Dodge Caliber or alternative....
06-09-2009, 03:01 PM
#42
GEEZER
Just needed to reply for future reference.
With a quick check on Google, looks like I’m not alone:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.ph...c=25618.0;wap2
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/archi...p/t-70049.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2005-m...-31352569.html
http://autos.msn.com/research/userre...?modelid=12309
http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/show....php?t=1058252
The HVAC system in that car is terrible. Just check Google and you’ll see that people need to keep the system on high to keep it cool. Nothing wrong with the cars I tested as I drove a new ’07 sedan, a used ’07, then a used ’07 5 door. All stink.
With a quick check on Google, looks like I’m not alone:
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.ph...c=25618.0;wap2
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/archi...p/t-70049.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/sedan/2005-m...-31352569.html
http://autos.msn.com/research/userre...?modelid=12309
http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/show....php?t=1058252
The HVAC system in that car is terrible. Just check Google and you’ll see that people need to keep the system on high to keep it cool. Nothing wrong with the cars I tested as I drove a new ’07 sedan, a used ’07, then a used ’07 5 door. All stink.
I’m not against Mazda as we have a modified RX7 Turbo we purchased new, that’s why we went to see the Mazda3 first, but that was quickly removed from our list.
06-09-2009, 04:22 PM
#43
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
OP: hope you find the car you and you G/F like.
1kcls: I like the Mazda's myself. They're pretty solid, but very much the underdog over here. And C&D just did a transplant of a Mazdapeed6 engine into a wagon. You should check it out.
1kcls: I like the Mazda's myself. They're pretty solid, but very much the underdog over here. And C&D just did a transplant of a Mazdapeed6 engine into a wagon. You should check it out.
06-09-2009, 04:36 PM
#44
2008 Mazda3
Pros*This car is very nice and confortable.
Cons*MPG not as good as predicted, A/C is very weak.
Confortable ride, and interior, but a lot of exterior noise when in the expressway, cheap carpet, A/c is not strong on a hot day,problems with motor mounts,and front struts, other than that this car is nice and fun to drive.
Probably could find more feedback, but this will do for now.
06-10-2009, 08:01 AM
#47
GEEZER
06-10-2009, 08:04 AM
#48
GEEZER
Well, if the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 has terrible A/C, what do you think is going to be the answer for the 2008?
2008 Mazda3
Pros*This car is very nice and confortable.
Cons*MPG not as good as predicted, A/C is very weak.
Confortable ride, and interior, but a lot of exterior noise when in the expressway, cheap carpet, A/c is not strong on a hot day,problems with motor mounts,and front struts, other than that this car is nice and fun to drive.
Probably could find more feedback, but this will do for now.
2008 Mazda3
Pros*This car is very nice and confortable.
Cons*MPG not as good as predicted, A/C is very weak.
Confortable ride, and interior, but a lot of exterior noise when in the expressway, cheap carpet, A/c is not strong on a hot day,problems with motor mounts,and front struts, other than that this car is nice and fun to drive.
Probably could find more feedback, but this will do for now.
06-10-2009, 09:22 AM
#50
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You think that these are major problems because you find a few reports on internet forums? Do you realize that you can find complaints about every model of car online? People are much more likely to make posts about reliability when their car has problems than when it does not. Both Consumer Reports and JD Power rate the Mazda 3 as having very good to excellent reliability and I believe the 3 owners in this forum have had a good experience as well.
06-10-2009, 09:29 AM
#51
GEEZER
^ True Dat!
06-10-2009, 11:09 AM
#52
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
My boss has had zero issues with his 07 M3 hatch besides being robbed on a brake job, but it was a shady mechanic, not the car.
06-10-2009, 11:09 AM
#53
You think that these are major problems because you find a few reports on internet forums? Do you realize that you can find complaints about every model of car online? People are much more likely to make posts about reliability when their car has problems than when it does not. Both Consumer Reports and JD Power rate the Mazda 3 as having very good to excellent reliability and I believe the 3 owners in this forum have had a good experience as well.
I've been trying to be nice in my replies and use others as examples, but I've been the auto business for years, and have serviced many HVAC systems, and the Mazda 3 A/C system is terrible. Try running the A/C on outside air, low to medium fan speed when it's 90 and humid, it's not going to work without recirculate/high.
Last edited by Turbonut; 06-10-2009 at 11:12 AM.
06-10-2009, 11:11 AM
#54
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
Well 100°F+ heat in Arizona and his air is always nice and cool. 
06-10-2009, 11:37 AM
#55
Senior Moderator
You think that these are major problems because you find a few reports on internet forums? Do you realize that you can find complaints about every model of car online? People are much more likely to make posts about reliability when their car has problems than when it does not. Both Consumer Reports and JD Power rate the Mazda 3 as having very good to excellent reliability and I believe the 3 owners in this forum have had a good experience as well.
...and the only complaints I've heard of with Mazda products in general (re: reliability) concerns the RX8, with some sporadic CX-7 complaints.
06-10-2009, 12:21 PM
#56
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First, no one has questioned the reliability, and 3 non mechanical minded owners certainly don't qualify in my book.
I've been trying to be nice in my replies and use others as examples, but I've been the auto business for years, and have serviced many HVAC systems, and the Mazda 3 A/C system is terrible. Try running the A/C on outside air, low to medium fan speed when it's 90 and humid, it's not going to work without recirculate/high.
I've been trying to be nice in my replies and use others as examples, but I've been the auto business for years, and have serviced many HVAC systems, and the Mazda 3 A/C system is terrible. Try running the A/C on outside air, low to medium fan speed when it's 90 and humid, it's not going to work without recirculate/high.
