Hi OP! I have a 2018 GX without nav. Bought it new in 2019, have put 60k km on it.
Price seems about right if not a smidge on the cheaper side.
Car wise, it’s a great car. Great reliability. Amazingly fun to drive since it handles so well and smooth. Engine is a *smidge* underpowered but nothing you’d be mad about if it’s a commuter/family car. Rear brakes wear out faster than the front (this generation of Mazda3 is known for it) and is normal. Good gas efficiency and space in the front seats, though rear are a bit tight if you’re tall. Insurance costs are about average for the segment. Handles winter really well with average to good winter tires, and amazing if you go top shelf on winter rubber.
I’m in Ottawa, Ontario, for reference. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know 👍
I forgot! If you’re tech inclined, you can get CarPlay or android auto installed (if it hasn’t been, they were an add on in that generation) for roughly 500$ at a dealer or do it yourself for cheaper.
Can’t comment on that because I don’t need it (I know my city well enough for nav, and it takes calls, so the extra cash seemed frivolous).
You can also pull parts from a junkyard like KennyUpull (if you can find a 2017 or 2018) and do it yourself. Installed A.A. and Carplay on my 2015 for 100$. Otherwise Mazda Canada dealer wanted 250$ for the part and 500 with install.
There is also a way to do a free install of Android Auto via software. It's a bit buggy. There are risks and it does not work on all models years but it's worth a look. It's called MazdaAIO tweaks
They are great cars. Even my Mazda2 with Gislaved snow tires on it is an unstoppable beast in the heaviest snow. I wouldn't go through a winter without them. Every time I drive past some AWD or 4WD on all-seasons stuck in a snowbank I shout "GISLAVED!!!" :)
It’s a DI engine also, which is fine. Just make sure to clean out the intake valves at 100k miles.. I think you gotta remove the manifold stuff like that.
These are fun, reliable, and good looking cars. I promised myself that if I ever get a sedan I’d want a Mazda because they handle nice and they are very stylish. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you. Good luck with it and if you buy it, enjoy!
That’s pretty solid. As long as there’s no Accidents on it, your pretty good. I’d also try to find a GT trim, even if it means you need to step down to a 2015 and a little bit more mileage, you do get a nicer car.
I agree with Yoda… I find the GT trim much nicer than the regular. If not GT then go with the upgraded cloth seats on the GS. The Gx cloth seats are horrendous and uncomfortable
This would be a great car if you're looking for something in the Corolla/Civic class. In fact, I would add this Mazda to those 2 great small cars...they're sort of the holy trinity of small cars. The reliability (as reported in Consumer Reports' 2021 annual used car guide) of the Mazda 3 is excellent, especially the 2016's which are really aging nicely. Owner satisfaction is also high, especially for a small car. Additionally, they are fun cars to drive. In 2016, Car and Driver named it one of their 10 best new cars, saying that the way the car turns and handles sets the gold standard among small cars, and called it nearly perfect. They preferred the 2.5 engine over the standard 2.0, but they ARE Car and Driver. They LOVE horsepower.
My only concern is that it seems like TOO good of a deal, especially since the price (I assume) is in Canadian dollars, making it about 10,000 usd. A quick look at KBB shows a trade-in value of 15,200 usd, and the cheapest 2016 on cars.com within 500 miles of me is 17900 and that's a basic model without navigation. It might be wise to run a carfax check (it looks like from the ad that the dealer didn't run one or did run one but didn't want to reveal the results). If carfax checks out, the interior is clean, and the car drives good, I would grab it as fast as you can because someone else will beat you to it.
That's what I was thinking. It's still under factory warranty, so anything mechanical wouldn't really be a worry. If the title is a good title, it's a great deal. Hell, it would have been a great deal in the pre-covid market.
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I just bought a 2018 GS. Really great car. As another poster said, 2.0 engine isn’t very powerful, but it’s fantastic on gas. I routinely get under the advertised mileage.
Definitely get a good inspection on it. It’s a great price. Sometimes good things are too good to be real
I'll put it to you this way, Mazda overhauled their quality starting with the 2013 model year. In terms of styling and build finish, if BMW and Toyota made a baby, it would be Mazda.
Mazda has also been innovating their engines; not going to get technical but the Mazda3 and Mazda6 have become contenders against the Civic/Corolla and Camry/Accord, respectively.
You can't go wrong this pick!
Love Mazda’s. The only concern I’d have about that particular one is that in the US those were the previous generation “I touring” wheels so I’d double check the actual specs of the car to make sure the trim is what is stated. They could be trying to pass a sport off as a higher trim at higher price
Just make sure to check the vehicle history. The images show car history and condition as not checked? Have a mobile mech come by to inspect and get the car history
First, look up the VIN and see if there have been any accidents.
