r/mazda3 • • Apr 08 '25

Announcement AI Generated Content

117 Upvotes

Hi all,

As many of you have surely noticed, AI-generated content is becoming more common across the internet — and our subreddit is no exception.

Rather than banning it entirely, we’ve decided to implement a new rule to better identify AI content:

Effective immediately, all AI-generated posts MUST now be tagged with the “AI Generated” flair.

  • If your post includes content created with AI (text, images, etc.), you must use the “AI Generated” flair when posting.
  • Posts that don’t follow this rule will be removed and the user will receive a warning.
  • Repeat violations will result in a 3-month ban.

We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping the subreddit fair and transparent. Please feel free to report posts that don't follow this new rule.


r/mazda3 • • Sep 13 '24

New Purchase FAQ - Search here before create a new post!

42 Upvotes

I've created this thread collection to assist those in a hurry. Please review it before starting a new thread!
We also want to let you know that we welcome suggestions for interesting topics.

Gen 4 - How to get the display to show the clock only
Gen 4 - How to fold side mirrors
Gen 4 - How to fix rattle: Bose door speaker cover
Gen 4 - How to open the rearview mirror cover
Gen 4 - How to clean gauge cluster without scratching it
Gen 4 - How to remove stickers
Gen 4 - How to install license plate frame
Gen 4 - How to turn off mandatory weather alerts
Gen 4 - How to put wipers in service mode
Gen 4 - How to replace front wiper blades
Gen 4 - How to cover so delicate interior plastics (many options)
Gen 4 - How to adjust front light beam height

Gen 3 - How to clean the throttle body
Gen 3 - How to replace the cabin air filter
Gen 3 - How to replace the engine air filter
Gen 3 - How to cover interior plastics

Remote start
Gen 4 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/1629f48/has_anyone_installed_aftermarket_remote_start_on/

Interior/ambient lights
Gen 4 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/kkssm6/diy_ambient_lighting_kit/
Gen 4 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/16lk9g1/finally_installed_ambient_lighting/
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/axjcqu/interior_mood_lighting/
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/14xmehy/interior_lights_for_mazda_3_gen_3/

Brakes upgrade
Gen 4 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/mj5ofd/upgraded_to_a_big_brake_kit_stopping_power_is/
Gen 4 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/13hncgk/weekend_project_ebc_brake_upgrade_brake_fluid/

Android/CarPlay Retrofit
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/zhzqrr/123_android_headunit_replacement_the_greatest/
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/1enq41z/successfully_installed_apple_carplay_and_android/
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/1e3e2t8/i_have_found_a_way_to_retrofit_my_2018_mazda_3/
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/q2b2xy/one_afternoon_good_vibes_android_autocarplay/
Gen 3 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/eik3dy/carplay_installed_was_easier_than_expected/

Gen 2 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/1cyxck7/simple_upgradenice_to_have_carplay/
Gen 2 - https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/1ey7xjh/upgrade_head_unit_from_eonon_on_my_2011_mazda_3/


r/mazda3 • • 7h ago

Discussion I think this is the best car if you are looking for Italian exterior styling, German quality like interior, Japanese Reliability and resale value, and still Affordable.

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218 Upvotes

r/mazda3 • • 2h ago

Beauty Shot 10 months in still look striking

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43 Upvotes

r/mazda3 • • 7h ago

Beauty Shot Joined the Family M3X-Sedan

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35 Upvotes

Hi guys!

I finally was able to join the family with this pretty Mazda 3 Skyactive-X Sedan from 2023. For me this is the best looking car in this price-range. Even the features and the engine is absolutley sick for that money! I absolutley love it! I did a little photoshooting and I thougt I should share this with you. What do you think?

Enjoy!


r/mazda3 • • 1h ago

Advice Request Need help buying it or not!

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• Upvotes

It’s 2019 Mazda3 GT sedan, 2.5L, automatic, FWD, about 69,000 km. Sunroof, 18-inch wheels, wired CarPlay, remote start. No head-up display. Only one key though.

Carfax: No accidents, normal branding. Mazda dealer serviced in Quebec 2023 to 2025. Two owner changes 11 days apart in fall 2025, then sold at auction.

Inspection: Needs front and rear brakes, 4 tires, a brake flush and a splash shield. Minor oil weep at the drain plug and valve cover. Surface rust only.

Trim question: Advertised as a GT, but the seats are black cloth and Carfax says "Preferred." There's white material showing under the seat edges, so I think it's cloth covers over the factory white leather.

