Top 5 Things I LOVE About My 2014 Mazda 3 i Touring!
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With the constant bombardment of questions that I get about my personal vehicle these days, I figured it's about time I did something about that. So in the interest of variety and keeping in touch with my subscribers, I figured it's worth it to give a few updates on my 2014 Mazda 3. So in that interest, here are the Top 5 things that I love about my sweet little blue rocket!
I love how it’s shape is round & the style so modern. It will always fit in with other new cars, plus once you maintain it’s super dependable not to mention it only takes $60 to fill up the tank!
I got the 2015 of this, which is the same car really. 6sp stick as well. Mine's pearl white with sunroof though. It's a great car. I plan to keep it until the wheels fall off, maybe longer.
In summary, it's a compact economy car... with a gorzillian features, space more like a midsize, could pass for a slow sports car, and has enough class to park confidently next to a BMW.
The Good:
It looks gorgeous, inside & out. I'm really amazed at how much room there is inside. 2 norse giants can sit in the front seat comfortably and not jockey for elbow space with each other, or with the side pillars (only compact car i've been in that can say that). The seats are very comfortable, i'd prefer a little more lumbar support, but it strikes a balance that is likely comfy for just about everyone. Trunk space is pretty large. Interior feels quality and is quiet and solid, 65,000 miles & 4 harsh winters and nothing rattles. The body seems extremely rigid and doesn't groan at all in hard handling. Gas mileage is *very* good. I see 28-36 in city driving, 40-43 on the highway. The built in mpg meter is accurate. Tiny details feel precise, like the fuel gauge accuracy... you can tell within a gallon how much it'll take to top off. Shockingly, the AC only draws about 4mpg (it's usually a lot more in small cars). It's no sports car, but its on the high end for handling & power in compact sedan. It has enough power to merge into freeway traffic easily with multiple passengers, or pass with authority. It corners extremely well for a car in this class. Shift linkage is slick. Bose 9-speaker centerpoint sounds amazing. It has a million "gizmos" and everything still works great. I've rubbed several curbs, kinda hard a couple times, and hit some frightful potholes, yet the alignment is still so straight you can tell which way a gentle wind is blowing if you let go of the steering wheel on flat pavement.
The Meh:
Entry & exit headroom is mediocre, not 'bad' but if you're especially tall you'll have to duck a tad. Rear visibility (if you don't have the backup camera) would be below average. Windshield pillars are kinda thick (just make sure they're not hiding a pedestrian trying to cross) but look extremely solid. Center console hinge broke right away, but was replaced with a better hinge free on recall. Gas mileage suffers noticeably in cold weather, not ideal for those nearer to Canada, although it starts and runs very well, it just gulps down gas in the cold. Although the AC only draws about 4mpg, it's a little weak (works fine in my white car with tinted windows, but it would be inadequate for a black car with clear glass in the south). The computer display is a bit laggy on startup. The keyless door buttons need a half second of input lockout, so that it's harder to accidentally double-press them. Dash air vents could stand to be a little more functional at directing airflow. Rear suspension is a little soft, the antisway bar keeps it cornering well, but the car leans to the rear more than I prefer on heavy acceleration, it's probably above-par in it's class though. The synchros in the manual transmission are not very good, so shifting quickly at high rpm on a winding country road requires pretty skilled rpm matching. The 6speed stick would benefit from spreading out it's gear ratios just a tad lower in 1st - 4th. It has an open differential (what compact sedan doesn't?) but I really wish it had limited slip to help grip while accelerating into turns on wet/ice, or for when you pretend it's a sports car (not a huge stretch of the imagination).
The Ugly:
Rear calipers corroded and messed up my rear pads & rotors before the flaw was recognized for recall. The carpet material is flimsy vs wear, and its obviously not mildew resistant (i'll be looking to re-carpet it come spring).
But really, i'm nitpicking the hell out of the car, mostly because it feels "near perfect". I'm kinda focusing on the questions it got wrong on the test, instead of the fact that it got an A.
For example, I've had older cars with holes in the carpet so you could see the rusted floorboards. So I only nitpick the 3's carpet *because* the rest of the car (after some detailing) still looks a very classy showroom new car. "wart on a super model" syndrome. I've had 2 people want to buy it, I didn't bother asking them how much they'd be willing to pay, it's just not for sale.
For reference, I'm not especially positive or negative at reviewing things, and I'm not a brand-loyalist. This is the nicest compact economy car I've had (out of many). The only one that comes close is the 2004 Neon RT I had (the RT was vastly better than the regular neon, i've had both). I've had a 96 civic which was just garbage, an ugly 88 Nova with a heart of gold, etc. its a long and varied list.
MODS:
K&N intake. It makes enough extra power than you can feel it. Sounds good but not loud. Does nothing for gas mileage. Skyactive has a factory 4-2-1 header, so nothing else under the hood.
Ceramic glass tint. Look cool, feel cool, bit of privacy.
