Long time Mazda3 owners - what's your opinion now? (Poll)

[Zee]

New owners please don't vote (but add to the discussion!). you are still blinded by the new car sensation.

Well i can honestly say, that if i knew then what i know now i would not have picked the mazda3.

As my 3rd out of 4 cars overall, and one of 2 cars that I currently own, Im actually more happy with my elantra than my mazda3. It's a total of things.

- The poor gas mileage for such a small and not so fast car
- The crappy oem products that all had to be quickly replaced (wipers, brakes, goodyear tires, the plastic underguard below the motor)
- The expensive navigation system that is not touch screen
- The fragile TPMS modules that has forever left a light on my gauge cluster
- The unique oil cartridge and "O" ring instead of the normal canister making oil changes more expensive then normal
- The mediocre quality as a whole (i've had to go back to the dealer (luckily under warranty) for the cd player, navi, navi controls, their numerous TSB (Service Bulletins), airbag lights, Check engine light, etc...)
- The non-competitive warranty duration (3 years/50,000)
- The atrocious air conditioning unit

and also the fact that my airbag light is now on right after my warranty expired

I now understand why mazda managed to beat out only Suzuki in brand loyalty (customers coming back to purchase additional cars). I now understand why Hyundai owners fiercely brand loyal especially after having such a cheaper experience fixing it than the 3.

How about you guys?

 

[child of wonder]

That's disappointing to hear. I've actually been hoping to get a Mazda3 in a year or two.

 

[WannaFly]

Bought mine in August '04, with 7 miles on it - have a little over 40k on it now.

Still love it. Have had ZERO problems, i found a good shop that doesnt charge extra for the cartridge oil filter. Gas mileage, mine is exactly as the sticker said - which is average if you ask me.

I didnt get the nav or TPMS - waste of money if you ask me
I LOVE the quality- way better then most corollas, focus, etc i've been in.
My warranty got bumped to 4yr/45k miles *shrug*
No problems with the AC, it handles the florida heat perfectly fine.

 

[PricklyPete]

It might be worthwhile for people to put what model year they have and how many miles are on the car to get an idea of how bad all the problems they are having is.

 

[Deeko]

I have an 07 mazda 6 with 5000 miles on it, so I don't qualify for this at all....but since your subtitle was kinda obnoxious before, I'm gonna say "Loving it" and vote in the poll anyway.

you're welcome.

edit: oh, and I had a '94 626 when I was in high school, so I guess I am justified in potsing cuz it refutes the brand loyalty thing.

 

[randomlinh]

I bought mine June 05, new. Overall, I love it, even given it's flaws.

-yes, the AC sucks donkey balls. my biggest complaint. This seems to be very subjective I've found. If you browse the mazda3forums, you have ppl who say it's fine and works great. I would like to sit in their cars and see for myself if it's truly a QC issue, or just differences in people's tolerance for heat.

-wipers.. cheap to replace, no biggie. The Eagle RSA's I'm not a fan of, but I see them on a lot as OEM tires.

-the underbody panel: what would you have it made out of? my complaint is they didn't cut the hole for the filter change. I dunno why the hell they didn't, cause it's far too troublesome to remove. Mine is gone permanently tho for unrelated reasons.. heh.. it's $130 to replace... so i said screw it.

-filter cartridge... this is annoying, yes. But it's actually being done on more cars. newer toyotas have it too. I don't know why you say it costs more.. it's $5-6 for the cartridge. The screw on for my 95 camry was roughly the same. More annoying to do oil changes, yes. I will probably swap it to the 2.0 screw on. But that's about $75 I think.

-TPMS.. can't comment, i took mine out after a month since i'd be swapping rims.

-I get ~27MPG average, 5sp. 60-70% highway, depending on traffic. This includes my autocorssing, and maybe missing three or four fill ups. Best was just under 35MPG all highway.

Now my stuff..

