tan interiors on the lot though.) The dealer told me they will not be ordering any 3i's with the new grey interior, but could special order one if someone wants it.
The i model has the 16 inch wheels as an option - which was the same wheel that was standard on the S model - and the 17 was optional - logicly it should fit.
The 15 inch will not fit on the S model because of a brake clearance issue. I think the lug nuts may be different - but am not sure about that.
http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=24253&make_id=227
NO MAZDA VEHICLES ON CAR-CARRYING VESSEL COUGAR ACE WILL BE SOLD AS NEW
Irvine, California - Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced that Mazda vehicles aboard the Cougar Ace ship, which ran into trouble on July 23, 2006 off the Alaskan coast and listed over 60 degrees, will not be sold as new vehicles.
"While we do not, at this time, know the full extent of the damage to vehicles on board, none of the Mazdas will be sold as new," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of MNAO. "It is possible that those vehicles which are undamaged or repairable will be made available for sale as used cars through Mazda's dealer network in the U.S. and Canada. We will only be in a position to decide on any used car sales once the vessel has been unloaded and each unit comprehensively inspected. Those beyond repair will be immediately scrapped."
The company says that in the interest of transparency and customer peace of mind, it will post the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of vehicles destined for sale on its consumer Web sites, at www.mazdaUSA.com and www.Mazda.ca, to avoid any confusion as to which vehicles were on the ship. Slightly more than half the cars involved are Mazda3s, and about one-quarter are CX-7s. The vehicles were headed to the ports of Vancouver, and to Tacoma and Hueneme in the U.S.
The Cougar Ace sailed from Japan to North America with just over 4,700 Mazda vehicles aboard; an issue during a routine ballast-water change caused her to list. All 23 crew members were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
I drove an 07 hatchback yesterday, in the early evening when I would normally turn on the headlights for safety. I had trouble seeing the speedometer and tachometer, even with the instrument lighting all the way up. Turn the headlights off, and it was fine.
Is this something that can't be adjusted? Also, I didn't try just turning on the parking lights -- do the instrument lights stay brighter when you do that?
Also -- it appears from the Edmunds True Market Value page that the Mazda3 is selling with very little discount right now. Maybe $50 to $100. Has that been the experience of any of you who have purchashed one recently?
I'm looking at a manual transmission 3, and I'll have to say, the one I drove was very slick -- easy clutch and shifter, good pull from the 2.3 engine. But I think the 4-door will suit me better than the hatch. I'm going to drive one soon, when they have one in stock. Dealers in my area right now are very low on 3 models.
Thanks for any insights any of you can give me.
The only problems with the lights I've noted are:
1. there doesnt seem to be any way to adjust the sensitivity of the auto headlights.
2. It would be nice if the auto headlights would be tied to the wipers, and go on when the wipers are on.
3. when using the instrument-light-on-switch (dont know the proper name, but its the thing i described above) it would be nice if it was also tied to the day/night setting on the nav system.
Pretty nitpicky, isnt it? That goes to show you what a great car it is when the problems (tweaks really,) are such minor details.
Does your state mandate daylight running lights? Here in Canada, the lights on vehicles are always "on" at low level until you switch them to full power when the instrument cluster also lights up. I believe this small feature has saved countless lives.
On the same subject, I say Ford announced all their vehicles will come with stability control standard in a few years. The article mentioned that it was in anticipation of expected pending legislation requiring it in all vehicles sold in the US. In fact, stability control (and the mp3 jack) are the sole reasons I wish I had waited to get an 07 MAZDA3 rather than an 06. Hopefully, it'll still do ok when the snow hits.
Some things, like safety items, make sense to be mandated. Not only do they get cheaper as they're applied to every vehicle, but they also save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Thanks for the info. I did roll the dimmer roller all the way on, but the lighting was still very dim. I wasn't aware of the button you mention, and neither was the salesperson. I'll have to try it again.
You sound pretty satisfied. That's good to hear. If you don't mind my asking, what are the things you like best about the car?
I drove the gamut of good-reviewed-cars before deciding on the 3. (subie impreza, cooper s and base, jetta in 2 varieties, civic, and even a dealer demo loaded mazda6 that was priced barely more than my 3, and a couple others that i'm forgetting). the 3 was the most balanced, highest feature content, and best performing of the bunch. I checked out the TCO, and consumer reports reliability rankings, and it was strong in both of those too. My #2 choice was the Civic because if it's incredible mpg, but it simply lacks power in comparison to the 3. not nearly as fun to drive.
So to summarize, the zoom-zoom beat the civic in my book.
In the US...the 's' touring and GT come with traction/stability as a no charge feature.
On the mazda website under the 3 look under overview, then under the link titled 4 wheel disc brakes. It mentions standard stability control/traction control as standard on s and gt models
Thanks for your summary. I'm looking at the 3 primarily as a fun car to drive at a reasonable price. The very smooth clutch and shifter on the manual are strong points for me, as are the steering and handling, plus the overall design integration -- they get a lot into a small package. Probably the s Sport has everything I want -- the larger engine, mainly. When I drove a 6, the only real drawback was road noise. I don't seem to notice that as much in the 3 sedan. The 3 manual does rev about 3,000 at 70 mph, which is higher than my Honda, but I suppose it's designed to run that way. Do you have an automatic, and does it rev any lower?
I have an '04 Accord 4 cyl. automatic now, a very competent car, but kind of dull to drive. The new Honda Fit looks interesting to me also, but there's very little availability.
