Are Mazda Cars Expensive to Maintain?
Mazda cars are generally considered to have moderate maintenance costs. Here are some factors to consider:
Reliability
Mazdas are known for their reliability, which can lead to fewer repairs and lower long-term maintenance costs. This aspect is crucial for those who prioritize durability and dependability in their vehicles. Consumer Reports and other automotive publications often highlight Mazda's consistent reliability, making it a top choice for drivers who want to avoid frequent visits to the mechanic's shop.
Parts Availability
Parts for Mazda vehicles are typically available and reasonably priced, which can help keep repair costs down. This availability is important for maintaining the car, especially when it comes to replacing essential components. Mazda offers a wide range of replacement parts, making it easier for drivers to keep their vehicles in top condition even when they are far from a major city or dealership.
Service Costs
Routine maintenance such as oil changes and brake services tends to be comparable to other brands in the same class. This means that the costs associated with routine maintenance are typically similar to those for cars like Honda, Toyota, or Volkswagen. However, it's essential to compare service costs across different brands and dealerships to ensure the best value.
Warranty Coverage
Mazda offers competitive warranty coverage. This can be a significant benefit for new car buyers, as it helps mitigate costs related to unexpected repairs. The peace of mind that comes with a reliable warranty is hard to overstate, especially for those who value guaranteed coverage for significant issues like engine failures or transmission malfunctions.
While they may not be the cheapest to maintain, Mazdas are often viewed as cost-effective due to their reliability and reasonable parts costs. Regular maintenance and care can help keep expenses manageable. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and use genuine Mazda parts whenever possible to ensure your car's longevity.
Complexity vs. Reliability
Despite some misconceptions, Mazdas can get costly in specific areas due to the complexity of their engines and advanced technology. While the Skyactiv engines and other advanced features are designed to deliver exceptional performance, they require specialized knowledge and parts to maintain. This can result in higher repair costs, especially if the parts are hard to find or expensive.
However, it's important to note that these costs are generally more comparable to vehicles from brands like Toyota and Volkswagen rather than BMW or Audi. Import costs can also play a role in the overall maintenance expenses, though they are usually not by too much. The key is to receive the actual bill from a Mazda dealer and not assume the costs based on brand reputation alone. Proper maintenance can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership.
Post-Ford Period
In recent years, Mazda has made remarkable improvements in terms of reliability and quality. After a dreary period when Ford had invested heavily in Mazda and forced its parts and subassemblies onto the company, leading to a decline in quality, Mazda has since extracted itself from that relationship. This has resulted in stellar reliability rankings, as reported by Consumer Reports and other reputable sources. Since the extraction from Ford, Mazda's cars have led the industry in reliability rankings. This is partly due to their clever but conservative designs, such as avoiding the early adoption of 8-speed automatic transmissions, which have been problematic even for established brands like Toyota.
Mazda is now introducing their first 8-speed automatic transmissions, and it will be interesting to see if they have learned from the experiences of other companies. This proactive approach to technology and reliability may help keep maintenance costs in check while ensuring that car owners continue to enjoy the same level of performance and comfort they have come to expect from Mazda vehicles.