Enki RPF-1 16x7 wheels, 225/55R16. Stays at stock gear ratio. Shaves 20 lbs off unsprung weight, very noticeable increase in grip, 1.5" wider edge to edge track width, rides smoother and corners like a dream... ride quality and handling is like a BMW 3 series now. Incidentally the Continental Extremecontact DWS tires have seen 2 winters now, one when new, one with 18k miles and a LOT of 'interesting' weather, so far they are fantastic in the rain, snow, & ice, and treadwear looks on target for tire warranty mileage, no excess corner wear with spirited driving.
Thank you for taking the time and reviewing broths! Appreciate it
Thanks for the detailed review!! Just bought my first vehicle ever, 2014 Mazda 3 GS hatch...so excited!! Your review is very helpful and informative to a new owner!
@@GTAEmergencyVideography I thought about getting the hatch when i got mine. Every time i look at it and thing, that's just a pretty car, i'm glad I got the sedan. But every time I get groceries & such, I wish I had the hatch hehe. Although the hatch is pretty good looking for a hatchback. Both are the same weight & length surprisingly.
I hope you like yours, and it works well for you :) 2014's I think were all made in Japan, mine was final assembly in mexico. I suspect Japan assembly has better quality control, although mine seems fine still.
I'm still kinda amazed that I've put 75,000 miles on it, and it still doesn't need an alignment. I'm used to economical compacts needing an alignment pretty often if you use them heavily.
I had a stupid moment since i wrote that review... I accidentally tried to open the sunroof into the ventilating position without realizing that it had a thin sheet of ice on top. It seemed like I bent the sunroof linkage. It didn't 'leak' but it didn't tilt up all the way anymore. I was sooooo unhappy. But I thought I may as well try to bend it back. Numerous attempts pushing/pulling on it with more and more force, afraid to make it worse... and then "POP" it snapped back into place. And I had to retract a bunch of choice language hehe. Apparently it attaches to the linkage with some kind of snap-in assembly, and my mistake had unsnapped one of the 4 points it snaps into. If it had been screwed in, it would definitely have been bent or damaged the electric motor, but they preemptively outsmarted my dumb moment.
@@kathrynck haha glad you were able to fix it! I found this 2014 hatch with 92,000km, 1 owner and no accidents and the vehicle was in excellent condition. I've never seen a carfax this detailed it was like 3 pages long. They did the maintenance at the dealer and always on time! Test drive was perfect and I was allowed to get it inspected at a shop before buying and the mechanic said I needed new rear shocks/mounts but that was about it. Undercarriage isn't a rust bucket so that was great too. Mainly got this car for work. Wanted something priced well and good on gas while being fun to drive!! Going to get the 96,000km servicing done and get those shocks/mounts replaced and rustproofing each year
I love this car but that color alone is just awesome!
I have the same car & trim from the same year but automatic & it’s a hatchback. Best compact car ever. I got it because it won 2014 car of the year & that’s all the research I needed to buy a new car.
I almost bought a Mazda3 a couple of years ago, it was one of 2 finalists. I agree Bobby it's great on gas and a blast to drive. I tried the 2.5L as well and it does have a little more pickup but the 2.0 is fine for this size. I love the looks especially in this shade of blue. I drove the auto and it works pretty well and the tiptronic manual shifting is great!
The Kodo design language is really prominent on the smaller Mazda vehicles - especially this vehicle. Great video!
Somebody just totalled my 2012 Mazda3 hatchback and now I am looking on getting this model. I couldn't get away from Mazda.Great car, reliable, nice gas mileage and inexpensive to fix.
Great review! Would appreciate an update on any maintenance issues, if any since, this vid. Looking to buy same model and year from a private seller at 60k miles. Thanks man, awesome videos!
Yo howd that mazda 3 doing??
The 3 is definitely a great car, mine is a BM SP25, to me the 2014-2018 models have a MUCH prettier look than the newer models (2019- present)
I hope you can review the new 2017 Mazda 3 (or maybe a comparison video between the two) when it's in your area! Great job as always Bobby.
you know it is same gen so there's barely any difference at all? lol
I had a Mazda 3 hatchback before changed to the CX-3 because the latter is more practical on our roads in Thailand. I drove the 2.0 l Benzine with 17 inch wheels and LED running daylights. The engine is powerful and very economic. The 17 inch wheels look great, but the ride could be quite harsh...
We also own a CX-5 Diesel - as the main family car.
I really like the MOZDA too, nice review
I love my 2015 mazda 3
Great video! It really is a beautiful car.
Why do ppl get blue for a Mazda looks best in red white and black I have a 2014 Mazda 3 gt never had a problem either
2.5 has 187 hp, and 6 speed. Hard to find, nobody coughs em up. So simple and cheap to have work done if ever needed...
"There's no point in buying a car for looks"
Yep. I regret buying my Elantra
Nayan Modi I'm looking into buying a Mazda 3, Elantra, or Ford focus for my first car, would you rather have gotten a Mazda 3 and how has the Elantra been for you, reliable? Which would you recommend
I have the 2015 Mazda 3 and I love it.
