@NomadicGondolier I've driven the latest CVT from Honda Civic & Toyota Corolla and they are both very efficient and well behaved. The Toyota CVT actually has a first gear+CVT and the 2022 Civic drove very nice too even with the base 2.0L engine.
@@noobjitsu1743 - I've heard this but I think the CVT on my wife Honda CR-V is just fine. No issues and seems efficient. Formula 500 has been using cvt since the 70's.
@@johnmininger7472 Race cars in general are not build for durability but for max performance. For example the formula one cars that you talk about need their engines rebuilt in only 1 or 2 races. Reason is because they race at 5 to 6 thousand rpm or higher. That rattles the engine apart very fast. If you are happy with it then great for you! Im never gunna get mad at someone for liking a machine built in a different way.
@@briantye4609 yes I get that but some are way more cluttered than others ,our SantaFe and Tucson are way cleaner than this and I've seen many worse like Chrysler products.
As somebody who has somewhat decent experience working on cars, but who is not an expert auto mechanic by any means, I really enjoy this type of mechanical and powertrain, as well as suspension, overview. I've lost interest in all the youtubers who have never worked on a car in their lives but review supercars, etc... Videos like this one are actually useful and educational. Keep up the good work!
I am seriously impressed by how your explanations are so clear and easy to follow, even for someone not well versed in the technical aspects of automobiles. This video is relevant to me as I'm looking at replacing my 2001 Nissan Sentra with a 2020/2021 Mazda 3 in the coming coming months. Thanks for making the video!
I own a Mazda 626 Sedan in Prestige Silver Metallic colour, 1990 model (fully imported from Japan) ... bought brand new in Melbourne, Australia as a gift from my father for my 18th birthday. He paid $32,000 Australian dollars for it back then! It's now 32 years old, has done 500,000 kilometres !!!! (310,000 miles!) and l continue to drive it daily. Has never failed me. Unbelievable car. I cannot part with it. My first and so far, only car ...!! It still looks like new and has always been outside for its entire 32 years, so far. People cant believe it! Two weeks ago, l purchased the 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan in Sonic Silver Metallic. I am expected to take delivery of it at the end of July (imported from Japan). I am keeping my 626 and will never part with it and intend to drive both cars.
My dad had I think a 1999 protege that on his death in 2018 was still happily running 250k on it and it had mostly been the beat-about, park up on the front yard car for 10 years by that point.
As always, great and informative reviews! I have owned a used 2014 Mazda3 for 4 years now, almost 100k. No issues apart from a squeaky rear door actuator and a loosened negative battery terminal lol. I hear for the new generation 3s of problems with electronic components and the ac system. Time will tell for the new gens, but I'm sticking to my 3 until it dies. Cheers from the West Coast of Canada, Sir!!!
Very good review. My wife’s 2014 Mazda 6 has 110,000 miles on it with almost identical powertrain. So far no issue at all. The 6 speed AT is super responsive and smooth. Much better than my 2018 Toyota Highlander’s 8 speed AT.
Good to see the simplicity and reliability will be good, my Mom got one, we choose it over the Civic because it was a better value at the price point she wanted and had LED headlights available on the mid trims. We got it rustproofed. I would like to see Mazda add a hybrid option, that would be great, but it does great on the highway regardless, often dipping into 4.2-4.5L/100km range.
@@MrWalker1000 Honestly don't know yet personally since I just got a Mazda3 a month ago but ever since 2013 Mazda has really stepped up their game quality wise when they ditched Ford, Nissan, and jatco transmissions altogether and stated the joint venture with Toyota. They even kept the Mazda 3 turbo a 6 speed auto for reliability reasons and adopted the old school Toyota model of reliability. "Make the same stuff over and over again, keep hush hush when things don't work, immediately update parts that are not reliable and then sell it to customers for new prices". Joking aside that's honestly the reason why I brought a Mazda. Also because a buddy of mine took the plunge and brought a Mazda CX5 5 years ago. She has no real expensive problems with it and just had basic maintenance done.
I took my 07 mazda 3 to a "real" mechanic for the first time, turns out it was a failing TCM (transmission control module). I ended up replacing it myself, anlong with a new coolant resevoir tank and now it runs, shifts, and idles soo smooth. These cars are very DIY friendly!
I'm a former heavy equipment mech (Cat), and I believe the engineering dictum: Keep it simple. I just bought a 2024 Mazda 3 sedan. I'm happy with the car, EXCEPT: Modern cars don't have CD players, as my totaled Corolla S did. This year Mazda did away with the 12V outlet. I have a 12V tire inflator, car vac, and hand-held spotlight for reading addresses at night. I like the adaptive cruise control, the auto head-beam controller, car handling, ample acceleration, and safety sensors. I did substantial online research, and listened to many owner reviews before buying this car. My biggest beef is that the driver's seat can't be raised high enough for me to see most of the hood.
Right now we have a 2010, 2017, and 2019 Mazda 3 in our drive way, all without any rust problems (the 2010 has a bit of surface rust, but over 300,000 KMs on it). If you take care of your cars and rust proof them every year, which only costs us $100 each car, it will last forever. And I live in Canada, with a crazy amount of salt dumped on the roads in the winter. These new gen Mazda's are great, your review helped me decide to get the 2019, thank you.
Well you seem to be an expert tell me this I looked at a 2015 Mazda 3 today with 150 on it every time I started the engine the timing chain made noise even after sitting for one minute it was a stick shift suspension felt like crap and it had no pet look like the oil was black and the guy told me he was mobile one so why is the timing chain make it so much noise every time you start it up but only $150 on it and Iranian dude look like he owned it I went back dude kind of dudes to work in the gas station it's a puppy gas I don't know if they easy Drive crappy cars so the kid boarded no who knows the father was trying to get four grand for it I wouldn't want it not even for 2000 it drove like crap for a 6-speed and had no power sloppy I don't like that noise every time you start the motor junk I'll probably look at one more and automatic use if I can find one for around 5 grand if that runs like crap then I'll never look at another one again
I like it. The Mazda 3 always gets great reviews from car magazines so I'm glad to see it uses tried and true designs that have passed the test of time. A great choice for anyone buying a car in this class.
