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I also found the 2.0 to have more than sufficient power with the manual transmission. In the automatic versions, the power difference (and torque curve) between the 2.0 and 2.3 are a little more noticeable. You'll be thankful for the few extra MPG you'll see compared to 's' models. I wanted the 5-door bodystyle and 17" wheels, so the 2.3 was my only choice. My fuel economy is a little disappointing, but the power makes it a fair trade-off.
I also considered the Honda Civic and VW Jetta when I was shopping in 12/05. The Civic had just been released a few months prior and dealers weren't discounting. I didn't find the looks appealing either. As a final strike against it, I couldn't find any interior/exterior color combo that I actually liked. I didn't like the ivory interior at all and gray only came in exterior colors I didn't like. I do have to give kudos to Honda here- for 2008, the Civic Sedan in Taffeta White can have either Ivory or Gray interior. One of the few times they've ever offered a choice in a Civic.
I double checked on the leather steering wheel cover and you are correct, the Mazda Accessories catalog doesn't show one available. It may be because the 's' models already have it as a standard feature. Google "Mazda3+steering+wheel+cover" and see what you can find. There are some aftermarket ones available.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I'm seriously considering the purchase of a new Mazda3 to replace my 2006. I recently changed jobs and have a 42-mile one-way commute in Atlanta traffic. The manual transmission just isn't practical given the driving conditions. An automatic is really the only way to go with that kind of drive. I'll also trade-up to a Grand Touring model, but I will stick with the 5-door bodystyle.
Enjoy!
Regarding steering wheel cover, has anyone tried Wheelskins?
http://www.autocarparts.com/part/1168/96/
That turned up on the google search. Only $40, worth a shot. I've ordered a couple of free sample swatches. Will probably just go with black, but would like to see the charcoal and oak colors in person.
I have a neighbor who has an '06 w/ dak tint and his A/C does not cool the acr with temps in the '90s.
How has the A/C been for people that have '07s?
Scott
Mazda announces mid-year enhancements to Mazda3
Richmond Hill, Ontario - Mazda has announced mid-year enhancements to its Mazda3 line-up, including a new entry-level Mazda3 Sport GX model for the 2008 model year.
Unique to Canada in the North American market, the new 2008.5 Mazda3 Sport GX uses the same 148-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine found in the current Mazda3 GX and GS sedans. The new trim line includes 15-inch steel wheels, body-coloured grille, GFX front and rear bumpers, fog lamps, anti-lock brakes, side and curtain airbags and CD stereo with four speakers. An available Comfort Package adds power locks and windows, power heated mirrors, keyless entry, illuminated entry, wheel-mounted audio controls, spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Air conditioning and an automatic transmission are also available as options.
The Mazda3 Sport GS now receives air conditioning, rear spoiler, cruise control and two additional speakers as standard equipment, while the Mazda3 Sport GT receives additional standard equipment, including Xenon headlamps; its Luxury Package now also adds a power driver's seat and Bose audio with Sirius satellite radio.
The Mazda3 sedan also receives additional equipment content, with the GX gaining two extra speakers and body-coloured mirrors, along with a Comfort Package similar to the Sport GX.
The GS sedan receives body-coloured grille and standard 16-inch alloy wheels, previously available as a GS Sport Package, and will have only a stand-alone sunroof as an option. Similar to the Sport GT, the Mazda3 sedan GT receives Xenon headlamps and additions to its Luxury Package.
Pricing for the models will be available at a later date.
It will be interesting to see how Mazda deals with the recent rise of the Canadian dollar in its pricing. Several manufacturers are introducing New Canadian pricing to address the issue. Unfortunately, this is not across the board and is sometimes applied only to higher end models. As a consumer we should insist on having a clear explanation why Canadian prices do not match US prices considering our dollars are at par and the models are virtually identical.
I challenge anyone in the entire universe to drive a vehicle on an interstate highway or even a residential street without their windshield wipers not operating. In all of years of car ownership I have never EVER had this happen. The fact that people, mechanics, car dealerships who sell these machines think it's no big deal is very scary. I would like for them to put their loved ones in a vehicle like that and see how they feel.
My husband took my Mazda 3 out to the dealership where we bought it from and once again, the wipers were working.....nothing they could do about it. No big deal!
So anyone have any advice..please no jokes this car is six months old...brand new. We have owned numerous cars, all makes, models and manufacturers. This is a first and a very frightening one. First of all why wouldn't this be a covered item for a loaner so they can get to the bottom of the problem. Seems to me, brakes, tires, engines, steering wheels, windshield wipers, all fall under the bare necessities to drive a car safely.
Input on this would be appreciated. Thanks. Sorry for the length.
Where I can't agree with you is on what you expect a dealer to do when they can't duplicate the problem. Should they arbitrarily replace parts until your problem no longer occurs? (that's a rhetorical question, btw)
So, what you need to do to help them fix your car is try to give them as many specifics as you can about when the problem occurs.
How long were the wipers running before they failed?
