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Thread ID: 130089 2013-03-26 00:35:00 What were Mazda thinking? Greven (91) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1334091 2013-03-26 00:35:00 After many years of waiting, I was finally able to afford a Mazda 6 (actually a 2007 Atenza - the import version) & I love it, apart from one really stupid design flaw.
The air conditioning controls and display are tied into the factory stereo, so if I want any features beyond a very small selection of radio stations & CDs (not even MP3 CDs), my aircon will be permanently stuck on the last setting I used. Luckily I discovered there are devices that connect to the factory head unit by pretending to be a CD stacker & allow me to connect an ipod, USB device or anything with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Greven (91)
1334092 2013-03-26 01:00:00 Have you spoken to someone from a car stereo shop? There are often after market solutions for these problems.

When I bought my camry I thought I'd stick with the factory stereo because it was nice and tidy and styled into the dash but I quickly found I wanted MP3 playback more than I wanted it to look nice. Mad sounds had the factory unit out and replaced in 10 mins. Not as problematic as your situation but they msy have a solution.
dugimodo (138)
1334093 2013-03-26 01:07:00 ...And that is the ONLY reason I don't own an Atenza. Love them in every way apart from that.

This is what you need here...

kanatechs.jp

kanatechs.jp

or

www.ebay.co.uk 6asc%3D11%26meid%3D6504270154935933997%26pid%3D100 011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D180585254211%26

Good luck actually finding them though. Silly design decision. You can throw a band expander in in the mean time.
wratterus (105)
1334094 2013-03-26 01:18:00 Did you import yours? My wife is quite keen on getting us one, she's become infatuated with the Mazda 6 as of late, more-so than she is with me even! :p Chilling_Silence (9)
1334095 2013-03-26 01:20:00 Did you import yours? My wife is quite keen on getting us one, she's become infatuated with the Mazda 6 as of late, more-so than she is with me even! :p

That's no good at all Chill...

Also look at Accord Euro R. I know it's a Honda, but still...

www.trademe.co.nz

If you're going to buy an Atenza, take one of those for a drive before you buy anyway. ;)

The 2.3l Mazda engine is excellent though, pretty sure it won best engine in the states several years running as did the 2.3l turbo in the MPS.
wratterus (105)
1334096 2013-03-26 01:29:00 Most new cars are like that, my Mazda 3 MPS is the same. I can get a kit for mine to change it out pretty sure it gets around the entire Bose system, i'd say you can for the 6 also, try http://www.edsauto.co.nz/ Alex B (15479)
1334097 2013-03-26 02:41:00 It's one of those annoying things with new cars these days, everything is actually part of the console. The Mazda sounds pretty awful given that the stereo is tied into the A/C but look at any 'new' car in a showroom these days and you'll find the whole console is one factory fitted unit.

Not entirely bad as it improves the aesthetic, but that's where the fun stops. If you want to add features, replace the stock equipment for an upgrade or because the old one died, you're pretty much f*$@#!
The Error Guy (14052)
1334098 2013-03-26 02:45:00 Did you import yours? My wife is quite keen on getting us one, she's become infatuated with the Mazda 6 as of late, more-so than she is with me even! :p

That old boy is the joy of marriage.
Cicero (40)
1334099 2013-03-26 03:40:00 Buy a NZ new car. prefect (6291)
1334100 2013-03-26 03:47:00 Why, what difference would it make? (Remembering this isn't the 90's) Alex B (15479)
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