So yes, 5 CDs are stuck in my 2004 3s 6-CD changer. My warranty ran out about 15K miles ago, so the dealer appropriately tried to give me a stroke by saying a replacement radio would cost me between $400-500. My question is: do you think it might be better to put in an aftermarket system, which would run about the same cost but have one major drawback: no CD changer. Otherwise, the aftermarket radio would have better sound (hopefully,) auxiliary inputs like iPod or USB (depending on what I buy) and can even be connected to my steering wheel audio controls. If any of ya'll have done this, what are the gotchas in the process? Or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

I was actively shopping for a 6CD changer a while back since my car came w/the single Disc unit. After reading about so many w/this same issue, I'm glad I never found one @ a price I could live with.
I would hate to give up the st. wheel control also and believe I've seen that someone has come up w/a way to adapt them to an AM HU....

Mr. Spots!! Paging Mr. Spots!!?

 

Well the biggest problem most people have with replacing the OEM HU is that it's just a nice (albeit flashy) integrated system and none of the aftermarket ones look as good. The unfortunate drawback to in dash CD changers is that they do jam......... just the way it is. I've been lucky to never have a problem with mine though :crosses fingers:. Since your car is out of warranty you could always try disassembling the CD changer to get your CD's out. You could also go looking for a used one for sale on ebay or one of the mazda forums. I've seen them go for as much as $200 and as little as free just to clear up someone's closet space.... I'd most certainly try a used one before buying new from the dealer, though remember you'll need either a '04 or '05 HU as the wiring changed in '06.

As for aftermarket it's true you can probably get a more powerful internal amp which will give you better sound out of the stock speakers, and an aux. input. For steering wheel controls you would need a PAC adapter I believe they're called. The downside I've heard from other owners is that they all tend to have a 1-3 second delay between hitting a button and the action taking place..... annoying but certainly not a deal breaker. If you find an a/m one you like and don't mind losing the flow of the dash there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Also you could always get one with the option of adding an external CD changer in the trunk/hatch/under seat/glovebox/etc.

 

Assuming $400-$500 includes installation and a warranty, and assuming "radio" means anew changer, that is not necessarily a bad deal. If your an audiophile who loves the changer and steering wheel control, I'd consider it. You could F around, try to buy used, try to buy aftermarket, and end up with nothing better.

 

Of course it's possible that he could buy a used one and end up with the same problem..... again jamming CD changers are common in these cars. The stock HU costs about $400 new from the dealer and that's not inculding installation... also that's an entirely new HU as I don't think they sell just the changer. Now if he's able to get someone to part with an old HU for $25 and spends the 10 minutes to replace it himself (super easy btw) he's way ahead money-wise. Even if it breaks again in a year and he has to do it again he's still spent way way less money. Also IIRC any parts you buy from Mazda come with a one year limited warranty, so nothing terribly special.

 

All good answers from ya'll. While I am not a strict audiophile, I can tell the difference between the really good Pioneer system that my old MX-6 had vs. the OEM one that my Mazda3 has. I did not know that there were delays using the PAC adapter; I just assumed they worked. Good one to know and I will research further. About losing the flow of the dash, has anyone found that it is too jarring? I mean, if I want to resell this at some point, will it be too much of a no-no?

In-dash CD changers appear to be a massive pita. Why the hell are they still offered the way they are? Are external CD changers any better? Anyway, I am not too tied to having a CD changer.

Thanks!

 

It's all a matter of what you like. There are people out there who have spent a bunch of time prepping the dash kits (bondo, sanding, painting, etc.) to get them to fit better and to blend in a bit more. Also there are some a/m stereos which fit in a bit better (red displays, etc.). If you're concerned about resale then just find a cheapo OEM HU for $20 from someone to switch it out when you want to sell the car.

 

This happened to my mazda3. And my warranty is also over...so I took it out and dissected it. Got the CDs unjammed and the eject door down..but as soon as I plugged it back in the eject door locked right back up with no CDs in...anyone have any ideas?