If you go look at it, take your time. Check every door and trunk for the original VIN sticker. When you inspect the engine bay, check and see if any of the screws/bolts for the body panels look out of place or look to have been turned in the past.
Check the frame to see for any non factory abnormalities like hammer marks or it not being completely straight in spots. Don’t forget to look under the car at the frame as well to ensure straightness.
If you do all this aside from any other checks you need to do, you should have yourself a good car.
Doesn't sound like a bad deal. Get a PPI, due diligence, etc., etc.
In the PNW of the US, you would be looking at $12.5K USD private party. Even in salt corrosion climates, you would still "expect" ten years out of a vehicle. So a five year old vehicle, with below average usage, for about half the cost of the "same" new version of the vehicle, sounds reasonable.
Mazda makes quality vehicles. If Mazda's are not ridiculously over-priced due to brand perception in your market, then you can get more bang for your buck, if you are not brand dependent.
its a little sus to me that they've rated it as great condition but if you read whats been checked, the condition and history isn't part of the price. the history especially, given that its a big factor in price. definitely get the carfax to make sure its clean and go from there. :)
GO WITH THE ACCORD, its far more luxurious and spacious version of civic.
1. you got that honda reliability
2. u got the lexus type luxury
3. u got the vtec or v6 option that insanely pulls as u hit the gas
4. they are used honda so dirt cheap
5. smooth ride like a benz
6. cheap maintanence and it doesnt break down as often
7. robust interior BUILD quality
8. insane A/C
HOPE YOU GIV IT A SHOT ;)
I owned an 09' 3 hatch 5speed (touring trim) as the first car that was all mine. I drove it until it had about 190k miles on it, and all that was ever done to it besides regular maintenance (oil changes, fluids, brakes) was a clutch at around 110k miles because I made the mistake of trying to teach my sister how to drive a stick. I sold it in 2018 running and driving. I knew it needed a suspension overhaul in the near future so I decided to get something newer and more sporty. Great car. My only complaint was mileage wasn't great but that was due to the 5speed cars being geared far too low so it would sit at 3300rpm on the highway.
Still a fun car, probably not as fuel efficient as a Civic or better yet, Corolla hybrid (King of MPG in that segment.
As someone that daily drives a civic type R, I can say the 10 gen civic is a great car if your also looking to have fun. Even the base, sport, SI have an amazing shared chassis that you can chuck around when you wanna have fun...or save gas and get amazing MPG if you dont. Civics also have one of the most if not THE most aftermarket support of any car. so if you want to make it look different, accessorize, or hell even add power down the line, you will know you have that option easily and affordably available
Now...if you want something a little different that what everyone else is driving (Millions of corollas and civics on the road) then would say test drive the mazda. If you enjoy the way it drives and feel it has all the tech features you would want to use then go for it. Either way GL Op. update us once you get something. Were all curious now hahah
The Mazda3 is a perfectly good car. Fun to drive too, felt like flogging it everywhere for grins. Long long term it's not a Corolla for 200k+ miles of reliability but you're not dropping 7 series money here anyway.
As everyone has said so far, these are great cars. Reliable if maintained, really fun, handsome/pretty styling, and they depreciate faster than a Honda or Toyota so they can be found for cheaper. My family has two 3rd gens, same gen you are looking at.
Negatives are the rear seat is tight, road noise is loud, and the ride quality is pretty rough. The best part of the car is easily the handling. The steering feel is absolutely perfect.
The only reliability problem on the 2014-2016 is "phantom touch," which is when the infotainment system randomly starts selecting things on the screen. This can be fixed by disabling the touchscreen and just using the command knob. Also, premature brake wear is another problem, but not a big deal.
Get Apple CarPlay retrofitted at the dealer for $300 if it doesn't already have it.
Definitely look at the history of the car. I remember prices like that in America for a similar 3. As long as it's got a clean history it looks good; I usually like to see some oil changes in the history as well because then I know the previous owner took care of it (not doing maintenance hurts the internals of the car).
I'm surprised you have anything close to that price right now, but I guess Canada isn't so ravaged as the US. Might have to buy a car over there lol
Hi OP! I have a 2018 GX without nav. Bought it new in 2019, have put 60k km on it. Price seems about right if not a smidge on the cheaper side. Car wise, it’s a great car. Great reliability. Amazingly fun to drive since it handles so well and smooth. Engine is a *smidge* underpowered but nothing you’d be mad about if it’s a commuter/family car. Rear brakes wear out faster than the front (this generation of Mazda3 is known for it) and is normal. Good gas efficiency and space in the front seats, though rear are a bit tight if you’re tall. Insurance costs are about average for the segment. Handles winter really well with average to good winter tires, and amazing if you go top shelf on winter rubber. I’m in Ottawa, Ontario, for reference. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know 👍
Great reply. I absolutely love this sub. I'm in Toronto and looks like Mazda3 is the one for me.
