Cons of the Mazda3

[Kiewan]

my drivers seat has developed a squeak, and I have lost weight. WTF.

[r4BBiT]

We used to have an Audi ;)


How can you be so obnoxious and say such a thing? Have you ever owned more than one Mazda? We've had three. It's not like I am talking out of my ass like some people.

Mazda is not like it used to be. Sales of the 2014s are significantly down across North America. Just look at the news releases from Mazda Canada and Mazda USA.

The 2014 Mazda3s are now popular to a very small demographic compared to the previous generation Mazda3s. Things will only get worse for Mazda now that they have a plant in Mexico.

I don't think I was obnoxious, but I still think that Mazda 3 whether it is GX or GT is an econobox. I personally owned/own only one Mazda (and likely my last Mazda), but we had another one in a family. I also own MB and we head other BMWs in family so I know you can't really compare those makes whether it is quality or features on a car. All those "fancy" things are usually present in luxurious (german) cars, but the base price is like 3 times the price of Mazda. I'm sorry if I offended you.

[Canadianbacon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&persist_app=1&v=t92JKoNcC_Y

2014 gt 0-60 and track run. I always watch these guys car review

[aris]

my drivers seat has developed a squeak, and I have lost weight. WTF.

Spary lube in the belt buckle and on the seat rails... This will solve the squeak

[McGuyver_3]

I don't think I was obnoxious, but I still think that Mazda 3 whether it is GX or GT is an econobox. I personally owned/own only one Mazda (and likely my last Mazda), but we had another one in a family. I also own MB and we head other BMWs in family so I know you can't really compare those makes whether it is quality or features on a car. All those "fancy" things are usually present in luxurious (german) cars, but the base price is like 3 times the price of Mazda. I'm sorry if I offended you.

The sad part is that the base models of BMW (I am sure MB is the same) is so basic and CHEAP it is disgusting. Considering the price you are paying I would rather roll around in a base 3 then a BMW. Can't say much for MB. Never had much experience with them.

[r4BBiT]

The sad part is that the base models of BMW (I am sure MB is the same) is so basic and CHEAP it is disgusting. Considering the price you are paying I would rather roll around in a base 3 then a BMW. Can't say much for MB. Never had much experience with them.

I would say that MB is little bit more luxurious then BMW...on a flip side BMW is more of drivers (performance) car. I will have to disagree with that at least when it comes to MB we own: most of the plastics in the car are very soft, way softer than 3's, a lot pillar plastics are wrapped in cloth, all of the knob, controls, etc. are lighted at night including stuff like closing vents or windows, when turning on blower for example it does not blow at full speed right away but gradually increases the speed, the sounds system quality even without Hardon Karman system is way better then 3s, some models are also zinc plated body so the they don't rust as much (I can leave a stone cheap unattended for 3 months and that will not rust, on my mazda withing two weeks it will rust), the paint is probably as thick as the metal on mazda. In addition, the car has like 4 different braking systems and stopping power is amazing. We also have sport package so little bit lowered, but handling is awesome. There is probably lots more things that I don't remember, but I think you get a point.

The only thing that sucks with those (german) makes they don't like to make things like HID or GPS standard, but it's rather an additional package.

Don't get me wrong I like my 3 and there is many good things about it, but MB or BMW will be a lot more refined.

[McGuyver_3]

I would say that MB is little bit more luxurious then BMW...on a flip side BMW is more of drivers (performance) car. I will have to disagree with that at least when it comes to MB we own: most of the plastics in the car are very soft, way softer than 3's, a lot pillar plastics are wrapped in cloth, all of the knob, controls, etc. are lighted at night including stuff like closing vents or windows, when turning on blower for example it does not blow at full speed right away but gradually increases the speed, the sounds system quality even without Hardon Karman system is way better then 3s, some models are also zinc plated body so the they don't rust as much (I can leave a stone cheap unattended for 3 months and that will not rust, on my mazda withing two weeks it will rust), the paint is probably as thick as the metal on mazda. In addition, the car has like 4 different braking systems and stopping power is amazing. We also have sport package so little bit lowered, but handling is awesome. There is probably lots more things that I don't remember, but I think you get a point.

The only thing that sucks with those (german) makes they don't like to make things like HID or GPS standard, but it's rather an additional package.

Don't get me wrong I like my 3 and there is many good things about it, but MB or BMW will be a lot more refined.

