Interior Scratches on Silver Paneling & General Questions

[hagow_boy]

Hi, just picked up my 2007 Mazda 5 GT yesterday. Never owned a 4 door car, a front wheel drive and a Japanese manufactured car either so the whole experience is very new.

In less than 24 hours, I noticed the silver paneling by the gear shifter to be susceptible to semi-deep scratches extremely easily. Has anyone else notice this ? I am a bit concerned because this same silver, plastic paneling is around quite a few interior spots in high traffic/usage areas such as the gear shifter, window controls and door opener.

I think either my keys, jacket button or sleeve buttons grazed against it and cause the scratch.

Also, I've read that some others have put on 215/50/17's replacing the stock 205/50/17 Toyos. Does anyone know if it is possible to put 225/50/17's ?

Has anyone installed an aftermarket car alarm with a shock sensor and 2 way pager ? I am wondering which remote opens the car door after installing the aftermarket car alarm ? Basically, I am wondering if you can elminate the Mazda "block" key fob after installing the aftermarket 2 way pager.

Lastly, has anyone upgraded their sound system with a stronger amp and sub ? The 6 speaker system included is still weak on the bass and I am wondering where some of you have installed the new subs and amps without taking away from the "trunk" space. I need the room for the dog in the back.

Thanks for all the replies in advance. I spent hours reading on the sub-forum groups on this site and did not find the answers to my questions. Thanks to whoever started this site, its been very helpful and encouraging.

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

Hi, just picked up my 2007 Mazda 5 GT yesterday. Never owned a 4 door car, a front wheel drive and a Japanese manufactured car either so the whole experience is very new.

In less than 24 hours, I noticed the silver paneling by the gear shifter to be susceptible to semi-deep scratches extremely easily. Has anyone else notice this ? I am a bit concerned because this same silver, plastic paneling is around quite a few interior spots in high traffic/usage areas such as the gear shifter, window controls and door opener.
MAZDA 6 has the same issue with ease of scratching the plastic.... if you did it then your on the hook and I am sure its not very expensive to replace...

THE WORLD IS PLASTIC AND THE BETTER PIECES WE CALL LEGO

I think either my keys, jacket button or sleeve buttons grazed against it and cause the scratch.

Also, I've read that some others have put on 215/50/17's replacing the stock 205/50/17 Toyos. Does anyone know if it is possible to put 225/50/17's ?

Has anyone installed an aftermarket car alarm with a shock sensor and 2 way pager ? I am wondering which remote opens the car door after installing the aftermarket car alarm ? Basically, I am wondering if you can elminate the Mazda "block" key fob after installing the aftermarket 2 way pager.

Lastly, has anyone upgraded their sound system with a stronger amp and sub ? The 6 speaker system included is still weak on the bass and I am wondering where some of you have installed the new subs and amps without taking away from the "trunk" space. I need the room for the dog in the back.

Thanks for all the replies in advance. I spent hours reading on the sub-forum groups on this site and did not find the answers to my questions. Thanks to whoever started this site, its been very helpful and encouraging.

 

[starlightmica]

You can get a cheap vinyl dash kit with fake brushed aluminum to cover it up. Otherwise, check out this eBay auction of a Touring being parted out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/06-Mazda-5-Cent...099035759QQcategoryZ33695QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm looking at the Kenwood subwoofer w/amp that fits underneath the front seat. I'll post if I ever get around to buying.

 

[opus]

Just wait till you start scratching the silver plastic on the door panels. I have never seen plastic scratch as easily as this does.

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

That's the reason i install a carbon fiber kit on mine because of minor scratch's. Now i don't have this problem.

 

[zoomzoomV]

is there any way to fix scratches? i have minor scratches..do they have any good scratch remover solution that might work?

 

[opus]

That's the reason i install a carbon fiber kit on mine because of minor scratch's. Now i don't have this problem.

Where did you get the carbon fiber kit? Any pics?

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

I did but my new camera and pc was stolen from a friends home so i'm waiting to see if his homeowners policy is going to pay or i'm SOL. The kit i got on ebay about 4 months ago and it makes a world of diffence, if you do get one make sure that you follow the directions very carefully (to the t). Thanks for asking.(cheers)

 

[Kid Red]

PICS~ !! Someone get pics. I don't think I'd want carbon fiber, maybe an aluminum one tho.

 

[Kid Red]

There is liquid type foil found at arts and crafts store. You can get gold or silver. You rub it on and in with your finger. It's not perfect but can at least cover the white/black beneath the plastic metal paint. So it's silver on painted metal/silver.

I have installed a 400 4 channel amp, replaced the front speakers and add a 10" sub. Check the car audio 5 forum or more info. My system is quite enjoyable. I couldn't last a week with the stock system, it's worse than horrible.

 

[MeTaL]

I noticed some nasty little scratches around the right audio control knob and the far right temp control knob. I am pretty sure these had to be there before I picked up the car since I am the only one in the car and I certainly do not wear any rings or have long nails to make these. I have rubbed the silver plastic with my finger tips to see if they would scratch from a rub and it would not. Problem is how do you prove to dealer now that I have had the car for a week.
I also noticed that the black plastic throughout the car scratches/scuffs really really easy!! I know there is one spot in the back cargo area that the dealer said was from the seatbelt.... I think about it and I shoulda said.. so this is a new car I want it replaced rather than taking it(it was really hidden and the only way I found it was tilting the passenger side 2nd row seat forward and peering around the corner, it is hidden by the 2nd row seatbelt but I still found it, i'm anal that way). I think the person who tinted my windows likely did it. (dealer did the windows)
Ah well too late now I suppose to complain.

 

[mazdadude]

My shifter console is all scratched up. My wife uses it when getting stuff in/out of the purse. (bang)

I have been thinking of repainting mine, and using a satin type clear-coat to make it a little more resistant?

Keep Zooming!

 

[raspykart]

I did but my new camera and pc was stolen from a friends home so i'm waiting to see if his homeowners policy is going to pay or i'm SOL. The kit i got on ebay about 4 months ago and it makes a world of diffence, if you do get one make sure that you follow the directions very carefully (to the t). Thanks for asking.(cheers)

what part of the T didn't you follow? I'm guessing there's a gotcha in the instructions?? I would expect checking fitment, clean surface, apply plate.... something extra to that?

 

[MeTaL]

I still cannot get over how easy this plastic scratches!! Even the black plastic on the doors just below where you grab the door to close it. I accidently touched the black under the handle with my thumb nail while closing the door and sure enough a scratch! You have to be kidding me I barely touched it!!!
Not used to this at all, my 93 civic is 14 years old and doenst have the marks this 2 week old vehicle has already!!!
Nothing I do removed it either. Meguires interior spray, Armour All tries to blend it a bit but it is still pretty obvious in the sun! No sun and you dont see it so much.

Guess I get what I paid for Or they just do not make interiors like they used to!!