Since you're reporting back, how is the 2009 Mazda 3 so far?

 

Love it. Super quiet, fun to drive. I think my alternator might be going though. Light came on yesterday and just when i was about to take it to the garage it went away and I had happy driving for the rest of the day. Came back on this morning though :/ So may have to find a place near my work to fix it.

I do have a question about it. Its snowing out, and when you loose traction and brake, it really sounds like stuff is grinding like crazy. Is that normal?

Edit: So its the 'check engine' light. I presume that will be on because the weather is super duper cold?

 

I suspect what you're hearing in the snow is the traction control/ABS braking systems.

Regarding the check engine light and the cold, no, cold shouldn't have anything to do with the light. You should have the OBD-II codes read, this will tell you what the issue is.

 

The light has gone now. I would imagine the patented 'self healing' tech has kicked in