Help pls.
under the heading "High levels of safety"
DSC and traction control are "available" on the S models.
Did you scroll down on the down arrow on the description of the feature I mentioned. DSC/TSC are listed at the bottom of the down arrow. Look again. It is there. I promise you. . Again, click on overview, then performance, then 4 wheel disc brakes. You should see on the right a orange bar with an up and down arrow. Go all the way to the bottom.
Go to "Build your own"... then select " s touring "
You'll see it under vehicle features on the right-hand side...
Build your Own
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Any suggestions on the replacements?
Thanks in advance!
I put a set of Kumho ASX on my Mazda3 - but went up a size to 215 50 17 - its been a while so I don't recall every detail - but do know the 205 50 17 Kumho ASX is smaller in diameter that a 205 50 17 Goodyear. The 215 50 17 is just a hair larger in width & diameter than the stock RSA but have had not issues with rubbing and have checked the speedo with my hand held GPS and it is right on. How can this be possible if its a bigger tire? My guess is the slightly softer sidewall of the Kumho reduces the diameter - or increases the number of revolutions the tire must turn.
The Kumho does have a softer sidewall - so it make the ride less bumpy - plus (I assume because of the tread design)much more quiet compared to the Goodyear RSA that came stock.
The rating of the ASX is AA A 420 compared to A A 260 (I think) for the Goodyear.
We have about 4,000 miles on them and the rear tires still have those little nubby things sticking out on the side of the tread - both front and rear still look new. I plan to rotate them this week end. I always do the first rotation early.
I know I must have given up some handlig at the limit - but have never noticed it.
The Kumho were just over $400 installed at Discount Tire - compared to almost $700 for a set of Goodyear RSA.
I've checked on tirerack and Kumho ECSTA ASX comes in 205/50WR17 - tirerack recommends these as best sellers and they are $89.00/each vs. 179/each for the original Goodyears.
I am not sure why there is such a huge difference in price.
Does any one lese have Kuhmo ASX tires that have let's say 20,000+ miles that can share their experiences?
Thanks
I am trying to decide whether I should get a 4Dr i touring auto or s touring auto. I test drove both of them back to back. The problem is that I drove them on a very windy day. I noticed noise on highway from both cars. I don't know whether both have good insulation? I intend to get an i touring since it is about $2000 cheaper, and it is easier to get (without moonroof option). I wonder if any of you have any suggestions or experience of big difference between i touring and s touring? Thanks
I test drove several different variations including i Touring manual, s manual, and s automatic. I ultimately decided on the manual s Touring (again, in the 5-door) because the 2.3 felt significantly stronger than the 2.0. The 17" wheel/tire package was the clencher for me also.
The true price difference between the i Touring and s Sport is only about $700. The s Sport adds the 2.3L/5-speed auto, nicer interior fabric, leather steering wheel and shifter and a few convenience items. Money well spent, in my opinion.
I also noticed you mention that the i Touring is easier to find equipped the way you want (no moonroof). I was having a similar problem locating the color I wanted (Titanium Gray) in the s 5-door with manual transmission and NO other options. Everything close had leather, sunroof, etc.
I used the mazdausa website to search inventory and just started emailing dealers every time I found a match. Within three days, I had a great offer on the exact vehicle I wanted and drove 3 hours from Atlanta to Knoxville to pick it up. Mine stickered for $18k and change and I got it for $16k driveout (excluding sales tax paid when I registered the car back in Georgia).
Good luck, hope you find exactly what you're looking for!
I'm moving to L.A. for a job and either will buy here in Ohio or LA.
Quoted in Ohio $17,318, out-of-door estimate =$18,926.61.
IS out-of-door quote correct? Find any offers in LA similiar? Need to justify driving this to CALI!!!
2007 Mazda3 itouring (autom) w/ ABS and moonroof pkgs, Silvr
The whole buying process was smooth and less than 3 hours.
I got about $400 below invoice (which is $15723) and the OTD was $16800. The APR for 36 months was 1.9%.
It seems too smooth.
Any comments??
1. Are there any blind spots on the car? (i'm only 5'4")
2. Is there limited visability w/ the back window w/ its high placement? (occasionally I might have a older family member driving the car).
3. Honestly how is the gas mileage? (I drive 18 miles one way to work 5-6 days a wk.)
4. Any known issues?
other feedback, input?
*what is the manual's advice for beaking in the new car?
Thank you!!
What were the repairs from the summer and the ones you are forecasting on your six your old Protege? How many miles on the car?
That's quite a list!
As cars age it's normal that things fall apart and need to be replaced. I guess the painful part is when the repairs come quickly one after another.
If I felt the repairs were part of the normal wear and tear of a six year old car at 80K then I would consider replacing it with a new model of the same brand. If you think otherwise, the Honda may be a better choice. My 2002 Mazda Protege5 with 50K miles has had only a few repairs so far, knock on wood!
Plus I want a new car... Its going to be a tough decision between the 2 brands; they both offer good things! Thanks for your feedback!!
I like car shopping, comparing features, doing test drives, trying to figure out sales spins. :surprise: There are a lot of great and surprising choices out there; I never thought I would consider a Toyota Camry but it's a great looking car this year and a great value also.
Have fun!
Thanks everyone for your feedback!!
That's a great rate. Are you in Canada or the US? It appears to me that the Canadian financing rates are much better than the American ones.