Hi all.

I'm currently looking at an '04 GT and I have a couple of questions:

1. Are they really that hard to start in the cold?
2. How do they handle in snow. I would be buying snow tires.
3. Are they considered a four-door? I own a Jeep Liberty right now and I'm wondering how much of an increase in insurance I can expect.
4. I read only in one article that you can use only premium fuel in them...true?

I think that's about it. Any other cons you can think of to inform me about would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

 

you shouldn't have any problems with snow.. if you buy snow tires that is and as for starting the car in the winter i don't think you will have any troubles just get the battery and the spark plugs checked by any Mazda dealer.


as for premium yes you can only use premium... but if gas is a problem do regular fill up and every other fill up do premium.

you be having a huge insurance jump dw its a 4 door make sure you tell your insurance provider that other than that good luck.
remember to not start your car in winter and than turn it off again it will flood than your stuck stranded and let your car warm up in the morning before even touching the gas pedal 3-5 min..

 

you WONT be having i meant.

 

It should handle fine in the snow with good tires and a cautious driver. And fun in empty parking lots!
Call your insurance and get a qoute it only takes 5min.
The difference in filling up with premium is only about $4 a tank so why not use it unless you have to fill up once a day.

 

I came out of a jeep liberty.......I live in Chicago where theres snow........Im fine.

 

Okay, thanks for the info. I got a price on insurance today, too...only $20 more per month.

One other question: when I took the car I'm looking at for a test drive, I noticed I could "feel" it when I shifted from neutral into first gear...there wasn't a "clunk" or anything, but I could still feel it...something to worry about?

 

nope, thats normal

 

how was the rest of the test drive?

My 8 never hesitated in the cold weather to start up all the way down into the teens.

as for premium, I never get it and I run fine. Now for spirited driving/very hot weather I will get premium (insurance). I am not the only one who has no problems with regular, few others on here are also just fine with it. The cars manual even says you can use it if no knocking.

 

Okay, normal is good. Thanks, Renesis.

The rest of the test drive was great. I went into the dealership thinking I wasn't going to get it and instead buy a Mazda 6 hatchback. But that all changed. Love the way it drives and sounds.

I'm think I'm gonna do it.

 

and before any one say DONT BUY THE 04!. i just want to let you know tc that i have a 04 since 04 with 60k miles on it. It never has let me down, as long you keep up with the maintence=less worries.

 

DONT BUY AN 04. Teething year.

 

caranddriver plz be qu8iet......

 

I have an 04 GT.

If its cold out, let the engine warm before shutting off to make sure theres no chance of flooding. In the event of flooding, push/pull starting will work.

Snow tires are mandatory for snow, and make sure you drive slowly and carefully and try not to make abrupt motions or stops.

You can use regular gas without detonation. You will suffer a performance decline. Premium (91 or above) is needed for max performance.

 

Thanks, everyone, for the help.

So I made the deal today, pick it up next week. Can hardly wait to get it.

 

post pics when you do! (pics or it didnt happen )

 

sorry, don't mean to hijack thread, but seeing that you already made the deal...regarding starting in the cold and snow... anyone keeps their cars outside or on the street during the winter? how much accelerated wear 'n tear does that add to the car, cosmetically and mechanically? would parking it outside during snow winters start or exacerbate cold start issues? sorry if this is a dumb question

 

Id throw a car cover over it; didnt do anything to mine 2 winters ago when it sat outside. I would recommend taking out the battery if you plan on having it sit for a while and bringing it inside.

 

I left mine outside for years. But if its not going to be driven regularly, dont let the battery die, trickle charge or something. Or give it a run periodically. But nothing seemed to get hurt by the exposure. I did put a cover on it when not using it for long stretches, like away at school.

 

yeah the cold has nothing to do with it that's fine...insurance will not go up verfy much as you can see I hear that they are good inthe snow with snow tires but when i lived in the north i had a winter beater and never let my 8 see snow except once (I sold my beater and of course it snowed like 8 inches that night) and for premium that is all i use I just feel comfortable with it also I know some ppl that work at mazda and they tell me that 93 is all that should b put in it ever but that is your decision

 

Well, here she is.

 

nnnooiicceee.........

Shoulda got a VR