2013 Mazda MAZDA3 - Consumer Discussions

Extended Warranty...

• Extended Warranty...

  Written by: nl2134 on May 2, 2013 1:30:31 PM

  New owner of a 2013 Mazda3 iTouring. Only previous car was a 2002 Toyota Corolla which gave me absolutely no problems...so when I was offered 7 years/100,000 extended warranty for $2,500, I balked initially. This seems super high for only a 100,000 mile warranty, and I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts regarding the warranty. Are Mazda's reliable enough, especially with the new engine, I should just pass on the ... Read More

Help Me Choose!

• Re: 2013 Accord EX vs 2013 Altima SV [igozoomzoom]

  Written by: suydam on Apr 27, 2013 7:20:41 AM

  I like Mazdas too. We didn't look at one because we are hampered by lack of dealer choice and service in our area. It definitely would have been on my list. That was another factor for us. If we move and replace our second car in a few years I will seriously look at a Mazda3.

Mazda3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: 2012 iTouring Sedan Automatic [will_ksu]

  Written by: igozoomzoom on Apr 20, 2013 7:51:22 AM

  Will_KSU- Thru 04/30/2013, Mazda has the following Dealer Cash (aka- Marketing Support) incentives in place- $2250 - can't be used with Mazda Capital Services Special APR financing $1000 - can ONLY be used in conjunction with Mazda Capital Services Special APR financing $250 - Bonus Cash, can be used in conjunction with $2250 Special APR Financing 24-60 months - 0.0% APR 72 months - 1.9% APR So it's either $2500 and ... Read More

Mazda3 Lease Questions

• advertised lease deal or work my own?

  Written by: chadecoen on Apr 12, 2013 1:21:43 PM

  Hello everyone, I am looking at leasing a 2013 mazda3 hatchback. Am on a lease calc site trying to figure out payments based on car price, money factor (.00012), and residual (59%). The lease deal they are advertising isn't on the hatchback so it is a moot point anyway but seems awfully affordable. Advertisement is on mazda site for the sedan is $2K dn and 149./mth. Seems reasonable. But I want ... Read More

• Re: April Lease Rates Kansas Mazda 3 i Touring & Grand Touring [will_ksu]

  Written by: Car_man on Apr 8, 2013 4:36:02 PM

  Greetings will_ksu. I'd be happy to help you out. Chase's April buy rate lease money factor and residual value for a 36-month lease of a 2013 Mazda3 i Touring Hatchback automatic with 12,000 miles per year are .00012 and 59% for consumers who qualify for its top credit tier. The numbers for an otherwise identical lease of a 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring automatic would be the same, other than the ... Read More

• April Lease Rates Kansas Mazda 3 i Touring & Grand Touring

  Written by: will_ksu on Apr 2, 2013 8:53:44 AM

  Hi Car_man, Would you please post the lease rates (residual and money factor) for a 12,000 mile/year lease for 36 months beginning in April for zip 66502 (Kansas) for both a 2013 Mazda3 i Touring Hatchback automatic 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring Hatchback automatic as well as any incentives the dealer may get. For all I know, they're exactly the same, but I just wanted to be sure. Thanks!

• Re: March Lease Rates Mazda 3 i Grand Touring [berliner5000]

  Written by: Car_man on Mar 26, 2013 3:56:42 PM

  Sure berliner5000. Chase's March buy rate lease money factor and residual value for a 36-month lease of a 2013 Mazda3 i Grand Touring Hatchback with a manual transmission and 12,000 miles per year are .00012 and 61% for consumers who qualify for its top credit tier. The numbers for an otherwise identical lease of a 2013 Grand Touring Sedan manual are .00007 and 60%. Car_man Host Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing ... Read More

• Re: residual/money factor for 2013 mazda3 i touring [Car_man]

  Written by: frozzenarm on Mar 21, 2013 12:23:07 PM

  Hi Car_man, Could you please provide me with the money factor and residual value for an automatic 2013 Mazda 3 iTouring (zip code 92807). Also if possible (not to change the topic) the same information for a Kia Rio EX 2013 as well? Thank you very much!

Mazda3 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Had to share this- NEW 2012 Mazda3 i Touring 4dr SKYACTIV 6MT - $14,772 [igozoomzoom]

  Written by: mazdaowner5 on Mar 1, 2013 12:33:25 PM

  Excellent deal. Actually I found that internet prices were pretty good. Just bought at 2013(built in January) Mazda 3 Sedan Touring Automatic for 16.3k(18k out the door with high CA taxes), including $500 discount plus $500 loyalty. No extra fees.