-had to buy an auxmod to get auxiliary input, then did a mod to get an actual ipod connector
-creaking of plastic... dunno if it's the car or because of my autocrossing
-does feel a bit heavy for the engine
-2nd gear is too tall
-cheap paint
-the only major issue i've had is my catalytic converter died, replaced under warranty
-might be too stiff a ride (at stock) for some, I've had two female friends make that comment when test driving/renting the car.

the good stuff...
-handles great, especially with slightly stiffer springs.
-fun as hell to drive
-comfortable bucket-ish seats, but not as nice as my old MX6.
-looks good inside and out. I have yet to find another interior layout/design I like more in it's class.
-fun as hell to drive

If you noticed, I put a lot of emphasis on driving. I autocross, so that's where my viewpoints are coming from. My only other complaints stem from the fact I went against my gut feeling and bought a new car, but that would be a given for any new car. I justified it as getting it out of my system

I have just under 54k miles on the car now.

 

[Gibson486]

go to the auto forum and you will see my numerous posts about my dissapoinment in my Mazda3 and I have only had it for about 6 months.

-Tire Pressure light keeps turning on (turned on 2 weeks after I bought it).
-gas mileage does indeed suck with an auto (i get 18 city and 24 highway)
-Squeek on the passenger side somehwere.
-Paint is really cheap.
-OEM parts (brakes, wipers, tires) do suck
-AC is weaker than half the ATOT community
-windshield that has just recently begun to crack (do I call insurance or bring it to dealer?).

 

[senseamp]

I love my 2006 3s 5MT hatch. Some small annoyances:
-POS carpet replaced under warranty
-Glovebox rattle fixed
-Really needs a 6th gear for cruising fuel economy on highway.
The good stuff:
-superb handling
-fast with 5MT
-looks great
-very practical
-fits my bike in the back with both wheels on when rear seats are folded

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Deeko
I have an 07 mazda 6 with 5000 miles on it, so I don't qualify for this at all....but since your subtitle was kinda obnoxious before, I'm gonna say "Loving it" and vote in the poll anyway.

you're welcome.

edit: oh, and I had a '94 626 when I was in high school, so I guess I am justified in potsing cuz it refutes the brand loyalty thing.

I'll also say something about brand loyalty...I had a '99 Millenia with the supercharged Miller cycle engine and loved it. I would easily buy another Mazda when the time comes for a new car for my wife as long as they have something we want. I'm not a fanatic...but I like them.

 

[WolverineGator]

Car has been PERFECT. Replaced wipers with silicone ones, still on original tires, do my own oil changes with synthetic oil. Last 5 Tanks (2006 3S Hatch 5speed 50psi tires. 90% highway driving in GA and FL).

Miles Gallons MPG
387.5 11.82 . 32.8
186.0 . 4.47 . 41.6 <--- yay! (Unfortunately it was a partial tank)
389.0 10.82 . 36.0
348.4 . 9.63 . 36.2
387.8 11.43 . 33.9

No AC problems here, but dark tinted windows help with weak AC. I agree with randomlinh that it's a tolerance for heat (comfort level) and a vocal group of chunky monkey's.

Wish there was a little more leg room and an AUX IN / RCA jack (but that was solved with the 2007+ model)

 

[lokiju]

I went and checked them out last weekend since I liked the looks of the Mazda3 hatch back and was shocked when the guy told me the cheapest one they carried started at $20k! WTF for that little ecnocar?

Screw that.

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: lokiju
I went and checked them out last weekend since I liked the looks of the Mazda3 hatch back and was shocked when the guy told me the cheapest one they carried started at $20k! WTF for that little ecnocar?

Screw that.

Once you go to the hatches, they are not really economy unless you talk them down (hatch only has 2.3l engine, no 2.0 hatch in US). Also, most people do not buy the higher end version, so that is usually what is left on the lot.

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: senseamp
I love my 2006 3s 5MT hatch. Some small annoyances:
-POS carpet replaced under warranty
-Glovebox rattle fixed
-Really needs a 6th gear for cruising fuel economy on highway.
The good stuff:
-superb handling
-fast with 5MT
-looks great
-very practical
-fits my bike in the back with both wheels on when rear seats are folded

is that rattle/squeek from the glovebox??? How do you fix it?

 

[Zee]

Originally posted by: WolverineGator
Car has been PERFECT. Replaced wipers with silicone ones, still on original tires, do my own oil changes with synthetic oil. Last 5 Tanks (2006 3S Hatch 5speed 50psi tires. 90% highway driving in GA and FL).

