Edmunds Answers questions

Help finding a bike rack for my Mazda3?

glenwatkins — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:01:46 GMT

I have a 2006 Mazda3 that I need to get a bike rack for. Any recommendations?

can a 07 Mazda MAZDA3 2.0 stick shift be modified to tow with rv 4wheel down without damaging transaxel?

daniel5434 — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:13:56 GMT

Mazda refuses to talk about their warning not to tow a Mazda3 4 wheels down due to potential transaxel damage. Can you explain the potential damage and if it can be modified to overcome the tech problem?

What are the best tire brands for replacement on 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 sedan?

ew1 — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:19:33 GMT

Hi, have a regular Mazda3 sedan, not a speed version or hatchback. I rotated my original tires a while back and they had worn terribly, giving me a wobbly ride. Need to buy a set this summer. I want a comfortable, safe ride. Not looking to buy Michelin but want a well perfoming tire. Any suggestions? THX

What is the Interior Cargo HEIGHT for a Mazda MAZDA3 Hatchback?

cinditeach — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:21:09 GMT

I need the trunk Floor to ceiling height in the Hatchback. Thanks

Does a 2004 Mazda Mazda3 2.3 engine have a timing belt or chain?

leejar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:37:37 GMT

I have a 204 mazda 3 with a 2.3 engine. Does it have a timing belt or a timing chain

07 Mazda 3 S getting bad tire wear and noise. No damage, so why should it need to be aligned?

rlkepp — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:26:41 GMT

At 18000 the original tires wore out so I bought a set of Cooper Zeon Directional tread tires. With 12000 on them I was told the insides of fronts are almost to the wear bars by an alignment shop. They spoke of shim kits due to the lack of adjustment available on these vehicles. The vehicle has never had damage so why should it be far out of alignment? I am getting a lot of noise inside and a rough ride from this tire condition. Where do I go from here?

How many miles do you have to have on a 2004 Mazda 3 before you need to change the timing belt?

Ctcomer — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:21:28 GMT

Mazda 3, 2004, I have 88,000 miles on mine.

The ABS on my '06 Mazda3 seems to be working inconsistently. Midas didn't find a problem, but it concerns me.

sparky4163 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:47:13 GMT

I've had this car for six months and have been driving an 80 mile round trip commute 5 days a week in all types of weather, including a recent two week stretch of eight inches of snow and snow-packed and/or icy roads. I had no problems with the ABS, never once noticed it engaging in any conditions. Today, with a fluffy new half inch of snow, it kicked in on a slight decline and caused me to 'skid' through an intersection. I went to an empty parking lot to test it and it continued to kick in even at low speeds and on level ground. Went promptly to Midas; they drove it and said it was normal ABS and I should just drive carefully in poor traction conditions. My tires are fine and I have no warning lights indicating any malfunction with the system.

My question is: why is the ABS reacting so strongly today and never before?

Btw, I had new brakes and pads installed maybe two months ago. Also should mention that I got run off the interstate by a rogue semi last weekend - I didn't lose control, but had to brake long and hard on the 'wake-up' strip to avoid a collision. I told them this at Midas and they didn't think it was significant.

Any thoughts?

The stock wheels/tires on my 08 Mazda3 are rubbing the paint off the inner rocker panels. Anyone else see this?

jandr — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:00:13 GMT

It appears that the stock 17" wheels/tires on my red 08 Mazda3 are actually rubbing the paint off the leading edge of the rocker panel trim pieces on both front wheels. Also rubbing a bit on the trailing edge of the inner rear fenders. Anyone else experience this?

08 Mazda3 5 door tire tread measures 8. Where to install one new tire? Ft. Worth TX. Driving city 70% highway 30%.

harvy4 — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:30:37 GMT

Large bubble in left front sidewall.

Tire store said no stability problems, handling, in replacing one rather than two. Tread measures 8. Mileage 10,925.

If I were buying two, I would have them placed on rear. Will replacing one work? What's the best placement?

Is it worth buying the auto dimming mirror with Homelink for the 2010 Mazda3?

metsjets — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:14:08 GMT

I am thinking about buying the 2010 Mazda3.

I am just wondering what you guys think of the auto dimming mirror with Homelink? Is it worth the price?

What size tires may I put on my Mazda 3 without problems? OEM 205/50/R17.

urtexas — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:19:29 GMT

I need new tires for my 2007 Mazda 3 after 21K miles and I'd like to know what options I have in buying new tires. More rubber on the ground is my preferred goal but I have no desire change my speedometer readings. I saw a good deal on some 205/45/17's on E-bay.

I have a 2008 Mazda 3 that I leased. Got a flat, have to buy new tire. Do I have to use the same tire?

stirfryguy — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:49:39 GMT

I have a 08 Mazda 3 that is near the end of the lease, it ends next month. I just got a flat that got punctured on the sidewall by a screw, so I have to get a new tire.

