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Mazda3

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  • mazdrvrmazdrvr Member Posts: 112
    It does expire today... but on the Mazda site, it says that check back in a couple of days for another great offer...
  • watchfuleyewatchfuleye Member Posts: 3
    I needed a new car for my daughter and after driving few candidates chose Mazda3. On Monday morning we went to the Russell&Smith Mazda dealership, where we quickly found what we wanted - an s-Touring (4dr,5A), Silver with gray interior. That particular car also had few add-ons installed: door seals, wheel locks and auto-dimming rearview mirrow. Test drove it and loved the car. Sales person (sorry, cannot mention his name) was nice and efficient. I said that we would buy the car as soon as we get a great deal. In less than 10 min we got an offer of $18,750 (sale price), which was about $130 below Edmund's invoice. Thinking it could not get much better than that we agreed on the deal and asked to prepare the paperwork by the evening, such that we could finalize the deal and pick up the car on our way home after work.
    The evening experience was, however, the exact opposite to what we had experienced in the morning. Having had an entire day to get ready to close the deal, the financial folks at R&S managed to screw it up royally: nothing was ready, we had to wait in their showroom for over an hour before we were asked to follow some really unpleasant guy, who (never introduced himself, btw) quickly showed us how a good deal can be turned into a total crap. His docs were not ready, his math was all wrong, instead of explaining to us the contract, he began selling to us extended warranties, gap insurance policies, and other things an average driver "cannot live without". From this point on it was a total nightmare. In about 15 min we decided to leave without signing. My daughter was not happy about such an ending, to put it very mildly. Next morning, I stopped by their sales office and made it clear to my sales guy and his manager that I am really pissed off and thinking seriously about walking away from that deal (which I truly was). I said that not only will I file an official complain with their owners, I will also share my experince on-line with the readers of this forum. In addition, I said, if I buy the car, all paperwork has to be brought to the sales office, because I am not going to take my chances in their financial office again. In response, I was assured that the experience I had the other night was very atypical for their dealership and that they will do everything possible to make me happy. Which they did: when I stopped by their sales office few hours later, everything was ready and it took us under 10min to complete the deal. In addition, I got free mud guards, a cargo net, and window tinting. Together with a 2.9% interest rate on a 4yr loan, I thing this qualifies for a good deal.
    TTL payments were:
    sales tax - $1,172 (it's 6.25% in Houston); dealer's inventory tax - $45;
    licence fee - $72;
    inspection and title fee - $55;
    doc fee - $50.
    OTD price - $20,144.
    The moral is: you can get a good deal at R&S, but beware of jerks in their financial department!!!
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    I suspect that your ENTER key is broken.
  • mazdrvrmazdrvr Member Posts: 112
    I'm thinking of maybe adding some accessories to my s sport. Anyone have any of these & opinions on them?
    17" alloy (stock wheels-oem)
    side sills (would it look funny by itself or do you need another molding?)
    splash guards
    auto dim mirror (w/regular lighting, sunlight, night, etc, is it a little darker than a reg rear view?).
  • claudius753claudius753 Member Posts: 138
    I have a HB but I can comment on the auto dim mirror...

    When I replaced my AT 3 with a MT3, it had the auto dim mirror on it. It looks completely normal, but is a little thicker than a regular mirror and has a compass. At night, the dimming is most welcome. I never used the dim switch on a normal mirror, as it made it too dark. The auto dim mirror makes it just slightly dim, and can adjust according to the brightness of the head lights behind you.

    So, in summation, no, it is not darker but will dim when needed, and I would order it on any other vehicle I own if it is available, but it is not enough of an option to make me not buy a car that does not offer it.

    I love the stock 17" wheels that come on my s Touring 5 door, but I don't know if I would buy them as an after market add on.

    I thought that all s models came with side sills. Could you link to what you are referring too?
  • autonomousautonomous Member Posts: 1,769
    17" alloy (stock wheels-oem)
    Check out the prices. Remember you will need new wheels and tires. Personally, I would wait until I've worn down the current tires (that may take a year or two) before investing in new tires and wheels.

