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One other thing that I'm researching is how much of the Mazda3 is Ford-sourced. According to wikipedia.org, for example, the 4-speed auto is made by Mazda while the 5-speed auto is made by Ford, which is the main reason that -if I do end up with a Mazda3- it will be the one with the 4-speed.
I'd appreciate any information, or any websites where I can get reliable information, about that issue.
Cheers
My '06 Civic has only needed oil changes and no rotations yet since I drove over a nail and the rear tire wasn't patchable. Ended up having to purchase 2 tires for the rear. But this car is as "cheap to keep" as our previous Camry's and Corolla's.
Very happy with our 2 cars now, eventhough the 3s seems to be not as well put together as the Civic.
The Sandman
It's interesting that you find the Mazda3 not to be as well-built as the Civic. My initial impression after having been a passenger in both cars a couple of time is the other way around; I think the Mazda3's interior fit/finish and general solidity is a notch above the Civic. Having said that, I've only had a brief experience with either car and, since you own both, I would be interested to know more details about why you think the Civic is better built.
Cheers
This am, backing out of garage, noticed several oil puddles on floor. Checked oil filter, it was tight, no sign of leakage.
Took it to dealer, he just called and said it was a collapsed motor mount. Fortunately the car is still under warranty.
Anyone hear of this problem?
I just had the same problem on my 05 2.3 with 47K. It's kind of common. Overall the car is rock solid. it does have a few minor issues, but that almost expected.
I just wish it had a trunk release from the key fob. My buddy works at a Mazda dealer and he tells me there's NO serious issues with the 3 and he just one come in with 237K miles on it! Wow!
It's a great car and i love driving it!!!
from the day i bought the damn thin, i have had nothing but headaches. whenever taken to the dealer for problems, "problem not found".
dealer mechanics are only good for oil changes and ripping customer's off, by offering services they are unable to perform. dealer mechanics hardly focus on the prolem at hand. they never pay attention to what complaints are and their work-orders do not include customer's complaints...only their own simplified-language...."engine problem"...okay.. perhaps they get paid by the number of cars they services, i.e. they just claim "no problem found"
I never imagined a mazda would have so much problems...
It's a real stupid design, BUT it you turn the setting past 12:00 (feet) or any other setting to the right of that your A/C compressor will turn on and REDUCE your gas mileage. big time....
Help me spread the news, not many people know this.
Otherwise it's a great car!
Scott
Most cars do NOT turn the AC compressor ON when you select the foot position (floor). This is usually the position that MOST people keep their air flow on..............
This means that many Mazda 3 owners will experience lower the normal gas mileage, for sure.
This is a completely useless, stupid, and unacceptable blunder on the part of the car designers. If I want an A/C on, I am capable of pushing the button. If I want recirculated air, I can do the same just as easily. At least the A/C and recirculated air both can be manually turned off by pushing the buttons, but watch out - the next gen cars might not allow you to do even that.
This is my only gripe with my new 2008 Mazda3i so far. Otherwise, the car has been great - I just do not understand why Mazda designers decided to deliberately put a piece of turd on an otherwise exceptionally well thought out dish....
On a separate issue, automatically turning the A/C on when the airflow is directed to the windows is a useful feature that might potentially improve safety. If weather conditions are "right", flow of air suddenly directed at the windows can fog them up in seconds, which could result in disaster.. I read some time ago about this feature in a Toyota owners manual. In case of Corolla, the A/C automatically switches on in reduced power mode and the A/C indicator light does not come on. I am not certain, but I suspect that Mazda's implementation is similar.
Really? I am surprised that you think that would be the most common position.
Scott
Scott
Scott
(P.S. sorry if I misunderstood what others were complaining about in previous posts)
I have a 2005 Mazda 3 S 2.3 sedan, NO climate control.
Any time you turn your MODE dial to feet or windshield your AC compressor will turn on. Hence reducing your gas mileage.............
I have confirmed this with a Mazda engineer in California and a my Mazda mechanic. This is the way it was designed, it does make sence to me. My honda's do not do that....
I appologized in another message for not understanding what you had written, the fact remains that my 2007 (canadian model) 3 gs sport, manual A/C does not automatically turn the air on in any position that does not have defrost (air to the windshield) on it ie. defrost and mixed (air to the floor and air to the winshield). In pure floor, floor and dash vents (face) and just dash vents (face) the air conditioniing does not come on unless I turn it on, and in no position does it turn on the a/c button and the rec button regardless of temp position as another poster mentioned (I tried it this morning), so I am going to have to toss this one to differences in programming for the different markets (us and canada) though I agree with you if your a/c does act in this way (a/c auto on an floor only) it makes absolutely no sense at all, and is something that should be corrected.
