New '10 to this forum

[spwalker09]

But not on others. Have had my '10 3i Touring for just under a year (Aug. 7, 2009) and am a member over on M3R and M3F (though I haven't been around the last one for a while).

"Sheila" is Graphite on Black, 13k miles, 5 speed with the only mods being a Volt 35w 4300k HID kit and a Curt class I hitch. I'm in CT for one more week, and then I'll be driving her to Austin, TX to start my new job.

Pics of her all loaded up from my move from school in June...soon to be a familiar sight next week

Mods will be light for now...maybe some new 18" wheels and tires next season, and maybe a drop. See you on the boards!

 

[speciosusnex]

nice to have ya! welcome!

 

[CTt3P5]

Where have I seen this name before.....haha Welcome and I my time on M3R will now be limited (can no longer access from work).

Good luck on your move and did you get the windows tinted yet?

 

[spwalker09]

Where have I seen this name before.....haha Welcome and I my time on M3R will now be limited (can no longer access from work).

Good luck on your move and did you get the windows tinted yet?

I think I'm gonna stay stock for now (bold move) and see what its like when I get down there. I had a nearly-identical rental 3 (except for interior color and auto trans) in TX when apt hunting, and it seemed to do ok in the heat without tinted windows. Plus, this move is costing me $$$ so best to save a little until I start working

 

[JBR]

Nice!! Welcome!!

 

[mrcardio79]

Neat, but I wasn't aware the 3 was designed to tow u haul cargo trailers!

Edit: I just check the passenger / tow rating for my 08' MS3 and it's listed at 850lbs MAX

- The smallest U Haul (4X8') Cargo Trailer weighs 850lbs EMPTY! So unless the regular N/A Mazda 3 has a way higher tow rating than a 263hp/280ft-lb TQ MS3... towing s*** like that probably isn't the smartest thing to do. No offense.

 

[Antoine]

Nice intro & fun pic, spwalker09...Welcome to Mazda Forums! (hi)

How does the 3 handle with the UHaul attached..?

 

[spwalker09]

I think the owners manual states that the 3 wasn't designed for towing, and I will admit, towing that small trailer with 2 people and the car all loaded up, it was a bit underpowered with the 2.0 liter. I had the backseat/trunk loaded up with suitcases, bedding, a TV, clothes, and 2 people. The trailer had my 460 lb. motorcycle and about 5 boxes of crap. The suspension didn't sag much, and the car tracked well on the highway, so perhaps it was designed to tow, but Mazda doesn't want to admit it?

Anyway, I installed a 2010 sedan-specific hitch from Curt, and U-Haul deems the 3 to be an acceptable tow vehicle, and thats good enough for me!

 

[mrcardio79]

Yeah I'm sure Mazda doesn't know WTF they're talking about, what do they know anyway?

I'm sure U-Haul knows all there is to know about a Mazda 3, screw Mazda.. And it's not like U-Haul is in business to make money or anything.

 

[Antoine]

Be cool mrcardio79, you raise a good point but no need to be so sarcastic about it...While the Mazda3 is clearly capable of towing, Mazda is simply stating that it was not designed for it and therefore they don't recommend it just to be on the safe side (based on spwalker09's post, I don't have a Mazda3 manual to verify).

Let's keep this thread on topic and drama-free, thanks!

 

[spwalker09]

Like I said earlier, my 3, while underpowered under load, seems to be perfectly safe while under load. I'm not expecting to cruise at 80 mph, or run through the twisties on a slalom, so its all fine. And unlike some of my previous cars the suspension did NOT sag under that load. I've done dumber things (such as load over 1000 lbs. worth of kegs in a Grand Cherokee...can you say suspension sag?) and felt unsafe, while the 3 feels perfectly stable - it's just not in a rush to get anywhere lol

p.s. the max tongue weight of the trailer 150 lbs, and is actually a lot less than that because the tongue is very long on the U-haul. Even loaded up, I'm able to lift the tongue (and I'm not a big guy) and maneuver the trailer so in reality it's probably less than that. I'm not loading up the trailer as much this time around, so it should be even better. Thanks for your concern!

 

[spwalker09]

For fans of Top Gear, I think if a Kia Cerato (the euro version of the Kia Spectra) with a tiny diesel engine can tow a small motorhome, I think the 3 can tackle an even small U-Haul

 

[LaraS]

Good luck on your move to TX.

IMO, the 3 can tow just fine. The Mazda3 is rated to tow overseas. I have a feeling Mazda USA recommends against it here because they want to cover their butts in such a sue-happy country.

 

[spwalker09]

Thanks Lara...thats what I'm thinking too. Plus, if I blow out the shocks while towing, great excuse for an upgrade!

 

[CTt3P5]

Thanks Lara...thats what I'm thinking too. Plus, if I blow out the shocks while towing, great excuse for an upgrade!

I like the way you think. lol

Hope the move goes well!

 

[Maz94Protege]

Nice 3 and i rarely see that color here in VA. Roof racking 3 owners FTW!