First question is, do I have to buy the same tire? Second, can I buy a used tire? This is with a TPMS.

Thanks.

How much should it cost to replace rear brake pads on 2005 Mazda 3?

drob1450 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:15:49 GMT

I only have 21k miles on the car, but mechanic said rear brake pads are worn to below minimal levels. He's quoting me $350 plus taxes but when I research the cost of pads, it seems like that price is a bit steep.

mazda3 '04 -engine replaced at 55k- bad wrist pin. Anyone else having problems? Over new 12k warr. noisey again!

mazdalemon — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:47:00 GMT

04 mazda3 hatchback- automatic. Just over the 50k warranty it developed a loud ticking noise. All service has been done at dealership in a timely fashion. Tests showed that it had a bad wrist pin and needed a new engine. New 12k warranty has expired and it's noisey again...Just at the 12k service, I asked dealership to run tests on engine again, said it was fine. I'm so disappointed. I loved everything about the car but it's a lemon...

I have a 2005 Mazda MAZDA3; the car got slow and CE light on. What is code P2127? How much will it cost to repair/replace?

tennisplaya8 — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:18:55 GMT

I have a 2005 Mazda 3. The check engine light came on when I was going about 60 mpg. The car got much slower and I had to push the accelerator more. I took it to Auto Zone so they could get a dx code. The code is P2127; "APP sensor 2 circuit low input". Am I going to be out of a lot of money? P.S. I got my oil changed yesterday; could something have gotten loosened?

Does the throttle body sensor usually go bad after the APP sensor needs replacing? Mazda MAZDA3

tennisplaya8 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:15:12 GMT

Thanks for your answer to my previous question re: mazda 3 with dx code P2127 and check engine light on. I was told that I should get the throttle body sensor replaced because it will go bad soon. Is it necessary now or should I wait until it happens?

My Mazda MAZDA3 2006 engine is noisy. Is that normal for a great car?

thewidow — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:31:11 GMT

the engine is loud is that normal

Advise on buying a dealer demo model with 6700 miles on it, a Mazda MAZDA3.

zada3 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:06:40 GMT

this is a new car untitled has 6750 miles a mazda3 5dr, dealer has reduced price by $1362.50

I have a 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 5-door which uses 205-50/17 tires. Would there be problems if I installed 215-55/17 tires?

psato — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:15:58 GMT

I would like a higher tire so that I don't scrape my alloy wheels against low curbs.

How long should we wait for a dealer to locate a car after we put down $1k deposit on a Mazda MAZDA3?

mindless2 — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:17:12 GMT

After several visits to a dealership, we signed a contract to buy a Mazda3 five-door, 2008.5 in silver, and put down $1K credit card deposit.

During price negotiations, the dealer told us it would be no more than 3-5 days for delivery. When he came back with a written contract, he'd written 5-7 business days, which was still fine with us. We are pretty sure he added "subject to locate" on the contract after we'd signed it, when he was taking it to the manager to countersign.

It has been almost 72 hrs and he has not told us that he has located a car... When a dealer says that he will deliver in a week, how long does it usually take him to locate the car and get the VIN? We are first-time buyers in NYC.

Thank you.

My 2008 Mazda Mazda3 Touring uses 17" wheels. Can I go wider?

psato — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:17:53 GMT

My 2008 Mazda 3 has 17" wheels, 6.5" wide. Can I install wheels 7.5" wide?

Is it safe to shift from Drive to Manual mode while my Mazda MAZDA3 is moving?

electrified — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:23:06 GMT

I remember the salesman at the dealership telling me something about this, but I wasn't paying too much attention as I was obsessing over how agile and smooth the car was.

This car is a 2007 Mazda3 s Sport w/Sport AT.

I just want to make sure it is absolutely safe to do and won't do any damage to the transmission or the car itself. A little spirited driving now and then is helpful.

Any answer would be appreciated !

My daughter's 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 developed a shimmy at 17,000 miles.

dbybee2 — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:56:21 GMT

The Mazda dealership that has service the car since purchased said that the problem was because of high speed braking. I asked if this was a common issue and they said no. But to repair this issue that new OEM rotors and pads would take care of this problem. I can't see replacing the rotors with OEM when it gave out in such a short time. Has anyone else experierced this?

If and when will a better incentive be offered for the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3? 36 months at 0% isn't affordable to me.

nickvexel — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:29:04 GMT

Looking for rebates on 2008 Mazda 3. Around $200 a month for 60 yo 72 months

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 HB with 600 miles. Why am I getting 18 mpg? I drive conservatively and should be getting 22-24mpg. Help.

mrockets — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:13:54 GMT

With only 600 miles on my Mazda3, is it maybe normal to get poor gas mileage. Will it eventually reach it's potential?

