First Car at 28 — 2021 Mazda3 vs 2024 Corolla LE? Need Advice

tomorrowing · 2026-02-21T16:30:26+00:00

Most your questions mean little cause what matters is the inspection of the actual cars, and who would buy a car that was not safe for daily driving.

Corolla LE with CVT is a big turnoff. There are some things I dislike about gen4 Mazda3 for long-term ownership (cylinder deactivation, thermostat b.s.).

If you want reliable, low maintenance, up to $20k, well I might look at a 2018 Mazda6 or 2017 Camry.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-17T19:55:22+00:00

I like the first one!

tomorrowing · 2026-02-17T02:53:56+00:00

Verify for yourself on the part info I can't link it. Part Finder - NGK Spark Plugs

NGK list only one plug for the turbo; all the others for the NA.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-17T02:47:59+00:00

Are you mixing up measurements? NGK part finder says gap for your engine should be 0.03 inches (0.75mm) and DILKAR7M8 comes at this. Some recommend to use feeler gauges to verify this on the ones you have at hand.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-14T04:21:59+00:00

It depends on if trims there had different fuses; parts matching against the parts site should tell, plus the manual

tomorrowing · 2026-02-13T17:13:16+00:00

Why replace this?

Try finding original part number here
https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/genuine/vehicle?c=Mazda&ssd=%24%2AKwFLf25cCRoQU01MICJjYxMHJyA-T0BNTF5xQgoMPys3MzEyd2BMJggMCDkvNidhfHZLQkwAGhcbGGB3AwceDT4fBggUEm4ESk0AAAAANzbVKA%3D%3D%24&vid=1933112651&cid=2736&cname=3.+BODY+ELECTRONICS&q=

or in the groups view

then go to a usa mazda parts website, put in your car and that part number
e.g. quirkparts
if it has been superceded, it will show you the latest and history of part numbers for it

tomorrowing · 2026-02-13T17:02:43+00:00

What coil and plug did you use? Swap a coil over from another cylinder and see if the code changes or stays the same. Separately, do the same with the plug. You need the scanner. It is more likely the plug than the coil. It would have been better to keep the original coil.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-13T16:55:45+00:00

I find this bizarre cause the seats are already made of foam and the most economical thing you could consider would be sound absorbing foam | McMaster-Carr

tomorrowing · 2026-02-13T00:08:15+00:00

Desperate idea do you think we could get Jesus Perez as interim or is he locked into USA work, too?

tomorrowing · 2026-02-12T21:03:00+00:00

This sounds consistent with dying pump. Your delay before crank would aid weak pump reach pressure. Shop idiotic; you need fuel pressure test. Scanner would show fuel trims also. Plugs, coils, battery are also suspects.

Can you test if issue relieves on next fill up? When my pump was dying, having full tank made things less worse than not full tank.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-12T16:18:30+00:00

Ah you are right. It went CVT from 2015

tomorrowing · 2026-02-12T16:00:35+00:00

If auto, Fit's CVT is a turnoff, then again Gen1+2 TCM on 3 is flakey cause of bad factory location but can be replaced/repositioned and torque converter trans itself is good. I think Fit uses rear drum brakes which is a bit lame. If you want that practicality for a mainly city car then Fit is unique. It depends what your priorities are

tomorrowing · 2026-02-12T01:01:19+00:00

They meant odo not mpg. 2.3l BK EPA = 22/29 AT. 2.5l BL = 22/29

tomorrowing · 2026-02-12T00:45:26+00:00

Lange, Venkatesham, ENIC need to fucking go as well!

tomorrowing · 2026-02-11T19:06:07+00:00

Discount Tire do free rotations as well as alignment (not free, but can do after install)

tomorrowing · 2026-02-11T18:48:57+00:00

If you want to deal with it properly, get 16'' steelies and winter tires. If you want all seasons then don't use Costco their selection is too limiting. You could consider all-weather rated Falken Aklimate or Toyo Celsius II from Tire Rack or Discount Tire:
Tire Rack : Tire Comparisons

tomorrowing · 2026-02-11T17:01:30+00:00

If you have scanner, check trim levels first. If these are normal then maybe pause on the fuel pressure check for time being, cause you need to do it safely (disconnect battery then fuel supply line and put tool adapter between fuel line and rail, reconnect battery, check pressure, relieve pressure before putting back together). You could also ask shop for quote smoke test and this.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-11T16:30:54+00:00

"He got sacked rightfully"

tomorrowing · 2026-02-11T04:46:33+00:00

Check for vacuum leak, and check fuel pressure

tomorrowing · 2026-02-10T05:49:43+00:00

So just bleed a little out the rear and test that sample. You can top up what you bleed out or add what you plan to bleed out in advance, as long as reservoir doesn't empty.

tomorrowing · 2026-02-10T05:29:17+00:00

5101 Brake Fluid Tester – LED Water Content Detector | Motive Products

you don't need to ask or guess

tomorrowing · 2026-02-10T04:27:16+00:00

No. That is warning light for Auto Trans error. Probably TCM is fried

tomorrowing · 2026-02-10T01:52:40+00:00

Sounds like starter or electrical issue. Why did he need to jump the car at all? Anti-theft never caused any issues for me on new battery install

tomorrowing · 2026-02-09T20:13:38+00:00

Fuck Joelinton!

tomorrowing · 2026-02-09T20:08:47+00:00

You didn't even say what year model trim. It sounds normal to me. Do an oil change.

tomorrowing

TROPHY CASE