Because they are garbage they are total s*** listen to that motor sounds like a meat grind now total junk that's what he knocked and make noise and wear out tremendously be review maintain them I'll buy a Corolla anything over that junk I looked at two of them so far they're garbage look at one tonight $4,000 it's not any better than the $12,000 one and a hundred thousand miles it is completely shocked junk making more noise the suspension is crap I have a 35-year-old Toyota runs and drives more solid and a 6 year old Mazda 3 I looked at today garbage tried and true they always had problems in the first month of three made back and what 2001 trannies blown Motors so what's good about them to have a crap month as a garbage reputation from the GLC back in 78 from the rotary engine RX8 the falls apart of $40,000 car you can buy for $500 drive it home it's a joke car it's a car for people that are dumb no better than the Nissan at least you get a Nissan you know what you getting they talk too good about the Mazda when it's garbage
New partnership with Toyota and an inline 6 in the future for their Mazda 6/CX, their future is very bright. Their interiors are best of class for Japanese vehicles. Great review as always.
Yep, I like the way it's going... hoping for the best. Although Toyota might tend to electrify everything as a hybrid rather than a sporty muscle machine
@@speedkar99 Making the vehicles hybrid with the Toyota technology and their planetary gear set with to motor generators [MG1 and MG2] is the right and best way to go. The transaxle is so simple and robust, reliable and efficient, is far superior than automatic, manuals and CVT, i'm glad that Toyota is making more of their models hybrid with this amazing technology. Maybe if you manage to get your toothbrush in a Prius next time you could do a review, and possibly a teardown too.
Just got a used 2019 Mazda3 premium with 6K miles on it and so far I love it and the gas mileage is great! Glad to know it’s gonna be easy to work on too, thank you for what you do bro!
Camber is not that important when it comes to civilian car suspension, toe control makes way more difference (McPherson struts are terrible when it comes to desired camber change, but still work well). And the biggest issue of the twist beam suspension is a fact that the same bushing needs to take care of longitudinal (comfort) and lateral (handling) forces. So it's either stiff and handles well, or comfy and unstable at higher speeds. Interesting solution to that was done by European Opel (formerly a GM branch) - they combined twist beam with Watt's linkage, so gave the twist beam a solid dose of lateral control. The effect is really nice - it is still a simple suspension, but handling and stability are much improved (no wiggle at higher speeds, feeling of rear end planted to the road). Comfort is not bad as well. All of that without the disadvantages of multilink (bind, lots of bushings, space).
I love Mazda 3, I drive the 2nd gen with 2.5L motor and recently drove on winding road near the ocean and the handling was great but I haven't driven the same gen Civic or Corolla to compare it with but overall really happy with it. I got mine 6 months ago with only 103k kms on it
I have a 2015 Mazda3, previous generation, with the 2.5 and the six-speed manual gearbox, that I bought new. I really enjoy the combination of hatchback practicality and sportiness of the car. There’s good content for the price, a solid, attractive interior and very nice handling and ride. 77000 miles on it. Great video!
@@maheshmurali2697 from experience not what I read. RUST RUST RUST easily, burns oil, couldn't take small bumps on the road without rattling your teeth, and finally when I decided to throw the towel in the transmission kept shifting from 5 to 2 gear on its own.
@@luisamoa2500 that was a thing from the past when mazda was made in the US with ford partnership. This so you know its a different story. These new generation of mazdas from Japan have the same quality as Toyotas made in Japan, share many parts providers and use same tech for their body process of painting and anti rust for, no burn oil as you said. Maybe you neglected your old Mazda and had many issues after.
I have this same car (and color), but it's a 2016, and it has the 2.0 Skyactiv engine. I have almost 100K on it, and it has been very reliable. I drive it 40 miles each way to work, and average 40 miles/gallon on the highway. Beyond regular maintenance, my only issue has been a seeping valve cover gasket, which is a pretty easy fix. For the money, I have been very happy with this car. I am not a huge fan of the CVTs, and really like the 6 speed automatic. Even though there is not a recommendation in the owners manual for transmission fluid exchange, I do a drain and fill about every 30k or so miles.
Owner of a previous gen 3, with same engine / transmission but with independent rear suspension. It's a great car overall. In terms of quality, suspension bushings can go bad, contribute to creaking sound when climbing over the driveway lip. Driver seat back can also creak. 2L engine is perfectly suitable for this car, available 2.5L is more fun, but not needed. The new gen 3 is much quieter inside than ours, maybe the most important difference, but our gen looks much better. About to give it to my son.
@@speedkar99 Yea the torison beam seems to do fine except tor uneven bumps. My cx3 really wobbles in the back in that situation. Other than that it's great. My mother bought a cx5 and it's way better with the different set up. Again love your videos.
This video was so incredibly helpful!! I just purchased a used 2020 Mazda3 and you made me feel more confident about my purchase. I would like to be able to do some of the work on the car myself when needed and knowing how certain items are easy to access is very useful! So appreciated! Keep up the awesome videos!
I really like my 2017 2.5L manual HB. It feels much like a European car w/o all the reliability issues in later life. I plan on keeping this one for a very long time. The steering is laser sharp and midrange response is excellent. Milage is very good at 33+ mpg, despite my very spirited driving. Just installing good summer HP tires really shows off how great the handling of this car really is. The front end sticks in fast corners like glue. Best FWD car I've ever owned. I much rather have this than any CUV or SUV for sure.
