Mazda 3

Mazda 3 questions and answers

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Q: Who has a Mazda 3 and the back wheels knock?
I have a 04 Mazda 3 the back wheels knock when stopping, pulling off and turning a corner. Can anyone help me narrow down what it could possibly be?

A: I think there are updated rear brake pads (or brake pad shims) for this concern on the 3. Call a Mazda dealer and ask.

Q: What is the HP and Tourq limit for a stock '07 Mazda 3 transmission?
i got a 2007 mazda 3 i sport. Its a quick little car as it is and a blast to drive. I just wanted to tune it a bit and need to know how much power the stock transmission can handle before i would have to sup it up too.

A: Hello On this page you'll get the requested information. http://www.forcethelimit.co.uk/Pages/News/Sept_07_Mazdaspeed/index.php

Q: How much would it cost to repaint my Mazda 3.?
I havea a mazda 3 sedan. i wanted to repaint the whole car cause i dont like the color. Id love to get a metallic black on it... How much do think it would cost?

A: it costs about 300

Q: how much to install powered windows and locks on an 07 mazda 3 4 door?
i have an 07 mazda 3 4 door and it has no power windows and locks. it sucks its all manual. i was wondering how much will it cost to install powered windows an locks? its a headache opening each door and rolling down every window.. helpppp!

A: Hey, Im in the same boat as you. I was able to get a Prestige Alarm set for 400$ with installation

Q: The dash on my Mazda 3 has faded exactly a week after I used a protectant product on it.?
The passenger dash on my '06 Mazda 3 has faded exactly a week after I used a plastic protectant/restorer product on it. It looked fine before but I wanted it to be shinier. Now a week later there is an Obvious pattern of fading. Has anyone else seen this? New Again by Black Jack is what I used.

A: What you are seeing is not fade, but spot evaporation of the protectant you applied. The plastic used in today's cars should be able to withstand fading or cracking for years without the use of any protectant. The stock dash is matte finish for a reason, it keeps glare from blinding you.

Q: Should I buy a Mazda 3 or a Nissan Sentra?
Looking at a 2004/05/06 Mazda 3 or a 2007 Nissan Sentra. I like the look of the Sentra better, but I love the automatic/manualish transmission of the Mazda.

A: Ironically, I just got rid of my Nissan Sentra for a Mazda 3. Both are good choices, my Sentra lasted me 12 years, and was still running when I sold it. I love my Mazda, but honestly I hardly ever use the manual part of the transmission, I just forget it's there where there's no clutch, so test drive them both, and pick the one that feels right. Either way, you're going to get a good car.

Q: Has anyone heard if Mazda has plans for making a hybrid version of the Mazda 3 or 6?
I'm just curious, i really want to get a mazda 3, but i would prefer a hybrid. I have a truck now and it's killing me everythime i fill it up

A: Apparently, "not yet". basically, Mazda shares mechanical stuff with Ford, and Ford's only hybrid so far is the Escape. Mazda is bigger in Europe, but Europeans prefer diesel and turbodiesel rather than hybrids. It's us Yanks that prefer hybrids.

Q: Should I change the trans fluid on my Mazda 3?
My 2004 Mazda 3, automatic, has 42k miles on it. The tran. oil is dirty. Could I have the oil changed? When I had asked someone at the dealer before my car had 30k miles, their response was that the Mazda 3 did not require a tranny oil change ever.

A: Yes, you should have the ATF changed on your Mazda3 if it is already browned and dirty. But make sure to use the correct fluid. The Mazda3 takes Mercon V fluid. Do not use anything else (merc III, merc IV, or synthetic blend) because they will cause damage to the internal clutches in the transmission.

Q: What are the long-term Cons of Mazda 3?
I'm planning on buying a new car and the Mazda 3 hatchback has caught my eye. It looks great, and I've read how wonderfully it handles. But what are the long term Cons of a Mazda? Will the transmission give out in 5 years? Does the engine crack after 9 years? Things like that. I like to make my cars last - my last two cars have lasted me 13 and 15 years. Will a Mazda 3 Hatchback work for me?

A: Know one with any real credibility outside of the Mazda brand can say to you a Mazda 3 manufactured in Hiroshima, Japan in 2004 will last for the next 15 years when the car has only been out for 5 of those 15 years. It is like a needle in a haystack to unearth the service life of Mazda cars. What you have to look at is the overall class of car and narrow it down from there. For instance Hyundai would like you to believe that their cars are rock solid for the first 10 years or 100,000 miles, based on their warranty. Worry free driving. However, Toyota and Honda notably exceeded the 10 year 100,000 mile threshold in the early 80s. In the car world this is common knowledge. The Mazda 3 is an economy car, to pursue this line of thinking Honda's Civic and Toyota's Corolla have been the class of the class. What we know without looking to hard, is that the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla last 15-20 years with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer. It would not be to hard to believe, perceive or hear either brand being touted to have upwards of 300,000 miles on the clock. Clearly the con of a Mazda 3 is this cannot be stated and know one knows except Mazda, and they are not willing to make it known beyond the warranty. As a rule of thumb, a manufacturers warranty at best is a half life for a car. I have a high degree of certainty that the Mazda 3 has a service life of 10 years or 275,000 miles due to very important factors for the brand. How I found this aspect of service life to be true; was by doing some digging about the bread and butter MZR engine designed and solely manufactured by Mazda. Any major work on any car's power train spells the end of the original service life of the car, for the average owner. Mazda engineered the MZR power train for 10 years or 275,000 miles. This exact power train is in the Mazda 3 which now makes up 42% of all Mazda sales globally. It is in the Mazda 5 and the tuned up version can be found under the hood of the Mazda Cx7 and Mazdaspeed 3. As a manufacturer they have bet the house that this is a good engine power train set up. For this set up to be what we out here would call junk, Mazda's entire car line save the Mx5 and the Cx9 would be toast. The direct answer to your question is that Mazda research and development dollars, Hiroshima manufacturing re-tooling and strategic placement in the majority of Mazda's car line, states that it better be good. Therefore, we can only conclude that the long term con for a Mazda 3 is that it has not been on the road long enough to have the bragging rights of its peers, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. It appears the brand is well on its way. Cheers.

