2016 Mazda 3 ... Who has one?

[ControlD]

I am currently driving a 2006 Mazda 3i (2.0 liter). The car is still great, but I also know I am reaching the mileage where I am going to have to start putting some money into it. Anyhow, 10 years is a pretty good run for a car so I am thinking about a new 3. I have always wished I went for the hatchback anyhow, small sedans are a pain to put anything in.

So, anyone driving one right now? Opinions? In particular I would be curious to know if Mazda actually puts a decent air conditioner in the 3 these days. The one in my 2006 is more a suggestion of an air conditioner than a functional unit. Also, is your mileage close to the rating? The rated mileage on the new 3 is a good amount better than what I have ever gotten from mine.

I guess the CX-5 is my other option, but 75% of the time it is just be in the car so that seems like a bit of overkill.

 

[NutBucket]

Meh, it's not as if the CX-5 is a full-size truck compared to the 3. Get whatever you like better. Unfortunately, weak A/C seems to be a common trend for Japanese cars. I'm not sure if that's improved much. I guess you should just time your test drive for an especially ugly day if you're not in a huge rush.

 

[fleshconsumed]

GF got 2015 2.0 hatch. We haven't seen any issues with air conditioning, but then again it doesn't get very hot around here and last summer was pretty cold one. She averages around 32mpg driving to work. Her commute is mostly local roads, no highways, but it's not a city traffic either, I think it's about 5 or so miles with maybe 2 dozen stop signs/stop lights, typical speed 30-60mph. When we went on a 2000 mile road trip I think I managed to squeeze almost 35mpg out of it (I don't think it's possible to reset MPG on that car? so the final number might have been a bit higher). The best MPG as usual is between 65-75mph, above that MPG tanks.

IMO get the hatch. Much more useful than sedan for transporting bulky items, and looks better too.

 

[Demo24]

We have a 2014 2.0 hatch. I've found the a/c to be excellent actually and in auto mode it's practically always on. This car surprised me with how well it maintained the desired temp and also how good the a/c was for it's size. MPG wise I've honestly not had any issues getting 40mpg hwy, but really never more than that. The 2.0 is a bit low on power so anything above 70mph and the mileage starts to noticeably drop, especially with hills.

Downsides: Road noise (haven't changed the tires, but heard it makes a significant difference), bose sterio is 'ok' but kind flat, and the seats aren't wonderful for long trips. Also the nose is long which I find annoying in parking.

Other than that it's been a very reliable 20k. However, if I did it again I'd get the 2.5l. Partly for the power increase and also for the seats with lumbar adjustment.

 

[ControlD]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Regarding a couple of points raised:

I am planning on driving the CX-5 as well. I am a little bummed Mazda doesn't offer AWD as an option with a manual transmission. I'm not sure how critical AWD really is though, I have never had it and a manual helps in slippery weather anyhow, so maybe it's an even trade.

I agree that a hatch is the way to go. I always regretted going with the sedan the last time around. I always had a hatch in the past and I guess you don't miss something until it is gone. I plan on going for the larger engine this time around as well.

I'm glad to hear the air conditioning has been improved. As far as road noise goes, I think that is just part of driving a Mazda 3. I have been through three sets of tires with this car and I would never call the ride "quiet". A good stereo is nice, but I generally listen to talk radio anyhow. Maybe that would change with an aux connector or bluetooth audio though.

Still, this car has by been far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, by a huge margin. My last car was a Mercury Cougar and that thing was a huge money pit. I have something like 135,000 miles on my Mazda and the only repair I have had done is replacing the emergency brake cable which rusted and wouldn't release once engaged. I feel like Mazda has earned my repeat business. I have a feeling my current car has a lot of miles left on it but it is getting some rust and I know there are some repairs looming on the horizon which is to be expected past 100,000 miles. Plus, I want some new gadgets!

 

[senseamp]

I have 2006 as well, it still looks and drives so nice The crazy thing is it fits a full size washing machine or dryer in the back with seats folded. I bought a washing machine off CL and went to pick it up. The dude was like, so when are you coming back with a truck
New one is pretty sweet too, but I doubt it can do that Can't really go wrong though.

 

[ControlD]

I have 2006 as well, it still looks and drives so nice The crazy thing is it fits a full size washing machine or dryer in the back with seats folded. I bought a washing machine off CL and went to pick it up. The dude was like, so when are you coming back with a truck
New one is pretty sweet too, but I doubt it can do that Can't really go wrong though.

I hear you. Every time I think about getting something new my practical side takes over and next thing I know another model year is here for me to look at. I guess I'm not used to driving something so problem-free. I keep expecting something to break.

I am guessing you went for the hatch. I can't imagine getting something that large in a sedan.

Although the rust is a little bothersome.

 

[Demo24]

I know someone with a cx5 and actually asked about highway noise. They didn't seem to notice it. I believe the cx5 has some sound deadening in it (think they also added more in a recent year update) to make things better. Since our 3 is a lease we are also thinking about getting a cx5 as a replacement. The 3 can be a little hard for some people to get into (IE older).

