Hello from Sacramento California!!!

783 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by agent_penoy, May 10, 2016

agent_penoy

Discussion Starter · May 6, 2016

I recently got my first mazda car, a 2016 pearl white base model mazda 3 hatchback, and I'm loving it.
I'm planning to customizing the car a little bit.
I'm currently waiting for my window visors to arrive in the mail.

Some changes I'd like to make/add:
-replace chrome accents with blacked out ones,
-add some roof rack system
-paint the front emblem black, and the back emblem white
-remove the sky active badge, 50/50 on the "mazda 3 badge"
-paint/replace the white handles with black ones
-get some seat covers
-i'm 50/50 about adding mudflaps
-I saw a member's photo of their white mazda3 with a blacked out roof,
and as an owner of a scion tc with sorta black panoramic roof, I'm digging the look. maybe use a vynil wrap?
-cold air intake
-Front strut tower bar
-axle back exhaust
-lowering springs to make it just a tad bit lower
-new set to rims

Any thoughts/advice on my plans?
Are there any taboos regarding cosmetic changes?
I don't regard myself as a ricer, but I do enjoy a nice looking car. If some of the upgrades i'm planning adding seem over the top, please do tell

) I appreciate any input.

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Rdrokit

· #2 · May 8, 2016

Welcome for the forum and congratulations on your new ride. I personally like cosmetic changes as opposed to mechanical changes. If I could have a mechanical change to boost horsepower from 155 (US spec) to 265 then I would make it but adding a cold air intake or a high performance exhaust would only boost my HP 10-15%. To me not worth the money as 80% of the cars in the states would still blow my doors off. Here in Thailand a 2liter 165hp engine (we have the Japan spec in Thailand) is more powerful than 90% of the cars on the road so I have done only cosmetic changes.
If you got the base model than you are probably running the stock 16" wheels. A new set of wheels will do wonders to the appearance. 17" or 18" look good. I don't think there is anything taboo on cosmetic changes. If you like the look than it's OK.

Post a photo of your ride when you get a chance. Happy motoring from Thailand.

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GerryB

· #3 · May 8, 2016

Welcome aboard.

Sent from the wrong side of the tracks.

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agent_penoy

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 10, 2016

@Rdrokit Thanks for the reply
The cold air intake and exhaust are far down the list of priority changes. I know they might not add that much but every little boost in hp helps

. I'm not really super ecstatic about the base model's hp/speed/acceleration, but it's all I could afford lol. I do love how it looks though, and I'm more of a cosmetic upgrade kind of person. The intake and exhaust are just to back up the cosmetics.

"A new set of wheels will do wonders to the appearance"
I agree, the wheels look kinda bulgy/bloated to me hahah
I'm planning on getting a new set of wheels soon. I just feel kinda sad that the current wheels are so new. I'll probably let them ride for 6-8 months before getting a new set.
Since my car's of white color, I'm thinking on getting either black, dark grey, or dark brown rims for it.

@GerryB thank you sir!

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