Buying a new Mazda can be quite the treat, but it can also be a very expensive treat, which is why you might be tempted to look for a used Mazda dealer near Chapin, SC. Many buyers simply don’t have the budget to accommodate a Mazda from the current model year. Given how automakers, Mazda included, do not change a ton of things from year to year until there is a big remodel, you can buy a vehicle from just a few years ago with the same features you want for a fraction of the price.
Which used Mazda is the right fit for you, though? This is a question that requires some research. Before we launch into which used Mazda models offer the most universal appeal, it is important to address the benefits of buying a used Mazda.
The Benefits of Buying Used
Buying a used vehicle might not be something you would immediately think of as a good investment. Truth be told, however, you get a lot of value from a gently used vehicle, especially from a Mazda. From affordability to reliability, there are several key reasons why buying used might be right for you.
Affordability
Mazda makes buying a new vehicle affordable enough, but when you buy a slightly older model, you get even more bang for your buck. Given that depreciation begins as soon as you drive your shiny new vehicle off the dealership lot, you might want to rethink buying a new vehicle if you’re on a budget.
Within one year of ownership, the average vehicle’s value will depreciate by around 20 percent. The depreciation rate jumps to about 40 percent within five years of ownership. Depreciation factors into the overall cost of owning a vehicle, and for people on a budget, it backs them into a corner when it comes time to replace it. A used vehicle has already depreciated, saving you some money in the short- and long-run.
Quality
A used Mazda is still a high quality vehicle. Mazda, in particular, makes quality a part of their mission. As Consumer Reports states, Mazda is consistently ranked as one of the most reliable and high quality vehicles in its class. Even after they are a couple of years old, Mazda vehicles can drive like they are still brand new. Owners who properly maintain their Mazdas will find that they truly have a lot of quality parts and design elements.
Reliability
A good vehicle gets you from point A to point B. A lightly used Mazda can get you anywhere you need to go without the headache and hassle that comes from owning a clunker.
Mazda consistently puts in effort to achieve high reliability ratings year after year. In 2021, Mazda sat atop the reliability chart of Consumer Reports. Mazda was only bested by Subaru in 2022. While there are always changes going on in the automotive industry, one constant is Mazda making reliable vehicles.
What to Look For
What should you look for when shopping for a used Mazda? There are a few critical factors to consider: power, fuel efficiency, technology, and safety features and ratings. Let’s break them down one by one.
Power
Mazda manufactures automobiles that deliver the kind of power that drivers prefer for making their daily commutes. For example, the 2018 Mazda CX-9 is powered by an engine that delivers 227 horsepower. This is plenty of power to get a midsize SUV up and moving.
If you are looking for something sportier, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata’s power should more than suffice. This svelte little two-seater sports car gets 181 horsepower on tap for a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. While that’s less power than the Toyota 86 or Subaru BRZ, the Miata only weighs about 2,400 pounds, so it doesn’t take much power to zoom-zoom down the road.
Fuel Efficiency
Getting good fuel economy is important when shopping for a used vehicle. One of the used Mazda models that excels in this aspect is the 2016 Mazda CX-5. Powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, this particular model is able to get up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway in the front-wheel drive (FWD) variant. If you get one with all-wheel drive (AWD), the EPA estimates it at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is quite good for an AWD vehicle in this segment. Considering that the 2022 CX-5 ditched the FWD system, the newer CX-5 models only achieve the 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway rating.
This is why it is important to look up EPA estimates by model year. While Mazda does not make huge changes every year, it is common for automakers to tweak powertrain components and other things that factor into a vehicle’s fuel economy. Hence, buying a used vehicle is sometimes the better deal if you are looking for optimal fuel efficiency.
Technology
A Mazda that is just a few years old will still have a lot of the same technology that you find on the current model year’s line-up. For example, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a standard Mazda Connect infotainment system with a seven-inch color display, voice commands, and SMS text messaging. Available features for that model year’s higher trim levels include smartphone app integration, SiriusXM Satellite Radio connectivity, the Mazda Navigation system, and a Bose sound system with Audio Pilot.
If you are not someone who is familiar with contemporary in-vehicle technology, you might feel more at ease with a slightly older Mazda model. The infotainment interfaces on used models tend to be straightforward and user-friendly with controls that are placed well within the driver’s reach. Smartphone integration is helpful for those who prefer to use their iPhones or Androids for navigation or listening to music, and a slightly older Mazda makes that integration available for you to use.
Safety
Safety is always a primary concern when buying any vehicle, new or used. When you are buying a used vehicle, you get the benefit of looking back at Consumer Reports and recalls to see what kinds of common issues exist for a particular vehicle. Even Mazda models aren’t perfect, so having that kind of information at your disposal is useful when deciding which used Mazda you want to buy.
Thankfully, Mazda puts a great deal of emphasis on vehicular safety. This automaker has a long history of getting five-star ratings from NHTSA, and Top Pick and Top Pick+ titles from the IIHS. You can always go to their websites and look up safety ratings for individual vehicles.
What’s more, Mazda puts a lot of safety features on each vehicle. If, for example, you’re looking for blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, you would be able to find it on a 2018 CX-9. Depending on the trim level, you might also get lane keep assist, lane departure warning, Smart City Brake Support, or Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC). These advanced driver aids are known for working well at keeping drivers and their passengers safe on the road.
Find Out How Fun a Used Mazda Is to Drive
Buying a used Mazda does not mean compromising on quality. A Mazda that is just a few years old still has a lot of life left in it. A used Mazda can be a great fit for a buyer shopping on a budget. Mazda already does their best to competitively price their new vehicles, so a used model will be even more affordable. Give a used Mazda a try and see how much fun it can be to drive.