Got it used so the only options were 2.0L engine MT or 2.5L AT, but ideally I would have liked the 2.5L with manual transmission. Still a great car for a great price.
The Elantra and Focus both have good qualities. Just depends on what you're looking for
Dan X Hey Dan, my Elantra was literally the worst car I've ever owned. In the 2 years I owned it, Hyundai paid out $14,000 in Warranty repairs. The Elantra does not feel solid when driving, the suspension is unsettled. In fact, I just bought a 2014 Mazda3. I am picking it up tomorrow.
My Elantra had terrible fuel economy, and it drove the worst out of the cars you mentioned. I fell for its beautiful styling, and warranty. Fuel economy in the winter was brutal.
love your Al Green Intro...
I bought the 2013 HEV mazda, good decision?
Short wheel base? I don't agree. Maybe relative to the market but cars have grown a ton recently. Mazda 3 has a wheel base of 10-20 year old mid size cars. And it is a compact? lol
I just picked up my Mazda 3 s Touring Hatchback. The specs are EXTREMELY similar to the 2003 Honda Accord I am replacing. Which is a big reason I got it.
In comparison my Subaru BRZ has 5 inches LESS wheelbase than the Mazda 3.
I think you might be caught up in the Mazda Miata marketing hype. A car with a short wheelbase? The Miata, 91 inches. 15 inches shorter than your Mazda 3
Turning radius is great...
hello did you have to change the battery ?
Heard you have to change oil and air filters ALL THE TIME... how is it on the automatic??
Not true.
If you follow spec, you're using pure synthetic 0W-20. Synthetic in the right brand can last a long time. Just get an extended mileage oil filter so the filter doesn't wear out before the oil.
As for air filters, the factory original air filter worked well for about 55,000 miles just shaking it out twice. As soon as gas mileage dipped by about 1mpg, i replaced it with a K&N intake. The irridium plugs are slated for 70k miles and at 65,000 miles they seem fine still. The OEM radiator fluid is 5 years. There's no steering fluid (electric assisted rack & pinion). I'm at 65,000 miles and my maintenance has been 7 oil changes, 1 air filter, and 1 replacement set of tires.
One caveat: the stock rear brake calipers are prone to rust, there's a recall on that part. But I find the original calipers can be made to work well with plenty of axle grease. I had to replace the rear pads & rotors very early due to this flaw hitting me before the recall. If they start dragging again, I should be able to get free rear calipers via recall. Front brakes look like they're going to last until about 90-100k. I also had the hinge on the center console replaced free on recall.
I have the 6sp manual though.
@@kathrynck wow thanks for all the insight I just got my 3 from 2014 from an Acura dealership it's in pretty good shape as it was kept in a multi level parking. I will save your client and keep in mind it has 77k kms (not sure in miles lol). It's a pretty low milage vehicle. They took good care of it and spent $1200 in maintenance. It's the base model without all the gimmicks tho it is an automatic. I'm gonna learn manual eventually lol just gonna master automatics for now. 24 yro first car I live in Toronto clean record yet the insurance is high as hell -_- makes me wanna move away
@@VAPOURIZE100 hehe, grats on your first car. much nicer than my first car! or my second, or third... :P 77k km is about uh, 50k miles or so.
I notice mine tends to drink a lot more gas in cold weather. It runs good, just the gas mileage is not as impressive. But this is the first car I've had with an active mpg meter on it, so it's possible all my other cars were doing this as well, and I just never noticed cuz I didn't feel like checking my mileage in the cold hehe. Still, even when the mazda 3 is getting bad gas mileage, it's at least as good as most other compact cars i've had.
My first car was an automatic. It's probably best to limit the number of things you're trying to learn at once. I eventually got a stick, and learned to like it. Some sticks are a lot easier to drive than others though. I think for the mazda 3, the automatic seems like a really good one. I just like sticks :P And I like never meeting a transmission repair man, hehe.
Have you driven the 2017? I'm interested to see how it compares. Supposedly it's quieter and more comfortable. I have the 2017 Civic right now but I'm thinking of switching to a Mazda 3 later in the year.
Import Car Enthusiast i
get to the point mate, first 8 minutes waste of time
Any fat people drive this car ? I'm 5'10 and 350 lbs and am wondering if i will be comfy in it.
I think you'd find it comfy. It's pretty spacious. There's especially tons of elbow room, TONS, way more than any other compact car I've been in. 2 overweight people over 6' tall can sit up front and comfortably rest all 4 elbows without even touching each other. Although a 2000-2005 neon is a little better for foot/head room on entry/exit for tall people, but it doesn't have the elbow room of the 3. Both have a lot more space than a civic or corolla. Although Ford and Mazda got a divorce, the mazda 3 has some DNA in common with the ford focus, so I suspect a late model focus might be pretty roomy too.