metroplex

What is everyone's opinion on the following accessories/options:

1). Moonroof-6CD-Bose Audio Package (worth it? does it come with MP3 capabilities)

2). Stock tires. What kind of stock tires comes with the 4-door S Grand Touring? Tirerack says its Goodyear Eagle RS-A in 205/50R17. RS-As are generally sh*t, and the replacement tires in this size are $150-$170/ea. Even the stock Pirelli P-zero Nero tires on my 07 Mustang GT aren't that expensive. I don't plan to drive in heavy snow, but what are some tire options that people are using for all-season use (dry, rain, light snow)?

3). Navigation System - do I need to pay a monthly/yearly fee to use this? Does it come with an unsightly antenna on the roof/trunk like other cars with Nav systems? People claim the body-colored antenna match the car, but I can always spot them a mile away.

4). Rear wing spoiler - is it a good design/construction? The rear lip spoiler looks like a tack-on piece that doesn't really do much aesthetically.

5). Pearl-Satin Fuel door - is it more of a "looks" thing or is there anything special about this fuel door?

6). Moonroof wind deflector - do they use adhesive or clips to attach to the car? Do I want this or will it just add more wind noise?

7). Cargo accessories - mats, nets, etc... Is there any reason I should want them?

Cool. The compass / Homelink mirror has been something I wanted in a car for a long time but just wasn't offered in my 07 GT. Are there any problems with these mirrors?

9). How well do the HID low-beams perform? Are they a projector design (aspherical optic) or reflector?

10). Are there any major changes planned for the 2009-2010+ Mazda3, like the Mk 3 Focus Chassis?

icspots

I personally love my moonroof and 6CD player (don't have bose). None of the packages (in the US) come with the Mp3 changer. It's a dealer accessory, though some dealers install them on some or all of their cars. Two suggestions. Look on the faceplate of the HU. On the left side there should be a "MP3" logo above and to the right of the LOAD button. If it's not there it won't play Mp3's. Also bring a Mp3 CD with you to test it out just incase the salesman assures you it does. Some people aren't fans of the bose system, but it really comes down to your preferences. Try it out and see if you like it.

I believe I replied to this same question on another forum, but I'll give it another whack. OEM 17" tires are 205/50/17. It's an odd size and most of the tires for the wheels are more expensive. I have Yokohama YK520's on my car now. They're quieter, grippier (dry/wet) and have a 60k mile treadwear warranty. They cost ~$113 each from Discount tire.

To my knowledge there isn't a monthly fee. I'm not really sure how people go about getting updates to their DVDs though so perhaps that would be a better question to ask. AFAIK there are no extra antennas on the cars, at least there haven't been on any 3's I've seen with navigation.

Well it's a spoiler. It's not a cheap piece of crap, and is bolted to the trunk lid (so it's not going to fall off). The spoiler for the 3 doesn't incorporate a LED brake light so if you're expecting one..... well, don't. I personally like both the raised spoiler and the lip spoiler on the 3. They both do their thing well and make the car look better. Personally I like the lip spoiler better.

There's nothing special about these. I personally can't stand them as they make the fuel door stick out like a big neon sign. I mean why do I want to make the fuel door stand out?

I believe the deflector attaches to a few screws inside the moonroof opening. I know this just from comments people have made about removing them. Apparently they actually greatly reduce the noise from the moonroof, vs. increasing it. Just so you know there is a little metal piece on the front of the moonroof that pops up when the glass slides open. When it's fully extended it actually makes a good amount of noise.

7). Cargo accessories - mats, nets, etc... Is there any reason I should want them?

Cool. The compass / Homelink mirror has been something I wanted in a car for a long time but just wasn't offered in my 07 GT. Are there any problems with these mirrors?

They're much better than the halogen low beams on the non-GT trim. They're not as good as HIDs used in Acuras, BMW's, etc, but they're still a big improvement. If you don't like the look (or quality) of the projectors then you can always retrofit a different projector in there too. Oh, and they're projectors.

The rumor is of a full redesign in '09/10

big rick

1). Moonroof-6CD-Bose Audio Package (worth it? does it come with MP3 capabilities)

Moonroof is sweet and I wish I could have gotten one on my MS3

3). Navigation System - do I need to pay a monthly/yearly fee to use this? Does it come with an unsightly antenna on the roof/trunk like other cars with Nav systems? People claim the body-colored antenna match the car, but I can always spot them a mile away.

last 3 I saw w/ nav, it was hella shitty. save yourself $1400 and buy a garmin unit. It won't be flush with the dash or anything but it also won't suck a lot.

icspots

You can, look HERE.

If you get a portable GPS unit with the correct outputs then you could get the flip up screen from www.thexenonstore.com and hook it into that. Then it would be flush with the dash.

big rick

right on...unfortunately, a little bit too much for my bank account right now tho...

yeah...and it would probably still be cheaper than from the factory