Recent content by Woochifer

I'm hoping that this is a simple fix! A couple of months ago, I installed an XCarLink iPod integration kit on the audio system. Basically, rounded up some instructions from different sources on how to disassemble the center console, and everything went smoothly. The iPod kit worked, the car...

I just installed the XCarLink iPod integration kit in our 2007 Mazda5 a few weeks ago. I found it relatively easy because the Mazda5 center console is not too difficult to pull apart and put back together. The installation took me a couple of hours -- probably could have finished it sooner...

Got any pictures? I have the Bose system as well, but definitely open to seeing what upgrade options are out there.

That iPad's obviously a substandard POS. Definitely not good enough for you. I'll be glad to take that problem off your hands. (idhitit)

I only notice abruptness from 1st to 2nd during slower accelerations, and yes when the car is cold. My understanding of how the Skyactiv AT works is that the torque converter locks up ~90% of the time and operates primarily at speeds under 5 MPH. That torque converter lock up happens around...

Looking over the dealer inventory, it looks like the MT-equipped Mazda 3i models have arrived in numbers. The question for me is when, or if, the moonroof/Bose packaged models will arrive. I've been trying to get a definitive answer on this question, and no one seems to know. I e-mailed...

Thanks for the info. Looks like the MT Skyactiv 3 models have begun trickling in -- two of them so far in the Bay Area. Now, I'm just waiting on the ones with the moonroof/audio package. Good info about the ATs. I definitely want to compare the two, since there are now several AT Skyactiv 3...

Ever since my Integra received a terminal diagnosis from the mechanic, I've been waiting on the Skyactiv Mazda3s to arrive. Checking the inventory at my local dealerships, it looks like the Skyactiv models have arrived in earnest over the last few weeks (in my area, about half of the Mazda3...

Just had the 75k mile service on our Mazda5, and the dealer found a leaky strut up front. They recommend replacing both of the front struts, as well as the rear shocks. With wheel alignment, total estimate is about $1,100. Not sure about the rear shocks, since the car still fares well on the...

In this economic climate, those sales are exceptional. I also recall reading that the Mazda5 had one of the shortest inventory turnarounds in the industry last year. Mazda had TV ads for the 5 right after they introduced the vehicle, but I haven't seen any since then. I think the sales...

On a mostly highway tank with a lot of AC usage, we just hit 27 MPG. (Otherwise, we average around 25 MPG for mixed driving and 22-23 for mostly city driving) Considering how inflated the MPG ratings are for other cars, I'm amazed at how easily we were able to exceed the EPA estimate.

Well, first off, I don't use both sets of floor mats at the same time. Right now, I use the all-weather floor mats and will switch to the carpeted ones once the summer rolls around, so the slipping and sliding is not happening because I use both sets of mats at the same time. Also, there is no...

I guess it's a good sign, but the most annoying thing about our Mazda5 is how the floor mats slide easily around the floor (we use both the carpet and all-weather mats, but both of them slide around). I notice that the Mazda floor mats have a hole on the driver side, presumably so that they can...

Just joining the chorus. The fit and finish on our MZ5 so far has been very tight. No real defects per se that we picked up on. But, I do see where corners got cut to hit the MZ5's very attractive price point. As everybody else has mentioned, the interior materials feel cheap. Mazda did a...

My wife filled it out since she is the primary driver for our 5 Grand Touring. But, here's the short of the feedback we gave Mazda - Likes Price Interior space Features for the price Easy step-in Compact exterior dimensions Agility and road feel Handling Maneuverability in tight spaces Good...