@@thetechlibrarian Some say it’s an Audi A3 at a fraction of the price. And without the long term reliability issues. Just got Michelin pilot sports for summer. Can’t wait!🍻
@@lightsfansofthewest481 Some. Not all. I used to own a 2015 3 that was made in Mexico. Now I have a made in Japan Mazda 3. I can tell the difference but the MIM model was very good.
Mazda is about simple, tried and true, and very reliable tech. All very traditional and straight forward. I’m on my third Mazda3 and travelled 150,000km on current BN.
I am impressed on your knowledge of every bit of the car you review. Thank you for the in depth review of the mechanical sides of the cars. I feel I've leaned a little bit more today. Have a wonderful day.
Been watching tons of reviews, accidentally came across yours ... the most detail throughout a huge benefit for Diyer like myself ... and kind of Diyer friendly approach as you professionally point them out ! Glade they do get rid of the cartridge filter !
Love it. Your review is the only one that mentioned my car has active grill shutters 16:26. Although every time I look at mine while the car is off, they’re open.
Drove a mazda 3, 2019 a few years ago and was very impressed with the handling and grip on the road, better than any corolla, and we own a corolla and a mazda cx5 so that is saying something about the handling in spite of that torsion beam you mentioned in the mazda3.
I own a first generation m3 skyactive and love it. Only knock is the tin can interior, lots of road noise. However the newest version has an extremely quiet cabin. As for handling,…not sure how it’s possible with such a simple suspension, but these cars blow the completion away when it comes driving fun. They are the definition of zoom zoom
I just bought the Mazda 3 Hatchback in beautiful red. This car is like having a Mercedes. The safety options are awesome it’s very fast handles well. It is a little rough on bad roads but the car is amazing. Sporty sexy reliable.
I have a 2016 Mazda 3 I-Touring with the 2.0 engine and a manual transmission. After 63,000 miles the problems I’ve had include warping front brakes, a squeaky left front suspension when its cold, sometimes the backup camera doesn’t work, and I had to replace the hatchback struts. I’ve had a service to clean the intake valves at 30k and again at 60k. It made a huge difference so I have to assume the valves are choking up with carbon. The paint at the front chips easily from small rocks being thrown up from the vehicle ahead; after a few years of highway travel I have many. I’ve had no other issues and I love the car!
thank you for the effort and the sharing. i REALLY enjoy your vids. BIG thumbs up for your thoughtful, straight forward commentary. i have a 2016 CX5 and a 2018 Mazda3. Same 2.5 engine in each. Same 6 speed auto. The CX5 has AWD. Combined we have about 85K. Only oil and tires have been changed. Simple is good.
The plastic under the Mazda 3 is garbage. Along with the rear suspension that eats tires . And the direct injection builds carbon on the intake valves . Aside from that it’s a very dependable car
@@richardreese5377 in nowadays cars carbon buildup is a standard. All cars with direct injection will have it after 100k miles. Now some companies like Toyota and hyundai is installing additional port injections to prevent the carbon buildup.
I have a 2019 Mazda 3-- once all the TSBs and recalls done it has been a great car. I was deciding between this and the Civic Touring (only came in the 1.5 Turbo with oil dilution issues). I chose the Mazda because the Civic didn't have blind spot monitoring, and their AC compressors always died quickly (based on my experience with 2 other Honda Civic/Integras).
I like these reviews. Gives me an idea to what type of vehicle I want to get. This one Is one of those choices. I like the serviceability, I like to do most jobs on my own car like spark plugs, oil changes, and brake pads/rotors, I also replace most parts when they fail. Currently dealing with an idle issue on my car ince It's at operating temperature, It's annoying because it has no check engine light so I have to go step by step to try and find the problem. I'm sure a newer car would have a check engine light for the issue.
Thank you for your very technical review. One improvement I wished and surely hope Mazda will introduce is the independent rear suspension which will enable the rear alignment adjustment.
Looks like a big win for Mazda here. Tried and true mechanical choices, a great interior, and decent handling. My only wish is for a Mazdaspeed 3 hatchback version with a twincharged i4 and manual. A guy can dream can't he?
Electronic cooling Valve, and torsionbeam in the rear... 6s from 2002 and since has had multi-link rear suspension.. wtf I thought mazdas are all bout the driving experience..
Very happy I held on to my 3rd gen 2014 gt still in mint condition... independent rear suspension is superior (why did mazda change this?), and new continental extreme contact dws06 plus tires... best upgrade i have ever done on any car by far! Completely changes the performance and handling. Excellent review.
Always interesting to see how hammered the underneath of North American cars are, with the weather and roads. I've owned cars for fifteen plus years in Australia, that wouldn't look ten percent as bad as the underneath of that one year old Mazda. The eleven year old Mazda 6 I own now still looks brand new under the bonnet. Really glad we don't have to deal with the snow here. Fixing those rusting cars in the US must be a nightmare for mechanics.
First mod, Corksport oil catch can. 2nd Corksport short ram intake wi/Cold air box. 3rd, Corksport axle back exhaust(or full cat-back). My 2015 runs like a champ. I love my independent rear suspension!
Bought a 2023 Carbon Edition sedan back in January. Only have a little over 4,000 miles on it. Very impressed with the interior and sound system. Have been beating the mpg for highway by at least 3 mpg and that's doing 70-75. Would have bought a Civic but the price was higher and this edition offered better seats and a great sound system. So very satisfied so far. And I have previously owned Hondas and Toyotas.
Thanks for this video. I recently purchased a used Mazda 3. Liking it so far. You mentioned something about "rust-proofing the car". Could you expand on that?