    side sills
    Do you mean the side skirts found on the hatchback? Do you want these added to the sedan? Or do you mean window treatments (yech)?
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Side sills are on the sedan as well...looks pretty good.
  • mazdrvrmazdrvr Member Posts: 112
    Thank you for you feedback! I just wanted to make sure about the mirrior since Occasionally I will have an older family member use my car & the eyesight isn't like it use to be especially at night & don't want to cause a safety hazard.
    I'm kinda kicking my a** for not getting the S Touring but I didn't like the 2 the dealership had in the gray ( I didn't a moonroof!).
    I have the S Sport (07'); the Touring & Grand Touring have the 17" wheels & side sills.
  • mazdrvrmazdrvr Member Posts: 112
    Thats what I was thinking I might do; wait until the current tires are worn. plus the 17" & some other accessories for 07' are not yet available. I know its kind of dumb to purchase after the fact!
    side sills-the side skirts added to the sedan (the touring & gt have it). Oh goodness not the window treatments! :x
    Wondering though if it will look stupid w/ 16" alloys...
  • mazdrvrmazdrvr Member Posts: 112
    How about w/ only 16" wheels?
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    That I haven't seen...
  • ajchristajchrist Member Posts: 8
    I've read the Duratec 3.0L engine contains plastic/composite parts, such as an intake manifold. Is this also true of the Duratec 2.3L engine?
  • larryalarrya Member Posts: 1
    Just purchased a M3..I / touring with auto last night. Test drove Civic and then fell in love w/ M3. No haggle price of 150 under invoice w/ 4.9 for 72 financing.Hope it holds up as well as advertised.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Many cars today have a plastic intake manifold, the 2.3 is no exception.
  • jc22jc22 Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for Andreas of Mazda3Forums I was able to unlock my trip computer on my 07 Mazda 3. It works for 06 too! Sorry but this hack does not work on earlier models.

    1. Press and hold down CD and AM/FM buttons
    2. Start your car while still pressing down on those buttons
    3. The display will read, "DIS ON" which means Driver Information System On.
    4. Release the CD and AM/FM buttons
    5. Turn off and restart the car
    6. Now press the Set button and cycle through your avg. mpg, miles until empty, current mpg, and avg mph!

    Now you can truly know your Real MPG numbers! Which is a mixed blessing!

    Please pass this info to others!

    JC
  • davesbrewdavesbrew Member Posts: 45
    Maybe I'm missing something, but can't you just hold the trip computer button a few seconds until it zeros out for the same effect?
  • jc22jc22 Member Posts: 17
    I believe only the Mazda 3 GT comes with a trip computer and it is access via the "Info" button. I have a Sport Touring and it did not come with a trip computer and I don't have the "Info" button. This hack is to activate the trip computer for lower Mazda 3 models. So before this hack, I did not have a trip computer, after the hack, I now have a trip computer. And I access it through the "Set" button.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Awesome hack - if I get the 3 I will try it.
  • claudius753claudius753 Member Posts: 138
    I just bought a ScanGauge II for the MPG info on the Mazda3Forums group buy for $139.95. Oh well, I still get all the other info the ScanGauge II displays, like engine load and volts, clear CELs, etc, and I saved $30 off of the regular price.

    Anyone interested in getting one, the deal is on till the end of Feb.

    Is this hack supposed to make the info display in the IP, or does it show up in the stereo LCD? I'm not sure what you mean by "Set" button, the one that resets your trip odometers, or the one on the stereo?

    I'll try this hack this morning on my S Touring.
  • davesbrewdavesbrew Member Posts: 45
    I've got a GT, and didn't know that was a trim specific feature. Thanks for the clarification. this makes much more sense now.
    -d
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    I have looked at the Mazda website and noticed that it does not say the stereo will play mp3's (cd's with mp3's burned on). This seems like a strange omission given that a $10 cd player from wal-mart will play mp3's.

    Is it true, or just an oversight?
  • lateralglateralg Member Posts: 929
    "Thanks for Andreas of Mazda3Forums I was able to unlock my trip computer on my 07 Mazda 3. It works for 06 too! Sorry but this hack does not work on earlier models.

    1. Press and hold down CD and AM/FM buttons
    2. Start your car while still pressing down on those buttons
    3. The display will read, "DIS ON" which means Driver Information System On.
    4. Release the CD and AM/FM buttons
    5. Turn off and restart the car
    6. Now press the Set button and cycle through your avg. mpg, miles until empty, current mpg, and avg mph!

    Now you can truly know your Real MPG numbers! Which is a mixed blessing!

    Please pass this info to others!"


    I'm interested in getting DTE on my 2007 CX-9. Any idea is there's a similar hack for it?
  • davesbrewdavesbrew Member Posts: 45
    I'm not sure about the 07's, but on the 06's, getting a changer that would also play mp3's was a special option. If you opted for the Bose stereo/changer though, that option was not available. I want to say the 07's have an aux input jack, but I am not positive about that.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Yes the 07 models have the aux input, which is nice. I would like to be able to just stick in a cd with mp3's, but it is not the end of the world if it won't work.
  • claudius753claudius753 Member Posts: 138
    I asked Mazda the same question before I got my first 3. Reply:

    Nathan,

    The 6-disc CD changer that comes in the Mazda3 does not play MP3's. You would have to change it out with one that can be purchased as an accessory.

