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Purchasing a Mazda 3


johnmayerrr

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Since it's a sport nav, you might want to use the built-in SatNav. If you want to keep it up-to-date (with map updates, etc.), you will need to buy a membership to map updates and related services (since the 3 years that came with it are over). You MUST make sure that the SD card you put in your 2014 model is 16GB, because the 8GB card that came with it at the time was not big enough to handle the new patches. Due to the protection of the licencing on the SD card, only a dealer can move the licencing from an 8GB SD card to a 16GB SD card that Mazda provides. After that, you can update the map as usual through the Mazda tools.

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If purchased from a dealer, request that the infotainment system's software be updated to the most recent version.
It should be part of the service, but it appears I had to request mine. When I first received my 14 plate car, there were numerous accidents and hangups. There have been numerous enhancements since then.

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5 minutes ago, BENZE220AMG said:

If purchased from a dealer, request that the infotainment system's software be updated to the most recent version.
It should be part of the service, but it appears I had to request mine. When I first received my 14 plate car, there were numerous accidents and hangups. There have been numerous enhancements since then.

However, the stock firmware in our 1965 Mazda 3 is performing perfectly.  A few upgrades had been made to my 2015 Mazda 6, but the car still had a will of its own.  If it's not broken, don't fix it.

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20 minutes ago, johnmayerrr said:

Hi all,

Changing from a 13 plate Golf TDI SE DSG to a 14 plate Mazda 3 2.2 sport nav.

Anything I should watch out for in advance? Will be the first Mazda, and it has only 16,000 miles on the odometer and FSH.
 

Given the low mileage, I would make sure the DPF and EGR have been checked and the oil has just been replaced.  If you aren't intending on doing either, I would have severe doubts about purchasing this car:

    At least 10,000 miles of largely lengthy excursions (over 20 miles) and very few short trips from cold, or; Preferably much over 20,000 miles per year of mostly longer trips, to avoid DPF active regens, particularly if you can't keep driving until the active regen completes.


Examine the vehicle's history for evidence of DPF or oil dilution/high level concerns.  Check out Honest John's reviews area for further information about difficulties, particularly the 'Good & Bad' subsection:

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/3-2014/
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/mazda/3-2014/good/

If operated properly and carefully maintained, it should run admirably and is a capable engine and vehicle.  If your annual mileage isn't that high and you make a reasonable number of short journeys from cold, I'd hedge my bets (assuming you've already committed to buying the car and can't back out/swap to a petrol) and get the oil changed every 6 months to ensure those engine problems are reduced at the very least.

Also, 18in tyres are a unique (uncommon) size, and they are NOT cheap - Mazda dealers sometimes charge an outrageously high £150 per; you should be able to buy the same from the better tyre chains for between £115 - £130 installed.  Low profile tyres have the normal drawbacks of being more prone to damage, lasting less time, and providing a firmer/noisier ride than higher profile tyres.

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Due to the vehicle's very low mileage, I would verify that the DPF and EGR have been serviced, and I would also make sure that it has recently had its oil changed.  If you aren't planning on any of these things, I would have severe qualms about purchasing this car:

    To avoid active regens of the DPF, you must have driven at least 10 000 miles with the most of those miles being lengthy travels (over 20 miles) and very few short excursions from cold. Alternatively, you must have driven well over 20 000 miles each year with the majority of those miles being longer journeys. This is particularly important if you are unable to continue driving until the active regen is finished.

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I'll pick up the properly serviced automobile soon.

My commute is 35 miles each way five days a week, plus a lengthy weekend trip to the country, so hopefully the troubles will be minimal. I have a warranty that covers the faults described.

Can the Mazda hear the DPF cleaning like the Golf? Engine sound deeper?

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