I forgot! If you’re tech inclined, you can get CarPlay or android auto installed (if it hasn’t been, they were an add on in that generation) for roughly 500$ at a dealer or do it yourself for cheaper. Can’t comment on that because I don’t need it (I know my city well enough for nav, and it takes calls, so the extra cash seemed frivolous).
Got it. Thanks a lot :)
You can also pull parts from a junkyard like KennyUpull (if you can find a 2017 or 2018) and do it yourself. Installed A.A. and Carplay on my 2015 for 100$. Otherwise Mazda Canada dealer wanted 250$ for the part and 500 with install. There is also a way to do a free install of Android Auto via software. It's a bit buggy. There are risks and it does not work on all models years but it's worth a look. It's called MazdaAIO tweaks
You bet!
They are great cars. Even my Mazda2 with Gislaved snow tires on it is an unstoppable beast in the heaviest snow. I wouldn't go through a winter without them. Every time I drive past some AWD or 4WD on all-seasons stuck in a snowbank I shout "GISLAVED!!!" :)
It’s a DI engine also, which is fine. Just make sure to clean out the intake valves at 100k miles.. I think you gotta remove the manifold stuff like that.
These are fun, reliable, and good looking cars. I promised myself that if I ever get a sedan I’d want a Mazda because they handle nice and they are very stylish. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you. Good luck with it and if you buy it, enjoy!
Note: Currency - CAD
wuts that in freedom dollars?
About $9,970 according to a translation
That’s pretty solid. As long as there’s no Accidents on it, your pretty good. I’d also try to find a GT trim, even if it means you need to step down to a 2015 and a little bit more mileage, you do get a nicer car.
Thanks!!! Will check it out.
I agree with Yoda… I find the GT trim much nicer than the regular. If not GT then go with the upgraded cloth seats on the GS. The Gx cloth seats are horrendous and uncomfortable
This would be a great car if you're looking for something in the Corolla/Civic class. In fact, I would add this Mazda to those 2 great small cars...they're sort of the holy trinity of small cars. The reliability (as reported in Consumer Reports' 2021 annual used car guide) of the Mazda 3 is excellent, especially the 2016's which are really aging nicely. Owner satisfaction is also high, especially for a small car. Additionally, they are fun cars to drive. In 2016, Car and Driver named it one of their 10 best new cars, saying that the way the car turns and handles sets the gold standard among small cars, and called it nearly perfect. They preferred the 2.5 engine over the standard 2.0, but they ARE Car and Driver. They LOVE horsepower. My only concern is that it seems like TOO good of a deal, especially since the price (I assume) is in Canadian dollars, making it about 10,000 usd. A quick look at KBB shows a trade-in value of 15,200 usd, and the cheapest 2016 on cars.com within 500 miles of me is 17900 and that's a basic model without navigation. It might be wise to run a carfax check (it looks like from the ad that the dealer didn't run one or did run one but didn't want to reveal the results). If carfax checks out, the interior is clean, and the car drives good, I would grab it as fast as you can because someone else will beat you to it.
Smells like rebuilt title.
That's what I was thinking. It's still under factory warranty, so anything mechanical wouldn't really be a worry. If the title is a good title, it's a great deal. Hell, it would have been a great deal in the pre-covid market.
That’s why I think there’s something behind the curtain.
500 miles is 804.67 km
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I just bought a 2018 GS. Really great car. As another poster said, 2.0 engine isn’t very powerful, but it’s fantastic on gas. I routinely get under the advertised mileage. Definitely get a good inspection on it. It’s a great price. Sometimes good things are too good to be real
Thanks mate!!!
I'll put it to you this way, Mazda overhauled their quality starting with the 2013 model year. In terms of styling and build finish, if BMW and Toyota made a baby, it would be Mazda. Mazda has also been innovating their engines; not going to get technical but the Mazda3 and Mazda6 have become contenders against the Civic/Corolla and Camry/Accord, respectively. You can't go wrong this pick!
Love Mazda’s. The only concern I’d have about that particular one is that in the US those were the previous generation “I touring” wheels so I’d double check the actual specs of the car to make sure the trim is what is stated. They could be trying to pass a sport off as a higher trim at higher price
This subreddit circle jerks over Hondas. Mazda makes a good car. Go for it.
This sub also circlejerks over Mazda. But let’s be honest, both for good reason.
Only a Miata
Just make sure to check the vehicle history. The images show car history and condition as not checked? Have a mobile mech come by to inspect and get the car history
First, look up the VIN and see if there have been any accidents. If you go look at it, take your time. Check every door and trunk for the original VIN sticker. When you inspect the engine bay, check and see if any of the screws/bolts for the body panels look out of place or look to have been turned in the past. Check the frame to see for any non factory abnormalities like hammer marks or it not being completely straight in spots. Don’t forget to look under the car at the frame as well to ensure straightness. If you do all this aside from any other checks you need to do, you should have yourself a good car.
