Without completly disecting this forum site, I wanted to ask a question that I'm sure has been hammered to death in the Mazda 3 forums. Anyone know of an alternate grille available for the 5? I'm aware the style is new and most of the usual grille aftermarket companies don't even have it listed yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

If by "alternative" you mean a stock replacement, I think you're stuck with factory Mazda parts. If you mean a different design grill (no smiley face), I think you are SOL. Sorry...

I bought mine in black, which greatly reduces the smiley look.

 

yup. I've not seen one either... for the 3 series or the new 5's.
But all in all, I think they look better on the 5 than the 3. Of course newer 3 owners would disagree w/me.

And black on either car, does reduce that smiley face look. Its just too bad that's the only way to reduce its affect on the appearance.

For what its worth, owners of the 2010+ 3's seem to either like the grille when they purchase the car, or get used to its appearance after a little while.

 

Autoexe makes them for just about all model ranges, although the 2012 models still have the ridiculous smiley face, just not as dorky looking. And yes they even make them for the 3, just be prepared to fork over the cash (Autoexe is awful proud of their stuff!!)

http://www.autoexe.co.jp/english/car/index%20car.html

 

Thanks, all. Yes, $800 is a little excessive for just a grille swap. I'll keep looking. Maybe it will grow on me and I'll live with it. Maybe I'll just get a front license plate with 2 big bucky teeth and make it look like Mater from the Cars movies. At least it will be a conversation piece.

 

and that's not counting shipping from Japan (unless there is a retailer here in the States) and they don't come painted so that will be more cash

way to much for a hunk of plastic in my book

 

A BIG +1 on that one.