Who makes Mazda 3 auto trans?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sat 12 Feb 2005 14:29
Who makes Mazda 3 auto trans? - expat
Does anyone know who makes the automatic transmission used in the Mazda 3? I know the Mazda 6 uses a Ford box and by all accounts it is not a good transmission at all. Does the 3 use the same box? If so it is probably something I should avoid.
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Sat 12 Feb 2005 17:30
Who makes Mazda 3 auto trans? - Honestjohn
As far as I know it's the other way round. Ford used the 323 autobox in the old Focus and latterly in the Fiesta and Fusion (I've got one outside). But in the Fords it lacks the Mazda 3's excellent control lever and you cannot control the shifts between 3rd and 4th.

HJ
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Sat 12 Feb 2005 19:13
Who makes Mazda 3 auto trans? - Aprilia
Mazda tend to use Jatco 'boxes. Because of the Ford-Mazda link-up some 626's used the Ford CD4E - very problematic.
I suspect the '3' will have a Jatco 'box, but why not check with the dealer?
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Sun 13 Feb 2005 01:58
Who makes Mazda 3 auto trans? - expat
Thanks for the info. I don't mind a JATCO box but wouldn't go near a Ford one.

I have got to the stage where I am finally thinking about replacing my 27 year old Holden Kingswood. I want power steering, auto and airconditioning which old faithful doesn't have. If I really stretch the funds I might be able to afford a new hatchback. I just have to work out whether it is worth the extra money to go for a new hatchback or whether to settle for a 2 year old 6 cylinder and have a bit of money left over. I will probably end up with a secondhand Holden Commodore but a new Mazda is tempting especially when I have had such a good run with the previous model. Depreciation isn't a huge factor in the considerations - it is less in Australia and anyway I keep my cars for at least ten years. Fuel costs don't really matter either. If they are too dear I can always get a gas conversion which will let me use LPG at 35cents a litre. (something like 15 GB pence).
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