Numerous owners have complained about hard shifting with the automatic gearbox, though it seems to be a fairly difficult problem for dealers to diagnose. To be safe, ensure the transmission fluid isn’t overdue for a change.
It seems that many of the 3’s common and niggling issues were fixed fairly early in its life, so opt for as new a model as your budget allows.
If buying an earlier model, you’ll want to be sure to take note of the 3’s most commonly reported problem: rust. Some owners complain of ‘thin’ paint which chips and scratches easily—and many report rust problems fairly early in their car’s life.
Common rust spots include door sills, the inner metal lip of the wheel-wells, and the rocker panel seams. Pay special attention to the inside and just outside of the rear wheel-wells, especially directly above the wheels. Be sure to go over all painted surfaces thoroughly, looking for blistering which could indicate rust beneath.
Interestingly, it seems that owners will tend to wind up with a car that either rusts easily, or not much at all. Ensure that your prospective 3 is one of the latter, and you’ll join a happy group of enthusiastic owners.
photo:Mazda
It seems that many of the 3’s common and niggling issues were fixed fairly early in its life, so opt for as new a model as your budget allows.
 |
| 2006 Mazda3 |
If buying an earlier model, you’ll want to be sure to take note of the 3’s most commonly reported problem: rust. Some owners complain of ‘thin’ paint which chips and scratches easily—and many report rust problems fairly early in their car’s life.
Common rust spots include door sills, the inner metal lip of the wheel-wells, and the rocker panel seams. Pay special attention to the inside and just outside of the rear wheel-wells, especially directly above the wheels. Be sure to go over all painted surfaces thoroughly, looking for blistering which could indicate rust beneath.
Interestingly, it seems that owners will tend to wind up with a car that either rusts easily, or not much at all. Ensure that your prospective 3 is one of the latter, and you’ll join a happy group of enthusiastic owners.
photo:Mazda
Article Gallery