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"Used Mazda Model Overview And Best Price Strategies!"
You can't often say both "great performance" and 'affordable prices" when talking about a car. It's usually one or the other. But with Mazda, this is pretty much the name of their game.
We've had any number of Mazdas here over the years and have been nothing but impressed. Not a single model has disappointed us ... or our customers.
Whether you're researching the Mazda3, the Miata, the RX-8, the Mazda6 and others, the same descriptions keep coming up ... high performance and handling levels, seat comfort, quality features, energetic engines and affordable pricing.
Here's our impressions on several different models (click the link for additional info):
Mazda 3: The Mazda3 keeps on winning awards year after year. The reason? It's combination of performance, driving fun and pricing make it hard to beat in either the sedan or hatchback segment. Even the base model packs an impressive engine and more upscale interior design features.
The original, first-generation Mazda 3 was produced from 2004-'09 in both sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. The "i" trims came with a 148-horsepower 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. The "s" trims were equipped with a 156-horsepower 2.3 liter four-cylinder. A 4-speed automatic transmission was optional with the 2.3 liter engine for 2004 and 2005. Beginning in 2006, it was replaced with a 5-speed automatic. Also in 2006, Mazda3s sold in California-emissions states were partial-zero-emissions-vehicle certified.
Used Mazda 3 shoppers should also note that for the 2010 model year, the current, second-generation Mazda 3 was introduced. While this version had similar underpinnings to its predecessor, changes were made to improve its power, ride quality, fuel economy and interior refinement. The "s" trims are now powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 that produces 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 5-speed automatic. In addition, 2012 3i Touring and Grand Touring models got the more efficient Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (155 hp and 148 lb-ft).
Overall Pros: Capable handling, lively engines, high materials and build quality, good looks, hatchback versatility, lots of features and performance for the dollar.
Overall Cons: Mediocre gas mileage with the 2.3-liter engine, top safety features weren't standard on the lower trims, rear legroom is on the tight side.
Mazda 5: The Mazda 5 is literally a "minivan" due to its small size. Still, it accommodates six passengers while offering Mazda's renowned sporty looks and agile handling. Toss in an attractive interior, solid construction, good gas mileage, easy parking and affordable pricing, and the Mazda 5 makes an appealing case for itself.
In terms of history, the Mazda 5 debuted for the 2006 model year and ran through the redesign for 2012 (there was no 2011 Mazda 5). The uplevel Grand Touring model was added for 2007. In 2008, the Mazda 5 got a revised front and rear design, as well as a new center control panel, electroluminescent gauges, an auxiliary audio jack, rear seat air vents and controls and additional flip-down armrests.
Used Mazda 5 shoppers should also note that pre-2008 models were equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission (as opposed to the more recent 5-speed automatic) which results in lower gas mileage efficiency. It should also be noted that stability control was unavailable until becoming standard on all trims for the 2010 model year.
Overall Pros: Agile and maneuverable, dual sliding doors, good size for smaller families, relatively low price.
Overall Cons: Cramped third row, power shortage when fully loaded, no stability control until 2010.
Mazda 6: It's hard to "get respect" in the midsize sedan category long dominated by the likes of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but the Mazda 6 certainly does. With its edgy design, responsive driving dynamics and strong 4-cylinder and V6 engines, this vehicle has been shaking things up since 2003.
Each model has two trim levels: the i and the s. From 2003 through 2008, the i was powered by a lively 4-cylinder, 160-horsepower engine with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. The s was equipped with a 215-horsepower V6 with either the manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Various models that meet most individual needs included the Sport, Grand Touring, Grand Sport and, new for 2009, the SV.
The Mazda 6 went into its second generation for the 2009 model year. Powering this newest Mazda 6 is a choice of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that pumps out 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.7-liter V6 that's good for a hefty 272 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. The four-cylinder can be found with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. The V6 is 6-speed automatic only.
Overall Cons: Pre-2009 models are somewhat less powerful and fuel efficient than rivals, also no stability control until 2009, rear passenger room is on the tight side.
Mazda CX-7: Like other Mazda vehicles, the introduction of the CX-7 into the midsize crossover SUV market was clearly aimed at driving enthusiasts who also happened to have family needs. This 5-passenger SUV has sporty looks, both inside and out, agile handling and comes in five models: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, s Touring and s Grand Touring.
Under the hood of the "i" models (after 2008) is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 161 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. Powering the "s" models is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. The 2.5-liter engine is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive, while the turbo comes with a 6-speed automatic and either the standard FWD or optional all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine was the only engine available until the 2009 model year.
Typical standard features include full power accessories, 17-inch alloy wheels, stability control, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and a 4-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Higher trims add features such as automatic climate control, 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, Bluetooth and foglights. Used CX-7s can also be found with options such as navigation, a rearview camera, a sunroof and a Bose sound system with satellite radio.
Overall Pros: Athletic handling, brisk acceleration from the turbocharged engine, sporty design, solid build quality, high crash test scores.
Overall Cons: Mediocre fuel economy, runs on premium fuel, not as spacious as some competitors.
Mazda Miata: This nicely athletic convertible was a hit from the get-go with its debut in 1990. With its inspiring incline 4-cylinder engine and its quick and precise maneuverability, it continues to provide open-road thrills at an affordable price.
The most recent generation has been produced since the 2006 model year and come with a 170 horsepower 2.0-liter incline four-cylinder engine. This is nearly as much power as the turbocharged MazdaSpeed models produced in 2004 and 2005. You can match this with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission, or a 6-speed automatic, depending on the model.
The previous-generation Miata was produced for the 1999 to 2005 model years. While this car also has the sharp steering and overall dynamic handling the Miata is famous for, it is also a bit smaller than the current generation and therefore a bit more cramped. Originally under the hood of this second-generation Miata was a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 140 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque (it got a power boost to 155-hp for 2001).
These used Miatas can be found with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional 4-speed automatic. Like the current generation, the base trims were lightly equipped, but used models can also be found with more upscale features such as leather upholstery and a Bose sound system.
Overall Pros: Outstanding handling and fun-to-drive factor, relatively low price for the performance level, low operating costs and strong reputation for reliability.
Overall Cons: Tight fit for larger/taller drivers, small trunk, base models sparsely equipped.
Overall, Mazdas have proven to make excellent choices as used vehicle purchases. And we can make some suggestions as to how to save when buying one.
How To Get The Best Price On A Pre-Owned Mazda:
There are actually several different ways to buy used Mazda models at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Open-To-The-Public Auto Auctions in your own geographic area. While this may take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed some outstanding buys for those who shop these events.
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Mazda, there are truly some outstanding deals to be had right now if you know how.