Mazda3 Lease Questions

• Re: Lease Numbers for Jan2013 for 13-Mazda3 [randy50]

  Written by: Car_man on Jan 27, 2013 6:59:41 AM

  Certainly randy50. Chase's January buy rate lease money factor and residual value for a 36-month lease of a 2013 Mazda3 i Hatchback Grand Touring with 15,000 miles per year are .00135 and 58% for consumers who qualify for its top credit tier. There is a $500 dealer cash incentive on leases of this car right now. Make sure to take it into account during your negotiations. Mazda is not providing lease ... Read More

• residual/money factor for 2013 mazda3 i touring

  Written by: davidmbruce on Jan 11, 2013 1:44:39 PM

  Could you provide the money factor and residual for the 2013 mazda3 i touring? If my math is right from the mazda web site, it appears to be 66%, which is quite high, but do not have the money factor to prepare an offer. thanks

Help Me Choose!

• Re: '11/'12 Hyundai Elantra Limited vs. '12 Mazda3 i Touring vs. Dodge Dart SXT [plekto]

  Written by: markwillis on Nov 20, 2012 3:25:16 PM

  A Honda Fit is out of the question, personally I am not a fan of that type of styling whatsoever. A Mustang honestly would be pretty nice, the fun factor would make up for what I'd be losing mpg-wise, but it's a little out of my price range. 18.5K MAX is what I can realistically afford. Mazda is having some really good sales right now, and I've gotten numerous quotes for ... Read More

• Re: Honda, Kia, Hyundai, or Mazda?? [hondaman2010]

  Written by: mr_gone on Oct 26, 2012 1:39:46 PM

  Ford is now or about to put a three-cylinder engine in its Fiesta and Focus that is supposed to be both economical and punchy. Extremely light weight, which is important for handling purposes in a front-wheel-drive car. I've never driven either, but they get very positive reviews from those who enjoy driving. I also read that they're relatively quiet, unlike the Fit. I doubt the Civic will be so different for ... Read More

Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus)

• Re: Automobile Magazine compares 2012 Mazda 3 to 2013 competiton [toonsngraphics]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Oct 2, 2012 7:04:26 AM

  The only thing I don't like and this may be very minor is that when playing music via Bluetooth from my phone it plays but the volume is very low and fades out. Anyone know why? Did you try turning up the volume on your audio device? If the volume is not 75% or higher, the sound tends to be weak even when turning up the volume on the car. Congrats ... Read More

• Re: Automobile Magazine compares 2012 Mazda 3 to 2013 competiton [toonsngraphics]

  Written by: gr8mazda3 on Oct 1, 2012 7:01:52 PM

  I have not had that issue, but a couple of phone calls have been dropped by the car while remaining on my phone. I have not even read that part of the manual and never paired my phone, so that's probably on me. After looking at the Grand Touring Models, which were not available for me locally, I wish I would have gotten the "i" GT, as it would only have ... Read More

Mazda3

• Pricing

  Written by: backy on Sep 29, 2012 6:15:23 PM

  Pricing and build-your-own are up on mazdausa.com. I am disappointed in the lack of color choices on the i Sport--just white, silver, grey, and black. And only the black interior. Otherwise the car has enough equipment for me. But bor-rinnnng colors. But prices seem to be up for 2013... even the i Sport with MT lists at $19,170. A lot for a car with a stick and relatively few features, e.g. ... Read More

Fit vs Vibe/Matrix vs Mazda3

• Re: Fit vs Vibe/Matrix vs Mazda3 [linkalee]

  Written by: countertop4 on Sep 27, 2012 8:16:41 AM

  I bought a 2005 Vibe in March of 2011 that was in great condition. I am a Mazda man and drive an 04 3s MT. The Vibe was for my daughter to commute to college. It has served us well. I have been impressed with its built quality, gas mileage and overall usefulness. Very comfortable ride, lots of headroom for all passengers, and Toyota reliability. Nice used ones are hard to ... Read More

Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus)

• Re: Looking for a compact sedan (Mazda3, Civic, Elantra, Impreza, Focus) [autonomous]

  Written by: scwmcan on Sep 23, 2012 6:32:52 PM

  I do agree if you are going to buy the 2012, make sure it is a later build by checking the date on the door plate. As long is it is pretty recent there should be no extra woories over a 2013. I've had good luck with Mazdas, ours have needed nothing but oil changes, tires and brakes, besides that they have been very reliable, despite the postings you see here ... Read More

Mazda3

• Re: 2013 Modifications [bpizzuti]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Sep 12, 2012 7:32:27 AM

  I have no idea what Mazda intends on doing for the next Mazda3. I would not be surprised if it were a 2015 introduced in early 2014. That is what is happening with the 2014 Mazda6 (early 2013) and 2013 CX-5 (early 2012). What we do know is that we are at least a year away from any details.