I lost a McDonald's french fry under the seat of my Mazda. The salt corroded the floorboards in a month. Get your Mazda rustproofed if you are anywhere near salt whether it be on the roads in the winter or near the ocean. DIY with Fluid Film or take it to a rust proofing spray place.
..I have this same color AND car in AWD !! I bought it brand new in the fall of 2019. I absolutely love the car! A lot of ppl don't realize that even with the torque beam rear suspension, the AWD model has MAZDA's version of torque vectoring AWD wich works flawlessly in both rain and snow! It also handle better than the front wh drive version. You can cruise between 70 and 80 mph with the engine barely snoring along. I get about 35 highway and about 27 city. This car has a somewhat tight suspension so avoid roads with potholes if possible bcs the low profile tires combined with the suspension, can be jarring at times 👀
This is a very clear and concise assessment - just bought 2021 sedan for wife and wanted straightforward and reliable design - I am quite surprised how well it handles on all but choppy surfaces - personally - I would like a little less body roll - although it does settle after the progressive springs compress a little. Maybe different compression and rebound changes to shocks may work as well? Good value for the sector = but if a performance version is introduced - agree that more tied down and better suspension would be a consideration (and more urge too) :)
Excellent breakdown. I like the simple design for this class of vehicle. What is the advantage of an electronic coolant thermostat and valve vs a mechanical thermostat/valve?
Offers fuel savings, since the block can be run hotter (less friction) and head cooler with two separate circuits and thermostats. Most OEs are going to this design.
This is the kind of reviews I need, knowing about maintenance before buying a car is so vital
I love my 2016 Mazda3. NO issues and 41 overall mpg. Easy to work on, external water pump, no timing belt, and no crappy cvt.
I will never buy a cvt. Id rather go electric before that and i dont want electric either.
@NomadicGondolier which Dct and Cvt did you have? Thinking of getting a car, one has cvt, other has dct
@NomadicGondolier I've driven the latest CVT from Honda Civic & Toyota Corolla and they are both very efficient and well behaved. The Toyota CVT actually has a first gear+CVT and the 2022 Civic drove very nice too even with the base 2.0L engine.
@@noobjitsu1743 - I've heard this but I think the CVT on my wife Honda CR-V is just fine. No issues and seems efficient. Formula 500 has been using cvt since the 70's.
@@johnmininger7472 Race cars in general are not build for durability but for max performance. For example the formula one cars that you talk about need their engines rebuilt in only 1 or 2 races. Reason is because they race at 5 to 6 thousand rpm or higher. That rattles the engine apart very fast.
If you are happy with it then great for you! Im never gunna get mad at someone for liking a machine built in a different way.
I like the simplicity with Mazda, still looks like a bunch of hoses on the too of the engine. Love the trans dipstick and serviceability
I like it too. Very impressed
Mazda is winning the game.
They took the engine cover off. All engines with the cover off look like that
@@briantye4609 yes I get that but some are way more cluttered than others ,our SantaFe and Tucson are way cleaner than this and I've seen many worse like Chrysler products.
@@TommyG11814 Tucson has space in the engine for days to easily get to every thing. It’s the best
As somebody who has somewhat decent experience working on cars, but who is not an expert auto mechanic by any means, I really enjoy this type of mechanical and powertrain, as well as suspension, overview. I've lost interest in all the youtubers who have never worked on a car in their lives but review supercars, etc... Videos like this one are actually useful and educational. Keep up the good work!
Thanks. I hope to do more reviews once the lockdown eases
I have a 2014 Mazda 3 Sedan, pretty much the exact same powertrain with the smaller 2.0 Skyactiv engine.
The car has been bulletproof so far!
i put 230000 miles on my 2014 no problems at all
@@neoanderson7492 DANG!! How much do you drive a year!? You might have the highest mileage skyactiv engine. That's crazy
@@Argedis that was more then 2 years ago. I drive about 75k per year
@@neoanderson7492 sure you did 👉🤣🤣🤣🤣
any rust?
I can watch this talking toothbrush for hours.
Same. I thought it was some sort of special tool or pointer thingy🤣 . I guess I need another coffee!
Lol, clever toothbrush
@@PaulA-zp7hn olll
@@PaulA-zp7hn olll
Hahahaha talking 🪥
I am seriously impressed by how your explanations are so clear and easy to follow, even for someone not well versed in the technical aspects of automobiles. This video is relevant to me as I'm looking at replacing my 2001 Nissan Sentra with a 2020/2021 Mazda 3 in the coming coming months. Thanks for making the video!
Did you get a new Mazda3? Do you miss your Nissan? I have a 1999 Nissan, still starts and runs like a top!
I have the 2019 mazda 3 sedan in navy just like this. Im obsessed. Such a great car.
I own a Mazda 626 Sedan in Prestige Silver Metallic colour, 1990 model (fully imported from Japan) ... bought brand new in Melbourne, Australia as a gift from my father for my 18th birthday. He paid $32,000 Australian dollars for it back then! It's now 32 years old, has done 500,000 kilometres !!!! (310,000 miles!) and l continue to drive it daily. Has never failed me. Unbelievable car. I cannot part with it. My first and so far, only car ...!! It still looks like new and has always been outside for its entire 32 years, so far.
People cant believe it!
Two weeks ago, l purchased the 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan in Sonic Silver Metallic. I am expected to take delivery of it at the end of July (imported from Japan).
I am keeping my 626 and will never part with it and intend to drive both cars.
I remember my uncle had a 626
It was in rough shape but still ran
My dad had I think a 1999 protege that on his death in 2018 was still happily running 250k on it and it had mostly been the beat-about, park up on the front yard car for 10 years by that point.
As always, great and informative reviews! I have owned a used 2014 Mazda3 for 4 years now, almost 100k. No issues apart from a squeaky rear door actuator and a loosened negative battery terminal lol. I hear for the new generation 3s of problems with electronic components and the ac system. Time will tell for the new gens, but I'm sticking to my 3 until it dies. Cheers from the West Coast of Canada, Sir!!!
