How good is the 2014-up Mazda3?

[brages]

So one of my sons has just graduated from USMC boot camp. He has started talking about getting his first car after he finishes ITB (14 weeks). Instead of the Dodge Charger (as is traditional) he was talking about getting a Subaru WRX.

I looked at WRXes for sale and I think they might not be the most reliable choice. Also, I added my son back onto my insurance since he is on leave and the rate shot up - he had an accident last September. I can't imagine how high it would be for him to insure himself with a WRX.

So I think I would like to suggest an alternate car that would give him good service -- he will be away from home so he won't be able to bring it to Dad's Garage every time there's a problem. And something with more affordable insurance. I'm worried if he gets something fast, the total cost of ownership for a young guy with no credit history is going to be way too high.

I think the Mazda3 would be a real step down from a WRX in terms of excitement, but it could still be pretty fun to drive, especially if he got a six-speed manual. I think the 2014-up are good looking cars. And by the time he gets out of ITB, he should be able to pay for most of the purchase price from a private party (at least around here).

I don't have much experience with these, although I did have a Volvo S40 that was on the Mazda platform. And I had a Fusion with the 2.5 Duratec; I thought that was an excellent engine.

How about you? Any experience with these?

 

[Dave Hess]

Excellent 2.0L and 2.5L engines with great 6 speed traditional non CVT transmission.

These cars are very reliable and easy to work on.

Only real problem is the drive belt tensioner (leak) that needs replacing at 150K miles. Other than that Mazda did a great job designing these cars.

The early 2014-16 were made in Japan and the 2017-18 were made in Mexico.
Regardless of country…. these are excellent vehicles.

 

[bdcardinal]

Excellent 2.0L and 2.5L engines with great 6 speed traditional non CVT transmission.

These cars are very reliable and easy to work on.

Only real problem is the drive belt tensioner (leak) that needs replacing at 150K miles. Other than that Mazda did a great job designing these cars.

The early 2014-16 were made in Japan and the 2017-18 were made in Mexico.
Regardless of country…. these are excellent vehicles.

They were actually made in both countries for the US market at the same time.

 

[Patrick0525]

@brages What is the CX3 price range?

 

[Dave Hess]

They were actually made in both countries for the US market at the same time.

Even better.

2X the great cars.

 

[Urshurak776]

I love my Mazda3. Great car. Zoom Zoom.

 

[bdcardinal]

Even better.

2X the great cars.

I haven't been able to point to any quality difference either. The only anomaly is the air filter listed for the Mexico built one, seems to not fit. But the one listed for the Japanese built models fits both. Which has never cause any issues whatsoever... But no, great cars. There are the cylinder head issues on the ones with cylinder deactivation, but those are not as common (at least at my location.)

 

[brages]

@brages What is the CX3 price range?

I don't understand this question

 

[Dave Hess]

I haven't been able to point to any quality difference either. The only anomaly is the air filter listed for the Mexico built one, seems to not fit. But the one listed for the Japanese built models fits both. Which has never cause any issues whatsoever... But no, great cars. There are the cylinder head issues on the ones with cylinder deactivation, but those are not as common (at least at my location.)

Luckily the 2014-2018 does NOT have silly cylinder deactivation.

Zero need for this crap in a 4 cylinder engine.

 

[Patrick0525]

I don't understand this question

What is the price range for a 14-18 cx3 with a manual transmission?

 

[Dave Hess]

I love my Mazda3. Great car. Zoom Zoom.

What year ?

 

[ecotourist]

I've told this story before. About 10 years ago I took a car for a test drive one weekend. On Monday I told the guys at coffee that I had just driven the most fun car I had driven in years on the weekend. I asked them to guess what it was.

These car guys looked from one to the other and all three said "Mazda3". Correct, a Mazda3 with a manual transmission. These guys among them had a BMW 3 series, an Audi A4, a Mustang GT, a Panoz and a Ducatti, so they were not unfamiliar with interesting vehicles.

Don't sell the Mazda3 short. It's really fun to drive. And according to my son-in-law very reliable. He drove one for years before his current Tesla Model 3.

 

[ecotourist]

.... he was talking about getting a Subaru WRX.

I looked at WRXes for sale and I think they might not be the most reliable choice.

My friend has a Subaru WRX. He bought one with a ruined engine. As he says they're designed for easy engine replacement and Subaru even offers a new short block at a reasonable price. In this case the heads were trash too so it cost him quite a bit more than expected.

Ease of engine replacement? I think there's a message there.

 

[brages]

What is the price range for a 14-18 cx3 with a manual transmission?

What do I look like, Kelly Blue Book?

I'm seeing around $8000 for 2014 Mazda3s with about 120k miles and manual transmission, that's used car dealer price for nice looking examples. No idea on the CX-3, though.

 

[Elkins45]

I had a 2012 manual and it was without a doubt the most fun to drive vehicle I’ve ever owned. It was nimble and had plenty of zip, and it also got 38 MPG. I think the 2014 refresh is a better looking car but I would happily own any of the Skyactiv models.

 

[Urshurak776]

What year ?

2023

 

[wavinwayne]

Only thing I have to add to the conversation is there is a relatively new Mazda3 hatchback with the blackout package in the office complex where I work, and it looks super sharp!! I may well consider one for my next car.

 

[Dave Hess]

What do I look like, Kelly Blue Book?

I'm seeing around $8000 for 2014 Mazda3s with about 120k miles and manual transmission, that's used car dealer price for nice looking examples. No idea on the CX-3, though.

CX-3 are nice but for approx the same money I would just buy a Mazda 3.

Again, the 2014-18 Mazda3 are EXCELLENT vehicles.

Take your time and you can find a nice one.

 

[zzyzzx]

I would avoid any with the years that have cylinder deactivation.

 

[Urshurak776]

I would avoid any with the years that have cylinder deactivation.

Most that are 2018 and up have Cylinder deactivation. If it is such a huge widespread issue, that wouldn't be the case. Some lines out of Japan do not have it though. Tons and tons on the road and some have well over 100K (I know of a 2019 that is almost at 150K) and if maintained properly, doesn't appear to be an issue. Mazda has addressed earlier issues of cylinder deactivation with improvements and updates (with newer models of SkyAcitve. I have a 2023 and a 2024.

Both of my Mazdas have it, but are young. If it becomes an issue, I'll certainly report it here on BITOG.