Calling all mazda 3/Axela owners in NZ

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#839065 19-Jun-2013 09:09

nickb800:An alternative is to get a Grom branded kit, they make units that plug into the CD changer port in the rear and offer bluetooth, USB, aux-in integrated with the stock stereo display. About $200NZD landed in NZ, plug in a 32GB flash drive and you'll forget about CDs

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Have you used one? They seem pretty good from what i'm reading.

nickb800

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#839068 19-Jun-2013 09:16

Disrespective:
nickb800:An alternative is to get a Grom branded kit, they make units that plug into the CD changer port in the rear and offer bluetooth, USB, aux-in integrated with the stock stereo display. About $200NZD landed in NZ, plug in a 32GB flash drive and you'll forget about CDs
This is exactly what I've been looking for. Have you used one? They seem pretty good from what i'm reading.

Nope, but am very close to buying one, reviews seem good. The main reason to get one is for a bluetooth handsfree, I have a Pioneer bluetooth headunit in my Corolla which is fantastic.

Only downside of the Grom gear is that the microphone apparently picks up a lot of noise, but sounds like that can be worked around through the placement of the microphone. Also the Mp3 folder arrangement seems kind of limited (max number of folders, songs per folder - best to look this up yourself) but I'm not interested in the USB/MP3 capability.

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#839078 19-Jun-2013 09:34

nickb800: My parents have a couple of 3's - can't remember the years (2006-2007ish), a 2.0 Auto, 2.3 Manual. Great cars, quite economical and the manual is a lot of fun to drive. They tended to buy 3 year old cars and hold onto them for 3 years or so before flicking them off, but are now looking to keep the 3's for much longer as they are so happy with them.

My only concern would be that the 1.5 auto might be a little underpowered, but that's up to your preference.

I'd replace the stereo with a name brand double-DIN, removing the stock LCD screen only looses the AC air temp and fan speed, which aren't that necessary. An alternative is to get a Grom branded kit, they make units that plug into the CD changer port in the rear and offer bluetooth, USB, aux-in integrated with the stock stereo display. About $200NZD landed in NZ, plug in a 32GB flash drive and you'll forget about CDs

Awesome thanks!

Oh one more thing y'all before i start car-hunting (slowly)(and this thing is probably a silly thing). But after more research, it seems that the base MZ3 model doesn't even have central locking too ?!?! Strange since they all come with keyfobs though. So when you press lock/unlock it only does it for the driver door ? I also were looking at pics of the driver doors handrest and all i could see were switches for power windows, power mirrors and mirror locks.

Seems like a silly question I know,,..but i wouldn't even bother going for test drives and researching online if a 2004 - onwards base model doesn't even have central locking. It's a pain opening doors for everyone manually from inside.

Kingy

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#839082 19-Jun-2013 09:37

My 05 has central locking. On all doors.

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Disrespective

1926 posts

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#839083 19-Jun-2013 09:39

nickb800:
Disrespective:
nickb800:An alternative is to get a Grom branded kit, they make units that plug into the CD changer port in the rear and offer bluetooth, USB, aux-in integrated with the stock stereo display. About $200NZD landed in NZ, plug in a 32GB flash drive and you'll forget about CDs
This is exactly what I've been looking for. Have you used one? They seem pretty good from what i'm reading.

Nope, but am very close to buying one, reviews seem good. The main reason to get one is for a bluetooth handsfree, I have a Pioneer bluetooth headunit in my Corolla which is fantastic.

Only downside of the Grom gear is that the microphone apparently picks up a lot of noise, but sounds like that can be worked around through the placement of the microphone. Also the Mp3 folder arrangement seems kind of limited (max number of folders, songs per folder - best to look this up yourself) but I'm not interested in the USB/MP3 capability.

I like it for the steering control integration but I haven't read enough to know if it's only for the iPod or not. I like the BT, too. I don't like how it deals with the iPod or attached storage with the need for playlists and unique folder setups.