What was the ambient temp?
Was this low or high speed?
Was there any ice build-up on the wind shield?
etc, etc
Also, I'd suggest putting some rain-x on the wind shield in case it happens again.
What I would do is go to the dealership, and at least ask for them to inspect all of the connections and wiring. Reiterate to them that you understand the frustration of having to find a problem which cannot be diagnosed, but that you are very concerned with your safety. And yes, it is invaluable to provide as much detail as possible when describing a problem. Items that seem inconsequential to you, may be very important when describing the issue.
And when was the 08 m3 put on lots?
When do u think they will start selling the 09?
I don't know if to get the 08 now or wait..thank you
The 08 Mazda3's have been out since Aug 2007. Look for the 09's to come out around the same time, Aug 2008. Basically the same model as 2008.
Although it's really been quiet on the Mazda6 front... who knows if things will be delayed, but that is the speculation as of now.
"The Mazda2 is also a marvel of lightweight technology, weighing only 2,103 lbs. Mazda told us that its engineers managed to shave about 220 pounds off the former Mazda2, yet the body is stiffer, NVH is down, and safety is improved."
http://blogs.edmunds.com/?14@@/Straightline/2427
Until Saturday. Starting the car was fine, accelerating from zero to about 15 (I do have a heavier foot so gave it a bit of a goose to go...) and (pause BANG, pause BANG) and the car was in 3rd gear... Transmission light came on, the puzzling AT light came on and stayed on a bit and yikes. I pulled over, turned the engine off, looked at the owners manual, saw that when the AT light comes on you are warned to not drive the car.
I turned the ignition back on, both lights stayed on. I turned it off and then on again, AT light was gone. Did it again, and both lights were gone. I drove a few miles, no warning lights at all. On the way home, transmission light came on, but no AT light.
Yesterday, same thing. Fine all morning, in the late afternoon pause BANG then both warning lights. Did the turn off turn on thing again, AT light vanished, now only have the transmission light on.
Will be taking it to the dealer tomorrow morning, but would like to hear if anyone has any theories or experienced this themselves?
Thanks!
The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule
Did the dealer figure out the problem?
Thanks!
You can't skip songs with the steering wheel controls when using the AUX jack.
Incidentally, if your Mazda3 was made after Jan. 1, 2008, the functionality of the iPod integration module is much improved.
Changes include piano black (rather than faux wood) dash applique', 17" (rather than 16") wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, color-keyed grille (rather than chrome accent), and fog lights. Basically looks like a 3s but with the more economical 2.0 liter engine. I also think the ABS/SAB/SAC package is standard whereas it used to be optional on the 3i Touring.
Overall, a pretty neat package, for only a few hundred bucks more. Personally I like the faux wood in my 3i Touring, but I would have loved fog lights and the leather steering wheel. Also I really dig the 17" wheels, but I would not have wanted the stiffer handling and more expensive replacement tires. I'm happy with my 16"s, they look nice and are a step up from the 15"s with plastic wheel covers on the base 3i sport model.
(They also added a few new colors 1/1/08, including a really sweet shade of orange-red and metallic blue. Mine is galaxy grey metallic which I truly love, but I probably would have gone for the blue had it been available - oh well!)
Must admit, Mazda does make a nice car...nice to look at and crazy fun to drive.
The Sandman
,
Also, someone told me that is a mount that gives your Mada a BMW look .
ty
Now ,how can I get rid of the dumb cigarettete lighter plug the dealer gave me with a plain one. He gave me a plug with a line through a burning cigarette puffing smoke.
I have been to 3 auto stores and been googling all night.I didn't think they made cars with ash trays to day. :surprise:
Any experiences regarding driving a Mazda3 2.0l in the winter. I live in Toronto ontario and we do get snowstorms. Last winter was pretty bad. The mazda i bought has no ABS and i will get a good set of winter tires. But just wanted anybody's input as to the driveability of the car and if its safe without ABS. The last accord i had had ABS but i didnt have snows through the winter.
Any help would be appreciated. thanks
It's a good system,just upgrade it every year. :shades:
Perhaps I am looking in all the wrong places. Can any of you help?
The chat opens at 8:45 pm ET and runs until 10 pm ET. I hope you're able to join us tonight to meet and greet with your fellow CarSpace members!
See you there!
http://www.leftlanenews.com/mazda-3-future.html
Trying to decide which one to get. The difference for 2008.5 between the 3i Touring Value and 3s Touring, aside from the obvious engine difference, is the TCS/DSC and map lights are available on the 3s Touring and not on the 3i Touring Value. Everything else seems pretty much the same. Anyone know if this will change for 2009? The gas on the 3i is a bit better, but I would like the TCS/DSC. Is there any major benefit to these systems?
Anyone know when the 2009 will be out, or at least the specs?
Many thanks
Also, for all you people that are annoyed by smoking cigarette lighter Subaru sell a 12V/120w plug. I just bought one for $6.50 at a Subie dealer and it looks sharp. No more ash tray look.