Every year, Illawarra NSW and other Aussie drivers buy used cars, and of late the make of choice has been Mazda. Mazda used cars are reliable, affordable, and easy to find. There are a few models you should especially keep an eye out for if you're in the market for a used Mazda.
The Best Mazda Used Cars
Mazda3
What makes the Mazda3 special? It is just about the safest vehicle on the road, and especially within its own segment. If you're looking for a smaller car, this is definitely one to consider. This one has been a favourite here ever since it was first sold, and despite challenges from the Hyundai i30, the Kia Cerato, and the Ford Focus, it holds its own.
Newer Mazda3 trims come with a head-up display, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, Apple and Android integration, DAB+ radio, and sat-nav. The safety equipment is second to none. Look for blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assistance, AEB, and more. Both the sedan and hatch have a nice design, but the slightly newer hatchback models are particularly stunning.
CX-5
If you need a little more room, consider the CX-5. This SUV comes with all the necessities, a lot of the extras, and doesn't cost much to drive or upkeep. Look for models produced from 2014 on for the best crash test ratings. If tech is important to you, and you're willing to pay a little more to get that, consider going for a 2016 or newer model. After 2017, the CX-5 got a nice overhaul that made the cabin a lot quieter, which you might appreciate depending on the roads you typically travel.
The CX-5 has won accolades for safety in most years, and, just as importantly, it gets excellent marks for reliability. If you can find a 2019 model, you'll get a great deal on all kinds of fancy extras, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, parking sensors in the front and back, surround-view parking camera, and ventilated front seats. That year also saw two new engine options, including a turbo diesel.
CX-9
If you need lots of space for people and cargo, then look to the CX-9. While it doesn't have the fuel economy of the other Mazda models, that's hardly surprising seeing that it seats seven. This is definitely a family-friendly vehicle. It also has lots of power, great acceleration, and can handle long trips and even a bit of off-road adventuring. No matter what trim you find, you can be sure of alloy wheels, cruise control, reversing camera, and three-zone climate control. All trims also have the standard front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags for all three rows.
Look for the Luxury or Grand Touring trim to get leather in the cabin, sunroof, audio systems from Bose, keyless start, and larger infotainment screens. The best used CX-9s will have been made in 2013 or later. Both front-drive and AWD are available, so be sure to evaluate what you need as you look, as the latter will be a bit more expensive and less fuel-efficient.
Buying used is a great way to get a well-equipped car at a much lower price than you would pay for something new. And when you're buying used, Mazdas should definitely be on your list.
