Recent content by JimH46

  1. J

    Mazda 3 rims

    Pretty sure that the 2014-18 Mazda 3 only came with either 16 inch or 18 inch wheels. Agree about checking tirerack.com. If you have 16s, you could upgrade to 17s or 18s. Tirerack commonly has clearance sales on wheels. Also finding used ones on CL can save $$.
  2. J

    Sky-X European fuel economy numbers

    Impressive. I personally would wait a year to see if there are bugs that need fixing in this new technology. The article says the Euro engine is actually a mild hybrid.
  3. J

    Is Mazda's upcoming CX-30 on your shopping list?

    This has the potential to be a winner, though not sure about overlap between the new 3 hatch with AWD and the CX-30. Seem like potentially very similar in size and function. I do like the look of the CX-30 over the new 3 hatch. I am in the camp that doesn't like the cladding though. We'll...
  4. J

    2018 mazda3 touring 18" tire size options-will 215/55R18 fit??

    I wouldn't recommend going from a 45 to 55 series tire. Much larger diameter. As concept said, a 225/45-18 will work just fine. A little wider and a little taller, but not by much.
  5. J

    2015 Mazda3 GT (automatic transmission) clunks and lurches

    Did you check the transmission fluid level? Low level can act like that.
  6. J

    New Mazda3 owner - rust questions

    Yes, does look a lot of rust for a 2017. But saying the value is 1/3 is also crazy. Sounds like you paid $16500. OK price I guess. But note i got my wife a new 2018 GT hatch for $22,000 last fall. With that mileage looks like you are out of warranty. I would get out.
  7. J

    2018 Mazda3 and wheels

    For the Touring and Grand Touring, Tirerack shows 18x8 with a +45mm offset.
  8. J

    My Mazda 3 GT sport 2008 dips down when I make full stop

    Not very likely a wheel bearing. Most likely the shock/strut is bad. And sounds like one side is much worse than the other. If so, you will need to have both changed.
  9. J

    Live 2019 Mazda3 Reveal

    Mazda has said there will NOT be a Mazdaspeed version of the new 3. But they have also said the 2.5 turbo motor will fit. Time will tell. https://www.autoblog.com/2018/12/03/mazda3-mazdaspeed-mps-hot-hatch/
  10. J

    Live 2019 Mazda3 Reveal

    Love the availability of AWD. Don't think the hatch is nearly as good looking as the current one, probably due to the huge C-pillar. And going to a torsion beam rear suspension from the current multi-link is a step backward. The sedan is much better looking than the hatch. Now if there is...
  11. J

    Music starts automatically - how to keep paused or stopped?

    Have you checked the manual? There does seem to be a lot of options for various features of this car. I do note the infotainment system has no OFF, just a MUTE.
  12. J

    What do you NOT like about your 3?

    Recently bought wife a '18 GT hatch. I would not call it slow. Not quick like a WRX, but not slow like a Subi Imprezza. Only one long trip so far, but I found the seats comfortable and the mileage very good (close to 40 mpg).
  13. J

    Can't program key fob

    Check the FCC number on the remote(s). Make sure the Protoge one matches the one for the M3. When I was looking for one for my wife's 2004 Mazda 6, I was surprised that the ones for the sedan an hatch were different. Even with the right FCC number match, I couldn't an aftermarket one from...
  14. J

    Having trouble choosing Tires :/

    Do a little research on Tirerack.com. I think the best balance of summer and winter performance is with a UHP all season tire. However these vary wildly in their snow performance. The best in that area are the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+, the Conti DWS 06 and the BFG G-Force Comp-2 A/S. I...
  15. J

    After Market Nav Chip

    I got one from Amazon for my wife's new 3GT. Cost was $99 and was a genuine Mazda part and worked perfectly. It was a 2017 chip, so will need to get maps updated but you get 3 years of those free. I would go with a "fulfilled by Amazon" seller as that gives you more leverage if you have issues.
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