Edumakate me on da Mazda 3

scottmandue · 03-12-2010, 07:05 AM

Ok... ok... I have read the posts here and the rave reviews the Mazda 3 gets.

I'm sold, wifes old pee-cup truck is falling apart and I'm thinking this would be a great replacement.

Price range is $10K-$15, obviously we will be buying a used car... car will be purchased in the Portland OR. area.

Anything I should look out for? Any particular year/model/engine that had problems I should be aware of?

May you grow old and prosper.

vash · vash's Garage

the only issue i ever had. the radio. there was a TSB for the radio. it was very anemic sounding. the problem is very obvious when you dial up the volume. from volumn #34 for #35, at that very instant..it sounds like six more speakers come on. it is that obvious. you take it in to the dealership..printed TSB in hand..wait for them to say, "we cant get the stereo to act up, sounds fine to me".. then do that 34---35 volume thing.. done deal.

m21sniper · 03-12-2010, 07:30 AM

My friend has one. Seems like an OK car. I do not really get the fuss as to it being "fun" it's just another little car IMO.

It had a nice interior.

Pazuzu · 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

the only issue i ever had. the radio. there was a TSB for the radio. it was very anemic sounding. the problem is very obvious when you dial up the volume. from volumn #34 for #35, at that very instant..it sounds like six more speakers come on. it is that obvious. you take it in to the dealership..printed TSB in hand..wait for them to say, "we cant get the stereo to act up, sounds fine to me".. then do that 34---35 volume thing.. done deal.

Tell me more... was that maybe only for the Bose setup?

EDIT: Nevermind, found some TSB data, it was only 2008-2008.5 models.

BReif61 · 03-12-2010, 08:15 AM

I love my Speed3. No issues as of yet. Might be out of your price range for a used one, though.

mschuep · 08:30 AM

My girlfriend has an '06 3S (2.3 na) and I had a '07 speed3GT (2.3 turbo).
No problems on either car, the '06 has about 70k miles now, speed3 had 47k and no problems when it was totalled. I don't know much about the '10 and beyond, but this is what I can tell you about minor differences between '06-'09

I wouldn't worry much about the trim level...the S comes with almost everything the GT does. 6 disc changer, steering wheel controls, power windows/locks, cruise, all standard on both. One very nice thing about '07 and later is an AUX IN in the center console. N/A on '06.

The only things you don't get with the S (off the top of my head) are leather option, Bose (whoop-di-do), trip computer, GPS option, and digital automatic climate control. You can't get power seats on either model. Sunroof is only available on non-hatchback models, but can be had on S or GT trim.
Trip computer can be enabled on the S through a simple procedure.

Below are links to a couple pelican threads on the 3 vs. the Speed 3....some worthwhile information there. If you have the means I would highly recommend the speed3. Extra 107hp and 130ft/lb, DSC, suspension, and LSD are definitely worth the minimal extra bucks...IMO of course

Mazda 3 sport vs. Mazdaspeed3

Mazdaspeed owners?

BReif61 · 03-12-2010, 08:25 AM

Oh; one word of advice, pony up for at LEAST the 'S' model. The 2.0l 'i' model is pretty mundane.

kaisen · 03-12-2010, 08:51 AM

Scott-

Are you looking for a manual or automatic?

There's a very nice bank-owned 2009 Mazda 3i Sport 5 speed at the Portland auction that runs 3/16
It's Gray with Black cloth with 15K miles. It should do ~$13K at auction plus fees, etc.

scottmandue · 03-12-2010, 09:07 AM

This is the wifes DD/beater car so no need for turbo/Mazda speed...

If it was for me I would definitely go for the Mazda speed turbo...

And her daughter is about to turn 16 and already has her drivers permit, so yeah, no turbo!

I was interested in the different N/A engines as far as reliability... don't have time to work on my 944... sure don't have time to work on her car.

Must be tough as nails and reliable as rain (In Portland)

TGTIW · 03-12-2010, 09:24 AM

I have an 06 3S.
55,000 miles and no major issues.
Motor options are the 2.0 and 2.3 ltr, with different trim on both. 2.0 automatics are 4speeds. 2.3 autos are 5 speed. The two motors share the same block, but there are no real reliability issues with them. Given the choice, I'd alway go for the 2.3

As far as common problems, number one would be the motor mounts. They are oil-filled Ford products and it's not a issue of if, but when they'll start leaking. This won't incopacitate you, but you'll notice increased vibration. They're easy to replace and there are after market options. There are a couple of common interior rattles, and depending on the year 04-07, the dash boards can develop a small crack in the center, up near the windsheild.

stomachmonkey · 03-12-2010, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Must be tough as nails and reliable as rain (In Portland)

As with any car make sure it has the right rubber.

Car is well balanced, good brake bias, predictable and consistent handling so it make's for a good inclement weather vehicle.