EastPhilly
Member
- :
- 2011 Mazda2 Touring
Hello all! This Mazda2 is my first car and so far it is pretty fun, but I want to do some small upgrades to fit my personal style a bit and had some questions.
First some background info. This is my first car. I usually ride my bike everywhere, but I got a civil service job that requires having a car. I was looking at some Mazda3s , but the price range was a bit high. I then saw the 2013 Mazda2 and it attracted my attention pretty quick. Luckily, there was a 2011 Mazda2 Touring model for a similar price with only 4k miles on it at the same place, so I scooped it up and am now the proud owner of my "Blood Drop" (red Mazda2). It is a 4-speed AT and used primarily on Highway and small city streets, so it is pretty perfect for my needs. The sound system is pretty nice and the car itself works wellf or what I need, but there are some changes I would liek to make.
1. I want to change out the stock stereo receiver and put in something with a usb port and BT capabilities. I have this Pioneer Receiver in mind and would use this In-Dash Kit to make it fit the dash correctly. Would this route be ok? Has anyone had experience with this set-up or each piece individually? My big concern would be the steering wheel controls. Would there be a way to be able to control the plugged in MP3 player (through the USB port) or BT connected phone from the wheel? I only really care about the music controls (track next/prev and volume control). Or would the Mazda Integrated Bluetooth System be the best route for overall use? Does it work well with the steering wheel controls?
edit: I would be ok with a full nav system/radio thing as well. I saw one when browsing the forums, but don't really know much about the internals of cars (or the externals really...) to know what will and will not work.
2. A big thing in my life is cycling and mountain biking. I would like to get a bike rack for the car but am unsure of the best way to go about this. I was looking at some truck racks, but it seemed a bit complicated for a small thing that I would be taking on and off a lot when I decide to ride (I live in a city, so leaving on the car would not be a good idea). I was thinking of maybe getting a hitch installed and buying a hitch rack, but don't even know if getting a hitch on such a small car would be smart or even possible (anything is possible... but would it be a good idea?). That way I could use the hitch for other things I might need as well.
3. Anyone buy one of these Armrest consoles to use in their car? Is there any better (cheaper) options available?
4. What are some general things I should look out for or maybe think about for upgrades/accessories that might not just be noticeable?
I know it's a lot for my first post here, but thanks to all who can help or have any suggestions. Here is a pic of Blood Drop. I am thinking of plasti-dipping the emblems and wheels at some point as well.
First some background info. This is my first car. I usually ride my bike everywhere, but I got a civil service job that requires having a car. I was looking at some Mazda3s , but the price range was a bit high. I then saw the 2013 Mazda2 and it attracted my attention pretty quick. Luckily, there was a 2011 Mazda2 Touring model for a similar price with only 4k miles on it at the same place, so I scooped it up and am now the proud owner of my "Blood Drop" (red Mazda2). It is a 4-speed AT and used primarily on Highway and small city streets, so it is pretty perfect for my needs. The sound system is pretty nice and the car itself works wellf or what I need, but there are some changes I would liek to make.
1. I want to change out the stock stereo receiver and put in something with a usb port and BT capabilities. I have this Pioneer Receiver in mind and would use this In-Dash Kit to make it fit the dash correctly. Would this route be ok? Has anyone had experience with this set-up or each piece individually? My big concern would be the steering wheel controls. Would there be a way to be able to control the plugged in MP3 player (through the USB port) or BT connected phone from the wheel? I only really care about the music controls (track next/prev and volume control). Or would the Mazda Integrated Bluetooth System be the best route for overall use? Does it work well with the steering wheel controls?
edit: I would be ok with a full nav system/radio thing as well. I saw one when browsing the forums, but don't really know much about the internals of cars (or the externals really...) to know what will and will not work.
2. A big thing in my life is cycling and mountain biking. I would like to get a bike rack for the car but am unsure of the best way to go about this. I was looking at some truck racks, but it seemed a bit complicated for a small thing that I would be taking on and off a lot when I decide to ride (I live in a city, so leaving on the car would not be a good idea). I was thinking of maybe getting a hitch installed and buying a hitch rack, but don't even know if getting a hitch on such a small car would be smart or even possible (anything is possible... but would it be a good idea?). That way I could use the hitch for other things I might need as well.
3. Anyone buy one of these Armrest consoles to use in their car? Is there any better (cheaper) options available?
4. What are some general things I should look out for or maybe think about for upgrades/accessories that might not just be noticeable?
I know it's a lot for my first post here, but thanks to all who can help or have any suggestions. Here is a pic of Blood Drop. I am thinking of plasti-dipping the emblems and wheels at some point as well.
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