Again sorry for any misunderstanding.
Scott
When I was a kid we had a VW Bug. The heat ducts that ran from the engine in the back rusted through from winter road salt. Talk about NO climate control.
What your saying makes sense, but what a waste of gas..... I don't always need dry air in the car......
Thanks.
I think the problem with turning the fan off when you have an A/C equipped car is potential growth of mold. I always have the fan running at the minimum speed for that reason.
Do you know, where could I find the entire engine bay hoses diameters. I'll like to replace them all for aftermarket ones.
Thanks and LORD Bless!
Just go to the dealer and tell them that you're (meaning the car, HA!) experiencing the 1st to 2nd "Shift Shock" problem and they will reset the ECU.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
What you need to remember is that the people who post complaints on internet forums are a very tiny percentage of actual owners. My 2007 Mazdaspeed3 has been trouble-free in the 10,000 miles I've owned it, and I suspect that is true for the vast majority of Mazda 3 owners. Extrapolating any brand of vehicle's reliability from the amount of complaints found on message boards is a fool's errand.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Where do you the facts and percentages of failures that would warrant a class action lawsuit. I know I'm not the only experiencing this problem... ZOOM, ZOOM, TICK, TICK, boom?
I use the board as well as JD Power and CR to try to make a purchasing decision between the Corolla, the Civic and the 3. JD gave the Mazda 2 points whereas the Corolla and Civic get 4 points in the mechanical quality area. That is huge difference in initial quality concerns. Consumer Report, also a very trustworthy source, listed the Mazda for above average in reliability whereas the Civic and the Corolla get a full circle marking and practically in a tie with the Corolla given a slight edge over the Civic.
For those M3 owners that are currently having problems I feel for you and I hate to be in the same situation you are currently having. I can only suggest you Googled for Lemon Law and post your result to help those that are currently considering the 3 such as myself.
On a side note, I once owned a VW Scirocco. A fun to drive car. Sure footed and nimble just like the current Mazda 3 but the little things that break down on me completely turned me off to the brand and negated any good feeling I originally had. It is far fetched to compare Mazda to VW but my only hope is that Mazda take these issues seriously and addressed them honestly so that they can continue they success.
I have owned my 3 for over 2 years and have 48K miles and NO issues ever.... I even personally know a mechanic at the Mazda dealer, and he too tells me that the 3 is a great car.
I'm not saying it's perfect, but you make it out to be junk... I'm sorry but you're 100% wrong...
Check out these web sites and see for your self what owners are saying.... (www.msn.com)
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/reviews.aspx?year=2007&make=Mazda&model=Mazda3- &trimid=-1
True enough, but the fact is that there are some pathetic souls that you can NEVER satisfy, and those folks are the type most likely to spam all the boards with their tales of woe.
As for your purchasing decision, I found the Civic to be fun to drive, but I don't like the Battlestar Galactica two-story IP. And the Corolla -like all Toyotas save the Celica, MR2, and Supra- is a mind-numbing FWD appliance.
In my case, I was looking for a fun commuter hack to use until I decide on my next track rat and/or sports sedan. The Mazdaspeed3's performance/price ratio won the day, so it will stay in my garage for at least another 6-12 months...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I am new here and thinking of purchasing the Mazda 3 but seeing the problems above and probably more that I haven't had a chance to find out less I spend the next 3 years reading the whole board ...LOL
So I thought I would ask the owners of these cars what problems have Mazda fixed permanently once and for all. I see no consensus whether these issues were fixed or not. Some said yes and some said no.
Mazda folks at corporate are POS. I thought of calling them first since what better way than to get the truth from the horse mouth. But NO!!! They denied right away of ever having an AC issue when I asked them of it. AND I haven't even asked them about the others issues..LOL. So far I am not impressed with them playing stupid and dumb about the AC issue. What a nice way to start a relationship Mazda. Already stonewalling me!!!!
So help me out folks!!!
Have I missed out any other problems?
What's fixed permantly?
Is the AC up to snuff on the 08???
Have the bugs been worked out?
Am I going to get a lemon???
Do I need a lawyer???
ETC.......
