Considering a Mazda3 Hatch

[MazdaSpeeder]

Hello everyone,
My brother is looking at 3s, probably a 06 or 07. I was wondering if there were any technical issues that he should think about, recalls and the like that he should check up on/be aware of. I know that those of us over in the P5 section tell people things like the 02 p5 has weaker shift forks, some of the 03s have vics screw problems, etc. Anything that I should let him know about as he is looking? Thanks!

 

[tsunami]

not really any problems check the protegefaq theman keeps up to date with tsb type stuff but i can't think of any major issue besides a few first model year problems. (04 and some 05)

good luck with his search.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

One more question...my brother doesn't want a 5spd, and so he was excited about the manumatic setup on the auto. Do all the 06-08s have it? On vehix.com it said that only the 08+ have the manumatic, but I thought it was the standard auto transmission before that.

 

[tsunami]

not really sure i thought it was the standard as well maybe some one who drives a slushbox can chime in?

 

[major error]

The only problems I've had with mine are the corroding wiper arms and the slightly under-torqued nuts holding the driver window motor in. Both are TSBs, and I've been too lazy to get them worked on.

Aside from that, zero issues. If you've done any reading on the 3 anywhere, you'll know to get rid of the OE tires ASAP--they really are that bad.

yes, the 07 comes with the manumatic. One of the women in our autox group has it in her sedan. From her comments, it's not a substitute for a real standard transmission.

 

[DaleNixon]

My wife's 05 3 sedan (2.0) had the tiptragic.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

From her comments, it's not a substitute for a real standard transmission.

Yeah, this is what I am telling my brother, but he doesn't feel proficient enough yet to drive a 5 speed...he's no speedster, but is looking for a DD with a little fun. At least the Mazda manumatic holds gears when you don't shift...many other manumatic slushes don't, and really, what's the point?!?!

 

[BurnoutX]

there will be only one way to really learn to drive a stick -- get in it, and go. there isn't many other ways around it.

 

[MonchieM3S]

i've had an 08 mazda 3 since june 08.. no problems whatsoever.
as for the tires.. yeah it's bad, but not terribly horrid or anything.

i've driven thru ice/snow this winter so far and no problems. just mind
your speed.

so far i've put on 12,000 miles.. just the usual oil change/tire rotation.

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

So my brother is zeroing in on an 06 3, but I was curious about the "sweet spot" break in issue. I read the sticky, but it doesn't seem to indicate which vehicles (VIN range) are affected, and neither does protegefaq. Would a US 2006 hatch be vulnerable, and if I call a dealer, will they get it taken care of?

 

[NickM]

I don't mean to hijack the thread but I am currently looking to purchase an 04-05 m3 hatch. I notice that you guys mention that the first year models had issues. What problems did these year models have and is there anything I should be aware of, or look for when searching for my mazda3?

 

[Mazda3]

So my brother is zeroing in on an 06 3, but I was curious about the "sweet spot" break in issue. I read the sticky, but it doesn't seem to indicate which vehicles (VIN range) are affected, and neither does protegefaq. Would a US 2006 hatch be vulnerable, and if I call a dealer, will they get it taken care of?

The "sweet spot" break in fix is available to all Mazda 3 owners for free in Canada. I assume its the same for the US.

All Mazda 3 automatics had the "sport shift" feature. 2006 is the year they went to the 5-speed automatic which is much better than the 4-speed.

 

[wolverine_man]

Don't do it! Get the sedan. (dance)