The only problem's I've had this far with it was a popping noise from the front (fixed by a tsb), and I somehow knocked the pins out of the center console (dealer fixed for free). The infotainment system can sometimes do funky things on startup, but I think all those got ironed out with a software update. I would however recommend spending the money to get that option (generally s line and above), if for nothing else the resale value.


For comparison you may want to look at the new civic. Sadly a hatch version won't hit our roads till early 2017.

 

[VtPC83]

Don't get the CX-5 with manual transmission. It only comes on the Sport model which has the smaller engine, which is underpowered.

I own a CX-5 and am VERY happy with it.

For something smaller maybe the CX-3 rather than the Mazda 3? It's like a smaller CX-5.

 

[ControlD]

Don't get the CX-5 with manual transmission. It only comes on the Sport model which has the smaller engine, which is underpowered.

I own a CX-5 and am VERY happy with it.

For something smaller maybe the CX-3 rather than the Mazda 3? It's like a smaller CX-5.

Yeah, from what I have read the 2.0 is pretty underwhelming in the CX-5. I would go for the larger engine for sure if I went that route, I am just having a hard time giving up a manual transmission.

I would be willing to look at the CX-3 for sure. It sort of seems like a hatchback Mazda 3 would be just as practical though. I plan on driving all of them.

 

[fleshconsumed]

The 2.0 is pretty underwhelming in the 3 as well. To be completely honest it's pretty decent accelerating up to 60, I've got no complaints about that, it's not fast, but it's not slow either. The big problem with 2.0 is passing power at 70mph - there is none. As I said we went on the 2000 mile camping road trip, so two people totalling 300lbs plus bunch of camping gear in the back and I took forever to pass at 70+ despite putting pedal to the metal. If it were my car I'd pick 2.5 despite lower mpg numbers, but gf decided that sunroof and heated seats were more important than 2.5 :\

 

[ControlD]

The 2.0 is pretty underwhelming in the 3 as well. To be completely honest it's pretty decent accelerating up to 60, I've got no complaints about that, it's not fast, but it's not slow either. The big problem with 2.0 is passing power at 70mph - there is none. As I said we went on the 2000 mile camping road trip, so two people totalling 300lbs plus bunch of camping gear in the back and I took forever to pass at 70+ despite putting pedal to the metal. If it were my car I'd pick 2.5 despite lower mpg numbers, but gf decided that sunroof and heated seats were more important than 2.5 :\

That's good information.

My 2006 is also a 2.0 but it had plenty of power to get from 70 to 80. I will make sure to go for the 2.5 this time around.

 

[michal1980]

That's good information.

My 2006 is also a 2.0 but it had plenty of power to get from 70 to 80. I will make sure to go for the 2.5 this time around.

I think you really need to test drive both.

The 2016 sedan is 173lbs heavier then the 2016, the engine does make 5more hp (but 500rpm sooner), but it also make 15ft-lbs of tq more (also 500 rpm sooner)

2016 - 18.5lbs per hp, 19.12lbs per ft-lb
2006 - 18lbs per hp, 20lbs per ft-lb

Thats almost no difference in overall car power between the 2.

 

[fleshconsumed]

Yeah, definitely test drive 2.0 and 2.5. To me, personally, the 2.0 passing power was definitely lacking. However, you might feel it's OK. As I said, we were sort of semi-loaded, two adults and camping gear in car, it might be better with just one adult inside.

 

[A5]

I know someone with a cx5 and actually asked about highway noise. They didn't seem to notice it. I believe the cx5 has some sound deadening in it (think they also added more in a recent year update) to make things better. Since our 3 is a lease we are also thinking about getting a cx5 as a replacement. The 3 can be a little hard for some people to get into (IE older).

The only problem's I've had this far with it was a popping noise from the front (fixed by a tsb), and I somehow knocked the pins out of the center console (dealer fixed for free). The infotainment system can sometimes do funky things on startup, but I think all those got ironed out with a software update. I would however recommend spending the money to get that option (generally s line and above), if for nothing else the resale value.


For comparison you may want to look at the new civic. Sadly a hatch version won't hit our roads till early 2017.

I *think* the 2016 CX-5 got similar updates to the 2016 Mazda 6. Updated to the 3's most recent infotainment system and added some more sound insulation to the wheel wells and firewall.

 

[SniperWulf]

I'll echo Demo24's comments on the 2014 2.0i. Bought one for my wife when they were just hitting the streets.

As someone that's driven boosted VW's for the last 15 years, I find the torque to be non-existent. Passing power and sound dampening are the only things her model lacks. Other than that, its been a trouble free 33k.

 

[OutHouse]

I have a 2015 3 hatch iTouring. Took it in 2 weeks ago for a recall notice, they did a flash update and there is a bit more pep to it.

