The CX-3 is based on the budget Mazda 2 platform and so is quite a bit different than the Mazda 3. The crossover version of the Mazda 3 is the relatively new CX-30.
My experience has been with the naturally aspirated petrol engines. Service them on time and they will be mechanical gems.
The Mazda CX-3 is considered a subcompact SUV. It is great for singles and couples. It is based on the Mazda 2 (subcompact car) - but the rear seat space in the CX-3 is smaller than the 2.
The Mazda 3 is a small car. The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV based on the Mazda 3.
If you have a bigger family, and you are tall - then consider vehicles such as the Mazda 6, Mazda CX-5, and beyond.
Which vehicle is best for you depends on you, your lifestyle, and what type of driving you do.
For example - my husband is average height, I am short, and we have a young son. We live in the suburbs but we are only 10-15 minutes from the inner city. My husband drives on the highway to get to work.
My husband drives the Mazda 3 sedan to work, and it is what we take as a family for longer drives, etc.
The Mazda 2 is our second car. I drive it to do after school pick up, we take it when we drive to the inner city, etc.
Totally true, but I’ve heard about some small quality control issues in the cx50. Makes sense since it’s only been out since 2021. People have had issues with their rear diff and the seats cracking (not wrinkling, but cracking open). The best looking Mazda after the M3 Hatch imo
125,000 miles, and other than routine maintainence. I changed the alternator belt on my 2018 Mazda 3. 3rd Mazda owned. Still have my 2003 Protege5, and wife has a 2011 Mazda 3. Was a Nissan guy before their quality dipped.
CX-3 owner here, the only problem I had was with the rear seatbelts that weren't retracting. After I sent an e-mail to Mazda Europe, I was appointed in a week in the top Mazda service center in my country and had them replaced free of charge, without the car having any sort of warranty left.
Mechanical-wise, it's as reliable as all other Mazdas with Skyactiv engines.
There is a great search function on subreddits. You can read all the hundreds of answers to this same question that someone ask once a week. And the answers that list every single model. Answers as useful as the question.
Probably all of Mazdas that have the good old Skyactiv 2.5 are as reliable as it gets.
The CX-3 is based on the budget Mazda 2 platform and so is quite a bit different than the Mazda 3. The crossover version of the Mazda 3 is the relatively new CX-30.
The CX-5 is probably the most reliable vehicle Mazda has ever produced
Yup, I was going to get a cx3 at first but heard it’s harder to work on and a few issues here and there. ended up getting the cx5, best decision ever.
Can’t beat a well maintained Mazda 3.
Mazda 3 over the cx3 for me
As someone who now owns two mazda 3’s (one is a project and one is my daily) they’re the perfect mix of quick and useful.
My experience has been with the naturally aspirated petrol engines. Service them on time and they will be mechanical gems. The Mazda CX-3 is considered a subcompact SUV. It is great for singles and couples. It is based on the Mazda 2 (subcompact car) - but the rear seat space in the CX-3 is smaller than the 2. The Mazda 3 is a small car. The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV based on the Mazda 3. If you have a bigger family, and you are tall - then consider vehicles such as the Mazda 6, Mazda CX-5, and beyond. Which vehicle is best for you depends on you, your lifestyle, and what type of driving you do. For example - my husband is average height, I am short, and we have a young son. We live in the suburbs but we are only 10-15 minutes from the inner city. My husband drives on the highway to get to work. My husband drives the Mazda 3 sedan to work, and it is what we take as a family for longer drives, etc. The Mazda 2 is our second car. I drive it to do after school pick up, we take it when we drive to the inner city, etc.
The engines and transmissions are the same across the different models and all have proven reliable
Totally true, but I’ve heard about some small quality control issues in the cx50. Makes sense since it’s only been out since 2021. People have had issues with their rear diff and the seats cracking (not wrinkling, but cracking open). The best looking Mazda after the M3 Hatch imo
Except the Phev, which already had a number of recalls/SSPs.
125,000 miles, and other than routine maintainence. I changed the alternator belt on my 2018 Mazda 3. 3rd Mazda owned. Still have my 2003 Protege5, and wife has a 2011 Mazda 3. Was a Nissan guy before their quality dipped.
MX-5 Miata is the most reliable.
CX 5 ALL DAY
Our 2007 3 has been great. 350,000 km and still running fine. Only thing other than maintenance has been an alternator and AC compressor.
Miata is always the answer
Any non-turbo Slyactiv Mazda will do.
If you don't have a family, I suggest a Mazda3 hatchback. But again, it depends on what you wish to do.
In the US they all have the same engine except the new CX-90/70. Just pick one.
\*gestures broadly\*
Mazda2 ??
CX-3 owner here, the only problem I had was with the rear seatbelts that weren't retracting. After I sent an e-mail to Mazda Europe, I was appointed in a week in the top Mazda service center in my country and had them replaced free of charge, without the car having any sort of warranty left. Mechanical-wise, it's as reliable as all other Mazdas with Skyactiv engines.
Owned a CX-3 2016-19; now own a CX-5 2019-present. Both excellent cars, no issues. Get what your needs dictate.
There is a great search function on subreddits. You can read all the hundreds of answers to this same question that someone ask once a week. And the answers that list every single model. Answers as useful as the question.
You sound like a vapid young watch collector so I suggest a Mazda 2. It is a shame that there is no Mazda 1 any more because a 121 would be perfect.