(Part 2) Best products from r/mazda

I'm not OP, but I've had great success using the Meguiars kit on 3 different cars. Been using the Headlight Protectant about once a month, and they are staying clear. Someone below mentioned clear coating them after restoring, which is probably a better long-term solution.

To each his own, but I kinda like the stock infotainment system on the gen 1. It's simple and looks pretty good and works well for what it is. Plus I don't really feel the need for a touch screen in a car. Anyways all cars have a dash kit so you can fit in aftermarket stereos. Here is one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190256359435, a little pricy but looks really nice. You can also go for carbon fiber if prefer that. This also works and looks nice for $40 http://www.ebay.com/itm/371601169293. Lastly there is the economy option metra: https://www.amazon.com/Metra-95-7504-Installation-2004-2009-Install/dp/B0014K5VOA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499487797&sr=8-1&keywords=Metra+mazda+3+dash+kit+2007 . With that you also need to buy the wiring harness.

So I found my temporary solution. It's by no means ideal, but it does what I want it to and cost me less than $50.

First, I got one of these things to put on my dash. It fits my nexus 7 pretty well, but it is a snug fit.

Since I wanted it to be a clean look, as clean as I could get at this point anyway, I decided to get a bluetooth receiver to plug into my aux input.

You can go cheaper on either, but that works well for me.

Handling: Racing Beat makes great springs. Drop the car only .75 inches but improves handling well. If you don't like the idea of lowering the car, this is a good way to go. Also, a rear sway bar helps a lot, you can get that for like $200 I think. Racing Beat makes one as well. Probably the best bang for your buck mod there is for the car.

Exhaust: a Magnaflow catback would be about $600 new, but the OBX axle backs aren't nearly that expensive and sound nice still
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnRqEu0xK6Q

Under $300 new. THey are meant for the v6 but work with the 4cyl 6i that you have as well apparently:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UYOQGE/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

You will need to lift the car to do any exhaust work, but that just takes a jack and jack stands as well as some wrenches. Maybe some wd-40 or PB blaster to help you loosen those nuts. You'd essentially just be screwing parts off and on and removing them from the hangers, it's nothing complex.

I installed myself. If you don't plan on installing an amp or have an aftermarket head unit you should look for speakers that have lower rms speaker range. Don't worry about the max rms unless running an amp to power them. I like Polk audio and alpine from my experience, but there are a lot of great speakers for a good price. Read reviews and see what type of sound you prefer. Some speakers have different material tweeters and they will sound bright or warm. I would suggest getting some sound deadening material and when you are installing the speakers do the doors and also in he trunk/hatch area.

Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Noico-deadening-automotive-Insulation-dampening/dp/B00URUIKAK

I purchased an adapter that plugs into the CD player expansion port on the back of my factory 2004 Miata unit, it worked great for $20. There was some electrical noise but a ground loop noise isolator fixed it. Then I purchased a $20 Bluetooth module that plugged into the aux port and was powered by the USB cable on the adapter. I had crystal clear aptX bluetooth on a stock 2004 miata radio.

I have since upgraded to a touch screen Kenwood unit so the adapter is just sitting in a drawer. If you want it I could ship it to you for free, I'm feeling generous this Christmas :)
Pm me if you want it!

Link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IVB9GUU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZCcwyb74P9DMK

Just bought a 2016 Mazda 6 Touring i.
The entertainment and system are pretty neat, but it has its drawbacks.

Pros:

• Excellent all wheel drive, along with a sport mode and the option to turn off traction control so it practically becomes a race car, Depending on trim level all leather seats and leather steering wheel, Mazda 6 Grand Touring includes all of this, with Sunroof, Halogens lights, spoiler,
  
  
• Tech Package - Bluetooth, Pre-Wired Navigation (If your Mazda dealer doesn't give you a navgiation SD card you can buy it from amazon as seen here , Hands Free Voice Activation, Reverse Camera
  
  Con:
  
  The only con, in which I am currently frustrated with, is the safety lock feature, as you're driving you will be locked out of some settings. For example, if you are driving with another passenger, and they decide to enter an address into the navigation system, the safety feature will lock you out until you come to a complete stop. Same with Bluetooth.
  I guess the reasoning for this is Mazda doesn't want to be responsible if some idiot runs into a tree while messing with his in-car electronics. I am hunting for a work around and made a post about this on the subreddit a few moments ago see here

Right off the bat I can tell you that this can cleaned up and looking good again. You might have to use some more advance techniques to get it looking brand new. But let’s try this first before we talk about more technical leather repair suggestions. I recommend watching this video on YouTube. It’s not me in the video, but it gives you a good idea of how something so dirty/damaged can look new again. Instead of Lexol, I personally use the Chemical Guys leather cleaner and conditioner combo. Nothing wrong with Lexol though. I started off on that brand when learning the ins and outs on detailing. Maybe pick up some good Microfiber (MF) towels too. Let me know if that works for you and if not, head on over to r/AutoDetailing and we’ll take care of you.

