Mazda 3 Problems

The Mazda3 uses a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern, otherwise known as Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD). Many Nissans and large Fords use this same PCD measurement but you would need to check hub bore size and offset.

Generally, I'd say the highest spec model you can afford. However, in the Mazda3's case I'd actually say the Maxx seems to provide the best bang-for-your-buck over the far more expensive SP25 variants.

It will come down to whether you find the hatch or sedan more practical, and whether you can live without the extra goodies on the higher-spec models. If you're doing a lot of country driving, I would give extra consideration to the 2.5-litre SP25 models as the 2.0-litre is fine for around town but a bit breathless on the open highway.

Check in your handbook what globes your car uses and you should change both sides at the same time.

Open the bonnet and secure it with the prop. Turn the wheel of the car so it is pointing in, giving you better access to the back of the headlight you need to work on. Using a trim removal tool pop the centre out of the three plastic fasteners holding the inner guard liner to the car. Once the centre is popped up, pull the fastener out. Twist the bulb assembly anticlockwise, then push the tab on the wiring plug in to unplug the wiring connector. Wearing gloves, remove the new bulb from the packet and plug it into the wiring connector ensuring you don't touch the glass with your bare hands. Twist the headlight back into place in the headlight, refit the inner guard liner and plugs, and you're done.

Open the driver's door, look down the A-pillar (the post beside the windscreen) and you will see a bonnet release towards the bottom of the dashboard. Pull that lever, then walk to the front of the car. Stand in front of the middle of the bonnet, pulling up on the bonnet lid while feeling for the secondary release lever. Pull that lever while lifting the bonnet and it will raise up.

Start by using a trim removal tool to lever out the shiny black trim that runs across the dashboard. When you get to the air vents in the centre, these come out with the black trim and you can lever from the top of the air vents to make it easier to pop them out. Behind the air vents there is one bolt and three clips holding the radio unit to the dashboard, so you can push upwards and forwards at the same time and the unit will pop out of the dash. Disconnect the wiring and the radio unit is removed.

Yes! No! Quite possibly! The largest factor in achieving good fuel efficiency is the nut behind the wheel (the driver). If you drive with efficiency in mind you will find Mazda's sales-dominating compact car will be able to travel hundreds of kilometres between refills, averaging approximately 5.7L per-100km for the 2.0-litre engines and approximately 6.5L per-100km for the 2.5-litre engines.

They are of a similar age, so there shouldn’t be much between them in terms of accumulated mileage. The SP25 is better equipped and sportier model, but I would still go for the Maxx being newer and a little cheaper.

Without being able to see the paint problem it is difficult to be conclusive, but on the basis of what you have told us it is more likely to be the paint quality than bird droppings.

Your best course of action is to consult a paint specialist and have them make an independent assessment that you can submit to Mazda.

Longer than an instant, less than an eternity. With proper care, including servicing, Mazda's popular Mazda3 model should last for several hundred thousand kilometres. Parts will wear out in that time, however, so don't think you won't have to get your mechanic to look after your car.

Use a trim removal tool to pop the trim cover behind the door handle so you can remove the screw there. Remove the Phillips head screw from the armrest. Starting at the bottom of the door panel, gently (but firmly) pull the door trim from the bottom and pop it out of its clips, working up. Lift the door panel up as you remove it, and then unclip the wiring from behind.