Yeah I am rather disappointed with the base BMW 3's and your experience proves MB does have more class. It's nice to have options with the Germans but at the same time I believe that Xenons should be a standard no matter what. After all you are paying such top $$ for basic options

[TheMAN]

Not quite a day that the mrs has driven her new 2014 GT.

So far,
pros: headlights, Bose Sound System (bass), HD Stereo, Total Traffc feature within the GPS; best bang for your buck for right now

cons: large LCD that doesn't fold down; no stereo off switch; Bose sound system. After a few minute the bass is muddled, very flat sound, very cheaply made; no lighted window or door; switches; fog lights are all but useless; no light in the small glove box, only one cigarette lighter; can't lock back seats; poor performance (you need to be in sport mode to feel any power); useless wifi feature which does nothing; SDCard must be in use to use nav system; SD Card can't be backed up or replaced (Mazda says due to security reasons); dealer only update to infotainment (not including maps) system; I am sure there are more, but it's been only 9 hours so far since we got the car, lol.

the back seats can only be folded down from the trunk, so why do you even need to have locking back seats when you can just simply lock the trunk by flicking that switch at the latch?

[Mingo85]

Most things are subjective taste but the biggest issue of rust is quite undesirable. Not as bad as the 6 and the spider issues though.

[staax]

On a 2012 GX Hatch:

-Lack of good spot to put change
-Only the driver side window works with the key on ACC (why?)
-NO TEMPERATURE GAUAGE
-Cupholder opens towards driver, prefer it to open towards passenger.

Other than that, I love my new car!

[Hyperion]

On a 2012 GX Hatch:

-Lack of good spot to put change
-Only the driver side window works with the key on ACC (why?)
-NO TEMPERATURE GAUAGE
-Cupholder opens towards driver, prefer it to open towards passenger.

Other than that, I love my new car!

Don't get the gx and you can have temp control.

[Lux]

Anybody done rear alignments on a BK chassis?
Fun times.
Every time.

[branavank]

I moved from a Subaru and feel like it was a down grade in quality. Not performance but quality.

The other day I grabbed the visor to move it and it broke in my hand. Never had something like that happen with my Hondas or subies.

[Egyptshun]

lack of N/A modification parts.

[nomullies]

I drive with the steering wheel in the down position and can't see the top of the speedometer or the signal lights. 2011 HB. Also the rear headrests limit the view when backing up but just noticed they can be pushed downward. Would love to have the hatch open with an inside latch. Years of other cars having their gas thingy on the driver's side also makes it awkward on the passenger side. They switched it on my daughter's 2014.

[Kiewan]

I'll add to this: my car is almost 7 years old and a lot of interior pieces rattle and are quite noisey on these rough GTA roads. There are quite a few different rattles that come from the dashboard and doors specifically when traveling over less than ideal roads.
It has also been mentioned a million times but my hood is covered In a large number of stone chips. Most of which were there when I bought it used, which actually helped me bring down the price a bit.

[CarLadyLisa]

Spary lube in the belt buckle and on the seat rails... This will solve the squeak

Thank you! Mine is squeaky too.

[staax]

I drive with the steering wheel in the down position and can't see the top of the speedometer or the signal lights. 2011 HB. Also the rear headrests limit the view when backing up but just noticed they can be pushed downward. Would love to have the hatch open with an inside latch. Years of other cars having their gas thingy on the driver's side also makes it awkward on the passenger side. They switched it on my daughter's 2014.

There is a little white lever behind the black cover on the inside of the hatch... useful when your battery is unhooked/missing and you need to pop the hatch :)

And yeah the gas cap on the right hand side of vehicle threw me off too when I got my car.

[brinker07]

my drivers seat has developed a squeak, and I have lost weight. WTF.
Mine has as well. Have a 2012. Recently took into dealer to address squeak in drivers seat, another door actuator whuring when locking and trunk rattle. They will replace door actuator, trunk struts and replace upper half of drivers seat. They also had to remove front windshield to put a thicker bead of adhesive around window to stop from rubbing shortly after I bought car. All these little things are adding up to my annoyance and taking away from the enjoyment of the car. Seriously considering not buying another mazda, not happy with build quality.