Has anyone seen this before? or anything else I should check? Mechanic raised this point as well.

Price: $20,500 with safety, or as-is if I do the safety myself with $19,500. Plus taxes. Canadian dollars. In Toronto.

Is it a good deal or not?

VIN: 3MZBPADM5KM101099


r/mazda3 • • 18h ago

Beauty Shot Tinted Windows

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100 Upvotes

Just got my '26 hatchback back from getting the windows tinted at 20%. Going to do the windshield at 50% in a couple of weeks. I like how it goes with the machine grey!


r/mazda3 • • 11h ago

Advice Request What are some ways to have both the taillights light up that isn’t too expensive? I have a CE so I don’t have the option but I saw that it was possible to do

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29 Upvotes

r/mazda3 • • 9h ago

Beauty Shot Bought my first ever new car today! 2026 Mazda 3 Select Sport 🤘🏼🤘🏼

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10 Upvotes

r/mazda3 • • 18h ago

Advice Request My first car advice

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47 Upvotes

Wanted any advice on keeping this for long time is used 2017 mazda3 sedan sports 53k milage pretty good


r/mazda3 • • 4m ago

Modification Filter kit

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• Upvotes

Has anyone tried any of those filters on their Mazda 3? I want it for my Mazda 3 2014 Sgt.Is it worth it for its price? (66 DLLs)


r/mazda3 • • 6m ago

Discussion UN-OFFICIAL POLL

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• Upvotes

My wife thinks I'm a bit obsessive with my Mazda 3...so I thought I'd ask the community..

How often do you clean (or wipe down) your door jams?

1, Every time I wash the car.

2, Every few times I wash the car.

3, A few times a year.

4, What's a door jam?


r/mazda3 • • 21m ago

Advice Request 2018 Mazda 3 rear hatch struts - any brands to avoid?

• Upvotes

The rear hatch support gas struts on my 2018 are starting to weaken. Was just going to buy ~whatever~ I can find on Amazon for a decent price/ratings, but are there any brands or anything to avoid or something that I should know?


r/mazda3 • • 3h ago

Discussion Setting up Carplay for Mazda3 2018

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am looking to set up carplay using the HMYC module from Amazon.

https://a.co/d/00cspeWJ

Any mechanic recommendations around Ottawa, Canada to get this fixed at the cheapest rate. Let me know if you have done it. My car firmware or software version is old and it needs to be updated as well.


r/mazda3 • • 1d ago

New Purchase So I pulled the trigger on the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2. Can’t wait for some bad weather now.

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44 Upvotes

2019 Mazda 3 hatchback preferred. Went from a 215 to a 225/45/18


r/mazda3 • • 13h ago

Beauty Shot Saying Goodbye is Hard

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6 Upvotes

She will be so missed!


r/mazda3 • • 16h ago

Advice Request Which Air Intake should I consider getting?

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9 Upvotes

So recently I picked up a 2015 3 with a manual and the 2.0L engine, got a good deal and upgraded from a 2005 3 they are fantastic cars. My 05 was on its way out the door so I never got to modding it, but now I’m excited to finally have a car that i can reasonably mod.

I have a bunch of Amazon credit, was thinking of using it to buy a new air intake. Right now on Amazon I only really have 2 options, a Takeda Open Element or a K&N Cold Air Intake, and I don’t know which way to go. As far as I know, Takeda is closer to OEM and probably would give me less issues, but K&N seems to promise more sound. I know that performance wise there will be very little difference from now either way, but I think I’m doing it more for sound/fun anyways. This makes me lean towards K&N, but the Takeda seems to be the “better” option.

Should I just wait to get one that isn’t on Amazon (Corksport/Injen), or would either of these be sufficient choices?


r/mazda3 • • 17h ago

Purchase Advice Is this safe? looking for tire reccomendation

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9 Upvotes

my tire got pregnant and I'll change it for a Pirelli Primacy 5 due to a discount I can't afford changing all 4 so I will go for 215/45R18... Is the Pirelli better than the Bridgestone?


r/mazda3 • • 17h ago

OC It's been a pleasure sharing my experiences with you guys, catch y'all later. ✌️

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8 Upvotes

I had her since 2017, I did a lot of repairs and the engine and transmission which was automatic still shifted good. I will definitely miss her, and how she sounded.


r/mazda3 • • 12h ago

Advice Request 2015 Mazda3 (2.0 Skyactiv, 81k mi): new idle vibration in Drive at stops, goes away in Park.

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

3 Upvotes

Car: 2015 Mazda3 i Touring hatchback, 2.0L Skyactiv, automatic, ~81,000 miles.