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#839094 19-Jun-2013 09:48

Kingy: My 05 has central locking. On all doors.

on the driver's door control panel and also remote too right ?

I guess i'm just paranoid , since i can't seem to spot it from the pics.

Those ads on trademe, autotrader sometimes give false info (nz new when it's clearly not)..etc.

I guess yea it's easier to go and see it for yourself, but just wondering if all models (very basic to loaded) have c/l as standard....and it seems like it now , since yours is the basic 1.5 (which is one i'm looking at.)

Otherwise i wouldn't have bothered and just start researching somthing else lol.

Thanks tho guys, you've been much help :) it's always nicer to talk to owners rather than salesmen!

Kingy

395 posts

Ultimate Geek

#839098 19-Jun-2013 09:51

Yep if I flick the lock on the drivers door all the other doors lock/unlock. And yes c/l on the keyfob as well. End of the day just remember to check when you go for a test drive.

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hemantdb

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#841770 22-Jun-2013 22:16

I have Axela 2007 ( bought for 15 K , 33000 kms ) , it has been 13 months since I bought it. No issues , nice car to drive. fuel economy around 10 km / litre.

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#841809 22-Jun-2013 23:15

hemantdb: I have Axela 2007 ( bought for 15 K , 33000 kms ) , it has been 13 months since I bought it. No issues , nice car to drive. fuel economy around 10 km / litre.

Whoa, for the 1.5 ? Tell me you have the 2.0 lol.

Mostly city driving ?

nickb800

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#841896 23-Jun-2013 10:57

coolcat21:
hemantdb: I have Axela 2007 ( bought for 15 K , 33000 kms ) , it has been 13 months since I bought it. No issues , nice car to drive. fuel economy around 10 km / litre.

Whoa, for the 1.5 ? Tell me you have the 2.0 lol.

Mostly city driving ?

Yeah that sounds a bit much, I can get the 2.3L down to 7L/100km on the open road (with a heavily loaded car & heavy foot)

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#841955 23-Jun-2013 14:40

nickb800:
coolcat21:
hemantdb: I have Axela 2007 ( bought for 15 K , 33000 kms ) , it has been 13 months since I bought it. No issues , nice car to drive. fuel economy around 10 km / litre.

Whoa, for the 1.5 ? Tell me you have the 2.0 lol.

Mostly city driving ?

Yeah that sounds a bit much, I can get the 2.3L down to 7L/100km on the open road (with a heavily loaded car & heavy foot)

That's extremely frugal for that engine on that condition dude.

RON 98 ? I've always wondered what the 2.3 would be like if you run it on 91.

lxsw20

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#841998 23-Jun-2013 16:52

Probably detonate it's head off.

coolcat21

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#842024 23-Jun-2013 18:37

lxsw20: Probably detonate it's head off.

Zoom zoom to boom boom ?

Probably the knock sensor would save it.

nickb800

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#842060 23-Jun-2013 20:31

coolcat21:
nickb800:
coolcat21:
hemantdb: I have Axela 2007 ( bought for 15 K , 33000 kms ) , it has been 13 months since I bought it. No issues , nice car to drive. fuel economy around 10 km / litre.

Whoa, for the 1.5 ? Tell me you have the 2.0 lol.

Mostly city driving ?

Yeah that sounds a bit much, I can get the 2.3L down to 7L/100km on the open road (with a heavily loaded car & heavy foot)

That's extremely frugal for that engine on that condition dude.

RON 98 ? I've always wondered what the 2.3 would be like if you run it on 91.

I should have mentioned, that's on 96.

FYI in our experience it paid off to run the 2.3L on 96 and to run the 2.0L on 91, presumably you'd run a 1.5 on 91 too

Disrespective

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#842068 23-Jun-2013 20:45

My MPS 2.3 Turbo has an average of 9.3L/100k on it's onboard computer (Averaged over about 10,000k's and an even mix of open road and around town driving). On the open road in 6th I get about 6.5-7.5 depending on the day. Flying up a hill around town in third i've seen it jump up to over 60L... briefly.

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