[switzah]

Mine has as well. Have a 2012. Recently took into dealer to address squeak in drivers seat, another door actuator whuring when locking and trunk rattle. They will replace door actuator, trunk struts and replace upper half of drivers seat. They also had to remove front windshield to put a thicker bead of adhesive around window to stop from rubbing shortly after I bought car. All these little things are adding up to my annoyance and taking away from the enjoyment of the car. Seriously considering not buying another mazda, not happy with build quality.

Yeah I've had to replace my door actuator 4 times. When I bought my car to replace it the last time to the dealership they broke the button for the window so they had to replace that too lol. Also they told me they don't think they can continue replacing it again cause I've went in so many times for this issue. Now again my rear door is making sounds so I'll have to contact the dealership again.

[Reddie1337]

Yeah I've had to replace my door actuator 4 times. When I bought my car to replace it the last time to the dealership they broke the button for the window so they had to replace that too lol. Also they told me they don't think they can continue replacing it again cause I've went in so many times for this issue. Now again my rear door is making sounds so I'll have to contact the dealership again.

As long as it's a warranty covered item, I don't think they can stop replacing it. Lol. It seems to be a defective part anyways.

[Flagrum_3]

As long as it's a warranty covered item, I don't think they can stop replacing it. Lol. It seems to be a defective part anyways.

Definitely and right to the last day of warranty.

[switzah]

As long as it's a warranty covered item, I don't think they can stop replacing it. Lol. It seems to be a defective part anyways.

Lol they said next time they will have to ask Mazda Canada if they can replace again. It's so annoying to go in and get this part replaced. I always have problems haha

[tweak_s]

Lol they said next time they will have to ask Mazda Canada if they can replace again. It's so annoying to go in and get this part replaced. I always have problems haha

You figure that they could just get the issue fixed properly and with the money they're spending on warranty repairs! Since there are already two of you guys with the same problem, I can't imagine you're the only ones!!

[Jenuine]

You figure that they could just get the issue fixed properly and with the money they're spending on warranty repairs! Since there are already two of you guys with the same problem, I can't imagine you're the only ones!!

lol my 2013 driver's window rattles really loudly and it makes a weird noise when I lock the door too. Haven't had a chance to bring it in yet though. I'm due for an oil change soon and my wheels need to be rebalanced because of vibration so I'm just gonna get the dealership to look at everything at once.

On top of that, the top defroster lines on my rear window don't work anymore. :bang

[brinker07]

lol my 2013 driver's window rattles really loudly and it makes a weird noise when I lock the door too. Haven't had a chance to bring it in yet though. I'm due for an oil change soon and my wheels need to be rebalanced because of vibration so I'm just gonna get the dealership to look at everything at once.

On top of that, the top defroster lines on my rear window don't work anymore. :bang
As far as I am aware those lines at the top of your rear window are not for defrost but is your radio antenna. Mine doesn't defrost in that area as well.

[Jenuine]

As far as I am aware those lines at the top of your rear window are not for defrost but is your radio antenna. Mine doesn't defrost in that area as well.

I'm gonna have to check again when there's snow, but the last snow storm we had, only the first 2 lines from the bottom worked. I had zero visibility from my rear window because of it.

[brinker07]

I'm gonna have to check again when there's snow, but the last snow storm we had, only the first 2 lines from the bottom worked. I had zero visibility from my rear window because of it.
You mentioned it was the top two lines in your first post but you said in your second post it's the 2 lines from the bottom. Not sure I understood you correctly the first time

[sarujo]

Mine has as well. Have a 2012. Recently took into dealer to address squeak in drivers seat, another door actuator whuring when locking and trunk rattle. They will replace door actuator, trunk struts and replace upper half of drivers seat. They also had to remove front windshield to put a thicker bead of adhesive around window to stop from rubbing shortly after I bought car. All these little things are adding up to my annoyance and taking away from the enjoyment of the car. Seriously considering not buying another mazda, not happy with build quality.


Wow that is some list of issues! What exactly was wrong with your driver's seat? The foam in my driver's seat seems to creak in colder temps.

[Jenuine]

You mentioned it was the top two lines in your first post but you said in your second post it's the 2 lines from the bottom. Not sure I understood you correctly the first time

Sorry, I meant the top lines don't work, only the bottom 2 or so were working.

[ice512]

I've recently started a new job which added approx. 2 hours of commute time everyday. Some of the "cons" of the Mazda3 have started to bug me.