What is the cost of a replacement windshield on a 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 hatchback?

dolores3 — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:45:14 GMT

what is the cost of a windshield for a 2008 mazda 3 hatchback?

I went to a Honda dealership to trade in my Mazda MAZDA3 lease and they stated Mazda would not allow them to buy the car?

jg74 — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:00:50 GMT

I have gone to 3 dealerships without issues of trading in a mazda lease. I went to Honda and they stated the Mazda dealership owns the car and therefore will not allow them to buy it. The lease is through USBank, this does not make sense.

08 Mazda3 does not automatically go to 1st gear in manual mode 20% of the time and does 80%. Which is correct functionality of transmission?

lt08 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:13:30 GMT

Hello - I have this also posted under CarSpace Auto Forums through town-hall talk on edmunds. I just bought an 08 because I loved my 04. question: I use the manual mode quite a bit, for better control. My 2004 always functioned correctly, downshifting on its own to a stop and then drop to 1st. I bought the 08 and noticed that some times, not all the time, it would NOT go to first but stay in 2nd, even at a full stop. I've been telling my dealership about this, have video on my phone when it happens. They've first told me they could not replicate the "problem" and to record it and bring it in as soon as it happens. Unfortunately, it is sporatic that I can't just bring it in when it happens as I don't know when its gonna happen and if I have to drive to the dealership, I'm certainly going to have to get out of 2nd gear. Long story short, I finally figured out how to replicate it, showed a service tech and they finally agreed to look closer at it. Today I get a call that they tell me, actually the transmission is SUPPOSED to do that - if driving in 2nd gear and come to a stop, it should stay in second gear? Apparently the user manual says this? So my 2004 operated wrong for 4 years? The majority of the time, the car does automatically go to 1st gear at a stop, and about 20% or so of the time it stays in second. Now they are trying to tell me that that is correct so I'm now saying, FINE, then 80% of the time, the transmission is malfunctioning???

anyone out there having similar issues? Any year of Mazda? Help - don't want to be screwed over with a faulty transmission that they think because I'm a woman I don't know what I'm talking about - that is certainly how this has been going. First they agreed it was a problem they'd like to check out, and now apparently it is a "feature" of the car I didn't know about???

06 MAZDA3. Strange electrical problem. No power at all. Remote didn't work. No lights. Went away by itself. Anyone?

latelylulu — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:33:37 GMT

The car was completely dead. Only lasted for a couple of minutes. Remote didn't work. Lights didn't work. Let myself in with the key, then started the car. Everything back to normal. This is second strange electrical problem. First happened when we couldn't start the car. Didn't recognize the key. Mazda came to tow it three days later. Of course then it started!

Are all Mazda MAZDA3 5Ds made by Japan?

leisney — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 04:57:19 GMT

I heard this information from sales guy today. He said all Mazda 3 5D are imported from Japan. Is it true?

What is the difference between New MAZDA3 S Touring and S Touring?

leisney — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:19:18 GMT

I am going to buy one MAZDA3 5D S Touring.

I found there are two differnet models for 2008.

One is New S touring, the other one is New S Touring. Detail is below:

http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda3/2008...

Does anyone know what difference are?

How do you aim the headlights in a 2004 Mazda 3? I don't see it mentioned in the owner's manual. Thanks!

Bobzda3 — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 20:43:24 GMT

My father-in-law mentioned that he thought my headlights' aim looked a bit off. I looked in the owner's manual and couldn't find anything in it concerning that. Do you need to aim them and if so how do you do it? Thanks in advance!

Am buying a 2009 Mazda3 and seek input about the 'Electronic rust control module' on offer for $500. Does it work?

paul124 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:22:45 GMT

Am buying a 2009 Mazda3 and seek input about the 'Electronic rust control module' on offer for $500. I'm very skeptical.... the review on the Krown website rubbishes this system for automotive use. Any comments? Ideas for alternatives (Winnipeg Manitoba)?

Paul

I added optional side airbags front and rear to my 07 Mazda3 due to the 3 star safety rating. The 09 with these standard still has 3 star rating. Why?

franf — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:05:02 GMT

Shouldn't adding airbags increase a safety rating? I'm confused as to the current 3 star side impact safety rating on the 2009 Mazda 3 as this is just the same as the rating without side airbags. I understand that structure has a lot to do with safety, but shouldn't the rating go up when airbags are added? Isn't that why they are now required?

07 Mazda3 hatchback. Can some one help with the location of the cabin air filters?

ronbo08 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:30:20 GMT

I was told that the cabin air filters are dirty and need replacing. Some one mentioned that it's behind the glove box, but it was difficult to take the glove box off. Could break the plastic i guess.

