This is our second Mazd3. Had to sell our 2016 with stick shift because the Mazda3 pedals are too close together to work with my neuropathy. Had a stick shift Tacoma with more wide spaced pedals and can drive it fine.

This 2024 has automatic. Good thing is the CAFE value is 37 vs. only about 35 for the 2016, and it does closer to 40.

In between, we had an Accord hybrid, which is too large. Wanted a Civic hybrid but do not like the colors (maybe only one) available with the lighter colored upholstery. The Accord did 46 mpg. The Civic likely does 50.

The adaptive cruise control is not as smooth as on the Accord nor on our current Jetta while the 3 is being repaired for minor front end damage. Like the brake hold on the 3. The Accord had similar. On the Jetta, one has to apply the electric parking brake when stopped.

Also had a 2013 Mazda MX-5 with folding hardtop. Had to sell it because of neuropathy as well. Best sport car we've ever owned.

Why or why does not Mazda place the oil filter for access from the top like on VWs and most US cars and even on a Subaru?

 

Welcome to the forum

The answer to that question is not published anywhere and is more or less the choice and decision during engineering of not only the engine but other under hood parts.

I personally have always dis liked the upper oil filter canister arrangement on most platforms. No matter how carefully I am I always need to clean up from those few drops of oil that get away during an oil and filter service. LOL

 

Had a 1983 240D for 25 years. Its oil filter was the easiest in the world to change. Had 2 bolts holding the top on. Remove those, lift the lid and then the sock filter inside, and the oil drained to the sump.

Similarly on a VW Jetta diesel. Could remove the filter top, and the oil would drain to the sump, just not quite as easy as on the Benz.

 

My wife also had a 1961 Studebaker Lark with the oil filter up top. It did not leak at all, having a check valve built into the filter, when one removed it.

 

Ok but you have Gas powered vehicles now according to what your first post here?
Now you are comparing a diesel to a gas engine?
Sorry but diesels are their own animal. And even though I am L2 certified I don't work on them nor to do give trouble shooting advise, at least not on the internet.

If you don't like where the oil filter is located, you can change the location!

 

And I had a couple of cars in my past that the oil filter canister was filled with a toilet paper roll. Really lets get up with the times at least in this century? LOL

 

And I had a couple of cars in my past that the oil filter canister was filled with a toilet paper roll. Really lets get up with the times at least in this century? LOL

 

Ok I understand now and respect your age. My dad will be 93 next month. So it says something that you have been around almost as long.

 

There is no difference in oil filters between gas engines and diesel engines.

 

Actually that is a somewhat inaccurate blanket statement but fundamentally I understand why you made it..

I am trying to get you up that you have a Mazda now and that the oil filter location is what Mazda has deemed a good location for years!
Can we move on now? LOL

If you want to change your Mazda location of the oil filter it is not difficult to do. And there is a couple of good locations under the hood you could mount it.