OEM mats vs Michelin mats

[JovianGhost]

I'm torn between buying the Mazda 3 custom-fitted OEM winter mats, which look very nice, and the Michelin winter mats from Costco. Apparently the latter is AMAZING, and they work very extremely well. They can hold quite a bit of water because they're deep and they're made of good quality rubber.

OTOH the Mazda 3 mats are custom-fitted and also look really nice. They also look deep enough to hold some water. Does anyone have a set of these, and know how effective they are?

[hatthi]

I've got the oem all weather mats. They're fine for summer but I purchased a set of weather techs for the winter. The oem units get full when I place my wet shoes on them, so I don't expect much from them in the winter. I'd say check out NextMod and see if he has any. I got mine through a group by from him. Just my $0.02.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

I'm torn between buying the Mazda 3 custom-fitted OEM winter mats, which look very nice, and the Michelin winter mats from Costco. Apparently the latter is AMAZING, and they work very extremely well. They can hold quite a bit of water because they're deep and they're made of good quality rubber.

OTOH the Mazda 3 mats are custom-fitted and also look really nice. They also look deep enough to hold some water. Does anyone have a set of these, and know how effective they are?

Neither of these. Get the digital fit WeatherTech Mats if you really want to keep your interior looking mint. They are expensive, but will last the lifetime of your vehicle and are worth every penny in terms of quality and performance. You can also sell them on here, should you ever get rid of the 3.

Check out the Group Buy section for details.

[JovianGhost]

Two votes for WeatherTech.
The only thing is, I can't justify to myself spending even $135 on winter mats. That feels insane.

[SKYMP3]

The only thing is, I can't justify to myself spending even $135 on winter mats. That feels insane.

Me neither.

[Mundek]

After checking the Michelins, Rubbermaid, Stanley etc. made winter mats I decided to buy the WeatherTech digital fit. I've had the Mazda5 for 3 yrs/winters and it upset me that especially the area around the dead pedal got soaked in salt/mud. It all depends how long you want o keep the car. For me it's going to be 5 yrs = 5 winters. $125 tax in from NextMod for the front set. Money well spent IMO. A lot but well spent nevertheless. I'll cut on alcohol for a month

[hatthi]

My friend had weather techs in his old car and they lasted great through 6 years. I had the Canadian Tire winter set in my previous car. I think they cost around $40 - $50 for the set. A hole wore through the drivers side mat after 2 years.

[Malcolm991]

I have the Michelins and they are fine, I was considering the weathertechs but I just cant bring myself to pay that much for floor mats!

[Default User]

I've had the Michelins for over 3 years going on my 4th winter and they are great

However, this is my first winter using them in my 3.
I had to trim around the dead pedal lump - which leaves it totally exposed.
If you don't trim around it - you risk clutch pedal catching which is a PITA (unless you drive auto)
I have no idea how I am going to get that piece protected.
I put them in 2weeks ago and already I see the dirt debris from my shoes, rubbed into the carpet.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Two votes for WeatherTech.
The only thing is, I can't justify to myself spending even $135 on winter mats. That feels insane.

Then look at it this way. I'm assuming the Michelins cost around $50.00 and the OEM ones are even more expensive.

So, the weather techs cost you $135.00 and provide much better protection. Assuming the $50.00 price, the difference between the Weathertechs and the Michelins is $85.00. Probably around the same price you can sell the Weathertechs for on here after many years of solid use, as they will still look almost new after a good wash and rinse. They are that well built. I know it seems like a lot, but really, I think they're worth it. Although, some don't like where they cut-off on the dead pedal and some don't like the feel of them on the dead pedal as a result.

[mazda lover]

My friend had weather techs in his old car and they lasted great through 6 years. I had the Canadian Tire winter set in my previous car. I think they cost around $40 - $50 for the set. A hole wore through the drivers side mat after 2 years.

shouldn't wear high heels when you are driving, dangerous

[JovianGhost]

Then look at it this way. I'm assuming the Michelins cost around $50.00 and the OEM ones are even more expensive.

Actually the Michelin ones are ~36 at Costco, and the OEM ones I was offered for ~50 from the dealer, due to the mishap I described in my thread.

So, the weather techs cost you $135.00 and provide much better protection. Assuming the $50.00 price, the difference between the Weathertechs and the Michelins is $85.00. Probably around the same price you can sell the Weathertechs for on here after many years of solid use, as they will still look almost new after a good wash and rinse. They are that well built. I know it seems like a lot, but really, I think they're worth it. Although, some don't like where they cut-off on the dead pedal and some don't like the feel of them on the dead pedal as a result.

Yes, this is true, they will probably last. However, to be honest, the OEM and Michelin mats are pretty thick too, I can't see them wearing out after only a year or two.
I've kind of been leaning towards the OEMs only because they're a perfect fit, and have the little "Mazda 3" on them.

[Mundek]

I've had OEM mats in my m5 for 3 winters. In the last days of second winter I've "created" a hole in mine. No high heels . Exactly where the heel rests when foot is on gas pedal. I will list them for sale any day now since the car is lease-returned-gone-baby-gone.
Costco affair might be good/better quality, but they do not fit nowhere near as good as laserfit WeatherTech.

[Soyabean]

I have the oem all seasons. After a year of driving, i noticed wear on the area under the clutch. Its like all smooth and dipped in

[JovianGhost]

I've had OEM mats in my m5 for 3 winters. In the last days of second winter I've "created" a hole in mine. No high heels . Exactly where the heel rests when foot is on gas pedal. I will list them for sale any day now since the car is lease-returned-gone-baby-gone.
Costco affair might be good/better quality, but they do not fit nowhere near as good as laserfit WeatherTech.

Certainly the WeatherTechs will be a better fit, I don't doubt that.
But an extra $85 for a perfect fit is unjustifiable, IMO.

[Default User]

Certainly the WeatherTechs will be a better fit, I don't doubt that.
But an extra $85 for a perfect fit is unjustifiable, IMO.

Not true - think of the money you save over the years
$100 every spring to detail and steam the interior clean.

[CFX]

Not true - think of the money you save over the years
$100 every spring to detail and steam the interior clean.

Why not just do it yourself and save the $100?

[Go_Habs_Go]

Just put down some newspaper along the edges of the mat to absorb any spillover...then toss out the newspaper whenever it gets wet.

Cost= 0$

[MistaChin]

I had the michelins because i couldn't justify spending on weathertechs....but then the michelins ripped up like a mother and i just decided to dish out.

Another option would be to get those thick carpet rolls that have the rubber bottom. They absorb water and slush nicely and the rubber prevents it from getting to your other carpet. You can also cut them to the shape you want as well.

[JashiK]

my OEM mats started to wear where my heel touched the mat after only a year.

MistaChin needs to stop wearin' heels when he drives

[MistaChin]

my OEM mats started to wear where my heel touched the mat after only a year.

MistaChin needs to stop wearin' heels when he drives

You never heard that stilettos make the best driving shoes? C'mon now, get into the loop!

[r4BBiT]

i got a set of OEM all weather ones, but they are 3 weeks old so cant comment on them except that they fit awesome, look good and cost $96 with taxes

[dreadlock]

just bought a set of OEMs last week, wish this post was around then...hope i dont regret it and wish i spent the extra $40 for the WeatherTech..