Newbie suggestion, sticky to all new buyers

[iwannagofast]

on recommendation such as

-taking care of the paint, claying, waxing etc..
-recommendations on what to replace, such as infamous trans mount
-recommendations on theft deterrent systems, lo jack, gps tracking systems
-anything else that you would think would help a new owner of a speed3

or maybe i'm asking too much

 

[gr3y]

I'm wondering about a fuel kill switch.

 

[SwampAss]

on recommendation such as

-taking care of the paint, claying, waxing etc..
-recommendations on what to replace, such as infamous trans mount
-recommendations on theft deterrent systems, lo jack, gps tracking systems
-anything else that you would think would help a new owner of a speed3

or maybe i'm asking too much

I used Meguires wax and claybar.
Don't replace anything mount related until a recall is issued. I wouldn't want my warranty on something jeopardized because of an aftermarket piece.
(just my advise)

 

[destrux]

The best way to take care of the paint is to not park it where people can let their kids scrape bike handlebars down the side of your 3 week old speed3 ...or so it seems from my experience.
Seriously though, use a wax that doesnt contain abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners (like meguiars yellow wax, or gliptone carnuba show gloss wax, or zymol) and use a quality clay bar. I also like using aerosol bug and tar remover to get the hard bug guts off instead of scrubbing them (which can cause scratches). Also dont use rain-x washer fluid if you drive a black car, cause it will leave weird streaks on the car that are very hard to wash off. I had that problem on my MX6, but it should apply to the 3 also.

Trans mount..... I would suggest pulling the stock one off and checking to see if it has 3 things.
1. Red loctite. Newer cars seem to have this on from the factory, but they only put a tiny dab on, I put 3 drops on.
2. Check for rubber between where the metal on the mount contacts the metal on the transmission mount bracket. There should be solid metal to metal contact, no rubber in between. If there is extra rubber (casting flash from the rubber being moulded) cut it out with a razor blade very carefully. Dont remove more than you need to, just the stuff that isnt supposed to be there.
3. Make sure all the bolts associated with the transmission mount are torqued to proper specs (not all specs may be available, but make sure the main thru-bolt is torqued at least and the others are tight).

I wouldnt add anything aftermarket till the whole issue is settled with mazda, or you may not get a dime if there is a settlement, and you may even get denied on a recall replacement if the factory part isnt in there if it were to break.

Antitheft.... I saw a nice setup in Automobile magazine on their long-term 4g eclipse test car, it was a 60pin connector that you mount on the bottom of the dash and it connected all throughout the wiring harness and when you pull the key-plug it disconnects EVERYTHING (sensors, starter, fuel injectors, fuel pump, lights, etc...), and the key-plug had something like 1 million possible combinations. The only way they are gonna steal the car is if it's taken on a roll-back. I think they go for like $400 installed.

Also, if you are a girl, or one drives in the car. Dont let them touch anything. The makeup residue on their hands makes nasty marks all over the place and it's hard to clean off.

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

For detailing your ride go to www.autopia.org or www.autogreek.net. There are Lot's of folks that do this for a living and also newbies too, lots of inform to take care of your ride. Hope this helps you.

 

[Speed3xNoo8]

Thanks, i would spend time on my car when i get it later this year. Great tips!!