Miles Gallons MPG
387.5 11.82 . 32.8
186.0 . 4.47 . 41.6 <--- yay! (Unfortunately it was a partial tank)
389.0 10.82 . 36.0
348.4 . 9.63 . 36.2
387.8 11.43 . 33.9

No AC problems here, but dark tinted windows help with weak AC. I agree with randomlinh that it's a tolerance for heat (comfort level) and a vocal group of chunky monkey's.

Wish there was a little more leg room and an AUX IN / RCA jack (but that was solved with the 2007+ model)

has nothing to do with tolerance. it's easy to compare with any other car.

 

[pray4mojo]

Originally posted by: lokiju
I went and checked them out last weekend since I liked the looks of the Mazda3 hatch back and was shocked when the guy told me the cheapest one they carried started at $20k! WTF for that little ecnocar?

Screw that.

wow $20k? i picked up my mazda6 for $14k.

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: senseamp
I love my 2006 3s 5MT hatch. Some small annoyances:
-POS carpet replaced under warranty
-Glovebox rattle fixed
-Really needs a 6th gear for cruising fuel economy on highway.
The good stuff:
-superb handling
-fast with 5MT
-looks great
-very practical
-fits my bike in the back with both wheels on when rear seats are folded

is that rattle/squeek from the glovebox??? How do you fix it?

I wrote it up here:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=52650.0

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: senseamp
I love my 2006 3s 5MT hatch. Some small annoyances:
-POS carpet replaced under warranty
-Glovebox rattle fixed
-Really needs a 6th gear for cruising fuel economy on highway.
The good stuff:
-superb handling
-fast with 5MT
-looks great
-very practical
-fits my bike in the back with both wheels on when rear seats are folded

is that rattle/squeek from the glovebox??? How do you fix it?

I wrote it up here:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=52650.0

Hmm....thanks, but after hearing closer, it sounds like teh squeek is coming from the center console. I may give your method a try though.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: Zee

and also the fact that my airbag light is now on right after my warranty expired

How about you guys?

FYI: I have a Ford, and the airbag light recently starting coming on (just a few months after the warranty had expired). Luckily, it is usually an easy fix.

The airbag light is often causes by an error in the seatbelt sensor system. To correct this, reach under your seats and find the cable for the seatbelt sensor. Unplug it, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. I did this, and the light has not come back on.

 

[beer]

I have an 06 Mazda3 S-GT that I bought in October 2005 that I have mixed feelings about.

The car gets horrrrrible gas mileage on the streets of San Francisco. if I were to drive across town taking the hilly route, I'd probably average 12 mpg. I have a manual. I moved from Texas where the a/c did bother me, but in northern California it does not. It just doesn't get hot enough here.

Those of you with TPMS lights going off - did you not check your tires? My TPMS lights have gone off three times now, all three which were legitimate and reflected a nail embedded deep in my tire (2 PSI/week lost) or a mis-fitting wheel weight (3 PSI/day, after a vehicle service).

I don't do my own service on my car, but I found a shop that doesn't charge extra for it.

I did have to replace the tires. And I do notice the cheap paint. Still, my S-GT is very nice. I paid sub-$20k out the door, and I have heated seats, xenon headlights and an interior that is way ahead of a $20k car. I think they made the cuts in the right place that they had to make to get this car down to their price range.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Zee
has nothing to do with tolerance. it's easy to compare with any other car.

you'd think that, but people swear it's as good as X, while other's disagree, like myself. I've sort of just given up on this issue with people mostly.

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: beer
I have an 06 Mazda3 S-GT that I bought in October 2005 that I have mixed feelings about.

The car gets horrrrrible gas mileage on the streets of San Francisco. if I were to drive across town taking the hilly route, I'd probably average 12 mpg. I have a manual. I moved from Texas where the a/c did bother me, but in northern California it does not. It just doesn't get hot enough here.

Those of you with TPMS lights going off - did you not check your tires? My TPMS lights have gone off three times now, all three which were legitimate and reflected a nail embedded deep in my tire (2 PSI/week lost) or a mis-fitting wheel weight (3 PSI/day, after a vehicle service).

I don't do my own service on my car, but I found a shop that doesn't charge extra for it.

I did have to replace the tires. And I do notice the cheap paint. Still, my S-GT is very nice. I paid sub-$20k out the door, and I have heated seats, xenon headlights and an interior that is way ahead of a $20k car. I think they made the cuts in the right place that they had to make to get this car down to their price range.