Q: Should I get a Mazda 3 or a Nissan Sentra?
I'm looking at 2004/05/06 Mazda 3 i, or a 2007 Nissan Sentra. I like the look of the Sentra a little better but I love the tiptronic in the Mazda. What do you think?

A: get mazda 3..much more better performance than nissan sentra

Q: Trouble starting a mazda 3 on a steep hill?
I'm curious about if any other Mazda 3 owners have encountered this. I live at a house with a pretty steep driveway. So when I'm low on gas (close to 'E' or the light is on) and try to start the car on the steep driveway, it won't turn over. I have to roll the car back in neutral in the street and it'll start just fine. I'm curious because I've never had this issue with any of my other cars, even my Scion tc works just fine. Any help or feedback would be much appreciated!

A: Their is a guy on Y Answers, he is a contact for me and makes himself available for others. "MazdaTech PR", e-mail him your question and he will give you a straight answer. Another would be "12Hrdaze" she works for Mazda and is somewhat of a techie. She loves her Rx8. I understand them both to be an expert on Mazda cars. I hope this helps.

Q: Mazdaspeed 3 question, why has Mazda not introduced a sedan version?
The Mazda 3 is one of the best selling car lines the brand has to offer, it certainly would not be that the car would not sell. I would love to trade up to Speed sedan. What do you think?

A: Interesting question. My guess is that they have done some research into it and decided it would not be financially advantageous for them to offer it in a sedan version. Subaru did the same thing with the WRX STI. You can only get it in a hatchback, which has left a lot of people complaining.

Q: what are the widest tires that can fit on stock Mazda 3, 17 inch rims?
I have an 06 Mazda 3 with stock 17 inch rims. It's time to replace my tires and I'd like to have a wider set, but don't know much about tire sizes. What size should I get to get more rubber on the road with my existing rims?

A: Your Mazda 3s came originally with a P205/50R17 88V on a 6.5-inch wide wheel. That 6.5-inches is really your limiting factor since if you go for a wider tire you will also need to go lower profile and a lower profile tire is going to want a wider wheel. Really your only choice is a 225/45R17 91V (or 91Y or 91W) which is going to be a tight squeeze on that rim but should probably fit. Whether or not that combination will provide a real performance improvement (assuming that is what you are after) is a different story. That tire really needs at least a 7-inch wide rim and something 7.5-8.0 inches is ideal for best performance. 205/50R17 is already more rubber than a car the size of yours can really use anyway. ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor working in the tire industry

Q: Does anyone know of a good install place for a mazda 3?
Hey I was looking to have power locks and windows installed in my 2006 mazda 3, I was wondering if anyone had came across a good installation center? OH YEAH IN LIKE THE KCK AREA!

A: Where do you live, you didn't say

Q: what can i add to a mazda 3 to make it faster?
where can one get turbo installed? and how much can a mazda 3 handle?

A: Ivan, If you are just looking for speed over all else, strip the car. A lighter car is a faster car. Lighter rims will reduce unsprung weight, which frees up more power to the ground. A lighter flywheel and sport clutch will add quickness from the jump and higher revs will provide greater power to the ground, sooner than later, so to speak. I am a believer in a cold air intake and cat back exhaust. It is cost effectve and safe. The risk of modification is low and the cost is relatively cheap as compared to installation of a turbo, performance chip or NOX. If you must tinker, know what you are getting into. Chilton's is a trusted brand manual, specific to whatever Marque you drive. In your case it would be Mazda. I would suggest that you save yourself time and money and get one of these manuals from the book store. You will find detailed specs on oem parts, "how to" advice and gain a better handle of understanding the overall complexities of adding a turbo or NOX to the car. What you will find is that improving performance on one aspect of the car will require a robust solution on the other end. Their is an old saying, to every action their is a reaction. What you don't want is to have something break because it cannot handle the torque or newly imposed pressure on a given part. You need to know this, because asking and then doing will cost you money. It is for this reason, I modify my vehicle within the parameters of the already proven engineering baked into the car. Trying to get a non-turbocharged car to be turbocharged on the cheap will cost you. If you are an Andretti, or a Gordon and have your own shop, then, pardon the interruption. Cheers.