are the problems fixed in the 2006 model?

[bhninja]

Hey guys,

First off great website, i have learned alot bout this car from just reading the msgs on this site for the past day. I have to say that i have focused on the negative things that the members of this board have mentioned like 1) not cold a/c 2) poor fuel economy 3) poor sound isolation? 4) wheels get damaged easily 5) weird engine noises. Just wondering if these \'supposed\' problems have been fixed. I\'m especially concerned bout the a/c that seems to be the deal breaker for me. I really like the mz3 sport hatchback gt but am also considering the honda civic ex and also the acura rsx. So i was wondering if any new 2006 mz3 buyers could tell me if the problems with the a/c have been fixed (also the older buyers if they can tell me how their cars are holding up)? Thanks!

[Caz]

I picked up my 2006 sport GT in December of 2005.To date I have had no issues with the car. Now that the engine is broken in, I am getting really good milage (around 550 km a tank). I haven\'t really got to test the A/C as the weather hasn\'t turned yet. If you are concerned about that take one for a test drive and crank the A/C and see if it works for you.

Have you had a chance to test drive all of the cars on your list?

[Cardinal Fang]

Welcome to the board!


Originally posted by bhninja
1) not cold a/c

I\'ve used the a/c on two occasions and both times it has performed as well as can be expected given my black leather interior.


Originally posted by bhninja
2) poor fuel economy

Touchy subject here but so far my fuel economy is not as advertised but it\'s getting better. If I baby my car I can reach the fuel economy Mazda advertises. Unfortunately, that would also require I carry a loaded gun with me at all times because that type of driving would push me to kill myself.

My wife drives a Acura TSX and she doesn\'t get the mileage that was posted. You begin to understand that in many cases the mileage posted is in a \"perfect world condition.\"


Originally posted by bhninja
3) poor sound isolation?
It\'s an entry level Mazda so I didn\'t expect much in this department. You\'re not going to get everything in one car. There are trade offs and you have to decide which is more important to you.


Originally posted by bhninja
4) wheels get damaged easily

I\'ve read about some rusting around the wheel caps but I didn\'t realize the rims get damaged easily.


Originally posted by bhninja
5) weird engine noises.

Apart from this being a vague comment I haven\'t seen any of this in my car.

[bhninja]

Thanks guys for your fast replies. I haven\'t driven the new civic or the mazda 3 yet but i have the rsx (my brother owns one). Actually I am in the market for a new car next year so thats probably when I will start really testing out everything. Seems like the a/c issue has been fixed but i will test it when i\'m at the dealer.

As for the interior noise even though the mazda 3 is entry level i own a 2004 corolla le and its quite quiet inside. Granted the mazda is aimed at a more sportier audience but i do want some sort of noise reduction in the cabin. I guess i will have to check that out when i test drive it.

What I meant about the engine noises was abit vague. I read on this forum that there were some loud idling noises, noises when reversing, and noises/shake when driving the car 80-90kms? I just wanted to know your experience on that. I plan to keep this car for abit (5+years) and wanted to know if there was any reliability issues to be worried about. I have bought honda/toyota in the past and have had no problems so really not sure what to expect from mazda. Oh btw hows the resale value on these things do they hold up like a civic? Thanks for all your responses!

[TheProfessor]

The RSX, while nice, is considerably more money if bought new then the other two cars you are considering. Also, if you\'re looking to pick it up next year, isn\'t the RSX supposed to be discontinued by then? Also note that next year should/will be the final production year for the current MZ3.

[Cardinal Fang]

Yeah...the talk in the automotive circles is the the 06 version of the RSX is the last one.

[bhninja]

Yes i think the rsx is going to be discontinued but if worse comes to worst i can always get the accord coupe 4 cylinder. I am leading towards the mazda 3 cuz i really love the hatchback (even though the rsx has a hatch its not really useable space) and has alot of refinements the civic just doesnt offer (the interior is horrible, hate the digital speedo). The only thing in question is the reliability and the resale value. The 07 version sounds sweet with the auto climate control, heated non leather seats, and side airbags.

[Xenon]

When you mention \"the wheels get damaged easily\", are you referring to rust in particular? or some other damage?

Certain damages will occur no matter how well the wheel is made. Stone chips are unavoidable, and scraping a curb will damage any rim. Just examples.

[bhninja]

well i read it from this post in the forum

http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=5806

It doesnt seem right for it to be damaged like that. As i mentioned before i own a corolla and the wheels are still in perfect condition even though i dont wash/clean it (except for car washes)

[Fuman]

I had to get my tires rebalanced after I got my car.
I get shocked when I get out of the car most of the time.

[TheProfessor]

Originally posted by bhninja
The 07 version sounds sweet with the auto climate control, heated non leather seats, and side airbags.

Keep in mind those will all add to the price of the car ;)