The AC works great no complaints and according to the display she gets 40 MPG. we took it on a weekend road trip last sept and we got about 43MPG. took it down to El Paso and temps were 100 degrees, the AC did great and didnt notice much if any power drop with AC blasting.

one of the annoying things is when riding in the front passenger seat my left leg rest against the console like in all the cars i ride in, but the mazda the console digs into my leg so i put the fold up windshield sunshield between my leg and the console. Minor complaint.

we paid 20K for it and for all the features it has its a good bang for the buck commuter buy. the new body style for the 3's looks really modern. wife is very happy with it.

 

[ControlD]

I have a 2015 3 hatch iTouring. Took it in 2 weeks ago for a recall notice, they did a flash update and there is a bit more pep to it.

The AC works great no complaints and according to the display she gets 40 MPG. we took it on a weekend road trip last sept and we got about 43MPG. took it down to El Paso and temps were 100 degrees, the AC did great and didnt notice much if any power drop with AC blasting.

one of the annoying things is when riding in the front passenger seat my left leg rest against the console like in all the cars i ride in, but the mazda the console digs into my leg so i put the fold up windshield sunshield between my leg and the console. Minor complaint.

we paid 20K for it and for all the features it has its a good bang for the buck commuter buy. the new body style for the 3's looks really modern. wife is very happy with it.

That sounds like a solid improvement over my 2006 model. I mean, AC isn't the absolute biggest concern in Ohio, but my car is a tad uncomfortable to drive in the summer months. It never gets cool enough on hot days to do more than take the edge off of the heat.

One bummer for me is that the closest Mazda dealer is at least an hour away from me. We are hitting Columbus for a shopping trip this coming weekend so I plan on dropping by a dealership to test drive the Mazda 3 and the CX-5. Knowing me, I will just keep driving what I have. I am just worried that the mileage is going to catch up to me and I will need to start putting some money into this car.

 

[Demo24]

.

one of the annoying things is when riding in the front passenger seat my left leg rest against the console like in all the cars i ride in, but the mazda the console digs into my leg so i put the fold up windshield sunshield between my leg and the console. Minor complaint.

Ha! I thought I was the only other one with that complaint! That drives me nuts and I can't figure out any reason it does that either. Guessing the recall is the engine flash one? We got notice of that, but didn't figure it important enough to drive 45 mins to a dealer.

On the subject of the 2.0s power, honestly I've never had any troubles passing anything in it. It prefers to work lower in the Rev band where it makes more torque, but if you push the throttle past the 'kickdown bump' it'll drop pretty quickly into the 'best' gear for x speed. I also like how the transmission Rev match downshifts itself, even when coming to a normal stop. It's no speed demon, but we've found it adequate in 100f temps with 4 decent sized people in it.

 

[OutHouse]

Ha! I thought I was the only other one with that complaint! That drives me nuts and I can't figure out any reason it does that either. Guessing the recall is the engine flash one? We got notice of that, but didn't figure it important enough to drive 45 mins to a dealer.

and i thought it was just me. good to know.

get the recall done, you may like the slight performance increase.

 

[ControlD]

Have any of you guys with newer Mazda 3's had to replace a headlight bulb yet? It is a huge PITA to change the bulbs in my 2006, and they don't last very long. From what I have been reading, it seems you have to remove the bumper on the newer models?

If that's true I might just look at something else honestly, unless Mazda has started using a bulb that gets more than nine months of life.

 

[Crono]

Haven't had to replace a headlight on my 2014 yet. Currently at 31,000 miles.

 

[SearchMaster]

Have any of you guys with newer Mazda 3's had to replace a headlight bulb yet? It is a huge PITA to change the bulbs in my 2006, and they don't last very long. From what I have been reading, it seems you have to remove the bumper on the newer models?

If that's true I might just look at something else honestly, unless Mazda has started using a bulb that gets more than nine months of life.

Come to think of it, that is the biggest complaint I had about my Mazda 6 I had about 10 years ago. The headlight was a bitch to replace. I don't understand why car companies make normal replacement items so damn hard to get to. I know it can increase $ in the service department but do you really want your techs tied up all day doing headlight replacements and pissing your customers off with $200+ bills for it?

 

[ControlD]

Come to think of it, that is the biggest complaint I had about my Mazda 6 I had about 10 years ago. The headlight was a bitch to replace. I don't understand why car companies make normal replacement items so damn hard to get to. I know it can increase $ in the service department but do you really want your techs tied up all day doing headlight replacements and pissing your customers off with $200+ bills for it?

I'm telling you, the clip that holds the bulb in on my 2006 was designed by satan himself. And there is just enough room to get two fingers in there to try and clip the new bulb back in place. If you miss a couple of times your hands are bloody and fingers become almost too sore to continue. Terrible design. I told myself I would check out the normal maintenance items before buying a new car, so I am trying to find out what is better/worse this time around.

 

[NutBucket]

Generally styling and packaging take priority over ease of maintenance. If I wanted simple I'd still have my 1991 Accord!