Chapman Mazda on Bell Road Blog

Once upon a time, sport-utility vehicles were little more than lumbering behemoths – clunky derivatives of their military predecessors. While early SUVs were under development elsewhere, Mazda focused its attention on perfecting the Wankel engine and a string of excellent cars using that power plant. If you think that neither the SUV nor Mazda have engineered enough sophistication to compete in one of today’s toughest markets, think again: the 2013 Mazda CX-9 captures everything that drivers love about Mazda and pairs it with the numerous accommodations of a world-class SUV.

According to Edmunds, the CX-9’s three trims are all well-equipped by default, including power accessories, three-zone automatic climate control, and a healthy dose of modern technology (touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Pandora, and USC/auxiliary inputs are all present and accounted for). Of course, numerous additional options are available, including premium wheels, upgraded sound, and so on.

For those familiar with previous model years of the CX-9 – or perhaps those who’ve simply seen them while driving past Phoenix Mazda dealers – the most obvious update to the SUV is its refreshed front-end styling. In keeping with the style of its other models, Mazda designers broadened the CX-9′s front grille and reshaped the headlights to exemplify more contemporary trends. Fog lamps and more exotic-looking wheels round out the aesthetic touches which match the CX-9′s appearance with its technical sophistication.

Ultimately, the bench standard of the mid-size SUV class is the vehicle’s suitability for transporting passengers both comfortably and reliably. The Mazda CX-9 has accomplished this goal better than many of its higher-priced competitors since its introduction in 2007. Moreover, the CX-9 achieves its task with ample luxury features and the performance flair that Mazda engineers have long prided themselves in providing.

If you would like to learn more about the 2013 Mazda CX-9, including taking one for a test drive, contact Chapman Mazda. The associates at Chapman Mazda are always willing to answer questions and provide expert advice.

The axiom “you could, but should you” applies to wearing tube tops, bungee jumping off a short bridge and auto repairs. Just because you can change the wiring system in your Mazda3, should you? Previous generations of car owners took pride in changing out the timing belt. But today, is that something a typical Chapman Arizona new car owner can attempt? Or is that a costly repair best left to a professional?

Joshua Wojtyna, the Service Manager at Chapman Mazda, suggests leaving the timing belt replacement to a certified technician. “A timing belt is a crucial component in an engine, and if you don’t have the tension right, or the belt is placed incorrectly, you may damage the engine,” Wojtyna says. “There are timing marks to align the belt to, and the tension must be correct. It’s not an easy job for the average vehicle owner to perform.”

Even an oil change on a new car can be a costly exercise in frustration. There are supplies to buy, like the oil, a filter, and oil pan, as well as the disposal method for the oil. That’s right, gone are the days when you can just dump the oil down the street drain, or in the dirt next to the driveway. Per Arizona state statute, If you change your own oil, you must take the old, sludgy stuff to a hazardous waste facility for disposal. The hassle of getting the oil plug out of the bottom of the engine block is minor compared to finding a disposal site near your home. It is more convenient to visit your local Chapman Arizona Service Center for an oil change and ditch all of the hassle.

Wojtyna has worked for Chapman Mazda for nearly 3 years, and has been a mechanic for 19. Here are his suggestions for vehicle owners who have basic car knowledge and who want to perform maintenance items themselves:

• Oil change – Correct oil weight and amount is VERY important
• Air filter
• Cabin filter in most cars – some require disassembly to replace
• Fuses – be sure to use the correct amperage fuse when replacing
• Tire rotation – front to back only on same side of vehicle. Some tires are directional. A torque wrench is required
• Windshield wipers – use the correct length
• Battery replacement – use only the correct size for the vehicle and make sure it is secured properly, and the cables are firmly attached

The following repairs are best left to a professional vehicle mechanic:

• Brakes – correct pads and shims need to be used, and the rotors should be machined
• Spark plugs – a mechanic can “read” the plugs and determine the condition of the engine
• Transmission services – the fluid is strained for particulates and the color checked to determine transmission condition
• Hoses
• Fluids – at Chapman Mazda, we perform a flush and cleaning, not just a drain and refill
• Any tune-up related items

For those repairs that only a mechanic can perform, turn to one of Chapman Arizona’s Service Centers. The certified professionals who work there can take care of your vehicle in a timely manner, and get you back on the road quickly. To find a center near you, visit www.chapmanaz.com/servicecenters.asp.

Chapman Mazda and the Arizona Mazda Club are hosting a juried car show on March 24, 2013, from 8am-3pm. This family-friendly event will feature test rides, show and street cars and prizes such as the Kindle FireHD.

