Search results

Kerosene is great for removing tar. And cheap too.

The leather will soften up a bit, remember to condition it. The Mazda3's seats are fairly firm compared to other cars that I've sat in. It's a good thing for some, and a bad thing for others. I kind of like it, but I don't know how it will feel on a long drive.

I really like the hatch because I need the space and it is more aggressively styled of the two body types. The sedan is also nice and is a bit more conservative looking. The hatch doesn't really cost more than the sedan since for the price difference of about $500 you get the performance...

Two keys, absolutely. Usually cars come with three keys: two regular plus a valet. I was surprised that my Mazda3 came with only two keys. When I asked, the dealer said that the Mazda3 only comes with 2 regular keys and no valet key. I confirmed this with others on one of the other Mazda3...

As of right this moment, www.fitzgeraldauto.com shows seven Mazda3 HBs that are going $1200 below invoice before individual rebates. Plenty are going for invoice and slightly above.

I think no one should pay more than invoice for their Mazda3. I bought mine for $18250 before $1000 in rebates. My car is a HB with ABS, Moonroof, and Xenon, so it was like $120 below invoice before the rebates. The car was mint with 2 miles on the odometer. Lots of internet sites for...

It's not really a matter of cone area. There are many more choices in 6.5" than 6x8. And if you want a nice set of speakers, then you almost have no choices in the various oval sizes.

You rule man! but a few question: I saw where you made the adapter plates, the sides look really thin. In fact, I could only spot 2 screws holding the mid-bass to the plate. Did you put in more than 2 screws? Would anything be in the way if the plate was "made fatter" at the sides to fit...

I agree with Macadonious that 215 on 6.5" rims should be fine. Most 215/50/17 tires spec rim widths from about 6" to 7.5", with 7" being recommended. But 6.5" rim should certainly be okay. I would only begin to worry if 225 tires are used because it would be on the lower edge of acceptable...

That doesn't seem like a low payment in comparison to what I am paying. I bought a 5-Door manual with ABS/airbags, Moonroof/Changer, and Xenon/TPMS with 3% virginia tax, financed at 3.9% for 60months, with a monthly payment of around $328. Of course there are other gives and takes between...

I think it's just the tire and not the size. 205/50R17 is perfectly fine for a car of the 3's weight and power. You don't necessarily need a Z-rated tire to get good performance, since the lette rating is just a max-speed rating and has little to do with traction. A better indicator of...

Well, I'll take that you mean you've never in your life heard music so clear in a mobile environment. Because any decent home stereo should be able to produce cleaner music than even the best car audio system. The Mark Levinson system is a very well done OEM system, but it doesn't produce a...

The Mazda6 also has electronic throttle, and the delay is a common complaint on that car as well. Many other cars have electronic throttle, including the TSX, and the new TL.

Does your MPV have electronic throttle? Regardless, the delay is really only noticeable if you have a manual transmission, which I doubt with your MPV. The nature of the torque converter in an automatic transmission masks any delay there may be in the throttle. The delay in the Mazda3 is...

$500? I'd be happy if I can swap in a $200 deck - just find one with nice pre-amp specs.

I used to confuse NVH with good steering/road feedback. But then I drove a Prelude and realized that NVH is just NVH and that good steering feedback is something else entirely. The P5 definitely has more NVH than the 3 from what I hear, but having driven a wide selection of cars, not to...

The 3's sound system is adequate for everyday listening. I haven't really heard any OEM systems that sound great. They all sound different, some definitely are well designed, but none sound great. I speak as a guy who used to compete in the IASCA sound quality circuit and think an entry level...

What is really distinct about the 3 Hatch is the rear fender flare. If you sit behind one in traffic, the stance is very muscular, ala BMW Z3 coupe. The 3's porportions are also a bit "thicker" because of the rounded panels. In all the 3 looks more refined while the P5 looks more youthful.

Well, I ended up buying the 3, so the problem isn't a lethal one. I will probably get used to it, until the next time I step into a cable-throttled car, when it will be like I was taking a breath of fresh air. Sigh... In the mean time, I'll wait to see if an update from Mazda in the manner of...

The $15,700 "OTD" price does not include taxes and tags, right? Shopping in the Washington DC area, I was able to get quotes from most dealers for $100 to $200 above invoice once I communicated a clear intent to buy and the need for a good deal. I ended up buying a 5-door with ABS, airbags...