Long-Term Buys Aren’t Always the Flashiest
Mazda has built plenty of cars that feel sharper than the average commuter vehicle, but the real win is that many of them can keep running well past 100,000 miles with basic maintenance. Now, don’t get us wrong—that doesn’t mean every model’s an automatic safe bet, and some trims can still become expensive fast. But that’s why we’ve narrowed down which ones actually get the job done and which ones don’t stand a chance.
1. Mazda3
The Mazda3 is one of the easiest ones to recommend. A 2014 to 2018 Mazda3 with the 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter Skyactiv engine is a strong used example since it avoids unnecessary complexity. However, it also feels more refined than many compact cars from the same period, so all you need to do is keep up with oil changes, spark plugs, and suspension wear for a solid ride.
2. Mazda CX-5
Drivers flock to the Mazda CX-5 because it’s practical, but in reality, the smarter reason to consider one is how well many of them hold up. The 2017 to 2021 CX-5 with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine is a better long-term bet than the turbo version, especially if your main goal is low-stress ownership.
3. Mazda6
A well-kept Mazda6 can be a surprisingly durable midsize sedan, so don’t be so quick to write it off. The 2014 to 2017 Mazda6 uses an efficient Skyactiv-G engine and a conventional automatic transmission instead of a fragile dual-clutch setup. Though it’s not immune to cosmetic wear, it still has enough staying power to make 100,000 miles feel like a milestone instead of a death sentence.
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Let’s be honest: the MX-5 Miata has a reputation for fun, but that’s not all it brings to the road. Its simple engineering is the bigger reason so many examples survive high mileage! A 2006 to 2015 NC Miata runs well beyond 100,000 miles, so long as you don’t modify it.
5. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is newer than some of the other choices here, but it has the right ingredients to last past 100,000 miles. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter versions from 2020 onward share proven Mazda hardware with other models, so you won’t find yourself wanting with this one.
6. Mazda CX-3
The CX-3 isn’t the roomiest crossover Mazda ever gave us, but its smaller size actually works in its favor. A 2016 to 2021 CX-3 with the 2.0-liter engine can be a smart used buy for anyone stuck commuting, especially when you want something efficient, easy to park, and capable of passing 100,000 miles without hefty bills.
7. Mazda5
The Mazda5 is often overlooked, and it’s honestly a shame. We get it; it sits somewhere between a compact wagon and a small minivan, but that odd format is what makes it a useful long-term vehicle. A 2012 to 2015 Mazda5 with the 2.5-liter engine gives you a simpler ownership experience than many other family haulers, so it’s worth considering.
8. Mazda2
Drivers who want cheap transportation should pay attention to the Mazda2! It’s light, it’s simple, and best of all, it’s not trying to be complicated. The 2011 to 2014 Mazda2 uses a small 1.5-liter engine that won’t exactly win any speed contests, but it is dependable when you take care of it on schedule.
9. Mazda Protege
Older compact sedans don’t always age gracefully, but contrary to popular belief, that’s no reason to turn your back on them. The Mazda Protege has a strong record as a durable, no-nonsense car, especially ones from 1999 to 2003. The key is condition; a clean Protege can be dependable, but a neglected one with corrosion quickly negates the savings.
10. Mazda B-Series Pickup
The Mazda B-Series pickup shares plenty of its DNA with the Ford Ranger, and that’s exactly what gives it a long life. We’re mainly looking at a 1998 to 2009 Mazda B2300, B3000, or B4000, all of which can pass 100,000 miles easily when they’re well-maintained.
While Mazda has made plenty of dependable vehicles, the brand also has a few models that get a little risky once the mileage climbs. Let’s dive into a few models that aren’t always worth a second glance.
1. Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 is just too bogged down by its Renesis rotary engine; it requires a level of care many buyers can’t (or don’t) provide. Early examples from 2004 through 2008 are especially risky when there’s no compression test, leading to anything from apex seal wear, ignition coil failure, and heavy oil consumption.
2. Mazda CX-7 2.3 Turbo
The Mazda CX-7 with the 2.3-liter DISI turbo engine looks like a practical crossover…until the maintenance history enters the conversation. Models from 2007 through 2012 suffer from turbocharger wear, oil consumption, and high-pressure fuel system issues, and none of that is something you want to see on a mechanic’s bill.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
3. Mazdaspeed6
We know that performance sedans can be tempting, and the 2006 to 2007 Mazdaspeed6 is exactly the kind of car that gets you to bite—but not so fast. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter engine and high-pressure fuel pump can become expensive problems once age catches up. Unless the service records are unusually strong, you might want to leave this one behind.
4. Mazda RX-7 FD
The 1993 to 1995 Mazda RX-7 FD is a lot of things up front: valuable, beautiful, and highly desirable. The thing is, none of those perks make it a low-risk buy. Its sequential twin-turbo rotary setup can punish neglect with costly problems, and they’re not always ones that general shops handle confidently. If you’re looking for a durable daily driver, an FD RX-7 usually asks too much.
5. Mazda MPV
Second-gen MPV models from the early 2000s don’t age kindly. Transmission issues, overheating complaints, and engine problems show up often enough that one of these guys can become a poor choice for dependable transportation. Remember: used minivans are supposed to make life easier, and this does the opposite.
Sfoskett~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims). on Wikimedia
6. Mazda 626 Automatic
The Mazda 626 had some respectable qualities, but the automatic versions from the late 1990s and early 2000s aren’t the safest long-term bet. They’re often associated with automatic transmission trouble, EGR issues, and age-related rust that usually make repairs more expensive than the vehicle is even worth.
affiliated with Garage de l'Est. Cropped and lightly adjusted by uploader Mr.choppers on Wikimedia
7. Mazda Millenia S
Despite its sleek look, the Mazda Millenia S doesn’t always age into dependable. Its unusual setup can bring all sorts of drama, like oil leaks, boost problems, and hard-to-source repair work as the car gets up there in age. For anyone who wants a simple car, the Millenia S is too complicated for its own good.
8. Mazda CX-9 3.7 V6
The first-generation Mazda CX-9 can be comfortable on the whole, but the 2007 to 2015 models deserve a little scrutiny. The major worry is the internal water pump design; failure can allow coolant to mix where it shouldn’t and potentially lead to severe engine damage. That doesn’t mean you should avoid every CX-9, but don’t buy one without checking its history or any overheating signs.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
9. Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute shared much of its foundation with the Ford Escape, and while that sounds good on paper, that connection actually came with familiar headaches. Early 2001 to 2006 examples can run into automatic transmission trouble and general aging issues that make cheap asking prices less appealing once you start digging.
10. Mazda Navajo
A lot of drivers think that the Mazda Navajo is only interesting because it’s rare—but rarity doesn’t make it smart. Built as Mazda’s version of the early Ford Explorer, the 1991 to 1994 Navajo can suffer from everything you don’t want to see, including transmission problems, rust, and parts availability concerns.