Mazda enthusiasts from across the state will be on hand to show off their cars and talk shop. For the second consecutive year, the Phoenix Mazda dealer hosts the car show and features exciting new Mazda models. Two popular models will be available for test drive – the CX-5 and the new Mazda6. The CX-5 is more sports-car than SUV, fun to drive, quick off the line, yet able to haul kids, camping gear and the dog for a weekend outing. The Mazda6 is a top-rated sedan with top-notch fuel economy and interior styling. And like its other Mazda counterparts, its also fun to drive.

“Working with local organizations like the Arizona Mazda Club is one way we reach out to Mazda owners and enthusiasts,” said Jesse McMahan, General Manager at Chapman Mazda. “There will be some amazing cars at the show and we are excited about hosting this event.”

The Arizona Mazda Club also is holding a food drive at the event for St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. Donations of non-perishable food items will help feed hungry families and is greatly appreciated. In addition to the Kindle FireHD, there will be raffles for prizes, a DJ, food and a photographer will be on hand to take professional car photos.

Long-time Mazda supporter Black Halo Racing will have a vendor booth, and car show entrants will vie for a trophy in one of 10 categories, including Best Mazda 3, Best RX8, Club Participation, and Best Vintage Mazda (1990 or older).

For more information on Mazda vehicles or the car show, visit www.chapmanmazda.com.

Every vehicle, no matter how well-built and carefully maintained, will eventually suffer a breakdown and require repairs.  Usually, those repairs will cost much less than a new auto, but as your vehicle ages, you may start to consider replacement as an alternative to repair.  Here are some tips to assist in your decision, courtesy of Chapman Mazda.

Consider the consequences of repair.  Although most repairs result from isolated breakdowns, some issues may be signs of bigger problems.  In some engines, for example, a seized water pump could disrupt the engine’s timing, potentially causing damage to internal motor components.  Your mechanic may not notice internal damage during a post-repair inspection, and that damage may cause more problems which are more costly to repair.  When you take your car in for inspection and repair, ask the mechanic for a detailed report of the service and whether the breakdown could be related to more severe underlying problems – your local Mazda service center can perform this inspection and provide useful advice.

Prepare a budget with a car payment included.  Adding a car payment – or increasing an existing one – could be an untimely burden on your finances.  The costs of repairs are nearly always less than the cost of a new car, but the amount you would spend on a repair could cover your next down payment.  Preparing a budget with estimated monthly payments versus your current budget (minus the cost of the repair) is the best way to know whether replacement is a more fitting alternative for your family.

Examine everything the market has to offer.  Even if you decide not to buy a new car, the pre-owned market has grown tremendously in recent years.  Certified pre-owned models include warranties like new cars, but come at reduced sticker prices.  Often, dealerships receive low-mileage, like-new vehicles which they sell at greatly reduced prices.  Your individual situation dictates the best course to take when your car breaks down, but the service team at your Phoenix Mazda dealer is always willing to offer advice.

The fully updated 2014 Mazda6 is on sale now at Chapman Mazda! With a fresh design, a new engine and a collection of the most modern technologies, Mazda‘s goal is to cross the threshold into the full-size sedan market strong.

The exterior of the Mazda6 now has presence. It sits firmly on its wheels, leading with a superior, prominent grille that blends smoothly with the rest of its body. The front wheels have been pushed forward to reduce front overhang and side mirrors are mounted on the door rather than the side for aerodynamic reasons. However, the overall length, width and height have slightly decreased compared with the old model.

The interior of the 2014 Mazda6 is perfect for those who like to drive.  It includes the standard power equipment and a full range of available audio bonuses, including an 11-speaker Bose system, USB and Bluetooth functionality and steering wheel controls. The Mazda6 features two displays: a smaller one mounted in the instrument panel used for driver information, and a larger touch-screen system mounted high up on the dash for comfort, entertainment and navigation systems.

Under the hood is a large 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection which pumps out 189 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 189 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-liter engine can also be paired with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission. This new unit features a full lock-up clutch design that improves responsiveness, as well as paddle shifters and “kick down” throttle-pedal functionality. Both transmission options send power to the front wheels only.

As far as safety, cars.com says that the Mazda6 has a new rear vehicle monitoring system which has a detection range of up to 50 meters. A lane departure warning system is another advanced feature and a new self-braking front-collision system automatically applies the brakes when the risk of frontal collision is detected. Other safety features include side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability system. The Mazda6 will also now flicker the hazard lights in an event of panic braking.

Stop by Mazda Phoenix today to check out the new 2014 Mazda6!