awnm

With any luck, my new Mazda3 s Touring sedan is on a truck headed my direction. I test drove one a couple of weeks ago and by the time I did all my research and such, it was gone. Now I gotta wait. It will have the moonroof/6 CD package and rear spoiler. Galaxy Gray. The only other vehicle I seriously considered was the Honda Civic and the Mazda just blows it away for styling, handling, and sportiness.

I'm new to Mazdas, having driven GMs for my last three vehicles. My current ride is a 2002 Camaro V6 that I'm trading for the 3. Based on my two test drives of the 3, it will be way more fun than the Camaro, and I'll have the luxury of being able to take friends/family along for the ride.

Any tricks or things I need to know about its break-in period and the first 1000 miles or so? Is it best to run synthetic oil? How about K&N air filters?

I'm looking forward to spending time here when I'm not out playing with my new toy!

awnm

sumo_Bob

Greetings, and welcome to the club.

As far as your questions go:

1. Just drive it like you normally would (note: if you have a manual, the clutch will probably need a "break-in" period, but that's any car)
2. I like/run syn oil, but it's not needed.
3. K&N's are always a great idea

Jackelope

welcome to the club !

zeontuner

Welcome to the forum.

kargoboy

Welcome!

Turpro

awnm

Thanks for the welcome! I can't wait to get my car.

VAspeed3

Welcome, and you should love the 3, as does everyone I know who has one.

BTW, in the world of automotive alphabet soup, M3 is a Bimmer. I think yours is an Mz3.

awnm

I picked it up last night. I'm having way too much fun already!

I've read some of the posts relating to oil changes and that the oil filter is a bit tricky. Should I take it to the dealer for oil changes or is Jiffy Lube (where I've been going for years) ok? It sound like doing it at home would be a bit of a pain and I don't have ramps to lift the car up.

I noticed when I picked up the car that the dealer charges $40 for oil changes, which is only about $5 more than Jiffy charges. It would, however, be more inconvenient.

Thoughts?

awnm

lordtygr

personally... i dont trust jiffy lube. actually i dont trust any 'oil change' place. most either don't know what they are doing, or are trying to screw you out of more money by selling stuff you probably don't need.

"oh! your wipers are going bad and you need to replace them. We can do it for $to.much" or "your belt needs to be replaced, we can do it for $way,too.much"

so check around and see how much a real mechanic might charge or goto the dealership. or talk to people and find out what 'oil change' place they use and trust.

Riggs

I agree with lortygr on the oil change thing...i get my oil changed at my cuz shop...i trust them and i know they won't overcharge me.

Congrats on the new 3 I've had mine for a while and I love it...funny thing is i have 2 V6 Camaros under my list of kills...