I've been waiting for this for a while
You are welcome
Same
Very good review. My wife’s 2014 Mazda 6 has 110,000 miles on it with almost identical powertrain. So far no issue at all. The 6 speed AT is super responsive and smooth. Much better than my 2018 Toyota Highlander’s 8 speed AT.
any carbon buildups on intake valves?
Good to see the simplicity and reliability will be good, my Mom got one, we choose it over the Civic because it was a better value at the price point she wanted and had LED headlights available on the mid trims.
We got it rustproofed.
I would like to see Mazda add a hybrid option, that would be great, but it does great on the highway regardless, often dipping into 4.2-4.5L/100km range.
Love this guys video's. This is how a car review is supposed to be done.
Thanks
yeah but its so much technical talk what does it all mean? whats the verdict on this car
@@MrWalker1000 It's an easy to service car that's also generally well built and worth the money. You're welcome.
@@mugensamurai thanks. How reliable is this car ?
@@MrWalker1000 Honestly don't know yet personally since I just got a Mazda3 a month ago but ever since 2013 Mazda has really stepped up their game quality wise when they ditched Ford, Nissan, and jatco transmissions altogether and stated the joint venture with Toyota. They even kept the Mazda 3 turbo a 6 speed auto for reliability reasons and adopted the old school Toyota model of reliability. "Make the same stuff over and over again, keep hush hush when things don't work, immediately update parts that are not reliable and then sell it to customers for new prices". Joking aside that's honestly the reason why I brought a Mazda. Also because a buddy of mine took the plunge and brought a Mazda CX5 5 years ago. She has no real expensive problems with it and just had basic maintenance done.
Even with the torsion beam rear suspension, still handles better than any new Civic or Toyota
I took my 07 mazda 3 to a "real" mechanic for the first time, turns out it was a failing TCM (transmission control module). I ended up replacing it myself, anlong with a new coolant resevoir tank and now it runs, shifts, and idles soo smooth. These cars are very DIY friendly!
They sure are. How's the rust on yours holding up though?
@@speedkar99 just you typical 17 year-old rust since it's whole life has been in california
I'm a former heavy equipment mech (Cat), and I believe the engineering dictum: Keep it simple. I just bought a 2024 Mazda 3 sedan. I'm happy with the car, EXCEPT: Modern cars don't have CD players, as my totaled Corolla S did. This year Mazda did away with the 12V outlet. I have a 12V tire inflator, car vac, and hand-held spotlight for reading addresses at night. I like the adaptive cruise control, the auto head-beam controller, car handling, ample acceleration, and safety sensors. I did substantial online research, and listened to many owner reviews before buying this car. My biggest beef is that the driver's seat can't be raised high enough for me to see most of the hood.
That’s the opposite to me, I love to sit down lower, makes the drive feel more sporty
Your reviews are spot on and informative, thanks for making them.
Thanks. Lots of effort
Right now we have a 2010, 2017, and 2019 Mazda 3 in our drive way, all without any rust problems (the 2010 has a bit of surface rust, but over 300,000 KMs on it). If you take care of your cars and rust proof them every year, which only costs us $100 each car, it will last forever. And I live in Canada, with a crazy amount of salt dumped on the roads in the winter. These new gen Mazda's are great, your review helped me decide to get the 2019, thank you.
Well you seem to be an expert tell me this I looked at a 2015 Mazda 3 today with 150 on it every time I started the engine the timing chain made noise even after sitting for one minute it was a stick shift suspension felt like crap and it had no pet look like the oil was black and the guy told me he was mobile one so why is the timing chain make it so much noise every time you start it up but only $150 on it and Iranian dude look like he owned it I went back dude kind of dudes to work in the gas station it's a puppy gas I don't know if they easy Drive crappy cars so the kid boarded no who knows the father was trying to get four grand for it I wouldn't want it not even for 2000 it drove like crap for a 6-speed and had no power sloppy I don't like that noise every time you start the motor junk I'll probably look at one more and automatic use if I can find one for around 5 grand if that runs like crap then I'll never look at another one again
How does one rustproof their car? Please do explain: thanks.
I like it. The Mazda 3 always gets great reviews from car magazines so I'm glad to see it uses tried and true designs that have passed the test of time. A great choice for anyone buying a car in this class.
I like it too
People just need to buy them. They don't sell well
Because they are garbage they are total s*** listen to that motor sounds like a meat grind now total junk that's what he knocked and make noise and wear out tremendously be review maintain them I'll buy a Corolla anything over that junk I looked at two of them so far they're garbage look at one tonight $4,000 it's not any better than the $12,000 one and a hundred thousand miles it is completely shocked junk making more noise the suspension is crap I have a 35-year-old Toyota runs and drives more solid and a 6 year old Mazda 3 I looked at today garbage tried and true they always had problems in the first month of three made back and what 2001 trannies blown Motors so what's good about them to have a crap month as a garbage reputation from the GLC back in 78 from the rotary engine RX8 the falls apart of $40,000 car you can buy for $500 drive it home it's a joke car it's a car for people that are dumb no better than the Nissan at least you get a Nissan you know what you getting they talk too good about the Mazda when it's garbage
@@puregsr there's alot in Canada and Australia. Indonesia as well
New partnership with Toyota and an inline 6 in the future for their Mazda 6/CX, their future is very bright. Their interiors are best of class for Japanese vehicles. Great review as always.
Yep, I like the way it's going... hoping for the best.
