New Car! - Mazda 3 Sport

[bahbuu]

Hi guys,

I will be picking up my new Mazda 3 Sport sometime next week!! So excited!

But just a few questions to you guys.

The price I paid did not include rust proofing from the dealer (I tried to get it bare minimum price because I heard their rust proofing often overcharges $$), so should I get it down right away from somewhere like Krown? (Even though it's summer?)
- Or is there some sort of rust proofing already done from factory that can last until Autumn/Winter?

What other first steps should I take?
(Since this will be my first car -- I am a noob =(, I'm not too familiar with what sort of stuff I should do once I get the car)
- I've planned for a tint from audio heaven on my white sport, but that's it (which isn't necessary, but I like to have it lol)

Thanks!

[J_man]

:welcome smiley Congrats on picking up your new car. I would definately get it rust proofed right away. Cars start to rust right away in places under your car. Also, tinting is great it keeps your car cooler in the summer and it looks great too. See you around the forum!

[CFX]

Welcome to TM3.

It's still spring, but you can go whenever you like. Ideally it's best to get it down near the end of summer/beginning of fall, just before it starts to get damp.

First thing you should do is get the clear shield installed on the hood/side mirrors. I regret not getting it done as soon as I bought the car because now I have a ton of stone chips. If you wait too long, for every stone chip, the clear shield will leave a bubble, which will look horrible.

[dimsumboi05]

I personally got my rust proofin thrown in (liftetime warranty) however i have come across a lot of members suggesting Krown to get this done as well.

As for what other stuff to look out for once you get your car, my advice would be to check out all the bells and whistles of your vehicle before driving it off the lot. i.e if you added on the CP, play around with the sunroof, open up all the doors/trunks, pop open the hood..etc. Although the dealership already does this inspection before hand.. its your time to bring up any concerns/issues that may have caught your attention. Afterwards... mods! :)

[bahbuu]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!


Welcome to TM3.
First thing you should do is get the clear shield installed on the hood/side mirrors. I regret not getting it done as soon as I bought the car because now I have a ton of stone chips. If you wait too long, for every stone chip, the clear shield will leave a bubble, which will look horrible.

I'm having mixed feelings about the clear shield though, I heard from some that it's a nice investment since it'll protect your car from, like you mentioned, stone chips.

However, there are people saying that the shield will turn yellow in just a year/two years, so it's not worth it.

How much was your clearshield (including materials + installation), and which shop do you recommend it?

[bahbuu]

Also, should I wax the car within the first few days?

(sorry, I can't seem to find the 'edit' button =| )

[CFX]

However, there are people saying that the shield will turn yellow in just a year/two years, so it's not worth it.

How much was your clearshield (including materials + installation), and which shop do you recommend it?

I understand your concern but if it's installed correctly, it shouldn't discolour. Plus it depends on what material their using. I don't recall the exact name of the product but if I'm not mistaken, it's guaranteed. There's a place here in Hamilton/Stoney Creek called Tint Boys, that install the clear shield. They installed it on my 2010 Honda Civic Sport.

It definitely wouldn't hurt to wax your car, another great way to help protect your paint.

[poke65]

Welcome aboard

[zakman]

welcome to TM3 and yes def get the rust proofing done b.c the humidity is actually makes it worse... bu tcongrates on the new car

[Elusivellama]

Most shops offer lifetime warranty on the clear shield... not to worry. Definitely worth getting, you will accumulate a lot of stone chips unless you do that. Also, get mudflaps for the stones that get kicked up from the front wheels.

[bahbuu]

I understand your concern but if it's installed correctly, it shouldn't discolour. Plus it depends on what material their using. I don't recall the exact name of the product but if I'm not mistaken, it's guaranteed.


Most shops offer lifetime warranty on the clear shield... not to worry. Definitely worth getting, you will accumulate a lot of stone chips unless you do that. Also, get mudflaps for the stones that get kicked up from the front wheels.

I'll definitely ask around then, I think Audio Heaven has clear shields too (Venture Shield), and since I'll most likely be doing my tints, I'll ask to see if I could get a discount if I were to get both. And also ask about any life-time warranty/guarantee.

Also, waxing... I should do it myself right?
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Glaze
5. Seal
6. Wax
7. Top Coat
Those seems like the steps to doing a full job (at least from my research)

Or do you guys tend to take it to someone to do it, and how much do those cost + recommendations?

Man, now that I think about it, there's so many small costs for just starting up the car lol

[bahbuu]

Oh, and I would love to get mud flaps, but apparently there's not OEM mud flaps available for 2010 Mazda 3 Sport GT due to the side sills, so the shape won't allow the mud flaps to be put on =\

The only OEM thing I'm planning to get is the Cargo Tray (depending on the actual fit when I see it), I'll probably just get some random all seasons mat from Canadian Tire/Walmart

[iGOzoom]

:welcome smiley

[CFX]

I'll definitely ask around then, I think Audio Heaven has clear shields too (Venture Shield), and since I'll most likely be doing my tints, I'll ask to see if I could get a discount if I were to get both. And also ask about any life-time warranty/guarantee.

Also, waxing... I should do it myself right?
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Glaze
5. Seal
6. Wax
7. Top Coat
Those seems like the steps to doing a full job (at least from my research)

Or do you guys tend to take it to someone to do it, and how much do those cost + recommendations?

Man, now that I think about it, there's so many small costs for just starting up the car lol

I was informed from a former detailer, with 20 years experience, to NOT use polish on a newer vehicle. It actually scratches away the clear coat.


Oh, and I would love to get mud flaps, but apparently there's not OEM mud flaps available for 2010 Mazda 3 Sport GT due to the side sills, so the shape won't allow the mud flaps to be put on =\

The only OEM thing I'm planning to get is the Cargo Tray (depending on the actual fit when I see it), I'll probably just get some random all seasons mat from Canadian Tire/Walmart

I've had my 2010 Sport for a year now, without the mud flaps, and I haven't had any issues with stone chips. I purchased the OEM cargo tray from my dealership and it fits perfectly. As for mats, everyone, including myself, recommend WeatherTech Digital Fit floor mats. They're a bit pricey but they clean up very well, they'll save on your carpets (especially in the winter) and they fit perfectly as well. [Link (http://www.weathertech.ca)]

[bahbuu]

Ooh, thanks for the info about waxing! If a few steps is skipped, then maybe it's easier (and obviously cheaper) for me to do it myself :) now just gotta search around to find any good guides online!



I purchased the OEM cargo tray from my dealership and it fits perfectly. As for mats, everyone, including myself, recommend WeatherTech Digital Fit floor mats. They're a bit pricey but they clean up very well, they'll save on your carpets (especially in the winter) and they fit perfectly as well. [Link (http://www.weathertech.ca)]

Thanks for the suggestion! Yeah I heard about them, and found many recommending these on the forum too, but... $200+ is a bit expensive o____o I'll definitely consider it though (since I want to keep my car carpet in mint condition).

[DualSoul]

Welcome to TM3!

[bahbuu]

Just another side question hoping someone can shed some light on.

When I pick up my car next week, am I suppose to expect the car to have been clayed + waxed? (i.e. total free from rail dust?), or is there nothing I can do even if there is rail dust and I'll have to wash/clay/wax it by myself?

Thanks