How to turn off the speed warning beep for a Mazda3 without breaching the warranty?

mb1st — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 06:34:28 GMT

it is annoying to hear the beep after 120 km/hr.
Anybody has a solution to that?

06 Mazda 3. Is there a trick to installing the low beam headlights?

ghart83181 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:10:58 GMT

I've tried replacing my low beam headlights before and it took me forever to figure it out. The owners manual doesn't offer any help whatsoever; there's a weird notch piece that you have to align, the adapter which you have to save for the replacement bulb (I nearly threw it away) and the stupid clip to hold the bulb in place. The part that stumps me is the clip, I can never seem to get it to disengage then when it comes time to put the bulb back in, I can't get it to lock in place. What's the deal with the clip, how do you get it to work?

I have a 2006 Mazda 3. How do I get the clip to clip onto the bulb for the low beam headlight?

stadic — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:28:36 GMT

I have tried many times to clip on the clip onto the bulb, is there a special tool that has to be used?

2005 Mazda3 oil filter blew off! Has anyone ever seen this?

macellven — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:58:08 GMT

2005 Mazda 3 with a 2.0 with 70225 mi. Was driving car and heard noise then warning light came on and oil was everywhere. Has anyone seen this before?

Buying 2010 Mazda3 with keyless entry. Need valet key because I kayak and no matter what chance of key getting wet?

kanne — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:56:19 GMT

Problem with keyless entry with going kayaking, because everything you take eventually gets wet. Have usually just taken valet key--no electronics. Getting 2010 Mazda3 keyless entry any suggestions for wet key problem. Yes I have a dry bag and water sealed bags...still chancy. Help!

Are there any new Mazda 3's available and prices?

dougmasage — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:21:20 GMT

are there any mazda 3's for sale 2008 NEW?

2004 Mazda 3 Hatchback. AT dashboard warning light comes on. Mechanic cannot determine error.

yoshi99 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:47:53 GMT

2004 Mazda3 hatchback "AT" warning dashboard light showed up about 3 weeks ago. When light is on car performs with a jerking motion when putting into gear. When no light car drives smoothly. Mechanic hooked up to computer but cannot read any error.

I have a 04 Mazda 3. How hard is it to install a cold air intake?

ranger77 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:27:02 GMT

I want to install a cold air intake into my 2004 Mazda 3... is it hard?

Dash light is steady on Mazda3 2006, no idea why.

serena3 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:48:36 GMT

My airbag dash light started randomly coming on a month ago and now is on steady most of the time then turns off for a while and comes back on. I haven't been in an accident. My 6 year old used to sit in the front seat sometimes and the lower airbag light seemed to be coming on and going off when it was supposed to. She now sits in the back again.

Can a dealership offer incentives on a new demo car that is an 09?

camaro1978 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:27:56 GMT

Well I went into the Mazda dealership I was looking at an 09 Mazda3 demo. It has 2,000 miles and they said I could not get any incentives on that. Were they lying to me? I just walked out.

Where can I get info on the 2008.5 Mazda 3 I Touring Value?

rjp4 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:16:42 GMT

Ford released the media kit with info about the mid-year pricing changes and I've previously seen the 2008.5 feature changes. I would like to get some more information and have seen nothing from Edmunds or other sites regarding true costs, bargaining value, etc. Here are the two links to the relevant materials:
http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_...
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s266/...

I have a 2005 Mazda MAZDA3. Today, I was told that it is an electronic/computer problem and must go to the dealer.

tennisplaya8 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:10:09 GMT

I posted last week after my check engine light came on and the car loss power. I took it to a local service center and they gave code P2127 (APP sensor). They finally got that part, but that did not fix the problem (I was not charged). Now they say that the dealer says it is an electric/computer problem and I must take it to them-30 minutes away. The local shop manager says it may be covered under warranty if I bring up the fact that it will not pass emissions. My car has 73,000 miles and he says the emission warranty is up to 80,000 miles. First of all, is it OK for me to drive it to the dealer (going a max of 40 mph)? And also, what are the chances of this being covered under the emissions warranty?- Thanks

Can dealership charge me $995 to buyout my Mazda MAZDA3 lease?

oakley4 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:19:00 GMT

I have a leased Mazda3 that I want to buy. Mazda credit said I have to do it through the dealership. Dealership wants to charge me a fee of $995 just to closeout the lease. The $995 is just a fee and does not cover any taxes or title fees. They said its a fee they charge because Mazda Credit no longer handles the lease closeout. Can they do this?

How do I install a cold air intake on 07 Mazda MAZDA3 2.3L?

mrochelle — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:37:47 GMT

I am looking to purchase a cold air intake for my 07 mazda 3 hatchback for better fuel economy and don't know how to install if i can.