1. Lack of support support/adjustable lumbar on the driver's seat.
Solution - I went to a custom upholstery store in the GTA and it's gonna cost me around $200 to add custom lumbar padding.

2. Lack of bass from the stock Bose stereo
Solution - No biggie. Spent $120 on a Bazooka sub, problem solved.

3. Road noise - I spend approx. 45mins on the 407 each way and the road noise is really starting to bug me.
Solution - I was offered $500 to have all 4 doors sound deaden-ed. However I don't think that's gonna help lower road noise as most of the noise is coming from the wheelwells and the floor of the car.

[Google]

Au contraire mon frere...

Autoblog: Mazda reports highest profits in its 94-year history. http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIwn7qgrxo

Sales up in NA by 5% over last year and expected to increase.
Non mon ami. It's how you want to manipulate the numbers. I read the actually figures from Mazda Canada and at the time of writing, they were seriously very low. And let's not forget about the infotainment issues (among others including serious road noise) with the 2014+ Mazda3s.

[CarLadyLisa]

I've recently started a new job which added approx. 2 hours of commute time everyday. Some of the "cons" of the Mazda3 have started to bug me.

1. Lack of support support/adjustable lumbar on the driver's seat.
Solution - I went to a custom upholstery store in the GTA and it's gonna cost me around $200 to add custom lumbar padding.

2. Lack of bass from the stock Bose stereo
Solution - No biggie. Spent $120 on a Bazooka sub, problem solved.

3. Road noise - I spend approx. 45mins on the 407 each way and the road noise is really starting to bug me.
Solution - I was offered $500 to have all 4 doors sound deaden-ed. However I don't think that's gonna help lower road noise as most of the noise is coming from the wheelwells and the floor of the car.

Doing the thick black undercoating may help. It's smelly at first but the thick rubber helps with the road noise.

Looks like you have the other two under control.

[ice512]

Doing the thick black undercoating may help. It's smelly at first but the thick rubber helps with the road noise.

Looks like you have the other two under control.

I will look into that. During the first 2 weeks of getting my car Krown-ed, the car was noticeably quieter on the 407. But then it just starts to wear off after.
If this undercoating thing can be permanent I might wanna do it up.

Any recommended place to do undercoating? Thanks in advance!

[CarLadyLisa]

I will look into that. During the first 2 weeks of getting my car Krown-ed, the car was noticeably quieter on the 407. But then it just starts to wear off after.
If this undercoating thing can be permanent I might wanna do it up.

Any recommended place to do undercoating? Thanks in advance!

Not sure where you are. We can do it at Achilles Mazda in Milton. Want me to get you a price?

[ice512]

Not sure where you are. We can do it at Achilles Mazda in Milton. Want me to get you a price?

I'm in Markham but if the price is right I wouldnt mind the drive..

Can I still get the car undercoated if the car is 2 years old and has already been krown-ed twice?

Thanks!

[rising1000]

2012 mazda sport skyactiv gs

cons
does not have an inside hatch release

[loki]

2012 mazda sport skyactiv gs

cons
does not have an inside hatch release

Does any hatchback have an inside hatch release though?

[ice512]

Hey CarLadyLisa, any updates with price or is it do-able on a 2 year old car?

Thanks!

[CarLadyLisa]

Hey CarLadyLisa, any updates with price or is it do-able on a 2 year old car?

Thanks!
I'll look into it tomorrow.

[CarLadyLisa]

Hey CarLadyLisa, any updates with price or is it do-able on a 2 year old car?

Thanks!

PM'd You

[staax]

Pop the little access cover off and voila! Little white button to release the hatch.

[Reddie1337]

Does any hatchback have an inside hatch release though?

My main concern, is why do they need an inside hatch release. Other than if the battery is dead, and then what Staax said, it does have a little panel to allow the hatch to open.

[Dreamliner]

As someone who's had his 2012 Mazda3 GS-Sky for about 5 full days now, I thought I'd bump this to share a few of the negatives I've noticed with the car.

1) The cupholders suck. They're too deep and the door gets in the way of the drink lid so much that I can see it pulling the top off when placing it in allowing the contents to spill.
2) No good storage for small items in the console (ie. change, business cards, etc)
3) BT system doesn't recognize the phone's own contact list/address book. You need to program it manually.
4) Display screen for the stereo is only 1 line (no artist/song/station name info)

Other than the above, I'm very impressed with the car.

