About to purchase 2019 CX 3 . Help!

836 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by joseroig, 2 mo ago

jonathanbmuir

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Hi all

about to purchase a 2019 CX3 individual and hoping to get some final questions answered by you all you as you know these machines backwards!

I have always had apple CarPlay in previous cars . This doesn’t have it , will I miss it ? I am the last thing from a DIY tech head so can’t see myself doing an aftermarket kit!

is it easy enough to keep the navigation updated ? Will Mazda keep offering updates ? What is the standard Mazda connect system like for connectivity

heard a lot of reviews about higher than usual air / tire noise when driving high speed ? Is this significant?

This is a 4 year old vehicle (super low mileage) and I could go newer and get a “less premium” option like ford eco sport or 2008 Peugeot
Am I making the right choice ?

I LOVE THE VEHICLE. I think the styling is so classic and unbeatable , have just never owned a Mazda before so hoping for some guidance

🙏🙏

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frankjr0401

· #2 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

If I'm not mistaken, CarPlay add-on is a simple aftermarket unit that replaces the stock usb unit at the bottom of the dash, located in front of the shifter.

I found the oem updates from Mazda to be way overpriced. The cheap cards from eBay or Amazon are hit or miss, some work most don't. Plus, the 7" screen isn't easy to work with. The touch input is finicky IMHO.

The vehicle itself is awesome to drive and gets good gas mileage. The only major problem I'm aware of is issues with the steering wheel and/or rack and pinion binding up. If that happens the steering wheel won't return to center on it's own without effort, or you'll notice you have to constantly correct the wheel while moving straight and the stickiness causes the vehicle to appear to jerk left or right when you move the wheel. I would check with the dealer about TSB's and or if that vehicle has been repaired. Mine got done under warranty at about 15k miles.

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jonathanbmuir

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

frankjr0401 said:
If I'm not mistaken, CarPlay add-on is a simple aftermarket unit that replaces the stock usb unit at the bottom of the dash, located in front of the shifter.

I found the oem updates from Mazda to be way overpriced. The cheap cards from eBay or Amazon are hit or miss, some work most don't. Plus, the 7" screen isn't easy to work with. The touch input is finicky IMHO.

The vehicle itself is awesome to drive and gets good gas mileage. The only major problem I'm aware of is issues with the steering wheel and/or rack and pinion binding up. If that happens the steering wheel won't return to center on it's own without effort, or you'll notice you have to constantly correct the wheel while moving straight and the stickiness causes the vehicle to appear to jerk left or right when you move the wheel. I would check with the dealer about TSB's and or if that vehicle has been repaired. Mine got done under warranty at about 15k miles.

Super valuable feedback , thanks Frank! It’s out of warranty so will definitely keep an eye out on this issue

On the touch screen , if touch is Not great . Is it fairly easy to use the dial navigator ?

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Malks

· #4 · 2 mo ago

I bought my 2016 CX3 AWD when it was three years old with just under 60K km. I bought mine as a certified used car at a Mazda dealer.

The only problem I encountered was the AC stopped working in the first two months after purchase. That was caused by a problem with the unit under the dash and it took the dealer three days to fix it. Fortunately they covered the cost under their used car warranty.

I've now owned the car for four years and have had no further issues with it. I have done regular maintenance and it has run flawlessly since that one and only issue. I absolutely love this car, especially the AWD system, which here in Canadian winters adds to the fun driving factor. I don't know how it works so well but it is a joy to drive this car in the snow!

I have the original Bose entertainment system and have no issues using the infotainment system to connect my iPhone for hands free use of the phone, or music playlist. My navigation system has not been updated since I bought the car and I see no need to do so since it seemed to have all the maps I needed for our road trip to Florida last spring.

There is road noise at highway speeds, however, at this price point that should be expected. I also ride a motorcycle so road noise is not something that bothers me. I've owned four Mazdas over the years and would definitely buy another based on my experience with my CX3.

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jonathanbmuir

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

Malks said:
I bought my 2016 CX3 AWD when it was three years old with just under 60K km. I bought mine as a certified used car at a Mazda dealer.

The only problem I encountered was the AC stopped working in the first two months after purchase. That was caused by a problem with the unit under the dash and it took the dealer three days to fix it. Fortunately they covered the cost under their used car warranty.

I've now owned the car for four years and have had no further issues with it. I have done regular maintenance and it has run flawlessly since that one and only issue. I absolutely love this car, especially the AWD system, which here in Canadian winters adds to the fun driving factor. I don't know how it works so well but it is a joy to drive this car in the snow!

I have the original Bose entertainment system and have no issues using the infotainment system to connect my iPhone for hands free use of the phone, or music playlist. My navigation system has not been updated since I bought the car and I see no need to do so since it seemed to have all the maps I needed for our road trip to Florida last spring.

There is road noise at highway speeds, however, at this price point that should be expected. I also ride a motorcycle so road noise is not something that bothers me. I've owned four Mazdas over the years and would definitely buy another based on my experience with my CX3.

AWD in the snow sounds like a ton of fun! I'm in Germany now but purchasing this back home in Cape Town, South Africa so no snow! BUt super nice to hear you enjoy driving the vehicle, this is always a great sign! Appreciate the feedback and crossing fingers all is ok as it is just out of Warranty/service plan

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frankjr0401

· #6 · 2 mo ago

jonathanbmuir said:
Super valuable feedback , thanks Frank! It’s out of warranty so will definitely keep an eye out on this issue

On the touch screen , if touch is Not great . Is it fairly easy to use the dial navigator ?

I found the touch screen to be too small for my liking so I put in an aftermarket head unit. The dial does work and you can push it to select. My wife has an Audi A3 which has the same type of interface and that was way better than Mazdas. Guess I got spoiled on hers.

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joseroig

· #7 · 2 mo ago

jonathanbmuir said:
AWD in the snow sounds like a ton of fun! I'm in Germany now but purchasing this back home in Cape Town, South Africa so no snow! BUt super nice to hear you enjoy driving the vehicle, this is always a great sign! Appreciate the feedback and crossing fingers all is ok as it is just out of Warranty/service plan

Hi, I bought my 2009 Touring FWD used 2 yearsago with 11K miles, I had never owned a Mazda before, I have always owned Hondas but they switched to CVT transmissions and I'm not too keen on that design, I prefer a true automatic, this car has been very reliable, comfortable, good handling, excellent on fuel and very fast when I need it to be, I use synthetic oil and extended the oil change to 7500 miles, warranty just expired but I have a good local mechanic, enjoy your CX3.

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About to purchase 2019 CX 3 . Help!

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