Recent content by 5thAve

If you're talking about hearing the noise from outside the car, I'd say YES. It's normal. I can hear it inside if I think about it, but it's not really loud enough to bother anyone. It's related to electric-hydraulic system as noted above.

Performance Mazda in Ottawa (Orleans) has heard the front suspension graunch in mine and put sway bar bushings on order. Weather is warming up and my noise is reduced, but still there over big bumps, especially 2-wheel bumps like speedbumps; less so over 1-wheel bumps like potholes, etc. I will...

Cruising out of town, I knew I was driving faster than normal but was surprised at how easily 90+mph snuck up on me. Yeah, it's revving it's little heart out, but it's a sweet, smooth song and doesn't sound all that stressed. I was completely comfortable with the speed and didn't realize how...

willwrk4chicken: that's Grrrrrreat! Saint: I agree -- subtly painted calipers are the ticket. I'm going to consider that. As for taillights, I can't decided -- Altezzas are too bright and JDM red just looks huge. I'm waiting to see some pix of a smoked-out tint over the stock chrome. Who's...

I wear 10 1/2, drive a 5spd and only have trouble when I try heel-and-toe technique - then my foot gets kinda wedged in there at an angle. Haven't had a problem with 'normal' two-footed technique. Have had that problem in other vehicles though. Go figure.

Thanks for the correction. I was misinformed by "my" dealer (but I long since decided I won't be going back there any time soo... er, ever. (deadhorse

I don't know anything about chains on the Mz5, but looking at the wheel wells it looks like a pretty tight clearance. I wouldn't want to be the first to experiment with chains in there! But if you take the plunge, please let us know what happens.... What about snow tires, does that relieve the...

cruise is included in the Canadian GT package, not in the Cdn GS package. It is not readily available from Mazda as an accessory, however there have been sightings of the necessary pieces on eBay. I'd be careful about what you're getting from an unknown vendor on eBay - ask a qualified tech...

I think the valves are shim under bucket. I'm not 100% sure but I am pretty certain the cams actuate the valves directly. Might be shim OVER bucket though. I dunno. Ask me in another 72500mi 'cause I don't intend to open the head unless I have to.

(friday) Congrats on the car AND the baby boy! (friday)

Finally made our first road trip. A 3.5-hour jaunt from Ottawa to Peterborough on 2-lane hwy 7. Lousy weather - low visibility, temps just enough to allow excess salt, slush to form a constant mist. Boy, does that rear window ever pick up a lot of crap. I'm used to driving a sedan. Thankfully...

Way to go, JAVI! Please post those steps for all!

Rain sensing wipers and auto headlights are standard on both trim levels. (thumb) (canada) Rear doors aren't fully 'automatic' as in "power sliding doors" but instead are self-latching, meaning when closed they are "self sealing" and pull themselves tightly shut. I don't miss power sliding...

I think Mazda officially classified the Mz5 as a station wagon with Transport Canada. I a believe its the same in the States, hence the absence of tinted window availability. Compare with Dodge Magnum, officially classified as a Utility Vehicle (ne truck) and its nearly blacked-out B, C, and D...

Another random question: Do US models WITHOUT NAV have a storage compartment in the top of the dash? I thought I saw a photo somewhere that showed what looked like a storage compartment. If so, I'll be jealous as the Canadian models (no Nav available here) just get an expanse of unbroken black...