Calling all mazda 3/Axela owners in NZ

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285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838616 18-Jun-2013 11:54

lxsw20:
coolcat21:
lxsw20: Somehow don't think you can pick one of those up for max 10k.

With the no CD player thing, if you go to a wrecker or look on trademe you will probably find a stereo out of a 2/2.3L will fit.

Lots of 2004-2006 Axela 1.5 on trademe that goes for 8-10 K , KM will be a bit on the high side 80-110 KM ...but kingy and a few others have bought it with that high km with no major issues.

Just the stereos are abit of a pain people have reported, since the LCD display that shows temps, A/C, clock is part of the radio/stereo.
Otherwise i would've just gotten an aftermarket player lol , but in this case i'd lose the precious LCD!

I was meaning the new shape Corolla.

I'm selling an 09 MPS if you have a spare 28k :)

I do, but i'd have to perform some kind of inception where I can pull money out of my dreams , you loaded bastard ;)

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Kingy

395 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838623 18-Jun-2013 11:57

coolcat21:
Kingy: Yeah my 05 didn't but I know some do. I ended up buying a double din headunit anyway (CD/Aux/USB etc) and got a faceplate off ebay. Works quite well.

did you lose that thin lcd ?

Yes but be aware that the 2005 model doesn't have the A/C, Temp and other features (Fuel Mileage etc) that the later 06+ models have. It only has clock and radio station. Both of which are on my new headunit. I now have a nice space where I can store my garage remote and wallet where the LCD used to be.

Web development blog: http://www.devhour.net
Follow me on twitter: @JAGracie

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838628 18-Jun-2013 12:09

Kingy:
coolcat21:
Kingy: Yeah my 05 didn't but I know some do. I ended up buying a double din headunit anyway (CD/Aux/USB etc) and got a faceplate off ebay. Works quite well.

did you lose that thin lcd ?

Yes but be aware that the 2005 model doesn't have the A/C, Temp and other features (Fuel Mileage etc) that the later 06+ models have. It only has clock and radio station. Both of which are on my new headunit. I now have a nice space where I can store my garage remote and wallet where the LCD used to be.

Ah I see, I'm glad you told me that!

So basically eff it with the LCD, unless I magically find more money to get the more expensive axelas, I should just change the stereo, and replace the LCD with a kit.

How much was the kit ? Stereos are cheap nowadays but the kit might be expensive for the mazda.

I recently installed a cheap panasonic cd player in my 90s corolla (total cost $104) ...no custom faceplate required. I think all axelas need a custom one.

Kingy

395 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838633 18-Jun-2013 12:20

coolcat21:
Kingy:
coolcat21:
Kingy: Yeah my 05 didn't but I know some do. I ended up buying a double din headunit anyway (CD/Aux/USB etc) and got a faceplate off ebay. Works quite well.

did you lose that thin lcd ?

Yes but be aware that the 2005 model doesn't have the A/C, Temp and other features (Fuel Mileage etc) that the later 06+ models have. It only has clock and radio station. Both of which are on my new headunit. I now have a nice space where I can store my garage remote and wallet where the LCD used to be.

Ah I see, I'm glad you told me that!

So basically eff it with the LCD, unless I magically find more money to get the more expensive axelas, I should just change the stereo, and replace the LCD with a kit.

How much was the kit ? Stereos are cheap nowadays but the kit might be expensive for the mazda.

I recently installed a cheap panasonic cd player in my 90s corolla (total cost $104) ...no custom faceplate required. I think all axelas need a custom one.

I got the kit off ebay for ~$20USD. Sorry I can't access it from work but do a search for 'Mazda 3 radio kit' and you'll see them.

I then got the jvc kw-r500 for just under $200 off trademe.

You could go cheaper and just go for the single din stereos but I quite liked the look of that one. You could also go way more expensive and get the all purpose GPS/TV/Stereo :P

Web development blog: http://www.devhour.net
Follow me on twitter: @JAGracie

Talkiet

4787 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#838637 18-Jun-2013 12:32

Two bits of input... well a few I guess...

I've driven all the popular middle of the range hatches as rental cars over the years and by and large they are all horrible (compared to a nice car :-) but the Mazda 3 stood out head and shoulders above the rest. Fun to drive, comfortable, quick enough - even with the 3rd rung down 2l engine.

One thing to watch, a friend bought an 06 Axela recently and it had a common issue - the magnetic clutch on the AC pump fell off. CHeap but common issue.

For the stereo, my friend bought a car specific model from eonon.com (She bought the model before this - http://www.eonon.com/Car-GPS/Specific-Car-GPS/Mazda/D5151.html )

Now, that looks amazing and in truth, it works ok.

But don't, just don't. Behind the flashy site and even the generally positive reviews in mazda forums, the company is doing nothing more than branding a cheap Chinese head unit (that's fine) but they have no ability to address any issues so their support consists of "We hope you can accept this" comments.