Edit: words

1. This article explains the differences. Basically the 2016.5 gives all models more base features, like heated seats as standard in the Touring, and navigation as standard in all models.
   
   
2. The dash has that weird texture at first but I find that goes away after a few months. Or maybe it's based on temperature. Regardless, my normal microfiber works fine on it.
   
   
3. In my Mazdas I use this product. It works on all surfaces but glass, and is one of the best products out there, especially for leather.
   
   
4. I put my mount in the place you've described, I really can't find any place much better. No issue with heat though. This is the mount I use.
   
   
5. The only other thing I recommend to everyone are the Weathertech Floor Liners, for every car you buy. They're expensive but worth every penny if you live somewhere it snows or rains constantly.

After quite a bit of research I went with the G1W-C because it has a capacitor built to withstand high heat, and I live in FL. For the price, it's awesome. Super easy to use and does its job perfectly.

Well don't put in clear lenses, it makes the difference even more noticeable haha. The up and down leveling isn't something you'd notice, it isn't like turning where it adapts instantly. Takes a few min for the up/down leveling to happen. As for patchy pattern on the road, that is normal for HID's to an extent. However, you might be approaching the end of the useful life on the D2S capsules, since the dimmer the output is, the more patchy it looks (artifacts from projector's reflector bowl). When the light output is brighter, it is less apparent to your eye.

Something I DEFINITELY would recommend is swapping out the stock D2S capsules with Osram CBI's. Seriously a night and day difference between the stock capsules, and worth every penny. If you decide to give them a try, DO buy them from a legit seller (theretrofitsource.com or amazon if you buy via prime seller, not so much a 3rd party seller) since there are lots of counterfeits out there, if they're much cheaper than $60 per capsule they're probably fake.

https://www.amazon.com/D2S-Osram-Xenarc-66240CBI-Bulbs/dp/B00C7DDQU4

I don't know what the grommet looks like through the firewall, but if there's room, you may try using a piece of safety wire or similar and pushing it through next to the wire loom, then make a loop on the end and pull your wire back through. That's what I've done in the past for similar applications.

For the fuse and ground, I know that many people have used Add-A-Circuit kits for this sort of thing. They sell them on Amazon or at any auto parts store. That's probably your best bet. I much prefer not to have to cut and splice factory wiring whenever possible.

I couldn't answer all your questions, but I hope that's at least a start. You may want to head over to MSF and see what others have done. Here's a thread for a similar install that I found after a quick search. Looks like OP used the hole for the hood release cable through the firewall and tapped into the BPV line for the pressure reading.

I went with this from Amazon and besides the trunk LED, I like it. Dome/map lights are very bright and I love the nice white appearance against the leather.

Yea, there are better options but until I get an accessport I'm using this adapter with the Torque Pro app.

Here is an example of a run at WOT I logged to make sure my hpfp was working properly for example

Good luck

I have this one, made by Mazda (it's cheaper with the Amazon link, but still comes from a dealer) http://www.amazon.com/2016-Mazda-CX-5-Cargo-Tray/dp/B00W2RBI0K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1457028224&sr=8-3&keywords=mazda+cx5+cargo+cover
Fits perfectly but does not cover the back seats. I've seen soft covers that take care of the back seats, but not a rubber one. You should be able to find some similar plastic or rubber sheeting at a hardware store, maybe cut it to fit.

I have a 2015 Touring. I added 30% tint on the front (which nicely matches the rear privacy glass), OEM window deflectors, Rokblokz mudflaps, JBR Rear sway bar and brackets (to reduce body roll in cornering), Fumoto Oil Valve - F-106N(for easier oil changes), McGard Spline Drive Lugs, and changed my wheels to Rays RE30s 18x7.5 +50 with Yokohama YK740 GTX 235 /60 R18 tires.

All these mods were easy to install, except for the RSB. That took a bit of time, but the install instructions are detailed and straight forward.

Happy modding!

This worked in my '17 Miata. Do your own research to confirm model numbers:

https://www.amazon.com/Mazda-0000-8F-Z09A-Genuine-Navigation/dp/B00XUGBJZ6