Funny thing is....now if you look on Mazda's website, the manual and auto version get the same EPA estimate.

I agree with you on the cuts. They had to make cuts somewhere.

 

[Riverhound777]

06 3s Touring Sedan here. Had it since Dec 05 and have almost 40k miles so far. To be honest I really haven't had any issues with it. Sure I have rock chips on the front but I don't think that can be avoided as I drive on the freeway quite a bit.

-I just replaced my stock wipers finally. Sure the new Bosch Icons I got work way better, but the stock ones suited me fine for 40k miles.
-I replaced the stock tires at 30k and really didn't notice much of a difference to my Kumho SPTs.
-I'm still on the stock break pads and they work great.
-The AC works fine.
-Mileage has been fine, 28MPG avg over the 40k miles of mixed driving. Best was 34mpg. WolverineGator what tires do you have 50PSI in? That is really high. mine are at 33, but I was thinking of raising it to 40 to see how my mileage was.
-I don't really notice any rattles though I do have the stereo on at all times. Even my sub in the trunk hardly rattles.

All in all I love my 3. It makes me smile on almost a daily basis. Maybe since this is my first new car with the only other being a crappy 87 Supra non-turbo auto, I might have a different opinion if I were coming from a higher class car. I paid $17.8k before taxes and it was worth every penny.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: beer
I have an 06 Mazda3 S-GT that I bought in October 2005 that I have mixed feelings about.

The car gets horrrrrible gas mileage on the streets of San Francisco. if I were to drive across town taking the hilly route, I'd probably average 12 mpg. I have a manual. I moved from Texas where the a/c did bother me, but in northern California it does not. It just doesn't get hot enough here.

Those of you with TPMS lights going off - did you not check your tires? My TPMS lights have gone off three times now, all three which were legitimate and reflected a nail embedded deep in my tire (2 PSI/week lost) or a mis-fitting wheel weight (3 PSI/day, after a vehicle service).

I don't do my own service on my car, but I found a shop that doesn't charge extra for it.

I did have to replace the tires. And I do notice the cheap paint. Still, my S-GT is very nice. I paid sub-$20k out the door, and I have heated seats, xenon headlights and an interior that is way ahead of a $20k car. I think they made the cuts in the right place that they had to make to get this car down to their price range.

Funny thing is....now if you look on Mazda's website, the manual and auto version get the same EPA estimate.

I agree with you on the cuts. They had to make cuts somewhere.

SF is still small. Most of my driving is within the same 20 square miles. My commute to work, on the other hand, is over 40 miles; down 280 there's no traffic and I can get 30 mpg fairly easily. I wish it was better, but I knew it had poor millage when I bought it.

Tires replaced at 30,000 miles is a bit annoying. Still, having them make cuts on the Eagle R1s and on the paint is preferable to not having xenon bulbs or a cool dashboard....

 

[beer]

Oh yes, what did piss me off was that I had to get my REAR brakes replaced before the front ones. The pads were worn like you couldn't believe.

My auto-shop said that Mazda uses different size brake pads for the front and the rear, which causes the front to last LONGER than the rears in every car he's seen. Has anyone else seen this?

 

[boatillo]

I most definitely would! Got one for the wife in May 2004, fully loaded lava orange

Few quirks yes, but what car doesn't? The oil filter is odd indeed, but I change it myself so no biggy. A/C isn't very cold and we've had the charge checked. Sometimes 1st to 2nd (AT) is clunky and you need to get your AT fluid changed way sooner than they say! The weatherstriping pieces on the outside of each door's window started cracking and falling apart after a couple years (harsh sun)! But I replaced them for a few bucks and it looks nice again. Gas mileage is very wanting for a 4 cylinder engine.

Outside of that every other part of the car is solid solid solid. Aluminum radiator and engine block, sweet. No warranty needed whatsoever, the 0-30+ acceleration is very snappy (I drive an 03 Mach 1 so I have a handle on fast), the interior is great (no nav here, not needed). Overall this is what the Mazda3 came down to in 2004 when we purchased it - there was NO car in its price range that would even remotely compete with it in styling and amenities! Seriously when we are parked beside a BMW now and again I look at the body panels, glass, etc and I think BMW & VW could practically sue for copying their cars.