I'm interested in a used Mazda 3 hatchback model. I have about $10K to spend (give or take a grand or two). I'd like to have the 2.5 for the extra power, but I wouldn't totally rule out the smaller engines if they aren't a complete dog. My biggest pet peeve with the 3 looks like it's going to be black interiors. I hate black interiors because they get so dang hot in the summer time, but almost all of the 3s I've looked at so far have a black int. It seems the lighter color ints in this model are rare. If there's anything a perspective buyer should know about, I'd certainly appreciate any input...after doing some online searching, it appears my price range puts me in the '09-'15 year models, depending on mileage, option packages, etc. The available engines I've seen are a 2.0, a 2.3, and a 2.5. I'd rather not have a turbo if it can be avoided. I know the 2.5 has been a round a good long time, and with the exception of some Skyactive year model 2.5s (our CX-9 is one of them, but no problems with it so far, knock on wood), it must be a pretty stout engine. I don't know anything about the 2.3 or the 2.0. Are these all reliable engines? Anything else a perspective buyer should know about the 3?
Looking to buy a used Mazda 3 - what to look for, what to avoid
- Thread starter grampi
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I sort of got a used 2023 Mazda 3. It had never been sold and was the dealership service loaner car. Had 4,158 miles on it. Got a really nice deal. Has the 2.5L Skyactive. I have put about 8K on it since I purchased it late last summer (September ish.) Love driving it.
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- Mar 5, 2025
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I have a 2018 CX3 Touring with around 48k on it. It’s a fun car to drive and the small size makes the 2.0 non-turbo feel peppy.
There’s not much room in the back seat of Mazda hatchbacks so if you will be carrying adult passengers you may want to consider that. I’m 5’6” with no kids at home so the small size works great for me and the wife. I will be taking it back to the dealership for the FIRST time for a recall on the backup camera later this month. It has been a very dependable car with only needing basic maintenance.
There's not anything I could suggest to look for when buying a used Mazda besides what you would for any other make.
Yes, it does have the black interior so the first thing I did was to get the windows tinted. It helped quite a bit with the Texas heat.
Good luck with your car shopping and let us know what you decide to buy.
There’s not much room in the back seat of Mazda hatchbacks so if you will be carrying adult passengers you may want to consider that. I’m 5’6” with no kids at home so the small size works great for me and the wife. I will be taking it back to the dealership for the FIRST time for a recall on the backup camera later this month. It has been a very dependable car with only needing basic maintenance.
There's not anything I could suggest to look for when buying a used Mazda besides what you would for any other make.
Yes, it does have the black interior so the first thing I did was to get the windows tinted. It helped quite a bit with the Texas heat.
Good luck with your car shopping and let us know what you decide to buy.
All those engines are fine IMO. If you can find a nice deal on a 16 or newer they had an update and are all around nicer. That's what I'd be looking to replace my 07 with if something was to happen to it.. From my shopping Manual transmissions are rare and command a premium on the used market. Definetly look out for rust, but like everything else if they have lived in a decent environment they'll be fine. My 07 has 0 rust.
Isn't that one pretty fast?
No adults riding in the back of my vehicles. In fact, the rear seats will always be folded down due to transporting my RC planes to and from the flying field...
As much as I enjoy driving a stick, I'd have to go with an automatic because my wife would drive it from time to time, and she has never learned how to drive a stick...and yes, I would teach her, but she doesn't want to learn...
I would imagine the 3 is a bit lighter than the 5, but it sounds like any of the available engines would be suitable power wise...I mainly want reliability...
Sis bought a new '12 w/1998cc engine. It had the mirrored blue engine cover to celebrate the new engine.
The auto took FZ fluid (pale blue) and a drain & fill @ 60k, from suggestions I read.
One wheel bearing went bad and Mazda replaced both.
It had some no-start condition once and she was given no good explanation.
I have mixed opinions of the involved dealership.
Sold it at 60k.
The auto took FZ fluid (pale blue) and a drain & fill @ 60k, from suggestions I read.
One wheel bearing went bad and Mazda replaced both.
It had some no-start condition once and she was given no good explanation.
I have mixed opinions of the involved dealership.
Sold it at 60k.
I have noticed a big change in Mazda's rust proofing. We bought a new 2003 MPV, and that thing rusted so badly after 13 years we had to get rid of it just because of the rust. Our 2017 CX-9 seems to be doing much better, as I haven't seen any rust on any of the body panels or on any of the door jams, hatch, or hood openings. Their rust proofing appears to have gotten much better from Mazda...
For the pre sky-activ motors(MZR's), the 2.5 was a bit of under performer and just used more gas, but maybe in an automatic the extra torque would be worth it. The 2.0 is a nice engine with a manual, not a real powerhouse but fun to drive, and I doubt many 2.0 mtx owners wished they had the 2.5 unless they drag race one, or are afraid of the redline.
The 4 banger ford duratecs were cheapened mazda MZR's bottom ends(cast cranks instead of forged) with simpler heads and they are among fords most reliable engines. I did a money shift once with my Focus and it probably was near 9k rpm and it shrugged it off and ran fine for years afterwards.
I don't know much about the sky-activ motors but they don't seem to be quite as reliable as the MZR's
I think before 2013 rust proofing is the major buying point, if its not rusted the rest is pretty decent!
The 4 banger ford duratecs were cheapened mazda MZR's bottom ends(cast cranks instead of forged) with simpler heads and they are among fords most reliable engines. I did a money shift once with my Focus and it probably was near 9k rpm and it shrugged it off and ran fine for years afterwards.
I don't know much about the sky-activ motors but they don't seem to be quite as reliable as the MZR's
I think before 2013 rust proofing is the major buying point, if its not rusted the rest is pretty decent!
3rd generation Maxda3 are EXCELLENT low cost vehicles.
You can find a nice 2015-16 Mazda3 hatchback in your price range with 2.0L engine and dark grey cloth interior.
Very easy to work on and ATF drain/refills are super easy.
Spark plugs are a 10 minute job.
You can find a nice 2015-16 Mazda3 hatchback in your price range with 2.0L engine and dark grey cloth interior.
Very easy to work on and ATF drain/refills are super easy.
Spark plugs are a 10 minute job.
2.5L engine are available on the upper Mazda3 Grand Touring models.
These cars have leather, fog lights, Bose / satellite stereo system, bigger 18 inch wheels, sunroof.
Take your time you can find a nice car in your price range.
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Mazda's rusted easier than other makes because Mazda was the last auto maker to E-coat their vehicles. I assume the Mazda6's made in Michigan were dipped. When Ford sold off its share of Mazda, the Sumitomo Mitsui became the biggest sole owner and knew of Mazda's bad reputation for rust and required Mazda to modernize and E-dip their vehicles in the manufacturing process. I know the 2014 Mazda3 is E-coated, not sure about a 2012. I know about this because my wife once had a 2012 Mazda which is how I came up with my username.
Here is a 9 second video to see what it is.
Here is a 9 second video to see what it is.
3rd gen are what years?
The Mazda 3 is a great car. Got a '15 for my grand niece. She loves it and is a sworn Mazda customer going forward. Of course she was driving a well worn and fixed badly body Corolla... Here is is a year ago when I got it, prepped and did basic maintenance before driving it to San Diego. Really nice car for the $$, that's for sure.
