Mazda 3 Problems

Drive the car gently for 10 minutes to get the oil warm. Park the car on level ground, lift the bonnet and loosen the oil filler cap on the engine, and slide a tray or pan with at least 5-litres of capacity under the car. There is a flap held on by a couple of plastic screws protecting the drain plug and oil filter. You may not be able to reach the drain plug on the sump underneath the car without lifting the vehicle. If this is the case remember to use multiple chassis stands to securely hold the car in the air, and to ensure the car is as level as possible (so you might need to jack up the rear of the car to keep it flat). After 10 minutes the oil should have stopped dripping from the sump plug so put it back it and snug it tight - don't over-tighten it as you could strip the thread in the sump which would require removing the engine to fix! Remove the oil filter, allowing it to drain, and ensuring the rubber seal isn't stuck on the metal mating surface. Once drained wipe a smear of fresh oil on the new oil filter's rubber O-ring, fitting it a quarter-turn past snug. Check on your owner's manual for how much oil is required for your particular engine, and what grade of oil you should use.

Mazda3 spare parts are generally considered about average in terms of their expense. Regular wear items like tyres, brakes and wiper blades are often cheaper than European marques like Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen, but not as cheap as some Korean or other Japanese brands. Because the Mazda3 has been so successful in Australia there are a lot of parts available from wrecking yards, which are cheaper than buying new parts from a dealer.

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.

The third-generation BM-series Mazda 3 comes in two lengths, depending on the body shape. Sedans are 4580mm while the hatchback model comes in at 4460mm from nose to tail.

This is really a job for experienced home mechanics, or the local Mazda dealer. Improperly adjusted headlights can be a major safety hazard as they can blind other drivers on the road, or not illuminate obstacles in front of you.

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.

A new Mazda3 was hinted at in late October 2017 when Mazda showed off the new Kai concept. It is due to be released to market in early 2019 and will represent a huge leap forward in design and technology.

Unfortunately you’ve kept the Corolla too long, and have had to spend money to keep it going. Keep that in mind for the next one you buy.

You’re constrained by your $20,000 budget, but I would suggest you look at a Kia Rio, Mazda2, Mitsubishi Lancer, or Suzuki Swift. All should fall within your budget and all will give you a good run. If you were prepared to buy a used car that is one or two years old, you could consider a Toyota Corolla, or a Mazda3.

Mazda3s are sold in sedan or hatch in Australia, and in several specification levels. Currently you have the option of six models, including the Neo Sport, Maxx Sport, Touring, SP25, SP25 GT, and SP25 Astina. The three lower-end models (Neo, Maxx and Touring) run a 2.0-litre engine, while the SP25 models get a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, as the 25 suggests in their names. If your Mazda3 has 16-inch wheels but doesn't have a touch-screen entertainment system, then you have a base-model Neo. The Maxx does get the touch-screen display, plus some leather wrapping on the steering wheel and shifter, but misses out on the electric park brake and leather seat trim of the Touring. The 2.5-litre models all score 18-inch alloy wheels, though the SP25 misses out on the Touring's leather trim, sunglass holder and a few other comfort items. The SP25 GT scores LED headlights and tail lights, leather trim (heated in the front), and BOSE audio, while the top of the range SP25 Astina gets driver's seat memory function, a sunroof and more.

While there are ways to make your Mazda 3 quite fast it is not cheap or easy, and will require extensive involvement from experts. You would be far better served to look for a second-hand factory turbocharged high-performance Mazda MPS model, or buying a Subaru WRX, or Volkswagen Golf GTI, to get your high-performance kicks.