New Member, New FIRST Car, Questions...

[muffinman]

Hey everyone,

New member here, been lurking around trying to learn as much as I can about the Mazda6 and Mazdas in general. I'm familiar with Audis and have been apart of Euro forum communities but am totally new to the JDM scene. Great group you guys got here, looking forward to contributing and participating.

Anyway, my girlfriend, as a college grad gift, just got her first ever car.. a 2004 white Mazda6i ATX with 83k miles. We're hoping the car still has plenty of life left in it and to ensure that everything's OK, we're taking it to a shop for an oil change + inspection. I've never bought a high mileage car before and she's never bought a car before so we're a little new to this.

The car has a professional tint, and what looks like a mild drop w/ UGLY Mitsubishi 17" rims. The headlights look like they were clear cornered and aside from that everything seems stock.

1.) We noticed a weird .. ticking sound coming from the engine bay and the front radiator area when in idling / in Park.

2.) Also, anything else we should ask the mechanic to look for during inspection? Common wear and tear items? I've already asked him to look at the CV since the car may be lowered.

3.) We're trying to keep the car simple with maybe minor mods (rims, HIDs first) , nothing major or engine related. Any recommendations?

4.) The dealer only gave her one regular key - is it possible to get a multifunction key (key fob) that the '05+ comes with and program it to work on the 2004 models

Thanks in advance

 

[ms6acton]

welcome!! i dont kno anything about the regular 6's so cant really help you with what to look for. hopefully drizz-oh!, nate or yamba6 will see this thread and help you out

 

[coyfish]

Ticking is probably normal. Mazda engines have some pretty mean valve tick. Mine clicks about 3-4 times a second but i have a speed 6.

 

[batou079]

congrats to your GF on the new mazda...
definitly get a pic up of her new ride, and sounds like the wheels needed changing ASAP?
And welcome to the forum, i am new here too.

1) Most all Mazda's have that signature click. The fuel injection system really makes that loud valve tick. It's normal, no worries.

2) Basic inspection should be just fine, as well as the maintenance schedule in the owners manual. It should say if there are any specific inspection points to look at for your mileage...

3) If you are just looking to keep a reliable clean looking car, then stock is the way to stay engine wise. Minor engine mods like intake, exhaust, etc won't be too bad for reliability, but just keep it professionally done... Otherwise, just mod the exterior up to be clean, sleek and sexy!

4) Not sure about this. I'm sure a dealer or mazda mechanic could tell you. or mebe someone else will chime in.

GL!