Although Toyota might tend to electrify everything as a hybrid rather than a sporty muscle machine
@@speedkar99 Making the vehicles hybrid with the Toyota technology and their planetary gear set with to motor generators [MG1 and MG2] is the right and best way to go. The transaxle is so simple and robust, reliable and efficient, is far superior than automatic, manuals and CVT, i'm glad that Toyota is making more of their models hybrid with this amazing technology. Maybe if you manage to get your toothbrush in a Prius next time you could do a review, and possibly a teardown too.
...which never did happen.
@@lightsfansofthewest481 How comes?
@@Proudarse It was rumored that they would make a new Mazda6 for North America, but they cancelled their plans for it.
Just got a used 2019 Mazda3 premium with 6K miles on it and so far I love it and the gas mileage is great! Glad to know it’s gonna be easy to work on too, thank you for what you do bro!
Good choice
Man, this video just saved me a couple hundreds from the repair shop. Awesome overall layout video.
How so?
this has become one of my top 5 TH-cam channels in record time....
I was confused whether to buy or not a Mazda 3 2015 Hatchback Sky active 2.0 . Your video gave me confidence and I decided to buy it.
Hot boy
As a diy mechanic myself , this is a Great review. Helped me a lot as going to look into buying a 2014 mazda3 tomorrow
I wouldn't mind you working on my cars. You, sir, really know your thing!
Thanks
Camber is not that important when it comes to civilian car suspension, toe control makes way more difference (McPherson struts are terrible when it comes to desired camber change, but still work well). And the biggest issue of the twist beam suspension is a fact that the same bushing needs to take care of longitudinal (comfort) and lateral (handling) forces. So it's either stiff and handles well, or comfy and unstable at higher speeds. Interesting solution to that was done by European Opel (formerly a GM branch) - they combined twist beam with Watt's linkage, so gave the twist beam a solid dose of lateral control. The effect is really nice - it is still a simple suspension, but handling and stability are much improved (no wiggle at higher speeds, feeling of rear end planted to the road). Comfort is not bad as well. All of that without the disadvantages of multilink (bind, lots of bushings, space).
Simplicity in vehicles is a thing of the past. Way back when had a 1965 Ford Falcon. Now that was simple. Great review speedkar 99.
Thanks. It's simple relative to other new cars Ive reviewed
I love Mazda 3, I drive the 2nd gen with 2.5L motor and recently drove on winding road near the ocean and the handling was great but I haven't driven the same gen Civic or Corolla to compare it with but overall really happy with it. I got mine 6 months ago with only 103k kms on it
Great car without the Toyota tax
I have a 2015 Mazda3, previous generation, with the 2.5 and the six-speed manual gearbox, that I bought new. I really enjoy the combination of hatchback practicality and sportiness of the car. There’s good content for the price, a solid, attractive interior and very nice handling and ride. 77000 miles on it. Great video!
Thanks for your input here. I just bought a used 2015.
These mazda 3 sedans look so good. Wish these were out when I got my corolla in 2015.
I'll take that Corolla off your hands anytime; the 3 is sure fun to drive though.
@@tdgdbs1 what's wrong with 3?
@@maheshmurali2697 from experience not what I read. RUST RUST RUST easily, burns oil, couldn't take small bumps on the road without rattling your teeth, and finally when I decided to throw the towel in the transmission kept shifting from 5 to 2 gear on its own.
You are right, the 3 isn't as refined as some completion
@@luisamoa2500 that was a thing from the past when mazda was made in the US with ford partnership. This so you know its a different story. These new generation of mazdas from Japan have the same quality as Toyotas made in Japan, share many parts providers and use same tech for their body process of painting and anti rust for, no burn oil as you said. Maybe you neglected your old Mazda and had many issues after.
I have this same car (and color), but it's a 2016, and it has the 2.0 Skyactiv engine. I have almost 100K on it, and it has been very reliable. I drive it 40 miles each way to work, and average 40 miles/gallon on the highway. Beyond regular maintenance, my only issue has been a seeping valve cover gasket, which is a pretty easy fix. For the money, I have been very happy with this car. I am not a huge fan of the CVTs, and really like the 6 speed automatic. Even though there is not a recommendation in the owners manual for transmission fluid exchange, I do a drain and fill about every 30k or so miles.
Good choice
@@speedkar99 i have a 2017 2.5L engine. Do you think its a good/reliable car mechanically?
@@MrWalker1000 He just reviewed that spec engine in this review.
@@MrWalker1000 absolutely
Trans fluid changed?
Owner of a previous gen 3, with same engine / transmission but with independent rear suspension.
It's a great car overall.
In terms of quality, suspension bushings can go bad, contribute to creaking sound when climbing over the driveway lip.
Driver seat back can also creak.
2L engine is perfectly suitable for this car, available 2.5L is more fun, but not needed.
The new gen 3 is much quieter inside than ours, maybe the most important difference, but our gen looks much better.
About to give it to my son.
I really love your way of explaining things in such a fluid and comprehendable way!! Keep it up!!
I think your unbiased reviews are very good. I too like the use of tried and tested designs in this car.
Ok the mazda3 handles plenty good enough. Most car reviews agree. Great video!
Thanks and yep I was impressed
@@speedkar99 Yea the torison beam seems to do fine except tor uneven bumps. My cx3 really wobbles in the back in that situation. Other than that it's great. My mother bought a cx5 and it's way better with the different set up. Again love your videos.
My 2018 mazda 3 hb 2.5 handles really well. It is similar to a sports car
@@dcal4455 yep
One word for skyactive. Reliable.
This video was so incredibly helpful!! I just purchased a used 2020 Mazda3 and you made me feel more confident about my purchase. I would like to be able to do some of the work on the car myself when needed and knowing how certain items are easy to access is very useful! So appreciated! Keep up the awesome videos!
I can almost watch this whole review without wanting to start my own car company, good job mazda
What a fantastic video, this man is very skilled and his knowledge is excellent.
