CarComplaints.com Notes: Except for a minor issue with cracked motor mounts, the 2006 MAZDA3 is a fantastic vehicle with a great reputation.
If you need to replace the motor mounts, first ask your dealer if they'll cover it -- the motor mounts were dealt with in a TSB & were recalled for some model years. Otherwise buy aftermarket motor mounts -- owners report this solves the problem. If you use the same OEM parts, they may just crack again.
Wasn't too pleased to learn that my Mazda needed a new thermostat at 36,800 miles. It wasn't cheap, but necessary repair that I probably paid too much for, but had no idea what to expect. I'm not a mechanic, and it doesn't sound easy to fix since people say it's in a tight spot. The labor is high. We women get ripped off the worse I think when it comes to car repairs. I paid a 2014 price of $338 and found out that I shouldn't have paid more than $250, maybe. This was with a 20% discount from dealership and full year guarantee of parts and labor. This is the most expensive problem I've had with the car, otherwise runs beautifully. About 4 years ago the starter switch to the starter went bad, but that was only $120 to replace. Problem was, they put a defective part in, and I had to bring it back again. The overall condition of my car is excellent, they say, even though it's 8 yrs. old. So, I can't complain much.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Wasn't too pleased to learn that my Mazda needed a new thermostat at 36,800 miles. It wasn't cheap, but necessary repair that I probably paid too much for, but had no idea what to expect. I'm not a mechanic, and it doesn't sound easy to fix since people say it's in a tight spot. The labor is high. We women get ripped off the worse I think when it comes to car repairs. I paid a 2014 price of $338 and found out that I shouldn't have paid more than $250, maybe. This was with a 20% discount from dealership and full year guarantee of parts and labor. This is the most expensive problem I've had with the car, otherwise runs beautifully. About 4 years ago the starter switch to the starter went bad, but that was only $120 to replace. Problem was, they put a defective part in, and I had to bring it back again. The overall condition of my car is excellent, they say, even though it's 8 yrs. old. So, I can't complain much.
- Lynda L., Lakeland, FL, US