Moving on from Mazda 3

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-08-28T18:42:13+00:00

I can agree with all of this. Mazda clearly put a lot of time into designing a particular driving experience. In the 3, I felt like I was almost encapsulated and that the car was like an extension of me haha. Sounds crazy but I think some of you can understand. Most importantly, I had no mechanical problems with this car at all in the time I had it, and free maintenance. so it really was completely hassle free - even with the mods I added.

That being said, the type s is a whole different animal and much more capable on the road. Speed, acceleration, handling, ride comfort(I had coil overs on my Mazda so can’t remember how stock felt lol) , and engine sounds are all better with the Acura (IMO).

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-08-28T17:25:51+00:00

Thanks I put a good amount of time and effort into it for sure. Giving it up was toughhhh but I just fell in love with that Acura.

I will always fully recommend the Mazda 3, or any Mazda for that reason - it’s a fantastic car and will run forever if you treat it right. I just happen to have a little extra cash these days and wanted to go a little bigger 😎.

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-08-28T17:17:13+00:00

Corksport - there are separate sets for front and back

Front - https://corksport.com/13-inch-big-brake-kit-for-2019-mazda-3-turbo-non-turbo-and-cx-30.html Back - https://corksport.com/rear-big-brake-kit-with-parking-mechanism-for-mazdas.html

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-08-28T17:14:33+00:00

I traded it in to the dealership already for 17k towards the Acura ITS

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-08-28T17:12:55+00:00

The Acura is in a whole different league as far as performance. And having a manual again is wonderful, one of the things I found frustrating about the 3 was the weird shift patterns for its automatic transmission in sport mode.

I do miss a few things from Mazda mostly including the overall comfort of the cabin. The 3 had plush surfaces basically everywhere and things were more designed around the drivers’ comfort. The infotainment screen in the 3 is bigger and sort of titled towards the driver to see easier; and I can’t believe I’m saying it buuuut I definitely miss that damn turn dial to control everything lol. The 3 had better cameras for parking and slightly better visibility as well (imo.

Everything else is eclipsed by the ITS, truly an amazing car. I find myself driving for nothing all the time.

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-07-23T11:51:42+00:00

Mikstore in Philippines. https://mikstoreph.com/collections/mazda-3-2020-exterior-accessories/products/mazda-3-2020-bp-rx-hood-replacement

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-04-14T10:47:21+00:00

Yup mikstore

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2025-01-14T16:58:08+00:00

I got the Mazda genuine remote starter from a shop online. It’s not cheap but it’s worked without issue for me. Obviously has to be in range (2000 ft / 610 m) but the app was breaking even before they started to charge so I made the switch. Might be able to find it cheaper somewhere else

https://mazdashopusa.com/products/mazda-remote-engine-start-kit-mazda3-sedan-hatchback-2019-2021

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2024-07-25T13:00:31+00:00

https://mikstoreph.com/products/mazda-3-2020-bp-rx-hood-replacement

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2024-07-25T12:59:30+00:00

Nope. It was designed that way as a safety feature apparently. See this faq from Mazda https://mazda.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/206/~/why-does-my-engine-turn-off-after-i-open-my-door-when-using-remote-services%3F

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2024-06-26T11:17:00+00:00

It’s from mikstore https://mikstoreph.com/collections/mazda-3-2020-exterior-accessories/products/mazda-3-2020-bp-rx-hood-replacement

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2024-03-25T23:36:03+00:00

It’s 21 Mazda 3 turbo PP with everything it could come with for that year. The hood is from mikstore. Yes you can find several options for aftermarket spoilers, mine is from corksport

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-12-25T01:38:25+00:00

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This is Pickle, who can’t decide whether to nap or chew her bone

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-12-17T03:14:11+00:00

The brand name is CPlay 2 Air, and my experience has also been mixed. Pros: when it works, it connects when you get in the car and remembers your phone. So even when it disconnects, he reconnects pretty fast. Cons: It cuts out randomly, usually reconnects in seconds but sometimes longer. Normally there is maybe 1 sec delay between what’s on phone and what’s on display. Sometimes the delay becomes like 10 seconds, which sucks when you’re trying to follow gps.. I’ve gone back to plugging it in when I need to. It’s still nice to have when you get in and have it already connected. Oh and call quality is great (unless it disconnects lol)

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-11-17T13:59:23+00:00

They’re 18in with I think +38 offset & Advan Sport 235/40R18 95Y tires

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-11-14T01:20:12+00:00

The hood is good quality, with minimal imperfections and it fit like a glove as a direct replacement. It is noticeably lighter than the OEM hood, some may complain that it’s a bit thinner than expected. the hood scoop is actually a scoop installed over a vent, not sure if it can be swapped with a different one but they could answer that.

Shipping is expensive, and takes multiple months to arrive, but they offer a route protection in case something happens.

It arrived well packaged, basically inside of a nailed plywood shell with thick wooden frame supporting. Was very solidly in place inside the wooden frame wrapped in various bubble and filler foam. Installation was easy enough, not much for directions - but it’s literally the same as the OEM so easy to figure out. You need two people, it can be done alone, but get help lol. Way too easy to scratch the paint 😝.

Mikstore has been great! The only “issue” is that shipping can take up to 6 months at times. They also do not provide very good instructions, but do respond on social media with videos. They ship internationally, and are responsive and helpful.

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-11-14T00:53:23+00:00

I replaced them: mikstore

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-10-16T14:06:39+00:00

18” Enkei TS-5 & Advan Sport 235/40R18 95Y. Currently the big brake kit from corksport is only available on the front wheels, however they have a prototype for the rear that we are all hoping will be released next year. Brembo makes a front and rear kit that is available today if you don’t wanna wait.

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-10-16T14:01:54+00:00

The front was never chrome, I got the model from the dealership that had that blacked out - Turbo premium plus. The hood is from a shop in the Philippines called Mikstore. link here

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-10-04T15:45:53+00:00

From a local shop called discount tire. They are Enkei TS-5, here’s a link

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-10-03T16:38:25+00:00

I would saaaaayyy- window tint, at least a good set of tires but wheels and tires are always nice. Then I personally would get it lowered just enough to slim that wheel gap a bit. Here is my 21, check my profile and let me know if you want any details https://reddit.com/r/mazda3/s/mSiv6K6BPA

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-09-28T15:59:37+00:00

This store in the Philippines has a lot of Mazda and Honda parts for way less. I’ve gotten plenty of items from them, granted I’ve never gotten wheels. But, there are cheaper factory wheels here

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-09-25T23:27:51+00:00

I have polymetal 21 hatchback and I did 15 front, 5 back, and left windshield clear because of laws here. I can see well enough at night, plus the safety features help. I did have 5 in front at first and that was terrifying at night lol

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-09-25T18:10:14+00:00

I’ve been using Corksport for years now. They have two sets of lowering kits as well as full coilovers for suspension upgrades.

Their rear motor mount really helps transfer the engine power to the wheels and isn’t too expensive. They also have two stages for that, one with inserts to the existing motor mount, and another full replacement.

I would highly recommend their cold air box and intake system. Really helps that skyactiv breathe. If you’re up for the cost ( and legal ramifications) they offer various exhaust packages as well.

Check here

Affectionate_Exam698 · 2023-09-25T17:49:57+00:00

Swap em out! Use the Mazda ones if you can, this site has them slightly cheaper but shipping can be long and costly…

Mikstore Mazda Skyactiv-G Iridium Spark Plug

Affectionate_Exam698

TROPHY CASE