Very knowledgeable guy and no hesitation spoken
I really like my 2017 2.5L manual HB. It feels much like a European car w/o all the reliability issues in later life. I plan on keeping this one for a very long time. The steering is laser sharp and midrange response is excellent. Milage is very good at 33+ mpg, despite my very spirited driving. Just installing good summer HP tires really shows off how great the handling of this car really is. The front end sticks in fast corners like glue. Best FWD car I've ever owned. I much rather have this than any CUV or SUV for sure.
I agree it feels very German the way it drives. And the interior feels like a Lexus. High praise for what it’s competitors are
@@thetechlibrarian Some say it’s an Audi A3 at a fraction of the price. And without the long term reliability issues. Just got Michelin pilot sports for summer. Can’t wait!🍻
Guess where they're made.
Mexico.
@@lightsfansofthewest481 Some. Not all. I used to own a 2015 3 that was made in Mexico. Now I have a made in Japan Mazda 3. I can tell the difference but the MIM model was very good.
Just found your channel. Nice to see a car review that doesn't talk about the soft touch dashboard. Subscribed.
cool to see some old school design still around, another great review
this is the kind of information one would need before buying a car. you are doing a wonderful job.
Thanks. More coming...
Mazda is about simple, tried and true, and very reliable tech. All very traditional and straight forward. I’m on my third Mazda3 and travelled 150,000km on current BN.
I have a 2015 2.0 Mazda 3 Hatch, looking to move up to the Turbo, and it was great learning so much about the car I own. Excellent video!
Mazda 3 2022 best car I have ever had!
I am impressed on your knowledge of every bit of the car you review. Thank you for the in depth review of the mechanical sides of the cars. I feel I've leaned a little bit more today. Have a wonderful day.
Wow, what a great breakdown for a new owner of a 2014 mazda 3 like myself. Thanks so much!
Glad it could help, though slightly different than your 2014
Been watching tons of reviews, accidentally came across yours ... the most detail throughout a huge benefit for Diyer like myself ... and kind of Diyer friendly approach as you professionally point them out ! Glade they do get rid of the cartridge filter !
I have a Mazda 3 HB from 2020 bot new, now has 32000 km and had no issue even on winding roads….is very stable in tight corners
I like these review videos! Instead of a guy going to a dealer and reading the window sticker. This is what I like to see!!
This is the best mechanical review I've ever seen on TH-cam. Thanks Speedkar99!
I liked the snapped tooth-brush stick! Brilliant! I saved all the used one for scrubbing and bike chain cleaning!
Love it. Your review is the only one that mentioned my car has active grill shutters 16:26. Although every time I look at mine while the car is off, they’re open.
Drove a mazda 3, 2019 a few years ago and was very impressed with the handling and grip on the road, better than any corolla, and we own a corolla and a mazda cx5 so that is saying something about the handling in spite of that torsion beam you mentioned in the mazda3.
I own a first generation m3 skyactive and love it. Only knock is the tin can interior, lots of road noise. However the newest version has an extremely quiet cabin.
As for handling,…not sure how it’s possible with such a simple suspension, but these cars blow the completion away when it comes driving fun. They are the definition of zoom zoom
They sure do punch above their weight class
I just bought the Mazda 3 Hatchback in beautiful red. This car is like having a Mercedes. The safety options are awesome it’s very fast handles well. It is a little rough on bad roads but the car is amazing. Sporty sexy reliable.
i loved this review i have a Mazda 3 2019, this was very informative for me loved learning what is what!!!!!!!! Thank you
Kar!
I have a 2016 Mazda 3 I-Touring with the 2.0 engine and a manual transmission. After 63,000 miles the problems I’ve had include warping front brakes, a squeaky left front suspension when its cold, sometimes the backup camera doesn’t work, and I had to replace the hatchback struts. I’ve had a service to clean the intake valves at 30k and again at 60k. It made a huge difference so I have to assume the valves are choking up with carbon. The paint at the front chips easily from small rocks being thrown up from the vehicle ahead; after a few years of highway travel I have many. I’ve had no other issues and I love the car!
Was it expensive to clean those intake valves? Was it a big job? I might buy a 2014 Mazda 3, 160,000 km..
That was a real mechanical review, excellent.
thank you for the effort and the sharing. i REALLY enjoy your vids. BIG thumbs up for your thoughtful, straight forward commentary. i have a 2016 CX5 and a 2018 Mazda3. Same 2.5 engine in each. Same 6 speed auto. The CX5 has AWD. Combined we have about 85K. Only oil and tires have been changed. Simple is good.
This channel is awesome. Keep it up.
The plastic under the Mazda 3 is garbage. Along with the rear suspension that eats tires .
And the direct injection builds carbon on the intake valves . Aside from that it’s a very dependable car
@@richardreese5377 in nowadays cars carbon buildup is a standard. All cars with direct injection will have it after 100k miles. Now some companies like Toyota and hyundai is installing additional port injections to prevent the carbon buildup.
I have a 2019 Mazda 3-- once all the TSBs and recalls done it has been a great car. I was deciding between this and the Civic Touring (only came in the 1.5 Turbo with oil dilution issues). I chose the Mazda because the Civic didn't have blind spot monitoring, and their AC compressors always died quickly (based on my experience with 2 other Honda Civic/Integras).
Update? I just got mine yesterday its a 2018.
@@noobjitsu1743 do you like it I just bought an 2018 too
@@Natd102 Yeah its pretty good.
Thank you for making this. Have a 2019 hatchback and love it
I like the fact you tear things apart to drive home your explanations 🙂
I like these reviews. Gives me an idea to what type of vehicle I want to get. This one Is one of those choices. I like the serviceability, I like to do most jobs on my own car like spark plugs, oil changes, and brake pads/rotors, I also replace most parts when they fail. Currently dealing with an idle issue on my car ince It's at operating temperature, It's annoying because it has no check engine light so I have to go step by step to try and find the problem. I'm sure a newer car would have a check engine light for the issue.