• Re: 2013 Modifications [autonomous]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Sep 11, 2012 10:36:48 AM

  The next Mazda3 redesign will be the 2014-2015 model from what I have heard. The 2013 will look the same as the 2012, but with a variety of added equipment, some of which were features many complained it lacked on the i models for 2012. All of that has already been discussed already. Possible that Mazda is listening to forum members? I have heard nothing about a diesel for the Mazda3. ... Read More

• Re: 2013 Modifications [bpizzuti]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Sep 6, 2012 6:00:45 PM

  I think the changes that were made to the 2013 Mazda3 are pretty significant. Once Mazda officially discloses what you get with the nav system, I think people will be impressed and see real value in it.

• Re: First info on 2013 Mazda3 models [woochifer]

  Written by: bpizzuti on Jun 25, 2012 7:07:29 PM

  Bet the Veloster's suspension will need a little tuning though. But I can just imagine the Veloster Turbo engine hooked to the SkyActiv transmission and a Mazda Steering system...now THAT would be SWEET. I'm single and have little need for a backseat except as additional cargo area, so that changes things up a bit. Not that the Mazda3 has wonderful rear seat room, but the Veloster is much more deficient in ... Read More

• Re: First info on 2013 Mazda3 models [bpizzuti]

  Written by: woochifer on Jun 25, 2012 5:16:47 PM

  Between the Mazda3 and Veloster, I would think the decision's just based on the type of car you're looking for. The Veloster's more like the modern incarnation of the once-popular sports coupe class (i.e., Celica, Integra, Probe, Eclipse, 240SX, Impulse, etc.). The 5-door hatchbacks like the Mazda3, Focus, and Impreza have similarly sporty aspirations, but make more accommodations to practicality. For me, the decision to go with the Mazda3 was simple ... Read More

• Re: First info on 2013 Mazda3 models [woochifer]

  Written by: bpizzuti on Jun 25, 2012 2:02:56 PM

  I'm gonna have trouble deciding between this and the Veloster Turbo. Between BlueLink and that sweet Hyundai warranty, versus that lovely SkyActiv powertrain and Mazda steering and suspension, it's going to be painful...

• First info on 2013 Mazda3 models

  Written by: woochifer on Jun 25, 2012 12:19:32 PM

  Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog has posted the first info on upcoming changes to the 2013 Mazda3. The biggest news is that Mazda will upgrade the 2.0L MZR drivetrain, currently found in the Mazda3i SV and Sport models, to the 2.0L Skyactiv. This is big news because up until this point, the lowest priced Mazda3 with the Skyactiv drivetrain started at ~$19.5k (including destination charge). The current 3i SV starts at ~$16k ... Read More

Mazda3 Real World MPG

• Re: Beat This -- Range on Tank! [smoothsailin]

  Written by: shipo on Oct 5, 2011 7:15:42 AM

  A couple of comments: I too have suspected a big difference in fuel economy between the 2.0 and the 2.3/2.5 liter "S-Model" engines is the balance shafts. Fortunately 4-Cylinder engines of two liters and less don't typically need balance shafts to operate (relatively) smoothly. I too am glad I opted for the 2.0 liter mill. :) There was of late a rather heated discussion over in the "Future of the Manual ... Read More

Mazda3

• Re: More Questions [wzxchange]

  Written by: woochifer on Jan 24, 2012 12:16:29 PM

  That price sounds like you're looking at the 3i SV model, which is a strippo price leader that only comes with a manual. It's on Mazda's website, but I've never seen one and my local dealer hasn't either. I think the 3i SV exists so that Mazda can quote a lower base price, but that doesn't mean that they will be easy to find. If you opt for the Skyactiv, you're ... Read More

• More Questions

  Written by: wzxchange on Jan 23, 2012 8:32:42 PM

  Where I'm living right now, the difference between the i Sport and i Touring trims is about $3600, before even mentioning tax. The i Sport is about $16000 while the cheapest Touring is pushing $20000. Which makes me wonder if the additional MPG I might get from the Skyactiv engine is going to be spent on the initial purchase anyway. My biggest concern is that the worst-case scenario occurs: 2013 Mazda ... Read More

2012 Mazda3

• Re: Still waiting for the manual trans Skyactiv 3 [aviboy97]

