What do you know about the Mazda 2?

[Warlord]

I’m in the market for a cheap and simple little hatchback and I’ve come across a 2011 Mazda 2 that seems to fit the bill. It’s a 5 speed with only 54k kms on it. The old couple is asking $3500 CAD for it. In the current inflated used vehicle market this seems like a great deal. The problem is I don’t really know a whole lot about these cars and there doesn’t seem to be near as much info out there as there is about the yaris, fit, versa, etc. I like that it has a very low tech engine that should run forever.

Anyone have any experience with the 2? Worth considering or should I pay much more for a similar Fit or Yaris?

 

[PimTac]

I think that motor is the 1.5 and probably the older iron block model. Should be a decent motor. I have no personal experience with a 2 but I do see them occasionally still running around. With that mileage it sounds like a good deal as long as everything else is up to par.

 

[odie]

See them on occasion . Test drove a 2 when it came out . It was a 5 speed manual and it was the easiest clutch and shifting of all manuals I've owned or test drove . A few years ago I asked a person how many miles were on her 2 and said well over 100,000 miles .

 

[Oillover]

IIRC the reason you can't find much on the net about them, is because they were only available for the Canadian market...though I could be wrong.
Aside from that, they are wonderfully simple and with basic maintenance you should be able to get many years of trouble-free driving from it.

 

[odie]

In the U.S. market from 2011 >'14 .

 

[slacktide_bitog]

It is an awesome car that is worth buying if it's not rusty. And of course, Krown is a must, even more so with Mazda.

Even before the pandemic, $3500 in moose money ($2000 in our money) is a great deal for any running car that can pass inspection.

IIRC the reason you can't find much on the net about them, is because they were only available for the Canadian market...though I could be wrong.
Aside from that, they are wonderfully simple and with basic maintenance you should be able to get many years of trouble-free driving from it.

The 2 was sold in the US

 

[odie]

Be careful and inspect it thoroughly . Check tire wells ( especially at top of shocks / springs ) and rocker panels for rust . Also , if possible , look down into engine with strong flashlight for cleanliness and check bottom of oil cap for buildup of oil deposits . Good luck and keep us up to date .

 

[JeffKeryk]

All I can say about Mazdas in general is that owners love 'em.

 

[skyactiv]

The USA highway EPA rated gas mileage is nothing to brag about considering the size of the car and the HP, even when comparing to other cars of the era.

 

[IndyIan]

We had one as a rental on a little island in the middle of the south pacific. Never got above 60km/h but it seemed like a solid little car, seemed to be handling the rougher roads quite well. It's got a timing chain so if the oil looks good and its not too rusty it seems like nice simple little car. I don't think a Fit or Yaris is going to be much different and one with that little mileage isn't going to be cheap. The Corolla/Focus/Civic size cars seem to be alot more money than $3500 but maybe worth it for lots of hwy driving?

 

[Warlord]

The USA highway EPA rated gas mileage is nothing to brag about considering the size of the car and the HP, even when comparing to other cars of the era.

I’ve read about that. Its curious because the Canadian government rates it smack dab in the middle of the Yaris and Fit. On fuelly for 2011 models it’s the same. 6.8l/100 kms for the Yaris, 7.2 for the 2, and 7.3 for the Fit. I wonder what about the EPA test caused it to score so poorly?

 

[Warlord]

See them on occasion . Test drove a 2 when it came out . It was a 5 speed manual and it was the easiest clutch and shifting of all manuals I've owned or test drove . A few years ago I asked a person how many miles were on her 2 and said well over 100,000 miles .

I actually read your old test drive post on here from about 10 years back.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

The USA highway EPA rated gas mileage is nothing to brag about considering the size of the car and the HP, even when comparing to other cars of the era.

It's a 4-speed automatic, not a CVT like other small cars have. The 4-speed auto isn't great for EPA numbers but is good for BITOG

 

[CharBaby]

YouTube videos are your friend.

 

[simple_gifts]

The last generation of Toyota Yaris sold in the US were rebadged M2's The reviews I read regarding it indicated it was chock full of value.

It appears the European Yaris will soon be a rebadged M2 also.

 

[GMFan]

Be sure to inspect the front and rear subframes for rust/corrosion.

 

[pbm]

$3500 Canadian is a steal for that car if it isn't rusty etc....The fact that it's a stick makes it more valuable (to me)...

 

[CKN]

The ultimate penalty box (hence "deal")-but reliable.

 

[Nick1994]

For a good run around beater car, that sounds like a great deal.

 

[dishdude]

That's a steal. I would drop what I was doing right now and run over there with $3,500 if I were the OP.