Am i the only one that thinks the two rear windows are useless, they dont even open up enough to make a difference , also they shouldve made it with a automatic motor instead of a big doofy clip, ive seen soccer mom vans with rear windows that open automatically !!

 

I don't know that they are particularly useless but I haven't had the need to open them in the approximate week that I've owned mine, particularly since it has been raining off and on every day since I got it. I think they would be particularly useful on those hot summer days to have them open when it is parked so that it doesn't get so hot inside the windows explode (seen that happen before on cars).

 

Having more automatic devices just means more weight on a sports car.

 

mine was popped out last night when someone hit my car while it was parked!!!! it makes a big difference when the window isn't there!!! I can't see out that side of the car now.

 

i dont mean the actual window not being there i meant for it not to open at all, it opens barely 2 inches , mazda might as as well kept it closed

 

If you have them open driving with the front windows down, wind buffeting is less, plus it has been said that you go faster on the track as a result of the resulting lowered wind turbulance. Motors are heavy, and unless your are handicaped, is it sooooo hard to reach all the way back there? or you could simply open the door.

Everything in-on the 8 has a purpose ...don't wish pieces away!

 

I drove around with them open after I got my windows tinted and they don't allow much air in while you are moving but they sure do help in keeping the car cool when it is in the sun.

I do know what you were talking about I just had to whine a little about what happened that's all.

 

I got caught by those stupid windows - on the highway I figured I should open the drivers side vent, see how it sounded.

Too stupid to stop, I worked my left arm straight back to reach the clamp, got it, flicked it open; now I'm stuck - my arm won't come back the same way it went!

Had to cruise to a stop, and open the door to rescue my appendage.

S

 

I've been trying (off and on) since I got my car in October of '03 to find some motors off of those minivans to try and fit them onto the 8, but haven't had any real luck. I even went as far as to look for any company that might manufacture a unit like this to install onto the manual vent windows, but no cigar. Everyone that I have asked about those motors always look at me like I got two heads.

 

What about using a cable linkage with a push/pull lever. That is what they started with in the minivans before using motors.

 

Mine are usually open most of the time. Crack the sunroof and driver/pass. windows, open both back windows. No need for AC.

 

Honestly, I've had this car for almost two years now, and I've only opened them once.

 

I tell my passengers to open them if the sunroof/front windows aren't enough.

 

I think that it is meant more for wond control in the car, particularly in the back seat.
I remember an old lincoln my uncle had, and I asked my dad the very same question, and he said it was used to control the amount of wind thats coming to you in the back.

 

come to think of it, whenever i open the moonroof, i do get a lot more air coming from the vents. you may be right SSJ.

 

My 8 year old daughter uses hers regularly. There was also a rumor early on that driving with them open, when the front windows are open, improves gas mileage (never proven).

 

On reflection, I think they're absolutely perfect-- for *my* needs, of course. My back seats are mostly for cargo, not people. I think I've had them open all of thrice, mostly friends fiddling with them for fun. So I hardly want or need any fancy motors or anything for them. On the other hand, on those quite rare occasions when I *do* have passengers back there, I'd like them to be able to get a little air if they want, and the solution Mazda came up with seems cheap and simple enough. A decent compromise.

 

Don't mean to hijack but how do you keep them from closing a bit after you opened them fully? A slight knock on the door actually closes the full open window.

 

Open it until it snaps and locks.