Recommend mods for 09 mazda 5 GT mica red auto

[mothernature]

What mods would you recommend for a stock mazda 5 2009 GT mica red

http://www.auto123.com/09photo/mazda/55dr-gt.jpg

Just nice and simple mods, as the wife is going to be driving it too. I know I want tints for sure. Still deciding on 32% front and rear and 20% at the back

thx

Paid:

The car is $22950
pdi and freight is $1535
air tax is $100
fuel tax is $75
protection reg is $299
omvic fee is $5
pst is $1997
gst is $1248

[dima_rus]

As for simple mods I recommend tints, remove door guards, replace the lights with HID. and upgrade your sound system


Dima

[mothernature]

As for simple mods I recommend tints, remove door guards, replace the lights with HID. and upgrade your sound system


Dima

I keep hearing this "door guard" pardon my ignorance, but how do I go about this and what is the purpose?

What is the door guard and where can I get deals on HID light?

[coolmazda5]

Another interesting one would be a stubby antenna (or a shark fin one)



What is the door guard

I think he refers to the color matching plastic stripes that protect the doors from dents:

Here you have it:
http://blogs.cars.com/photos/mother_proof_april_08/mazda5.jpg

And here you don't:
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_pics/588/news.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Shark Fin Antenna FS thread:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123736029

And for HIDs, some sample and FS threads:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123707396

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123677161

[mothernature]

Another interesting one would be a stubby antenna (or a shark fin one)



I think he refers to the color matching plastic stripes that protect the doors from dents:

Here you have it:
http://blogs.cars.com/photos/mother_proof_april_08/mazda5.jpg

And here you don't:
http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news_pics/588/news.jpg


Thx for that. Nice car you have there, no tints yet? My shark fin has been ordered

[coolmazda5]

Thx for that. Nice car you have there, no tints yet? My shark fin has been ordered

Cool. The 1st pic is the one sold in the US/Canada/Mexico. The other one is the JDM Premacy (Japan).

I don't personally like that sand color, but looks better in person I should say.

I don't like tinting either, my 2006 and 2008 Mazda5s have no mods, nor tinting, I really like the OEM looks :) (Or maybe it is a good excuse to say I don't have money to spend on cars? LOL)

[AO928]

Here are the mods I've done on my '08:

Window tint
DVD headrests for the kiddies
Straightened out the rear wiper (look at it... they installed it crooked)
Silver coated turn signal bulbs
Fog light mod (Now they turn on with the parking lights)
Window vents
Hardwired Valentine One Radar detector

I think I'm missing something (uhm), but of what I have listed, the window tint is by far my fav.

[axisboldaslove]

turbo it

[dima_rus]

door guards are really there for looks, they don't protect nothing from nothing.

[x10dude]

Window tinting is pretty much one of the first things you should do. I got it installed for $160 (20% rear, 35% fronts).

The shark fin antenna is nice addition that doesn't really add any function but cosmetically it looks nicer. (albeit with slightly less reception).

My biggest wish to add-on is to somehow put in a center console. That is one area where I feel the Mazda5 really falls short. There is very little storage in the front.

[raspykart]

Put a hitch on, rear bumper step guard, tint, K&N air filter, cargo net, and riiims when its time for new tires. After warranty, exhaust and suspension as they wear out.

[mothernature]

Put a hitch on, rear bumper step guard, tint, K&N air filter, cargo net, and riiims when its time for new tires. After warranty, exhaust and suspension as they wear out.

Thx...rear bumper step guard, what does it look like? Where can one get after market K&N filter and cargo net for cheaper?

Anyone else use the K&n filter on their 5?

[switek]

door guards are really there for looks, they don't protect nothing from nothing.


I have a scratch on the door guard which would have been in the door if it weren't for the guards. I'm glad I kept them. To each his own.

My only mods so far:
window tint- 35 front-15 rear
stubby antenna- from a 09 Dodge Journey that someone posted about here.(only 5 bucks!)

Accessories added:
all weather mats
rear bumper guard
cargo net
seatback covers on front seats to keeps kids feet off seatback
dvd players
xm radio

[coolmazda5]

seatback covers on front seats to keeps kids feet off seatback


Where did you get those? (naughty). my car seats' mats only cover half way up :(

[switek]

Where did you get those? (naughty). my car seats' mats only cover half way up :(

Best $7.99 I've spent.

Here:
http://www.amazon.com/SafeFit-Kick-Mats-2-Pack-Black/dp/B001DF67GC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1237045432&sr=1-1

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31MRpdjlZAL._SS400_.jpg

[coolmazda5]

Best $7.99 I've spent.

Here:


Cool, thanks. I've seen a couple but they were just ugly. I'll start turning one of the car seats shortly, and that is a must

[mothernature]

The feedback comments aren't convincing

[x10dude]

door guards are really there for looks, they don't protect nothing from nothing.

Huh???
I park both our cars in the garage and believe me with kids, the door guards are saved the door many times...

[red headz]

Our problem is not the M5 doors banging... it's my VW golf banging into the M5(drive)

The wife already has a ding from my oldest son (4) who likes to let himself out of my back seat.

m.

[raspykart]

Thx...rear bumper step guard, what does it look like? Where can one get after market K&N filter and cargo net for cheaper?

Anyone else use the K&n filter on their 5?

the bumper guard deally is a black plastic panel that sticks to the top of the bumper so if something gets dragged over it, no worries. I would highly recommend properly prepping the surface, applying it in warm conditions and setting something on it overnight to ensure it sticks super good. All these items can be found on ebay or any parts place even mazda dealer for $40-$50 each as I recall.