Mazda 3 Advice Please
Mazda 3 Advice Please
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Discussion

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Monday 18th July 2022
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Looking at getting a Mazda 3, end of the year.
Between 2014 and 2018. Petrol, manual, 5 door.

What's the difference between the " Sport " and the " SE-L " and the " SE " ?

Looking at the performance they are identical. But I'd assume it's some difference in the alloys and in car technology ?

WonkeyDonkey

2,576 posts

131 months

Monday 18th July 2022
quotequote all
Trim levels surely. Seek out a brochure for the revevant MY.

https://www.veikl.com/d/Mazda-3-Brochure-UK-2016-E...

Edited by WonkeyDonkey on Monday 18th July 07:49

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Monday 18th July 2022
quotequote all
Brilliant thanks guys

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Wednesday 20th July 2022
quotequote all

Seems as though you need to install Android Auto yourself via USB.
I heard that if the in car system has been updated to a newer FW then it's very difficult


Edited by MakaveliX on Wednesday 20th July 19:03

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
I'd strongly consider Mazda used approved as the prices are comparable to Cinch/AvailableCar/ArnoldClark but a 12 month warranty is included.
Do they drop off to a local garage ? As I won't be able to travel the length of the country to pickup the car biggrin

Otherwise, could you guys suggest the best place to get a Mazda 3 ?

I understand I can use Spotify via Bluetooth and change songs via the steering wheel control.

The only draw back however is lack of Android Auto as I'd ideally want to use Google Maps.
I know you can install third party hacks to get Auto, but wouldn't want to run anything buggy etc. If I took the car to Mazda, would they be able to install a newer system which does have auto ?

So I'd like to know how decent is the Mazda 3's built in sat nav, and anything to consider before buying ?
Suppose I could just use my phone on a vent mount for the odd time I do use SatNav

dontlookdown

2,472 posts

121 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
Have a 2014 sport nav, it's a good car. But even the 165bhp sport isn't a ball of fire. The 120bhp that most came with is not going to set your hair on fire.

On the 18in wheels there is a fair bit of road noise. Not the quietest cars out there. Comfy and good to drive, low running costs, well made and v reliable.

Re the tech, there was a facelift .ca 2016 and I think the post-facelift models come with the Android Auto compatibility. Earlier ones can be hacked but that comes with risk of course.

Sat nav is old. Waze/Google maps much better.

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
dontlookdown said:
Have a 2014 sport nav, it's a good car. But even the 165bhp sport isn't a ball of fire. The 120bhp that most came with is not going to set your hair on fire.

On the 18in wheels there is a fair bit of road noise. Not the quietest cars out there. Comfy and good to drive, low running costs, well made and v reliable.

Re the tech, there was a facelift .ca 2016 and I think the post-facelift models come with the Android Auto compatibility. Earlier ones can be hacked but that comes with risk of course.

Sat nav is old. Waze/Google maps much better.
Thanks for the info.
I can only seem to find information saying the Gen 4 has Auto. Not any of the Gen 3's unless hacked.

I'd assume if buying from used approved/cinch etc, they'd upgrade the FW to the latest one before selling the car. Making it difficult.

That's the only drawback from what I can see, as otherwise the car is perfect for me.

dontlookdown

2,472 posts

121 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
If it's a biggie for you, I would call a Mazda dealer and ask to speak to a senior tech or workshop manager. They should know what can be upgraded and how.

Wouldn't assume any seller would upgrade anything with the market as frothy as it is now.

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
dontlookdown said:
If it's a biggie for you, I would call a Mazda dealer and ask to speak to a senior tech or workshop manager. They should know what can be upgraded and how.

Wouldn't assume any seller would upgrade anything with the market as frothy as it is now.
Yeah I'll contact mazda. Thanks

I'm sure I can manage with the built in sat nav or Google maps on my phone with a vent holder

By upgrade I also meant that the previous owner may have updated the firmware of the system to a newer one which cannot be hacked.

Peldrigal

105 posts

86 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
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I think BBR can get them to 180 bhp if you feel so inclined.

dontlookdown

2,472 posts

121 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
Peldrigal said:
I think BBR can get them to 180 bhp if you feel so inclined.
Prob worth it on a 120bhp model. But an extra 15bhp on the 165s, nor so much.

MakaveliX

Original Poster:

666 posts

57 months

Thursday 21st July 2022
quotequote all
According to Mazda as long as the car has MZD Connect, I can get Android Auto fitted afterwards...
https://www.mazda.co.uk/owners/accessories/details...

I'd assume the Gen 3 ( 2014 to 2018 ) has MZD connect ?