    Regards,
    Suzanne E.
    Specialist, Fulfillment

    So, no, it won't. Also, I thought CD's with CD Text would work, but they don't seem to work on my 2007 either.

    Really, no reason to worry about the text or the MPG readout when breaking your jawbone from grinning so hard after going around some sharp turns at 50 mph and WOT at 5,000 + rpm.

    This is not a fuel miser, nor a top economy (mpg) car, but damn is it fun!
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    It's Tuesday, so that means it's time for our weekly gathering in the chat room!

    The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
  • rdsgloberdsglobe Member Posts: 2
    Hey,

    I was wondering if someone could clear up the fact of whether or not the cd player in the mazda 3 GS sedan 2007 (not with the 6 cd changer) is able to play mp3 cds? I tried playing one last night and it would only show track 1 and would count up and there would be no sound, I dont know if its because of how i burned the cd, or if the car's factory cd cant play it, but the manual says that the cdplayer can play mp3 files. Could someone clear this up for me?

    ps. My first new car, and couldnt be happier with it!
  • davesbrewdavesbrew Member Posts: 45
    I'm pretty sure that the only way to play mp3's is through the aux jack or by purchasing the special 6disk changer with mp3 capability (not the bose 6disk one though).
  • jpmccormacjpmccormac Member Posts: 98
    Re: "was wondering if someone could clear up the fact of whether or not the cd player in the mazda 3 GS sedan 2007 (not with the 6 cd changer) is able to play mp3 cds?"

    Yes. I have an '07 Mazda 3i Touring sedan with a single CD player and it will play mp3 CDs. My audio system has firmware version 1.09. Don't know if that makes any difference. The 3 manual has a full explanation of what CDs can be played in the unit. My guess is that the CDs you are trying to play were not burned in an acceptable format.
    Check out the electronics forum on the Mazda3 Forums for more information: http://www.mazda3forums.com/
  • rdsgloberdsglobe Member Posts: 2
    How can i check to see which version of firmware do i have?
  • jpmccormacjpmccormac Member Posts: 98
    RE: "How can i check to see which version of firmware do i have?"

    With the car off, turn the key to the ACC position, then hold the Audio Control Button and "1" button at the same time. Audio Version will be displayed.
  • ktpklossktpkloss Member Posts: 28
    can someone explain to me what's the deal with side airbags and side curtains in Mazda 3 (5-door)? It's listed as an option on masda web site, yet i can't build a vehicle with these options neither on mazda or edmunds website...

    thanks
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    They come standard - that is why you can't add them (at least on the Touring and GT, can't remember on the sport).
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Mazda tried to renig on our plan today with the 1st radiator flush. After a heated discussion, they ate the cost but now we have to see the general manager about what they plan to do about this problem. Pretty pissed off at the dealership right now about how they're trying to weasel out of their commitment. Time will tell.

    The Sandman :mad:
  • dairyshickdairyshick Member Posts: 129
    I know some cars have challenges with tinting windows, but is the Mazda3 one of them? Are there are any problems that develop such as scratches from the windows going up and down?...i ask this because accords have this problem in general and tinting them requires changing the window seals or something like that. Any help would be appreciated!
  • jerchrijerchri Member Posts: 6
    I haven't checked the forums in a while. I need to keep up because I always find great tips and tricks like this. Unlocking the trip computer has been a great surprise, but I find myself looking at the Current MPG every other second to see if I can do better :) .

    I'm obsessing less about it now because I realized it's best to just keep my eyes on the road.

    Love the trip computer. Thanks, Andreas.
  • markb3markb3 Member Posts: 23
    Hi All,
    So what's the verdict on the 2007 Mazda3 Galaxy Grey color? In certain lighting conditions it has a Bluish tint that looks pretty cool.
  • stallionrestallionre Member Posts: 205
    AWESOME COLOR!! That is why I bought the car in this color. It is Bluish/Grey color in the day, and at night it is dark Grey. This type of car, is a Tricolor car. Which means that it took three colors to make this type of color. That is why they call it Mica. The Galaxy name is like out of this world, type of name. ;) My wife loves this color. It so color too look at.

    When you wax the car with a good wax, the color gets even darker. There is a slight change but is noticeable. :)
  • markb3markb3 Member Posts: 23
    Thanks for your reply, I have to agree with you. I just bought a 2007 GT Sedan two days ago and never even noticed this when at the dealer looking.