Buy the car if you like it, if you are too worried about the potential probles you se here don't buy it, buy something you are more comfortable with, life is too short to worry about problems all the time.
Scott
Have I missed out any other problems?
What's fixed permantly?
Is the AC up to snuff on the 08???
Have the bugs been worked out?
Am I going to get a lemon???
Do I need a lawyer???
ETC.......
From the content and tone of your letter, I'm almost certain that you will be miserable no matter what car you buy. You might want to keep the car you have; you will save money AND keep your misery quotient constant.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Airbag sensor - recall, fixed by Mazda
Faulty connection in wiring harness causing check engine light - I actually found the fix here on this site, bought a replacement wire/kit from mazda and fixed that myself (only certain cars).
And after my 30K maint, the tech said all my brake linings were fine (I usually do all my own work on cars but I was too busy with work and school, so I just let them do it). Well, they were not fine in the back and within a month my rear rotors were destroyed because there is not a tattle tail back there, and by the time I noticed it was too late. So I took the full circle report back to mazda and showed them how they said I was in the green and asked that they replaced the rotors. They took full responsiblity and replaced both rear rotors, only charging me for new pads (which I would have had to buy anyways even if I noticed it).
My wife also owns a 2004 mazda S sedan with 62,000 miles (automatic), here are the issues I have had with hers:
Airbag sensor - recall, fixed by mazda
A/C not cooling well - there was a small leak that mazda detected with a smoke test and they fixed it under warranty.
Faulty thermostat @ 60k (this can happen on any car after a while) - I bought the part from mazda and replaced this in my driveway, it was a tight space under the hood, but I got it.
Shift Shock - Hard shifting from 1st to 2nd, a well known problem here. I had the PCM flashed at the dealer and that fixed it. They filed it under warranty, even though we were out of warranty at this point.
So I have had great experience with Mazda, and after a few small repairs the cars have performed perfectly. Now, I came from a dodge HEMI quad cab and a history of Mustangs, and for a 4 banger this little car can zip, and it handles great, not to mention it is easy on the pocket book when it is time to fill up. I will likely not buy a first year model car ever again though, got to let them work out the bugs first. I also did most of the 60K maint on both of our cars and upgraded our air filters and spark plugs, the cars run great and are fun to drive. When you look at the HP, interior room, design, fun factor, and MPG I think it is the best "economy class" or "fuel sipper" out there. You can be efficient and not give up all the fun. Hope this helps, good luck.
(It compares extremely favorably to the 2000 Olds Intrigue I owned before this car. I liked it, but there were problems: I was tired of carrying it to the dealer for extended warranty work at $100 a pop)
Zoom, Zoom, tick! Would your mechanic friend have ideas for my mechanics 'cuz they're stumped and waiting for guidance from Mazda?
Dealer doesnt know what's wrong. Taken in 3 times. Anybody out there know of this issue.
Now my other daughter, her stereo goes out. Then comes back on. What's up?
Scott
I had my 07' 3 s sedan for almost a year already and i have been noticing lately that as soon as i start my car, there's a very strong exhaust & gas smell; i have the garage door open already but i have to pull out the car because the smell takes up the whole garage. Does anyone know what the issue might be? Theres no smoke or anything coming out of the muffler or anything.
-Also my 15,000 maintenance is coming up in about a month and whats good to have done in addition?
- this is going to sound dumb but is it bad to drive at high speeds (75-80) almost everytime you drive?
-my brakes are fine (when it was checked at last oil change) but they are squealing; they seem to squeal mostly coming to a slow stops. Do i need to change the pads?
Sorry for all the questions!! Thank you for any responses!!
My '07 MS3 has about 13,500 miles on it and the brakes have just started doing the same thing. They work just fine, but I get a singing squeal just before it comes to a complete stop. It seems to go away for a while right after I wash the car. I was going to have it checked at the 15000 maint.
Just do what your Owners Manual calls for; anything else is a waste.
- this is going to sound dumb but is it bad to drive at high speeds (75-80) almost everytime you drive?
Not as long as you give the engine 5-10 minutes to warm up first. I usually see 90+ every day or so.
-my brakes are fine (when it was checked at last oil change) but they are squealing; they seem to squeal mostly coming to a slow stops. Do i need to change the pads?
No, you simply need to use your brakes a bit harder; the pads are probably a bit glazed. Make 4-5 moderately hard brake applications slowing the car from 60 mph down to 20 mph. Drive @ one mile between applications to allow the brakes to cool. That should cure the squeal.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive