Things I Dont Like About My 2016 Mazda 3 

Thanks for the video! It showed me that I don't particularly care about these "dislikes", so I might end up liking this car.

Road noise is typical in a smaller car. Smaller cars are built to feel and hear the road. This is why i love my mazda 3. One thing i hate about it, is the charger doesnt work unless the car is accessory mode or is running.

For the nicks and scratches I use Meguire’s leather wipes and for the back camera I use RainX sprays.

I drive a 2016 Mazda 3 as well, and I feel all these frustrations as well, but for me, it's worth the sacrifices for the great fuel economy mixed with how fun it is to drive. I can take this thing through some wicked corners and not feel nervous in the slightest, haha.

I've been looking into trading in my clunker and I've been seeing these everywhere. I really think this is the car I want and I've loved almost everything I've seen on it. This was really helpful. Most of what you said isn't a big deal to me, I'm only really concerned about not being able to see some of the buttons on the side, but I think I could live with it. Thank you!

Can anybody explain what the big black plastic housing on windshield rear-view mirror is. Mine vibrates and is annoying when you hit hiway speeds.

If you put rain x on the backup camera you will have nothing stick to it or get blurred :)

You’re so right about that man, I have the 2015. Everything you don’t like is what I experience.

Great content man, excited to see what's to come

Does it have the Block heater ? mine doesn't have one

You may want to upgrade to Mazda 6, but try to get the window module form a 6 to see if it's just plug and play. Road noise is something i've trying to fix with sound deadener I installed it on the doors and headliner but it amplified the noise from the bottom cause I haven't had a change to do the interior overall I think it'll work.

I own since new a 2009 Mazda 3 with 184,000 miles. I have been dumping money lately for suspension parts at all four corners and a trans module. I just got back from a 2000 mile Marathon trip in 50 hours. Car ran like a champ. Did not burn a drop of synthetic oil.

what is road noise after 10 years in a 2001 323f?? i guess heaven. am i right?

I recently saw a post on the forums about removing the front wheels and the splash guards to reveal where a 2017 sound deadener was added. i spent a lot of time adding sound deadening to my 2014 when I had it. It made a big difference but I havent made time to do this one yet.

I want to build a small controller to piggy back for the windows. If I follow through with it I'll let you know. That bugs me too.

Yo is it a sneak peak for your new HRE WHEELS?

I also have this same car (but red) and I agree with all your points. Love the car and I love that all the things I "hate" about it are such minor annoyances.

And you think skoda superb 2015 is better then mazda 3 2016 ?

I'm buying a 2017 Mazda3 2.0 petrol manual with 15k miles on it. Main concern is the first owner had the first year service done after 12 months at 5k and didn't bother with year 2! The dealer I'm buying it from serviced it in November last year at 15k. How concerned should I be that it went 2 years and 10k miles between services? Do they need topping up with oil much between services? I doubt the first lady owner knew where the bonnet release was - lol

sounds to me like you need a mazda 6! my 2016 mazda 6 sport has the back lighting, all 4 auto windows, rear view camera is in a good spot and the road noise is minimal. plastic is pretty much the same lol

I have a 2014 Mazda 6 Sport. It has noise coming from the rear, I'm not sure if it's road or wind noise. The only other thing is the choppy ride while going slow. I suppose that's the downside of having 19" wheels. Love the economy being the 2.2 Diesel ;-)

I have the 2016 Mazda 3 GS (sedan). I'm totally with you on the road noise, I went for leather seats so I'm not sure if fabric would have deadened it a bit more. I grabbed a cheap SPL meter from Amazon and did some testing. 35-40dB while sitting in my driveway, car off 40-50dB idling / low speed driving (under 40km/h) 50-60dB driving city speeds (40km/h - 60km/h) 70dB driving 80km/h hovering around 75-77dB while driving >90km/h Definitely varies with summer/winter tires. And definitely not engine noise, that thing is beautifully quiet! And I felt the speakers in my model were angled a bit weirdly, always feel like my feet are getting the best sound. When the navigational guidance voice came on I felt like the woman was living under my car seat! I think the sedan's rear camera does a little better in the rain. Have you been having an issue with the infotainment system stalling/resetting when the temperatures drop below freezing? Overall I feel a good car for the price, I have a tendency to nitpick too. ;) Perhaps you should do a video on the little things you love about it to even the score. (Edit: oops, that was in the description, didn't see it!).

The 12v outlet is designed to be ALWAYS ON... my dash cam needs to be manually turned off every time... sigh

I added a sat radio, bought a USB power cable instead of using the huge sat radio 12v plug which I use for dashcam, hate that my top line GT can't have sat radio cause tech package only available on auto

Maybe try putting some RainX on the reversing cameras lens

Are u guys able to open the boot from the cabin? I can't from my 2018 SP25 and I think this is a real issue so far...

Just bought a 2014 a week ago, totally agree with your points

Anybody know how iPhone friendly the car is and about the Bluetooth and sound system

Spot on! Couldn't agree more with these points. How I wish someone from the engineering department watches this

Some of that noise comes from having a sunroof. I have owned other cars same models one with sunroof and the other without, I notice that the one with sunroof lets more exterior noise in the cab it also varies in cab temperatures.

Hey, what yo-yo is that in the console? Looks like a protostar or North Star

How is the car holding up in 2021? Still have it? I am thinking about getting a mazda 3 manual transmission, 63k miles. Is that a good buy?

Sadly I agree with everything you’ve said here. Particularly the backup cam. If it gets wet or road salt gets on it in the winter, I have to go clean it off. The plastics are cheap and the car is loud. Even more so with winter tires. 😖. The sheet metal also seems thin and it dents very easily to the point I have to ask people not to lean on my car.

I have a 2016 and 2018 M3 GT. Love the car and it's fun to drive. I agree with all your choices. Keep in mind that the M3 is a lower end car in the Mazda lineup. The M6 has the upgrades you would also want in the M3. I would add that the faux carbon fiber look is lame. Especially on the steering wheel. I also do like the piano black. It scratches too easily and shows prints. The 2018 has a steel color to the trim which looks much better in my opinion. I read that people have improved road noise by getting better tires. I'm waiting until I have to replace mine to see if that makes a difference.

If you want two USB outlets, get a 12 volt jack that has two USB plug in for charging multiple phones 📲

Dude that's the way cars are now, I have almost the same issues with my 2019 rav4

Hey I appreciate you making this video, I was looking to buy this make and model and a through your talking points down I was able to save me a couple thousand dollars from the dealership. The art of talking shit as a gift, and to put the more eloquently there’s nothing wrong with nitpicking. So thank you.

Definitely agree with the back lighting on the driver door. At least the lock/unlock should be lit up. I got some Pirelli Cituro P7 tires and it definitely made a difference with noise. Still quite a bit, but a nice improvement. Still love it regardless. I have the 6 Speed hatch, a little quicker (or so it seems to me) than the automatic, but still stupid slow. Makes up for it in the "fun" factor though, which is I guess what Mazda has always aimed for.

is your mazda a gt?

One thing to add to your list, the infotainment system will reboot over and over in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn't too bad if you're just listening to AM/FM radio, but if you are on Bluetooth, you will constantly be disconnected. Don't plan to use Bluetooth in cold weather. It won't work until you drive for about 15 minutes.

I've been thinking about getting this car! The reason I found your video is too see if it is loud. The engine in the car I test drove was quite loud to me so I didn't know if that was normal for this make/model or of there was something wrong with the engine.

Great content

I just bought a 2016 mazda 3 after driving a 2004 impala for years. So this car was basically silent compared to that and lovely haha

Just gonna add here... as having a passenger in the front passenger seat as well as a child directly behind you... who is watching a DVD player... and it's a road trip down the east coast from NJ to Port Canaveral, FLA, the LEGROOM for this massive haul of a drive... for the front passenger.. is HELL! Passenger talking. I've tried so much to get comfortable. (Keep in mind, this is a drive of over 1000 miles one way). I'm 5'6" (pretty average female). Even tried to use a neck pillow. My head keeps resting at the open space between the top of the seat and the removable headpiece. Of course, it cant be removed because my son is behind us. I cant push back because hes there too. This car is a commuter car for my husband for his work. He deeply researched it. He loves it! Its stick shift (which I dont drive). Me learning to drive stick isnt the solution to this issue. Just wondering why I've scoured the internet and I seem to be the only person with this issue??!! Needless to say, it's the better of the 3 vehicles we have for driver comfort, storage, and gas mileage. I'll have to dig deeper to find a resolution. Hes the "long haul" driver. The Rav4 is more a gas guzzler for this drive. The Honda Fit isnt quite comfortable for him but gets great gas mileage. I'll have to suck it up but man... it's a miserable and painful passenger ride lacking comfort for sleeping!

I agree with u on the noisy road that you hear from the inside while driving..did u solve the roblem changing wheel and tire ? I suppose putting a bigger wheel and different tire should make it even more noisy..

No central lock button

agreed 100%

I totally agreed with you about Mazda 3 all but the road noises is so annoying I guess maybe because it a small car or I don’t know. I love the fact it gets good gas mileage. Thanks for the video!!

The road noise is also due to the fact that Mazda didn’t put much insulation in the doors and roofs and under carpeting to block noise, cause more weight means less mpg, and mpg is what sells

What package is urs? I sport? S Grand Touring?

ever heard that saying “driving a mazda is like driving a mini tank” because you can hear and feel every imperfection on the road lol unfortunately all mazdas have that road noise problem, even the new cx-9 🙄 i still love my 2015 mazda3, handles real sporty 😎

To me, driving with the windows down, specially the rear ones, but also the front ones, causes a noise due to the way air hits the inside of the car, and makes it unbearable.

Dude you hit everything spot on. I have the same complaints with my 2016 Mazda3. A few things I'd like to add that I don't like is the really shitty cardboard headliner or whatever you wanna call it. Feels like a cardboard box. Also I wish I sunroof was tinted more. Definitely lets more sunlight in when closed than my previous Honda Accord. Other than that I love mine. Handles great even with the cheap eco all season tires. I drive it like I stole it and still get 34 mpg combined lol

I’m getting a used 2017. These were good to know!

Don't think wheels will help with the road noise. Maybe tires with taller sidewalls and that have a quiet tread. Only other thing is to buy a bunch of dynamat and remove all the interior panels and stick Dyna mat everywhere under the panels below the carpeting etc.

I have KIA Rondo 08. Test drove 16 Mazda 3 recently, it was a down grade feom Rondo. The noise was unvearable. Decided to keep my rondo for now. To my big surprise, Rondo handling is better.

the cup holders.. they are freaking terrible!!!!! I do not have a base model yet my cup holders are oversized without compression. so I end up cleaning out my console buttons (literally taking them apart) every couple of months!!!

Everytime I need to unlock the passenger door for my girl to get in I need to turn on my phone's flashlight to see the botton. I cant believe I didnt noticed it was because of lack or lightning on the bottons thought it was something normal LMFAO!

Fuel tank feels kind of small. The autonomy/mileage isn’t great

Just crank up the Bose to combat the noise

I have a 2017 manual 2.0 Touring, here's what I don't like about it. 1. Digital tach. I wish there was a larger tach with an actual needle. This would require a complete redesign of the instrument panel though. 2. Infotainment system is kinda slow at startup, especially if I was listening to music via Bluetooth and I want to switch to FM radio or Sirius XM. 3. The automatic wipers are too sensitive, even with the sensitivity set to minimum. They still wipe when there's barely any rain and smear the windshield. 4. The heated seats are not great. They don't get that hot and take a while to warm up. 5. 18 inch wheels. They look great. But 18 inch tires are $$$. I wish they were 17s. I know that wheels are getting larger and larger and I should just get used to it. 6. I wish the blindspot monitoring system would beep a bit louder if you're about to change lanes into someone. This is minor because I can generally hear it. That's it. Overall, I love the car!

another two things: 1. the touch of the screen go off when you drive at 5mph or more, i have anothers touchscreen by dodge and nissan and still work any time you want. 2. for me the most dislike it´s the central console design, because when you have a bottle, yeti or whatever in the cup holder it´s very uncomfortable to move the controls of the screen or volume

I don't like the GPS always open in the middle of the dash

No glovebox light is annoying too 🙄

I knew what I was getting, so these issues don't bother me. The only thing I don't like so far is the lack of Android Auto. I can get it, but I could possibly brick my screen, and it voids the tech service warrantee.

2018 road noise is still bad. But. Infotainment options are endless to distract from the noise.

I own a 2017 and I agree, the road noise is horrible... And illumination in the door sucks.. But I love the design and it's pretty peppy.. The rear seats are a joke...its really a 3 seater not 4...The stereo in my grand touring is one of the best factory systems I've heard.

1:11 That is one thing I can agree on. I hate it when a manufacturer does this. It's so nice when they are all auto.

The plastics are not a problem. It has alot less plastic then any chevy ive driven.

The thumbnail said 4:20, and playback says 4:19. I'm disappoint... 4:19 blaze it?

for the 12V draw power from the fuze from your interior fuse box R.OUTLET1 or F.OUTLET . I actually had hacked the dash head, and replaced all bulbs to led and hooked up a Fast charger for my phone, and a cheap but doable dash cam for me the only one drawback about the car is the side pocket on the 2015 is only a cup holder... i can't wait for for the 2020 Version, even though is a concept they new ActiveX engine will be in... www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/tokyo-auto-show/a13087715/mazda-kai-concept-revealed/ zoom zoom!

i hate how I cant see well I park. With all my friends cars and grandparents cars, I can totally see how well I am going to park.

I like these cars. I currently own a Mazda 2 but hoping to move onto a Mazda 3 in the near future, very reliable from what I've heard also

the dislikes about your opinions talk for themselves.

Every is minor, in my opinion. Only thing that is annoying is the road noise. So bluetooth phone conversation can be challenging.

Just got a 2015 s Toruing and most of your dislikes are mine. For me though the handling, 6 speed auto (not CVT), mechanical handbrake (not electronic), independent rear suspensions, 4 wheel disc brakes, simple interior (not 100 buttons), and relatively low price for what you get IMO. That is what sold me. Road noise isn't that bad IMO but there seems to be excessive in the front driver side from the engine or trans I'm not sure. I think overall if I just get rid of the 18" wheels for 16" everything will be fine. I have a spare set that will fit perfectly from my Honda so I will find out soon. Can't wait. To be fair this car rides great with the skinny 215/45/18 , I had 18s on my BRZ and it rides like #@!$ The one 12v outlet that is always powered is particularly annoying. My 12v usb port has an LED in it so it will drain my battery. First world problems I guess.

same as mazda 2 skyactiv

Get Grand Touring if you want more....

The rear view camera not being covered up is not nice, but you should try not to use the camera at all for a while just to get used to looking in the mirror, it's a good habit you can form.

I AGREE

Yup, I can relate to everything, had my 2015 2.5 GT for a little over 2 years now.

The road noise and lack of suspension is something they are very stubborn about lol. They refuse to address these complaints because it takes away from the more visceral experience of driving....they want you to feel the road! In Canada Quebec where all the roads are shit and loaded with pot holes or constantly under construction I feel the road a bit too much though.

They should come with a black headliner.

ohhb damn that suuuucks I have 2010 mazda 1.6 base model and all windows are auto and I can actually close them and open them from my key and here it's has only one auto.. why mazda!

Fiat owner: what I don't like about my Fiat: engine failure..

I also own a 2016 Mazda 3 Sport and everything you're saying is true, but for the money it is a perfect car. You can't expect a $17,000 car to be perfect. If you wanted something perfect then you should've gotten a Mazda 6. Anyway for the money you shouldn't be complaining about it.

2018 Touring. I absolutely despise the automatic climate control. I wish I had purchased something other than this -- it's awful. It takes constant attention to get & stay comfortable in winter. You can't adjust the outlet temperature like you could in a simple manual system. You 'aim' for a target temperature, and the computer takes it from there. It's hopeless, unless you want full fan at cold start in -20F weather. It ruins an otherwise excellent little vehicle.

Road noise is here to stay forevermore in mazdas, it's in their DNA.

My 2016 Mazda 3 infotainment is on constant reboot loop. I see lot of people have this issue but they didn’t recall it. They want to charge me $1400 to replace it. 😡

I own a 2017 grand touring, the road noise is horrible, this video is spot on...the blind spots are bad as well... switching lanes are an adventure..other than that I love the car..Its 3 seater not a 4, I feel sorry for anyone sitting behind the driver.

I also heard that this Mazda or the 2017 one doesn't have a CD player either? Please make more of these nit picky videos.

Road noise is a big problem on this car. I have a 2007 Mazda 3... I tested the new one, I swear it was actually LOUDER

Road noise? That's gonna be tires. Not the car. I have a 2017 with 235/40/18s and road noise is not something I encounter. The rest of your complaints are pretty weak and not worth mentioning. These are entry level cars. Lower your expectations.

I've had 2 Mazda 3's in my life. A 2007 Mazda 3 GT manual 4 dr sedan and it had a driver seat creak that the dealer never was able to, or unwilling to fix. I got rid of the car due to that and some other minor gripes. After 3 yrs I was ready for something else anyways. In 2016 I bought a GS manual 4 dr sedan, and for the past 6 months or more, I have consistent squeaking and clicking from ??? perhaps the suspension, steering linkage, shift linkage, brake linkage? Kramer Mazda says it can hear the clicks and squeaks but cannot identify where they are coming from, so they are unwilling to attempt to put in the time to fix it. Like seriously ......? Also road noise is pretty bad. Once the 2016 is sold, I won't be buying mazda ever again. Little things grind on you, and when the dealer won't do anything, then by bye. I don't think Mazda is a bad car, but there are better options out there, and I'm not willing to commit to a 3rd Mazda that disappoints me.

All minor details the is brilliant.

watch a YT video and learn to wire in your own USB outlets. Once you have the skills to upgrade your car to whatever you may want... your complaining will wain as well.

bought one 2016, will never buy one again, falling apart after 6 years.

Buy the new Generation 4! Noise completely gone lights everywhere two 12 v sockets much improved

"But there is ways to make it better" - back to grammar school - "But there are ways to make it better". The excessive road noise has been to some extent addressed in the 2017 model. The under powered USB ports is a dumb oversight by Mazda - I've heard of some GPS units going into "Program mode" when plugged in the USB port. The 2.5 L engine is underpowered as a result of good gas mileage - I think most would prefer more performance and sacrifice gas mileage. 225 HP from the 2.5 L engine would transform this vehicle and improve Mazda's image ( Zoom Zoom it is NOT ). Also the available colors with the exception of the Red are boring and not very flattering. Android Auto and Apple Play are not yet available but the stereo still has a CD player - go figure.

After a few months, you should have to look for your mirror adjustment buttons, it should be muscle memory and by feel... The road noise is 100% tires, no big deal. Rear view camera? I've been driving for 18 years without one, I don't need to rely on one now. 12v, I don't use one ever. Thanks for the rant. Looks like you don't mind the hill assist bullshit or drive automatic. That's the only issue I'm stuck on. But there's a 2.5gt near me with 36k on the clock and I'm about to get that!!