Just got an '08 Touring

[skylinedrifter]

I'm new here and just wanted to say hello! My wife and I picked up a 2008 Touring edition this past Saturday to replace her leased 08 Dodge Charger that is about to go over on miles. She wanted a minivan and I wanted something both nimble and fuel efficient so this seemed like an excellent compromise. I must admit that, so far, I love it.

So, as a new owner, is there anything that I should be aware of or any reccomendations anyone has?

 

[njaremka]

traditionally, mazda front udflaps are not compatible with side skirts, which your car has. best option is to get some rally armor flaps.

 

[x10dude]

Congrats.

The only things I did

1. Get a replacement key - get a blank key fob and program it yourself and save a bundle

2. Get the windows tinted.

Other than that, personally I like it just the way it is.

 

[Dphillips]

Hi,

I think those taillights are hideous. Ill give you some tailights from a sport model, just send me those and we will call it a day!(lol2)

And also that spoiler on your hatch too, Yuck!

 

[mpvue]

congrats, I'm new here also. great bunch of people here already, enjoy!

 

[skyhawk]

congrats, I'm new here also. great bunch of people here already, enjoy!

Welcome.

The splash shield below the motor. They take it off when you take it for oil change. There are 7 bolt fasteners.. and 2 plastic fasteners.
Just make sure they return them all each oil change. Some tech might
decide it does not need the 2 plastic fasteners. Happened to me. Service advisor tried to argue 'there is no fastener in there. Just 2 holes'.. So I walked him over to their displayroom and we looked at the mazda5 on display.
He took the ones from the new mazda5 and installed it on mine.

 

[thaxman]

Better yet, do the oil change yourself. I went to synth since oil prices are rising, and syth prices are stable. I can xtend oil changes by about 30% too, so win-win. And no one can lose your under-engine aero-cover or break the fasteners! PS, no air tools on the plastic down there!!

 

[mpvue]

Better yet, do the oil change yourself. I went to synth since oil prices are rising, and syth prices are stable. I can xtend oil changes by about 30% too, so win-win. And no one can lose your under-engine aero-cover or break the fasteners! PS, no air tools on the plastic down there!!

you can extend the oil change interval w/ synthetic, but you'll want to stay at the mazda recommended 5K for warranty purposes.

 

[KBrian]

Welcome to the Mazda family and to this forum, Skylinedrifter.

Lots of owners have installed a plastic step-plate on the rear bumper to keep down the scratches. Also, some type of cargo mat for the area behind the 2nd row of seats.

As far as keys are concerned, I hope your 5 came with two sets. Any key for the ignition need to be programmed (very easily) to start the engine by using both original keys. There are plenty of postings on the forum about programming keys.

Have fun.

 

[thaxman]

I live in the dusty desert - used to 3K intervals - 5K feels like I'm being lazy.

 

[skylinedrifter]

Hi,

I think those taillights are hideous. Ill give you some tailights from a sport model, just send me those and we will call it a day!(lol2)

And also that spoiler on your hatch too, Yuck!

Oh, hey! Thanks for the protip! Did you need my cruise module and 6-disc changer, too? (smoke)

you can extend the oil change interval w/ synthetic, but you'll want to stay at the mazda recommended 5K for warranty purposes.

I've always used Amsoil and usually gone 10k - 12k between changes. Lots of things have gone wrong with my cars but the engine hasn't been one of them.

Welcome to the Mazda family and to this forum, Skylinedrifter.

Lots of owners have installed a plastic step-plate on the rear bumper to keep down the scratches. Also, some type of cargo mat for the area behind the 2nd row of seats.

As far as keys are concerned, I hope your 5 came with two sets. Any key for the ignition need to be programmed (very easily) to start the engine by using both original keys. There are plenty of postings on the forum about programming keys.

Have fun.

Nuts. I only have the one key. Getting another was on my list of things to get done soon. Can it be done with only one key?

 

[KBrian]

No way. Sort of a security system to protect the 5 from anyone who may have access to one of your keys. A copy will not start the 5 without it being programmed with at least two other keys.

Hassle the selling dealer or previous owner for that 2nd key/remote, because a second remote can run hundreds from the dealer, and 160 for programming(at least).

Trust me, you do not want to go through the hassle of buying and having the dealer (only way) program a new fob/key.

 

[Dphillips]

Oh, hey! Thanks for the protip! Did you need my cruise module and 6-disc changer, too? (smoke)

(upyours)Haha! No. Not funny.(upyours)

Just messin with ya. Well at least you know who to call if you need some Sport lights and a ugly hatch, lol.

I just Got my windows tintd today. Ill take pics tomorrow and put them in my thread. It looks SOO much better!

 

[skylinedrifter]

No way. Sort of a security system to protect the 5 from anyone who may have access to one of your keys. A copy will not start the 5 without it being programmed with at least two other keys.

Hassle the selling dealer or previous owner for that 2nd key/remote, because a second remote can run hundreds from the dealer, and 160 for programming(at least).

Trust me, you do not want to go through the hassle of buying and having the dealer (only way) program a new fob/key.

Friggin weak! Oh well, we paid less than $13,000 for the car so I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, we'll still come out way ahead.

Thanks for the info!