I'm thinking that the door arm rest is a little cheap. It should have been wrapped in the same material as the center console. I think that cloth will get very dingy and show its wear too quickly. Any one feel the same?

 

Yes, I felt the same.

 

Yes, it looked like it was wearing after 1,000 miles!! I noted it on the e-mail surveys they keep sending. It may just be skin flakes in the black material, not sure. I always rest my elbow there.

 

GT door armrest is holding up well at 8K miles so far.

 

A damp cloth restores the look somewhat. I now wipe it after I chamois.

 

This was corrected on 2014 models which have leatherette inserts.

 

Nicely done (and reasonably quick fix) by Mazda. I have a GT with leatherette inserts on armrests at after 24K miles, no visible signs of wear.

 

I almost had mine redone by a local upholstery shop ($100 for the pair) but figured I would hold off til they start to show uncleanable soiling or irrepairable wear.

 

Sounds like a reasonable plan, that's exactly what I'd do if I had a Touring.