Mazda 3 Owner Review || Should You Buy One? Here Is The Good And Bad

Mazda 3 owner review. I share my one year ownership experience with the Mazda 3 and I explain why I bought it over the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. I also review a 2024 Mazda 3 Hatchback and compare it to my sedan. I review and compare the 2024 Mazda 3, 2024 Toyota Corolla, and 2024 Honda Civic to find out which is the best reliable compact car buy. If you are buying a 2024 Mazda3, 2024 Toyota Corolla, or 2024 Honda Civic, make sure to watch this comparison review.

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ABOUT ME

With over a decade of experience as a professional car buyer and auto consultant, Shari Prymak has helped thousands of consumers with their car buying needs. Car Help Corner provides honest, objective, consumer advice with all aspects of car buying and car ownership. For more professional advice, check out Car Help Canada, become a member, and subscribe!

[KevPez-IS]

My 2015 Mazda is holding up. I went through bad financial hardships in 2023, and I had no choice to ignore car repairs. I had to redo a lot of my front suspension. Recently for that fixed, the engine and transmission is still running like new in 2024, at 142k miles. It had 500 miles when I got it, been a champ

[Ahuka]

I'm still driving my 2012 Mazda 3 with 250, 000 miles on it. And it is still a great car.

[DiegoHernandez-nz]

I have a 2014 Mazda 3 itouring and I’m at 260k miles with a manual transmission. I’ve only done 1 coolant flush and changed the spark plugs once as well at about 200k. I replaced the rear passenger caliper as it seized. Other than that just regular oil changes. Still driving with the original clutch, which is absolutely incredible. Drives perfectly fine and still has plenty of life left from what the dealership technician told me. After this one dies I will of course get another Mazda.

[halexic]

Regarding the remark "Don't ever maintain your car by yourself and always let dealership repair it" I can tell:"If are interested in car maintenance and love your car, start with smaller things, get repair manuals and definitely do this by yourself, but not because of the money - do it because nobody in dealership will take care of your car like you do".

[PhillyFan]

I purchased a 2021 Turbo model 3 years ago and got into an accident last December. It was a write-off, so I was in need of another car. I ended up getting a 2023 Premium sedan model (non-turbo this time) 2 weeks ago since it was heavily discounted. While I miss the extra power from the turbo, the NA engine is more than adequate. I'd definitely recommend the Mazda 3 or Mazda in general to anyone.

[robertwilliam]

I have a 2014 Mazda 3 2.0 sedan. It is still running like a champ. Thanks for the review.

[RowdyRafe]

My 2006 Mazda 3 Still works fine. My first car!

[graciellastokes]

I appreciated this 1st year review of your Mazda 3. I am a happy subscriber . You explain things very well in all your videos, especially for those who do not know about the inner workings and details of what to consider . I am learning a great deal as I consider my next pre- owned vehicle purchase. I lean towards Mazda after having owned 2 Honda Accord and my current Infiniti I35- all pre- owned. I will definitely investigate seeking help for my next venture to the car dealership with your service!

[AriMesivaara]

I have a 2021 Mazda3 Sedan with manual transmission and with Skyactiv-x engine. Really amazing package! Works great in Scandinavian climate. Fuel economy.... 4, 3 - 5, 0 litres / 100 km in summer, in harsh winter conditions (- 20 to - 30 degree celsius) around 5, 0 - 5, 3 litres / 100 km.

[davidp]

I bought a 2023 Corolla in February of last year. Nine days after driving off the lot (NINE DAYS), I got hit from behind. Minimal damage, all cosmetic. 4 months after that accident, I got hit again...this was a much harder, more severe hit. Your story really resonated with me.

Oddly enough, I'm considering replacing the Corolla with a Mazda 3. Your review was helpful.

[johndoyle]

I have a 2017 Mazda3 Sport GT with 6AT and the premium package. It has 175, 000 Km on it and has been a great car. I can't justify a new vehicle because everything still works and it runs like new. I love it!

[emmanuelginis]

Great review. I owned a 2022 Mazda3 turbo premium plus awd for 1 year. Great engine, terrific interior, enjoyable highway commuter car. Did not enjoy the torsion beam suspension that was very rough over bumps. I also needed to replace 2 tires from hitting pot holes. Getting in and out could be challenging for some people and the back seat leg room was very tight. The gas millage is not the best, and it had a small gas tank. I was at the station every week filling up. Still would purchase again if I went with a small car.

[TharinduDhane]

Mazda makes the most reliable cars in the world. I'm using a Mazda 3 2005 and 300K miles on it., Still hitting the road like a champ.

[jdub]

I have had mine about 10 months now. I had to say this is the first car in years that I look forward to driving every time. The looks the interior they just did a great job with it. I have nothing but good things to say about it.

[rogerrocco]

I love your reviews because they are thorough, informative, helpful, precise and honest! Thank you! Sorry about your accidents! Just unfortunate circumstances. But your car now has a record of two accidents which will live forever with the vehicle. Even though they were minor incidents that were completely repaired, the car has lost value that can never be recovered especially if you attempt to liquidate it soon. I had a similar situation with a new vehicle that was thoroughly repaired from a major front end collision. It’s now 11 years old and looks and runs like showroom new so I won’t lose much value if I sell it now. Not happening! It’s a 2013 Prius V5 with 45k miles. It’s the best car I have ever owned along with my 2018 RAV4 hybrid limited. Not a single repair or recall for either one. And I live in the Midwest where winter weather is brutal.

[hossahunter]

Just a tip: take out the giant magnet in your front left bumper😂👌 jk jk. excellent video, sorry about the accidents, and glad it was relatively small damage, and more importantly, that you were safe.

[peterandrewj]

Thanks for the feedback, Shari. Great to hear your experience matched your expectations. I'm vacillating between the Mazda 3 Select Sport for $24.6K, and the Toyota Corolla SE for $24.4K, but I agree with all your points in favor of the Mazda 3. Wishing you better luck on the road.

[Doc]

Sorry about your accidents, Bud.
In 1987 I bought my first new car.
It was a Toyota Tercel, 2dr coupe. It was a new body style for the Tercel.
Mine was White with charcoal interior. It was the first new Tercel with an automatic transmission and the 2nd one to be sold in Washington state, USA.
The first one that was sold was Red and was a 5spd manual transmission.
My little Tercel was only 30 days old and it was totaled.
The accident wasn’t my fault. I was T-boned by a full sized Chevy pickup. His truck was only 45 days old.

[Doc]

I Love the Red interior.

Our 11 Ford Ranger had the 1990 Gloomy Gray and Boring Black interior colors that became popular in the last Millennium. I had it reupholstered in Red with black trim and stitching.
This matches the custom 2 tone paint scheme, which is Silver over Red metallic and Red pinstripes.

[alexchoi]

I have a 2019 Mazda 3 sedan FWD premium. (couldn't get over the small rear window) I put in aftermarket tinted glass, and once the TSBs (including AC) and recalls were done, the car is running well (37 mpg on mostly highway driving).. It doesn't handle as well as a 3 series, but it has been perfectly fine. From what I understand, not much can go wrong with a NA engine, whereas turbo might cost more to fix.