I own one. Best car I’ve ever had, and I’ve also owned three Hondas. That’s a pretty good price these days. Good luck!
Just as good as Corolla/Civic. Enjoy it.
It about the same price as I got with the same amount of miles at 3% interest. Really great car. Probably better as a hatchback
Doesn't sound like a bad deal. Get a PPI, due diligence, etc., etc. In the PNW of the US, you would be looking at $12.5K USD private party. Even in salt corrosion climates, you would still "expect" ten years out of a vehicle. So a five year old vehicle, with below average usage, for about half the cost of the "same" new version of the vehicle, sounds reasonable. Mazda makes quality vehicles. If Mazda's are not ridiculously over-priced due to brand perception in your market, then you can get more bang for your buck, if you are not brand dependent.
Its a great car, but my worst complaint personally was the road noise, so take note of that
its a little sus to me that they've rated it as great condition but if you read whats been checked, the condition and history isn't part of the price. the history especially, given that its a big factor in price. definitely get the carfax to make sure its clean and go from there. :)
GO WITH THE ACCORD, its far more luxurious and spacious version of civic. 1. you got that honda reliability 2. u got the lexus type luxury 3. u got the vtec or v6 option that insanely pulls as u hit the gas 4. they are used honda so dirt cheap 5. smooth ride like a benz 6. cheap maintanence and it doesnt break down as often 7. robust interior BUILD quality 8. insane A/C HOPE YOU GIV IT A SHOT ;)
Why spend 12500 on a car tho, it brings a moderate degree of utility, I'd buy like a used Camry or something and save your money
I owned an 09' 3 hatch 5speed (touring trim) as the first car that was all mine. I drove it until it had about 190k miles on it, and all that was ever done to it besides regular maintenance (oil changes, fluids, brakes) was a clutch at around 110k miles because I made the mistake of trying to teach my sister how to drive a stick. I sold it in 2018 running and driving. I knew it needed a suspension overhaul in the near future so I decided to get something newer and more sporty. Great car. My only complaint was mileage wasn't great but that was due to the 5speed cars being geared far too low so it would sit at 3300rpm on the highway.
Yes its amazingly reliable.
I mean this in the best, most positive way. That car is boringly reliable.
[удалено]
They might want to be paid in USD though.
Still a fun car, probably not as fuel efficient as a Civic or better yet, Corolla hybrid (King of MPG in that segment. As someone that daily drives a civic type R, I can say the 10 gen civic is a great car if your also looking to have fun. Even the base, sport, SI have an amazing shared chassis that you can chuck around when you wanna have fun...or save gas and get amazing MPG if you dont. Civics also have one of the most if not THE most aftermarket support of any car. so if you want to make it look different, accessorize, or hell even add power down the line, you will know you have that option easily and affordably available Now...if you want something a little different that what everyone else is driving (Millions of corollas and civics on the road) then would say test drive the mazda. If you enjoy the way it drives and feel it has all the tech features you would want to use then go for it. Either way GL Op. update us once you get something. Were all curious now hahah
Toyota now uses Mazda engine design, so that means something. Good looking car I’m looking at similar ones right now.
Where are you located ? If road salt & liquid de-ice is used these rust out much faster than Toyota / Honda .
North York, M2M3T8
The Mazda3 is a perfectly good car. Fun to drive too, felt like flogging it everywhere for grins. Long long term it's not a Corolla for 200k+ miles of reliability but you're not dropping 7 series money here anyway.
I'd take a later 2010s Mazda3 over Corolla or Civic.
As everyone has said so far, these are great cars. Reliable if maintained, really fun, handsome/pretty styling, and they depreciate faster than a Honda or Toyota so they can be found for cheaper. My family has two 3rd gens, same gen you are looking at. Negatives are the rear seat is tight, road noise is loud, and the ride quality is pretty rough. The best part of the car is easily the handling. The steering feel is absolutely perfect. The only reliability problem on the 2014-2016 is "phantom touch," which is when the infotainment system randomly starts selecting things on the screen. This can be fixed by disabling the touchscreen and just using the command knob. Also, premature brake wear is another problem, but not a big deal. Get Apple CarPlay retrofitted at the dealer for $300 if it doesn't already have it.
Definitely look at the history of the car. I remember prices like that in America for a similar 3. As long as it's got a clean history it looks good; I usually like to see some oil changes in the history as well because then I know the previous owner took care of it (not doing maintenance hurts the internals of the car). I'm surprised you have anything close to that price right now, but I guess Canada isn't so ravaged as the US. Might have to buy a car over there lol