They refuse to have bugs fixed, they don't issue updates to old units and some parts of the system (steering wheel control, SD card playing, iPod support) are dodgy as hell.

I bought one too (generic 2DIN) and it had the same issues. I wouldn't buy from them again. The other option (get a fascia and a brand name head unit) is a MUCH better choice even though it may cost a bit more.

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

joff_nz

446 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838639 18-Jun-2013 12:36

Does the model you are looking at have a cd changer input? Ive recently been reading about adding an auxiliary in via this port. A friend has an 05 mazda 6 and its an extremely simple process and uses only a couple of dollars of materials.

Then you could buy an ipod and the car stays factory.

Kingy

395 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838641 18-Jun-2013 12:38

Yeah that is a good option. My car didn't have a CD button though so I was unable to do it.

Web development blog: http://www.devhour.net
Follow me on twitter: @JAGracie

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838675 18-Jun-2013 13:09

Talkiet: Two bits of input... well a few I guess...

I've driven all the popular middle of the range hatches as rental cars over the years and by and large they are all horrible (compared to a nice car :-) but the Mazda 3 stood out head and shoulders above the rest. Fun to drive, comfortable, quick enough - even with the 3rd rung down 2l engine.

One thing to watch, a friend bought an 06 Axela recently and it had a common issue - the magnetic clutch on the AC pump fell off. CHeap but common issue.

For the stereo, my friend bought a car specific model from eonon.com (She bought the model before this - http://www.eonon.com/Car-GPS/Specific-Car-GPS/Mazda/D5151.html )

Now, that looks amazing and in truth, it works ok.

But don't, just don't. Behind the flashy site and even the generally positive reviews in mazda forums, the company is doing nothing more than branding a cheap Chinese head unit (that's fine) but they have no ability to address any issues so their support consists of "We hope you can accept this" comments.

They refuse to have bugs fixed, they don't issue updates to old units and some parts of the system (steering wheel control, SD card playing, iPod support) are dodgy as hell.

I bought one too (generic 2DIN) and it had the same issues. I wouldn't buy from them again. The other option (get a fascia and a brand name head unit) is a MUCH better choice even though it may cost a bit more.

Cheers - N

Whoa magnetic clutch pump ? I'm semi mechanic oriented but if that fell off , doesn't that mean you have to take out the engine, belt etc to replace it ?
and how did she know it fell off ? did the ac just refuse to blow cold air one day ?

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838676 18-Jun-2013 13:11

joff_nz: Does the model you are looking at have a cd changer input? Ive recently been reading about adding an auxiliary in via this port. A friend has an 05 mazda 6 and its an extremely simple process and uses only a couple of dollars of materials.

Then you could buy an ipod and the car stays factory.

is it amongst the first row buttons ? dunno.

But some of them I've noticed doesn't have a cd opening ...which means it's basically just a crap factory radio.

This is 2004 lol...a cd/radio combo should be standard , even if crap factory version.

Talkiet

4787 posts

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#838678 18-Jun-2013 13:12

No, the clutch on the Airconditioning pump is a magnetic one... The AC pump hangs off the bottom half of the engine and I was able to diagnose it without even jacking the car up... Replacement would have involved only jacking the car up or using a lift.

Cheers N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#838679 18-Jun-2013 13:13

lxsw20: Somehow don't think you can pick one of those up for max 10k.

With the no CD player thing, if you go to a wrecker or look on trademe you will probably find a stereo out of a 2/2.3L will fit.

Hmm OK. I interperated "new car" as factory new.

coolcat21

285 posts

Ultimate Geek

#838680 18-Jun-2013 13:18

Talkiet: No, the clutch on the Airconditioning pump is a magnetic one... The AC pump hangs off the bottom half of the engine and I was able to diagnose it without even jacking the car up... Replacement would have involved only jacking the car up or using a lift.

Cheers N

How much did it cost in total ?

I have my personal mechanic that I go to, he mostly works on jap cars (kinda freelances in the weekends) , that something he could fix ?

Talkiet

4787 posts

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#838681 18-Jun-2013 13:20

No idea what it cost - it happened only a couple of days after she bought it so she took it back and they handled it...

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

Disrespective

1921 posts

Uber Geek

#839045 19-Jun-2013 08:26

I've driven all of the Mazda 3 range and realistically they all drive pretty well. Responsive, smooth ride, middle of the range interior, relatively comfortable seats. They match up pretty well to the Corolla in my mind.

In the end we settled on looking for a SP25 but got a great deal on an MPS and couldn't pass it up. Don't drive one if you don't want one. It does make you reconsider things...

I'm not too sure on the reliability side of it as mine is quite new but regular 6/12month servicing and some tlc has seen a friends Axela up over 150k from 2006 (I believe) with nothing more major than tyres, airfilter and oil.

nickb800

2715 posts

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#839049 19-Jun-2013 08:41

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

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