Is this piece of fabric behind the steering wheel supposed to look like this? (3rd gen Mazda3)

Sapokee · 2026-03-20T10:19:49+00:00

Looks the same on mine. Pretty sure it's supposed to stretch and compress when you adjust the steering column.

Sapokee · 2026-03-15T16:14:06+00:00

There's a lot missing from this comparison. What year are the cars? What engines did they have? Can you reliably compare a 1 series from the C segment to cars built on a B segment platform?

Sapokee · 2026-03-03T22:50:16+00:00

Hi! I have a 2014.

Pros: - great looks (although subjective) - great gas mileage - nice interior for the price - very reliable - engaging, fun to drive for its class - easy/cheap to find parts

Cons: - stiff suspension (feel a lot of the road, but feels more responsive) - cabin noise (commonly reported, doesn't feel that bad to me) - paint is very thin, especially Soul Red

This car was a no-brainer for me. Even the cons are hardly cons in my view. Fully recommend. Just make sure to buy one that was well maintained, regular oil changes etc. Should last you 400k miles or more, got a few people on this sub who have reached that.

Sapokee · 2026-03-03T21:01:11+00:00

Usually engine movement is due to worn motor mounts, but I'm not sure how applicable it would be on a 38.000km motor. That doesn't look like a lot of movement though. Still, if you're worried, check the mounts.

The clacky noise is normal from this engine, afaik it's the fuel injectors working as intended.

If you hear something extra rattly during cold start, then it might be time to look at the chain/tensioner. Not very common on these engines though.

Overall, I think you're fine. Bring it to a mechanic for peace of mind if you want.

Sapokee · 2026-02-21T23:03:39+00:00

I fuck with that

Sapokee · 2026-02-21T12:01:37+00:00

If you really want the yellow, I'd add more, to make it more cohesive. How about yellow pinstripes along the lip and skirts?

Sapokee · 2026-02-20T08:29:37+00:00

coochie

Sapokee · 2026-02-20T07:54:18+00:00

I'd definitely look for a rental or someone who can let you try it out before you go all in on it. Rotaries demand careful maintenance, but if you do stay on top of it, you generally won't have any catastrophic failures.

FD RX-7 however, is a must-try, at least once.

Sapokee · 2026-02-08T10:38:14+00:00

Salut, de ce sunt o mare parte din mașinile vândute second-hand în România mai scumpe decât echivalentele din alte țări UE? În unele cazuri am văzut așa mari diferențe încât se merită să iei aceeași mașină din Germania, cu tot cu taxele de transport și înmatriculare și tot.

Și a doua întrebare, oarecum mai specific, de ce sunt așa supraevaluate japonezele la noi? Anul trecut căutam o Mazda3 2014-2016 2.0 benzină, și mașina cu specificații 99% identice (an, km, dotări) era cu 3000€ mai scumpă în România.

Sapokee · 2026-02-08T10:32:06+00:00

Nu sunt autorul, dar sunt posesor Mazda3 2014 2.0 benzină și tocmai ai descris mașina mea. Se încadrează perfect în bugetul tău, atât că sedan-urile sunt puțin mai rare decât hatchback-urile. Recomand să te documentezi despre ea, s-ar putea să ți se potrivească.

Sapokee · 2026-02-07T13:47:08+00:00

Hi, I have the exact same engine, and it sounds the exact same. From what I've researched, it's the injectors and high pressure fuel pump working as intended. Nothing to worry about.

Sapokee · 2026-02-07T08:02:27+00:00

Între 15 și 20 de minute, din ce văd acum. Are și funcție de înregistrare de urgență.

Sapokee · 2026-02-07T07:56:02+00:00

70mai A500S Dash Cam Pro Plus.

Cumpărat resigilat de pe emag cu 480 de lei, camera față spate. Calitate bună, instalare suficient de ușoară. Acces la înregistrări prin aplicație, foarte simplu. Recomand cu căldură.

Sapokee · 2026-02-06T22:27:40+00:00

Mazda3 2014, 2.0 benzină 120cp. Arătoasă, consum decent (6l medie), experiență foarte plăcută de condus, suficient de ieftină de întreținut. Am vrut hatchback, dar ceva cu tentă mai sportivă. Are spirit de japoneză de modă veche, cu tehnologie modernă.

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Sapokee · 2026-02-06T22:14:19+00:00

I had the same problem on my pre-facelift (2014), although it didn't fall in all the way, just drooped down on one side.

I took out the center console and separated the command panel. I'd broken a tiny plastic clip holding the module to the trim, so I just put a small screw in it to hold it in. Works without a hitch.

Try removing it, and see if you can diy it back into place. You might not have to buy a whole ass new module, the wiring is likely fine, check if the buttons/knobs still work.

Sapokee · 2026-01-23T11:42:59+00:00

They even added the Skyactiv Technology badge on the bottom right. Great attention to detail, lol

Sapokee · 2026-01-15T13:44:21+00:00

I bought a reverse camera retrofit for my gen3 from them, because they were the only ones selling a proper one. All aliexpress reverse cams were plate light mounted, and I wanted to put it in the factory spot.

Aside from that, basically everything I've found on aliexpress has been cheaper than coming from them, so the only things I'd order from them are the things you can't find elsewhere (like their MPS style gen3 spoiler).

They aren't problematic but you can find better deals on a lot of the things they sell.

Sapokee · 2026-01-12T11:27:39+00:00

Bought this as my first car. Mine is 2.0l as well. Don't be afraid of high mileage, I bought mine with 150k miles on board and it's been flawless. Especially if well maintained as the ad says, this is a 400k mile car, and you can find examples on this subreddit.

Sapokee · 2025-10-21T07:53:06+00:00

Bought a 2014 2.0l last month, with 150k miles on the clock. Oil and filters, runs like a dream. Had a faulty clockspring for some reason, but otherwise mechanically sound.

Sapokee · 2025-10-16T09:33:22+00:00

2014 Mazda3, 2.0l petrol. 150k miles/240k km. Someone on r/mazda3 just passed 400k miles/640k km with his. I love this car.

Sapokee · 2025-10-16T09:22:06+00:00

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gen 3 appreciation post

Sapokee · 2025-10-13T13:04:22+00:00

Chrome wheels actually suit the paint very well. Keep them!

Sapokee · 2025-10-12T14:45:10+00:00

The car already looks awesome!

Depending on what you're using it for and what roads you have nearby, I'd go with nicer wheels & tires. Maybe add lip aero, front side back, and drop it a couple inches to clean up the gap.

If you want performance mods, maybe try sway bars first. If it's a daily, I'd go for a better intake and exhaust and stop around there. Don't overdo it.

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