Better than a movie
Lol I was searching for this yesterday. Seems like you can read my mind for sure
Haha
Thank you for your very technical review. One improvement I wished and surely hope Mazda will introduce is the independent rear suspension which will enable the rear alignment adjustment.
I have a 2019 mazda 6 I assume it would be similar, really insightful and great video keep up the awesome work!!
You’re awesome man! I’m learning so much
You are welcome
this thing looks so good
It sure does
this is a very different car review channel for sure. thanks.
Thank you! Exactly the no BS info I was looking for. Please put the toothbrush back in the TDI drawer when you’re done. Love it.
Will do!!
I've got a 2018 2.5 manual hatch. It's brilliant.
Looks like a big win for Mazda here. Tried and true mechanical choices, a great interior, and decent handling. My only wish is for a Mazdaspeed 3 hatchback version with a twincharged i4 and manual. A guy can dream can't he?
Agreed!
I love those news angles!!!
Electronic cooling Valve, and torsionbeam in the rear... 6s from 2002 and since has had multi-link rear suspension.. wtf I thought mazdas are all bout the driving experience..
@@MrErrrust they say it doesnt effect driving experience. i have the previous generation 3
Very happy I held on to my 3rd gen 2014 gt still in mint condition... independent rear suspension is superior (why did mazda change this?), and new continental extreme contact dws06 plus tires... best upgrade i have ever done on any car by far! Completely changes the performance and handling. Excellent review.
I always admire the 3rd gen.
The first was good too except the rust issues. Take care of it
Still driving old Mazda 626 GE with over 500 000km in it. When it breaks it is time to change to Mazda 3 Skyactiv. And manual gearbox of course
Always interesting to see how hammered the underneath of North American cars are, with the weather and roads. I've owned cars for fifteen plus years in Australia, that wouldn't look ten percent as bad as the underneath of that one year old Mazda. The eleven year old Mazda 6 I own now still looks brand new under the bonnet. Really glad we don't have to deal with the snow here. Fixing those rusting cars in the US must be a nightmare for mechanics.
Rust totals alot of cars here
holy bat sweat! This was education. Stuff I'm paying hundreds for I could do. Instant subscribe!
Thanks!!
Great, thorough information on the mechanicals, etc.
Great overview man! Thank you!
You are welcome
First mod, Corksport oil catch can. 2nd Corksport short ram intake wi/Cold air box. 3rd, Corksport axle back exhaust(or full cat-back). My 2015 runs like a champ. I love my independent rear suspension!
Bought a 2023 Carbon Edition sedan back in January. Only have a little over 4,000 miles on it. Very impressed with the interior and sound system. Have been beating the mpg for highway by at least 3 mpg and that's doing 70-75. Would have bought a Civic but the price was higher and this edition offered better seats and a great sound system. So very satisfied so far. And I have previously owned Hondas and Toyotas.
Awesome! I think Mazda is very underrated.
How much was it out the door?
This car reminds me of a traditional japanese housewife. No headaches, doesnt expect too much, just does her job well in every aspect
Thanks for this video. I recently purchased a used Mazda 3. Liking it so far. You mentioned something about "rust-proofing the car". Could you expand on that?
I lost a McDonald's french fry under the seat of my Mazda. The salt corroded the floorboards in a month. Get your Mazda rustproofed if you are anywhere near salt whether it be on the roads in the winter or near the ocean. DIY with Fluid Film or take it to a rust proofing spray place.
I just got a 2021 Mazda 3 in late September and am LOVING it.
Mazda is golden
Sure it is
Great in depth coverage. Much thanks
Love your review. Please keep going!!
..I have this same color AND car in AWD !! I bought it brand new in the fall of 2019. I absolutely love the car! A lot of ppl don't realize that even with the torque beam rear suspension, the AWD model has MAZDA's version of torque vectoring AWD wich works flawlessly in both rain and snow! It also handle better than the front wh drive version. You can cruise between 70 and 80 mph with the engine barely snoring along. I get about 35 highway and about 27 city. This car has a somewhat tight suspension so avoid roads with potholes if possible bcs the low profile tires combined with the suspension, can be jarring at times 👀
This is a very clear and concise assessment - just bought 2021 sedan for wife and wanted straightforward and reliable design - I am quite surprised how well it handles on all but choppy surfaces - personally - I would like a little less body roll - although it does settle after the progressive springs compress a little. Maybe different compression and rebound changes to shocks may work as well?
Good value for the sector = but if a performance version is introduced - agree that more tied down and better suspension would be a consideration (and more urge too) :)
Agree. Not a bad car at all. Keep yours rust proofed please
Quality content! Saving for future reference 😅
Thanks for your insights. Learned a lot from your superb presentation.
Excellent breakdown. I like the simple design for this class of vehicle. What is the advantage of an electronic coolant thermostat and valve vs a mechanical thermostat/valve?
The computer can control it based on environment conditions, fuel condition, etc.
Offers fuel savings, since the block can be run hotter (less friction) and head cooler with two separate circuits and thermostats. Most OEs are going to this design.
My engine warms up on 3rd-4th street light😎 In the winter I have a nice heat inside fast!
When are you going to do the almighty Honda Civic?
The naturally aspirated 2L civic, of course
2L turbo of the Type R, of course.
1.5 L turbo is the most common civic engine, do that one please
@@steveneumeyer681 What? With the POS CVT transmission?
I have the 2L CVT its really good. Would like for him to check it out if he could since he could do a full in depth video on it.
I have a Mazda3 Sedan 2015 Thank you so much for excellent information .