    I did wax it and your right it does darken ever so slightly.Very Cool and happy I didn't go with the Carbon Grey.
  • stallionrestallionre Member Posts: 205
    ;) Glad your happy with your car. I am more than happy with mine. How does your GT ride? Did you get the moonroof, homelink device? I got the entire package including the Front mask, Wheel locks, Bose, moonroof, rear lid spoiler, front and rear dash mats, all weather floor mats, cargo mat, and front seat covers. :)

    This Sunday I am getting my car tinted by the man that the dealer hired to do all there cars on the lot. Awesome deal with Lifetime warranty. :)

    He said that window seals will not scratch the tint when you roll the window down and up. ;)

    The color is awesome. I didn't like the Carbon Grey. That paint looks cheap for some reason. It does no justice to the car of this size and class. I really beleive that this type of car looks better with a darker color paint, except for black.

    Did you see the Phantom Purple Mica? What was Mazda thinking making a grape of a car, JK for all the people who own this color. Just not my choice for a color for a car. You take the sporty name out of it with this color in my opinion. ;)
  • markb3markb3 Member Posts: 23
    I find the ride a little bit stiffer then my 2004 GS that I traded in but this could be because of the larger wheels and the fact it's brand new again. Mine has the full load including heated front seats, Ipod jack, and also had the dealer put a bug deflector on, that's put out by Mazda and
    looks real good.
    I did see the Phantom Purple Mica and it certainly is different. What did you think of the Electric Blue Mica? I found it way too bright.
    Good luck with your Window tinting! and let us know how it goes. :)
  • stallionrestallionre Member Posts: 205
    Thanks for sharing. The Electric Blue Mica??? Can you say "Sun Glasses". It is way to bright, especially on a bright sunny day, which where I live is about 99% of the time.

    The Electric Blue Mica does not look good on a sedan, but looks cool on the 5 door.

    I will let you know about the Window tinting. I will post on Monday. ;)

    I am getting a dark shade of tint, (Dark in the rear, Medium in the front) which will look awesome on the Galaxy Grey Mica. Can't wait.
  • bigfurbigfur Member Posts: 649
    Wow everyone bashing the blue. I get more comments on the color of my car than i can count. I love it. And just for the record, the only 3 with a tri coat paint job is the pearl white. Mica is just a metal flake added into the paint to give it some reflection. The pearl is a seperate step in the paint process which is why there is an up charge for the white color.
  • stallionrestallionre Member Posts: 205
    On an internet search that I did, it said that the Mica can have up to three colors in it to get that look Mica look, but what you said makes sense. I know about the flakes, is that what they consider one of the colors? or step process?
  • eldainoeldaino Member Posts: 1,618
    yeah the white is a pearlescent,and its like 200 bucks more but its worth it.

    I love the blue. But i do think the hatch wears it better. (and the white imho.)
  • bigfurbigfur Member Posts: 649
    Every paint job even black and a regular white have other colors added into them, they are never just straight black or straight white. To get a blue that color i wouldnt be surprised if there are six colors or so in it, plus the mica. I used to work in body shops for a while so i have a pretty good idea of how this works. All i know is any tri coat (pearl) car is gonna cost more when you buy it and more if you ever scratch it.
  • markb3markb3 Member Posts: 23
    Hey Bigfur, I wasn't by no means bashing the Blue. I to think it looks great on the Mazda3 sport and in fact if I went with the sport that would of been my paint chioce. I was wondering if anyone else has the Goodyear eagle GS-A tires on there Mazda3s. I have found them kinda noise on the highway.
  • JBaumgartJBaumgart Member Posts: 890
    Our car came with these tires, and unfortunately they are noisy especially as they age. I have experience with them on another vehicle I own, and to put it kindly there are better alternatives out there.
  • eldainoeldaino Member Posts: 1,618
    Every paint job even black and a regular white have other colors added into them, they are never just straight black or straight white

    very true; my nighthawk black civic had blue sparkles in it!

    But they didn't charge me extra at all, in fact, many of honda's colors are pearls and there is no extra charge.

    I think the reason the 3 gets charged for the white is because it is a pearlescent; the same kind of white that goes on more expensive cadillacs and other luxury cars, it kinda changes colors under different light, its not a regular paint with other colors just mixed in to achieve the color.
  • stallionrestallionre Member Posts: 205
    I have the Goodyear Eagle GS-A tires and they have some noise to them, but then again the roads in LA, SUCK!!! :mad:
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