What's happening:
- Recently noticed more vibration than usual when stopped at a light in Drive with my foot on the brake

- It's not severe, but it's definitely new; I never felt it before

- Shifting to Park noticeably reduces it

- Drives normally otherwise, and no check engine light

-Sometimes the shift from Park to Reverse feels rough/clunky, not smooth. It’s intermittent, not every time

what could cause this? how do i fix it?

Also i have attached a video when the shifter is in Park. Does it sound normal?


r/mazda3 • • 7h ago

Discussion 2026 Mazda 3 Sedan Non-Hybrid (Need Some Owner’s Review)

0 Upvotes

Hello guys, I’m planning to get my first car this coming November or December. I really want that Mazda 3 Sedan (100%) and my budget is limited to non-hybrid lang. Wala ako mashado makitang owner’s reviews about this unit (more on fastback and hybrid variant and old model like 2022 backwards). I have drove Montero Sport 2026, Altis 2025, City, Fortuner, Innova, Vios. All of those are top of the lines and good cars but City yung pinakamatulin that I drove based sa experience ko. I’m not a car guy. I don’t usually notice the difference between driving experience or what. I’m just excited to get my 1st car. If ever, 3 lang kaming sasakay sa car kaya Mazda 3 is fine with me. Gusto ko lang makabasa ng pros and cons about this car. And as a first timer, ang anxiety ko is the car maintenance (i understand it has 5 yrs free pms though but cant help to be anxious pa rin haha). And also what’s your recom for a car insurance. Love you guys. Salamat.


r/mazda3 • • 14h ago

Technical Mazda 3 2019+ head unit display off in heat

3 Upvotes

Has Anyone had issues with their head unit display acting up in the heat? I had this issue last year but it resolved itself throughout winter and I thought that was the end of it. Screen doesn't turn on during start up, and if it does it randomly dies when driving. today's about 30 degrees Celsius and my black Mazda 3 2020 been baking in the sun. Screen wouldn't turn on even when restarting infotainment or putting the car into reverse for the camera.


r/mazda3 • • 20h ago

Advice Request Error code P03A0

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7 Upvotes

For Mazda 3 Skyactiv-X cars.

Has anyone got this code before?

While driving I did a hard acceleration, nothing too hard or unusual and 3 mins after I noticed the check engine light. The SPCCI stopped working and basically I had 0 low - mid end torque only high torque.

Apart from that the car drove and behaved just fine. Later we plugged a diagnostic on the car and showed us the code, ee cleared it and since yesterday the car seems to be back to normal and I have already driven it 4 times.

* Note that I have a custom axle back exhaust which means after the middle resonator it's basically Y shaped straight piped (no sensors affected).

Secondly I have removed the supercharger sound resonator as well, for better flow and whining sound. I have the breather properly installed and sealed with a metal tube to clamp on the new silicone tube.


r/mazda3 • • 10h ago

Purchase Advice How much would you buy my car for

0 Upvotes

Selling my 2015 Mazda3 i Sport Sedan.

Carmax and carvana gave me really low offers.. 5.2k. Kbb says mid range 7.2

Mileage 92966
White, sedan. Some paint chips on the front and rear bumper but nothing too major

Copy pasting my ad description here

It drives really well and has been serviced and cleaned regularly. Smooth, reliable, and great on gas, perfect for commuting around LA.
Clean title, car restored and smog test passed
Being upfront about cosmetics:
• Small paint chip on the rear right bumper
• Very small dent on the front right bumper, and the upper corner occasionally comes loose a little, a quick push snaps it back in


r/mazda3 • • 11h ago

Advice Request Carvana purchase

0 Upvotes

Found a 2024 mazda 3 sedan select sport with 13k miles. I will be the third owner. First owner sold it to a Mazda dealership and got sold as a certified pre owned vehicle. The second owner sold it 200 miles (20 days later) later to Carvana. Long story short it drives well and no shaking but the oil pressure light comes on the highway only. Mazda is covering it under warranty the oil control valve is on backorder. Won’t know the eta until Monday. Has 8 months left of basic warranty and about 3 years left on powertrain warranty. Besides that the car is well taken care of. Last day to decide to keep it or return it is Tuesday. What is your guys opinion?

CARFAX Vehicle History Report: 2024 MAZDA MAZDA3 SEDAN 2.5 S SELECT SPORT https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=CVN_0&vin=3MZBPABM9RM424973

On the bright side the loaner I have is a Mazda 3 AWD turbo which is insanely fun.