[CarLadyLisa]

As someone who's had his 2012 Mazda3 GS-Sky for about 5 full days now, I thought I'd bump this to share a few of the negatives I've noticed with the car.

1) The cupholders suck. They're too deep and the door gets in the way of the drink lid so much that I can see it pulling the top off when placing it in allowing the contents to spill.
2) No good storage for small items in the console (ie. change, business cards, etc)
3) BT system doesn't recognize the phone's own contact list/address book. You need to program it manually.
4) Display screen for the stereo is only 1 line (no artist/song/station name info)

Other than the above, I'm very impressed with the car.
I'd have to agree on some of these. The cupholder def not made for a small double double. I put some napkins at the bottom and it seems to help.
The BT connection is a simple one. The new touch screens have more capability but just use a window clip and place your phone up there. I hit my home key and use S Voice to call. I've just got my brother, sister and pizza place actually programmed. Seems to work well.
As for the display. You have 2 buttons DISP & TEXT. DISP will allow you to choose song title, artist, file, etc. Text allows you to scroll.

Love that blue light on the console :)

[unknown]

I'd have to agree on some of these. The cupholder def not made for a small double double. I put some napkins at the bottom and it seems to help.
The BT connection is a simple one. The new touch screens have more capability but just use a window clip and place your phone up there. I hit my home key and use S Voice to call. I've just got my brother, sister and pizza place actually programmed. Seems to work well.
As for the display. You have 2 buttons DISP & TEXT. DISP will allow you to choose song title, artist, file, etc. Text allows you to scroll.

Love that blue light on the console :)

I think Mazda's encouraging us to get large or XL drinks. There seems to be these "Genuine Mazda Cupholder Spacer" available in the states. Any idea if dealers up here have them?

[CarLadyLisa]

I think Mazda's encouraging us to get large or XL drinks. There seems to be these "Genuine Mazda Cupholder Spacer" available in the states. Any idea if dealers up here have them?
Agreed. My coffee cup is larger now lol

I'll reference an earlier video of mine here and suggest a hockey puck at the bottom should do http://youtu.be/z6PzRpzwfrI

[loki]

Agreed. My coffee cup is larger now lol

I'll reference an earlier video of mine here and suggest a hockey puck I'm the bottom should do http://youtu.be/z6PzRpzwfrI

Your dealership should give away hockey pucks with each car purchased

[CarLadyLisa]

loki These are Japanese hockey pucks. A little smaller than ours.

Could you imagine tho..... Here's the keys to your new car .... oh an don't forget your hockey puck....

[loki]

loki These are Japanese hockey pucks. A little smaller than ours.

Could you imagine tho..... Here's the keys to your new car .... oh an don't forget your hockey puck....

Jdm yo

[unknown]

loki These are Japanese hockey pucks. A little smaller than ours.

Could you imagine tho..... Here's the keys to your new car .... oh an don't forget your hockey puck....

Ha, I didn't get one with my 3 but I'll pick one up. Thanks, that was a great video!

[CarLadyLisa]

Ha, I didn't get one with my 3 but I'll pick one up. Thanks, that was a great video!
Standard issue on CX5. They don't have the tiered level cupholders like Mazda3.

[CarLadyLisa]

FYI: Fancy Japanese Cupholder Hockey Pucks will run you $4.53 + tax each.
Small price to pay to make a difference in your coffee enjoyment.

[Metal Wing]

FYI: Fancy Japanese Cupholder Hockey Pucks will run you $4.53 + tax each.
Small price to pay to make a difference in your coffee enjoyment.

How fancy are we talking about??


One of the thing that kind of annoys me about the Mazda after switching to android phone is that it does not support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) so I could play music over USB. Unless there's been a firmware update. I guess I can ask next time I go for my oil change.

[CarLadyLisa]

How fancy are we talking about??


One of the thing that kind of annoys me about the Mazda after switching to android phone is that it does not support MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) so I could play music over USB. Unless there's been a firmware update. I guess I can ask next time I go for my oil change.
I have an android. Let me check it out. Could be a setting on the phone.

[MazCharm]

Solution - I went to a custom upholstery store in the GTA and it's gonna cost me around $200 to add custom lumbar padding.


ice512, mind sharing which shop you went to get the after-market lumbar support?
Would appreciate if you could review it too based on your experience with the setup.

[sunset_orange]

heated windshield wipers should be available for the mid trim models...