2004 Mazda 3 GT Sport Winter Driving in Calgary?

[TheBanishedOne]

Hey Guys,

I had a question regarding Mazda 3 GT Sport (4D Hatchback) automatic transmission and it's driving capabilities in winter. I'm looking to purchase a used one and found a really good deal. I was seeing if anyone has any knowledge and experience driving one in calgary and wanted to know your opinion. It has 17" rims as well.

Please let me know if this car is drivable for Calgary winters and if it is able to be taken up to the mountains for snowboarding as well.

Specs:
2004 Mazda 3 GT Sport (4D Hatchback)
2.3 L Engine
Automatic Transmission
17" Alloy Rims

Thanks!

[dj_rice]

Any car is drivable in winter. Just get winter tires.

And your car is FWD. Very drivable in winter but you will crash and die a fiery death

[89s1]

you'll definitely need a good set of tire chains, those subcompacts tend to bog down in 2 or 3 feet of the white stuff.

[BananaFob]

Originally posted by 89s1
you'll definitely need a good set of tire chains, those subcompacts tend to bog down in 2 or 3 feet of the white stuff.

A Mazda3 is a subcompact now? :rolleyes:

You will be fine with a good set of winter tires. /thread

[Nakadah]

I was driving my 3 in the Winter. No problems at all. All you need is good winter tires.

[kamakurakid]

Winter tires from Bob the Tire Guy and you are set. I have a coworker with a Mazda3, winter tires and he is set to go. I always use winter tires in the winter, snow chains would be nice when heading up to the mountains, but really not needed in my experience. Nice though as more grip is never a bad thing.

[Tomaz]

Winter tires, good to go. No issues with my Mazda 3

[TheBanishedOne]

Thanks guys! Also added question anyone having rusting issues with the 04 model?

[TheBanishedOne]

Or any other issues for that matter! hahah!

[JEFFRIX]

hahah!

[Nakadah]

The undercarriage of my 3 GT 2004 was pretty rusty. Haha. Keep in mind that it is pretty old anyway...

[ShermanEF9]

if my buddy mike can drive his MS3 in the winter... you can drive a mazda 3.

[Gibson]

Originally posted by Nakadah
The undercarriage of my 3 GT 2004 was pretty rusty. Haha. Keep in mind that it is pretty old anyway...

'04 is not old! Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

I have seen 3s around with rusting issues in the rear wheel wells. If you're really worried, get the car up on a hoist before you buy it. If it's clean, undercoat it and you'll be good to go for winters for at least a few years.

[Sentry]

NO MAN YOU'RE FUCKED

YOU NEED A 4x4 PICKUP TO LIVE HERE

[freshprince1]

I drive a 2004 Mazda 3 GT Sedan...in fact I'm putting it up for sale :poosie: . (plug: 120K kms, two sets of 17"rims with new rubber on both, grey on black, GT model)

I drove it through last winter and it did fine. I have new winter tires on the stock 17" rims. Mine is a manual transmission, which I find much better for winter driving than an auto. There were no surprises, as long as I drove attentively, the car did just fine and what you would expect for a small FWD car. I would say that the winter tires did help, and are probably worth the investment. It's a nice light car and doesn't slide around much at all.

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by TheBanishedOne
Thanks guys! Also added question anyone having rusting issues with the 04 model?



Originally posted by TheBanishedOne
Or any other issues for that matter! hahah!

Nothing to report really.

Power Steering pump had a recall recently, any dealership will be able to see if it is required for your car or not, and do the fix.

If you have automated window wipers, there was a recall reported last month, the fix is a ground wire that is replace in a few minutes.

Other than that, you are good to go. Also, the Mazda 3 forums have a great wealth of knowledge in all that is Mazda 3. It would be a good place to research and check out.

Good luck on the purchase!

[ExtraSlow]

I did swap over to the 16" wheel to allow a better selection of tires. At the time, not much was made for the stock 17" size. I'm probably the only beyonder to go -1 sizing on his year round rims. :confused:

I run good all-seasons on the Mazda3 all winter, and that car is fine. My wife commutes 40 km each way all winter, no issues.
If the snow is more than about 4" deep, she'll drive the 4x4 truck, but that's maybe five days a year at most.

[HyperZell]

Don't forget that there was an issue with the door locking mechanism as well. You could bang on the door above (below?) the handle and it would pop open. There was a huge recall and most cars should have been fixed, but it's worth checking on.

As to the winter question - no problems whatsoever. Like everyone said, get some decent tires and you'll be good.

[whiskas]

You will die an excruciating death the moment the vehicle touches snow.

[Nakadah]

2004 is relatively old and I do not see the point of purchasing 2004 when for a couple grand more you will pick up one after the face lift. Those 2004-2005 are damn over-priced.

Rust is an issue with the old Mazda 3. Other problems that people complain from are shocks and engine mounts. However, I have never seen a Mazda 3 with these problems.

ExtraSlow, you are not the only one. I had 16" for winter as well:thumbsup: I was even looking at 17" for my MS3, but I will be with 18" this winter.

One is for sure! YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE WINTER TIRES!!! No matter what your car is you need winter tires!

[TheBanishedOne]

Thanks for all the help guys! Below is the specs listed and the pricing the seller is asking for. Wanna take a quick look to see if it's a good deal or not? Lemme know you thoughts!

Specs
2004 Mazda 3 Sport GT
2.3 L Engine
Automatic (Tiptronic Transmission)
Power Windows/Locks etc (No power seats)
No Moon or Sunroof
117000km
Has a small dent on rear panel (says they hit a fire hydrant and only replaced the rear bumper)

Thats all the specs I remember right now... anything else I should ask to factor into pricing? The seller is asking 4500-5500 cash if I trade my 2000 Chevrolet Malibu that I'm looking to get rid of anyways. Think that is a good deal?

[Nakadah]

Give us pictures of the questionable car. Link to the add will work even better. Also give details about your Chevy and pictures.

Without pictures we cannot help you. BTW, it is strange that a GT does not have a sunroof.

[TheBanishedOne]

Here's the ad on kijiji and I'll post up more pics that I can get on Sunday. Plus i'll get my malibu ones.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-04-Mazda-3-GT-hatch-with-good-mileage-for-sale-7500-OBO-W0QQAdIdZ298101840