06-10-2009, 04:40 PM
#57
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/...passenger-side
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=212949
06-11-2009, 06:38 AM
#58
GEEZER
I am a Mechanical Engineer. (BSME)
I've been trying to be nice in my replies and use others as examples, but I've been the auto business for years, and have serviced many HVAC systems, and the Mazda 3 A/C system is terrible. Try running the A/C on outside air, low to medium fan speed when it's 90 and humid, it's not going to work without recirculate/high.
You are fighting a losing battle here man.
06-11-2009, 10:25 AM
#59
I shoot people
what about an "E"? 
06-12-2009, 07:13 AM
#60
GEEZER
06-12-2009, 08:11 AM
#62
Intermediate
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I guess "limited funds" means different things to many posters. If funds are really limited fix the Subi. My daughter-in-law has over 150k on a mid-90s Subi Legend and it is still running strong.
How about a turbo PT Cruiser if you are looking for a deal? ; >
THD
How about a turbo PT Cruiser if you are looking for a deal? ; >
THD
06-12-2009, 09:59 AM
#63
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
I found out her Subi has 135k miles on it and it is really time to change. She has champagne taste and definitely beer money. And so, I am trying real hard to either find her a trade with a $10-12k loan or find her a new with a $14-16k loan. I keep telling her she needs to decide as she is the one making the payments but she keeps procrastinating as she is so busy with work & home.
06-12-2009, 10:22 AM
#64
I shoot people
06-12-2009, 10:39 AM
#65
Nom Nom Nom Nom
First, no one has questioned the reliability, and 3 non mechanical minded owners certainly don't qualify in my book.
I've been trying to be nice in my replies and use others as examples, but I've been the auto business for years, and have serviced many HVAC systems, and the Mazda 3 A/C system is terrible. Try running the A/C on outside air, low to medium fan speed when it's 90 and humid, it's not going to work without recirculate/high.
I've been trying to be nice in my replies and use others as examples, but I've been the auto business for years, and have serviced many HVAC systems, and the Mazda 3 A/C system is terrible. Try running the A/C on outside air, low to medium fan speed when it's 90 and humid, it's not going to work without recirculate/high.
Moot point.
Besides, anyone who lives where it is hot. First thing you do after starting the car is rolling down the windows..
Last edited by SwervinCL; 06-12-2009 at 10:42 AM.
06-12-2009, 04:52 PM
#66
I do not care what kind of car you are driving. If it is 90 and humid, there is not one AC system out there that will cool that car off fast if it is not on high...
Moot point.
Besides, anyone who lives where it is hot. First thing you do after starting the car is rolling down the windows..
Moot point.
Besides, anyone who lives where it is hot. First thing you do after starting the car is rolling down the windows..
It's not rocket science. Google Mazda 3 weak, then poor A/C and you'll have reading for hours.
IT STINKS!
06-14-2009, 10:10 AM
#67
GEEZER
06-14-2009, 08:25 PM
#68
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
UPDATE:
1st off, thanks all for the input and help.
So, I went on Craigslist to look for Foresters and found a 2007 listed at a local dealer for $14,995 with 19k miles. So, we went in and it did not take long to spot the car as it was white. But the price on it was $15,995. So, he checked and confirmed they made a mistake on the price in CL but would honor it. It was a no Dicker dealer. My g/f's 99 Forester had 135k miles and a leaking engine gasket... Cleaned it up for her, polished the hood so it would stick out and they came back with a $3k trade in value. Smoking deal. And the icing on the cake. The car is a 1 owner car and is Certified, which means that there is a 100k warranty on the drivetrain. In the end, out the door for $13k and $255 payments for 60 months.
Could not have gone easier.
Woot!
1st off, thanks all for the input and help.
So, I went on Craigslist to look for Foresters and found a 2007 listed at a local dealer for $14,995 with 19k miles. So, we went in and it did not take long to spot the car as it was white. But the price on it was $15,995. So, he checked and confirmed they made a mistake on the price in CL but would honor it. It was a no Dicker dealer. My g/f's 99 Forester had 135k miles and a leaking engine gasket... Cleaned it up for her, polished the hood so it would stick out and they came back with a $3k trade in value. Smoking deal. And the icing on the cake. The car is a 1 owner car and is Certified, which means that there is a 100k warranty on the drivetrain. In the end, out the door for $13k and $255 payments for 60 months.
Could not have gone easier.
Woot!
06-14-2009, 08:56 PM
#69
I shoot people
NICE! 19k miles is nothing
06-14-2009, 10:22 PM
#70
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
yeah! I told her she has a practically new car for $250 payments (60 months) and the warranty is excellent. I saw another couple take out a 05 Forester with 30k miles and that was selling for $13,995. She was second guessing for a while and thinking she should get a cheaper car, but in the end, she realized she could save money but get a car that was nowhere near as new or reliable.
I am real excited as it all went so smoothely, it wasn't funny. I told her we would spend 3 hrs at most and we wound up spending 2.5 hrs in all.
I am real excited as it all went so smoothely, it wasn't funny. I told her we would spend 3 hrs at most and we wound up spending 2.5 hrs in all.
06-15-2009, 01:27 AM
#72
one thing that DOES work without a doubt with keepin ur car cool is some form of heat rejecting tint as it allows the A/C to be more effective since you do not have a lot of heat pouring in the side and rear windows
06-15-2009, 05:00 AM
#73
GEEZER
Maybe that is why ours works so well here in Florida...we have dark window tint.
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