My first foreign car... Mazda 3

[Panacea]

Well, I traded in the Buick for something that fits me better. I bought an '06 M3 S-Grand Touring. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Buick, but I wanted something with better mileage, a manual transmission, and something more fun to drive. I've been looking at Mazda3's for the past 6 months, and I should have traded the Grand Am in for one, but I was stupid and went for the Buick.

Anyway, It has a 2.3l VVT engine w/a 5-speed manual. The colour is Copper Red Mica and it has black, heated leather seats. It has a 6-disc, 7 speaker, Bose sound system with a moon roof, steering wheel controls, HIDs, and a few other bells and whistles. I did not get the navigation system, nor the auto dimming rearview; however, I just purchased a rear view that has auto-dimming, compass, and homelink system for $235 (option w/out homelink was $275 from Mazda). The dealer had to locate this one for me, and unfortunately when I took ownership the odo had 360 miles on it. I just got 13% tint on the rear windows yesterday, and I must say it fits the car very well. Also, I am getting a wing spolier (factory) installed on Thursday.

Currently I have about 560miles and I love this thing. The handling is so much better than the Grand Am's and I believe I read that they tried making the car after the BMW 3-series. The car has 160hp and 150tq, and it is very peppy. I haven't brought it to redline yet since it's still breaking in, but I think it may be slightly slower than the Grand Am was. Anyway, without any further adu, here's some pics...

[2002GT]

Looks real nice. Where you upside down becvause of the trade on the buick?

[Panacea]

Originally Posted by 2002GT

Looks real nice. Where you upside down becvause of the trade on the buick?

I ended up paying $312 extra to get this car. I should have walked because they would not negotiate. I was stupid, yet again. I wanted this car really bad though, so I'm just glad to get rid of the buick. Oh yeah, first fill-up was a few days ago. 23.8mpg 90% all city.

[2002GT]

A total of $312? That's not bad...

[Panacea]

$312 more than I wanted to pay. They gave me $1,000 under KBB trade-in value, and I had to still pay for tax, title, etc.

Oh well. I still am in awe that I have a manual again. Brings back the days of my first car, a '93 saturn, and all my dads vettes that I got to drive.

[Mike Jung]

Have you decided what type & viscosity of motor oil you are going to use ?

& get some winter tires & wheels for it.

As we all know how the RS-A's tires suck.

[Panacea]

Well, the handling is much better than the GA, so I'll see how well they hold up with this winter. Quite frankly, I don't have the $$$ to afford steelies.

As far as the viscosity, I'm a little worried. I wrote Mazda an e-mail and this was their response:

Hello Michael,

Thanks for contacting Mazda.

Mazda North American Operations only recommends use of 5W-20 engine oil in your MAZDA3.

We DO NOT RECOMMEND the use of 5w-30 or synthetic oil at all. Your vehicle was designed with the use of 5w-20 blend of engine oil and it is what our engineering team determined gave the MAZDA3 it's best performance and handling.

Your warranty may be effected with the use of fuels and fluids not recommended for your vehicle as outlined in your owner's manual and warranty booklet.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to assist you. Please feel free to reply to this message with any further questions or comments.

Now, around 6-8k I will be switching to Mobil 1 synthetic; however, I have not decided on 5w20 or 5w30. I am just worried that the thicker oil (though people say Mobils 5w30 synth. is pretty much a 5w20 after a few hundred miles) may cause some damage. I appreciate the help Mike, and I know you know tons more than I do, but I'm still skeptical. I will choose synthetic (though it's not recommended) because it's not recommended on the Grand Am, but I switched w/out any adverse affects. The viscosity on the other hand is a totally different issue as far as I'm concerned. I will take all the advise that you, or anyone else could give me though. Again, I do appreciate it.

[Sleepwalkr]

Those are cool man. The black tail lights are my favorite on the 3's too. Those stock wheels are pretty nice. Good color too.

[Mike Jung]

...Mazda North American Operations only recommends use of 5W-20 engine oil in your MAZDA3.

We DO NOT RECOMMEND the use of 5w-30 or synthetic oil at all. Your vehicle was designed with the use of 5w-20 blend of engine oil and it is what our engineering team determined gave the MAZDA3 it's best performance and handling...

Food for thought...

For Mazda 6 with the 2.3L 16V 4-cylinder engine (like your car):


Castrol UK recommendation:
Castrol's best oil for your vehicle: Castrol EDGE 0W-30 synthetic motor oil (replaces Castrol SLX Longtec 0W-30, aka in North America: "GC"/Castrol Syntec 0W-30 that is made in Germany) *
Viscosity at 100°C: 12.2 cSt
Damn thick oil

Alternative recommendation: Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 10W-40 dino motor oil *

* Manufacturers recommendation from May 2002, with introduction of Mazda 6, all petrol, diesel and rotary engines: own brand or equivalent, synthetic technology, must be used for maximum oil change intervals.
Alternatives for minimum change intervals: synthetic, or , part synthetic

So much for not recommending using synthetic motor oils in Mazda's


Castrol Germany recommendations:
Castrol Formula RS 0W-40 synthetic motor oil
(Alternatives: )
Castrol GTX9 Magnatec 5W-30 oil
Castrol GTX5 Magnatec 10W-40 oil


PS: & guess what '06 MazdaSpeed 6 recommends: 5W-30 motor oil in North America.

[GrahamKracka]

i changed my ex's maxda 3's oil with synthetic.....it still runs

[botlfed]

Put Valvoline 10-40 in it.........

nice car, I liked the styling and layout of the car.......
it just felt to cramped for me to have to use everyday

[iceman]

Cool stuff, my brother has pretty much the same thing. I like it, but like B said, not as good for the big boned or if you are drivin people. For you I'm sure you will enjoy it though It was fun to beat on his 5speed 3 too

[Molson]

Originally Posted by Mike Jung

Have you decided what type & viscosity of motor oil you are going to use ?

& get some winter tires & wheels for it.

As we all know how the RS-A's tires suck.

Do you have oil posters in your room and get Viscosity Monthly delivered to your door?

[AMRAAM4]

Much nicer car and style for your age


And please, I want to see you type it. Tell us how we were pretty much correct in what we told you about the Buick! It's pretty evident even if you don't. But why did you defend it to the death???

Pics of the LaCrosse

[Panacea]

I will agree, it's meant for older people (40's+), but I still think it's a nice car.

[Slim]

Originally Posted by iceman

not as good for the big boned or if you are drivin people.

I dunno what you guys are talking about... I have no problem driving my wife's 3 and I'm 6'3. With the seat all the way back I have lots of room.

Nice car BTW. You'll love it. It's lots of fun to drive and yeah, they handle really well. I can only imagine what it would be like with some H&Rs on it.

[blake]

much much much better choice. i'm liking that color also

how do they drive? i have never driven/riden in one before

[Ajaxus]

very nice, big improvement over the buick, and this car has alot more potential to it.

[Braves299]

Nice car man, congrats.

Please don't say you hate GM though.

[crazypontiac03]

Nice Car, When i Traded the GA for awhile i was thinking about the Mazda 3/6. If i wanted/needed a Nice 4 Banger with alot of awesome Option's the Mazda 3 Cant be beat at this time. I still love that car, however it cant pull my Camper,