Bad AC and Transmission?

[Destino]

I'm real close to buying a mazda 3 but I had one concern I wanted to ask owners about. I have read several reports of (automatic)transmission going out and of a really weak AC system. This a common thing or just some isolated cases?

 

[TomH]

From what I've seen, there are a few people out there who claim to be getting good A/C performance, but the majority of us 3 owners say that the A/Cs performance is mediocre.

Can't tell ya about the automatics though. Our 3 is a manual, and it's been trouble free in the 12K miles that are now on it.

You'll probably get asked this eventually, so I'll go ahead and get it out of the way. Is there any reason you want an automatic?

 

[RichAZ]

I just got a 2005 Mazda3 5-door, 5-speed about three weeks ago and for the most part it has been great.

The air seemed weak when I first got it, but I live in Arizona and after getting the windows tinted it hasnt been a problem even for here.

When the air is on you definitely notice a slight reduction in performance, but nothing more than you might expect with any other 4-cylinder vehicle.

The only complaint I have is with an annoying squeak that comes from under the steering column. No one has responded to my post about it, so I guess it is something unique to me. Ill update info once I have given a dealer a chance to figure it out.

 

[nate0123]

Is there any reason you want an automatic?

(mswerd)

 

[tsunami]

AC isn't great... but its not a lexus either... it does do the job, just give it some time... also be sure to use the recirc instead of the outside air option.... i have a manual and have had no serious compliants...

 

[Destino]

You'll probably get asked this eventually, so I'll go ahead and get it out of the way. Is there any reason you want an automatic?

I sit in it on my way to work, on my way back from work, and I have to run over roughly 1000 school mom inspired speed humps on my way to school at night. I've found through experience that in my day to day schedule and manual transmission is more of a pain then pleasure. I just don't have the time to get much fun driving in.

 

[Alex_Great]

Mazda 3 has a solid AC

I live in Toronto, and belive it or not, its pretty darn hot in the summer over here. The Mazda 3 has an AC that is very good in my oppinion. There are vents even under the driver and passenger seats, so the back seats are getting cold air directly.

Its not a climate control system you'd find in a Mercedes or a Jag, where you can set 2 or 4 different climates in the car, but for the cost, and the size of the car, the AC is pretty good. I don't know how it performs on a 2.0L engine, but the one in my car is more then enough for me (I have a 2.3L). In extreme weather tinted windows may help as well (and they look slick too).

One thing that I hate about the car is that it does not have a built-in thermometer (inside or out)... I mean, if they were smart enough to put sensors for automatic wipers and lights, they could as well put a thermometer... i doubt it would increase the cost of the car by a lot...

Cheers!!

 

[RichAZ]

Good point on the thermometer, I had the same thought. I guess I like to see how much everyone on the outside is suffering in the heat

 

[d0hboy]

Just got a Mazda3 off the lot, on a sunny Vancouver day. I'm reporting no problems at all with the AC, coming on fairly cool within 5-10 seconds and lowers the overall cabin temperature nicely within a minute. After test driving between that and a Subaru Impreza (who I'm told have pretty good AC units b/c of their all-weather focus), this is average, which is to say fine... note that I've never driven any recent/new-model cars which have had a weak ac.

 

[trees]

hi, my mazda3 AC is just fine for this hot summer we are having in Chicago land. I dont turn it on alot because it does rob the engine of power. As for the automatic i have only 3000 miles on mine but i love it. could not get manual because of an injury to my back. This car is fun (drive)

 

[BC3I]

My auto is doin just fine...im at 15780 and no probs (Knock on Wood)

 

[daudi81]

Well my 06 with climate control only has 200 miles on it but it's over 100 here in utah and it cools it nicely. We have a '97 ford crown victoria also which has a notoriously good AC, and the 3's is nearly as good. Were getting tinted windows on it tomorrow.