Mazda 3 2005 Problems

THE editor rates the Mazda3 as the best in its class, but says the VW Golf is a tick behind on value and generally ahead. My experience of the Mazda3 is similar -- a well-built, well-equipped car that performs well. As for your Galant, the trade will value it at about $6000, but you might get $2000 more selling privately.

ROAD noise is more likely to be a problem in the hatch. If you're concerned, drive the car for an extended time on different road surfaces and judge for yourself.

I THINK you might be referring to the issue of noise that appears to come from the rear wheels. Some owners think it excessive and are unhappy with it, but others don't appear concerned. There is nothing wrong with the front wheels, so don't be concerned. The Mazda3 is a good car.

ROAD noise is a regular complaint from Mazda3 owners and I can recall thinking noise was probably the one complaint I had about the car when I drove it at the launch. Noise is often a problem with front-wheel-drive cars because manufacturers strive to reduce vehicle weight and, in the process, reduce the amount of sound-deadening. If that's the case, the noise would have been there from new and there's not much you can do about it. If it has developed the more you've driven the car, it could be the barber-pole effect, which plagues similar front-wheel-drive cars. It results from the odd wear pattern on the rear tyres that resemble a barber's pole. This can cause drumming in the car. The root cause of the problem seems to be the way the rear springs and shocks are configured, which again means there's not much you can do about it. Relief is available by rotating your tyres front to back to minimise the development of the pattern that causes the noise.