  Written by: shipo on Dec 23, 2011 7:26:15 AM

  Nope, not yet. My friendly neighborhood Mazda sales person (she's a she) told me that every one of the 6-Speed manual SkyActiv models they have inbound have long since been sold, and they don't let the rest of us "shoppers" drive cars already earmarked for paying customers. Can't say as I blame them. She thinks her dealership's supply/demand curve for manual models may intersect sometime in March; afterwhich I'll be able ... Read More

• Re: Still waiting for the manual trans Skyactiv 3 [aviboy97]

  Written by: bpizzuti on Dec 23, 2011 7:19:40 AM

  Well, right now I'm down to the Mazda3 and the Subaru Impreza, but both have issues that might be resolved next model year. So it's very tempting to at least wait to hear about rumored 2013 changes for each one. The Subie needs more power, power seats, more metallic paint, and a better stereo system. The Mazda needs auto climate control, heated seats, a better stereo, and a less ugly mug. ... Read More

• Re: 2014 [shipo]

  Written by: bpizzuti on Nov 16, 2011 8:20:53 AM

  Ok now that they've been announced, we need threads for the 2013 Mazda CX-5. And the 2013 Ford Escape as well, since that, while also projected to get 33 MPG highway, is getting over 170 HP. Oops. Unless we want to just continue hijacking the Mazda3 thread?

• 2014

  Written by: benjaminh on Nov 15, 2011 1:20:21 PM

  I read recently about Mazda's future product plans. Don't remember where and so I don't have a link to post, but this is what it said, fall of 2011, updated 2012 Mazda3 with Skyactiv spring of 2012, all new 2013 CX-5 fall of 2012, all new 2013 Mazda6 with Shinari styling and full Skyactiv c. summer to fall of 2013, all new 2014 Mazda3 with complete Skyactiv and the new styling... ... Read More

• Re: Revised fascia of 2012 Mazda3 [m6user]

  Written by: autonomous on Nov 15, 2011 10:01:03 AM

  hardly just members of the press. Thousands of comments on forums said the same thing. Agreed! Personally, I find the Kodo theme used on the fascia of Mazda's Shinari concept car spectacular. Here's hoping we see it in the major refresh of the 2013 Mazda3.

• Re: inside line on Mazda3 [benjaminh]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Nov 8, 2011 6:27:33 PM

  For instance, have you yourself actually driven one of the Skyactiv manuals? If so, how was it? I have yet to drive one. I'm itching too, though. However, the big hoopla is still focused on the Skyactive-Drive automatic. It is a rather nice automatic, I must say. Oh, and for the next Mazda 6 is there going to be a c. 2.4 Skyactiv engine? And when is that due, anyway? About ... Read More

• Re: inside line on Mazda3 [aviboy97]

  Written by: benjaminh on Nov 8, 2011 5:50:42 PM

  Hey folks, give the guy a break. Of course he's positive about Mazda and skyactiv for peet's sake. But Mazda for a comparatively little company has a lot going for it right now. They've bet the company on making affordable, efficient, and actually fun to drive tossable vehicles. Go ahead man, let your enthusiasm rip. And if you've got any somewhat inside stuff for us let us know. For instance, have ... Read More

• 2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv 6 mt

  Written by: benjaminh on Nov 7, 2011 2:12:12 PM

  wow. My random 2 cents. Mazda has been working on the whole suite of Skyactiv technologies for about 6 or 7 years. The Mazda3 is the first time it's actually been on the market. They are phasing it in. To start with options are somewhat limited, perhaps to simplify the manufacturing process. I agree with others that this was not a good idea. I think there is a significant group of ... Read More

• Re: Mazda still doesn't get it... [bpizzuti]

  Written by: shipo on Oct 24, 2011 9:17:38 AM

  I'm in the same boat, I want to spend my time driving my car and shifting my gears not fiddling about with wiper and HVAC controls. Fortunately enough for me, there is still a chance the 2013 Mazda3 with the SkyActiv-D engine will feature the full allocation of options as well as a manual transmission. If the car falls short then I'll move back into the BMW camp and buy the ... Read More

• Re: 2012 Mazda3 [backy]

  Written by: aviboy97 on Oct 22, 2011 4:56:51 PM

  backy- Here are the trim levels you can actually buy: Sedan: Mazda3 i Sport: MZR 2.0 Mazda3 i Touring: SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Mazda3 i Grand Touring: SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Mazda3 s Touring: MZR 2.5 Mazda3 s Grand Touring: MZR 2.5 5-door hatchback Mazda3 i Touring: SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Mazda3 i Grand Touring: SKYACTIV-G 2.0 Mazda3 s Touring: MZR 2.5 Mazda3 s Grand Touring: MZR 2.5 Mazdaspeed3: MZR DISI 2.3L Turbo The Mazda3 i and ... Read More