Personal Insights on Mazda Brand and Resale Value
As a past owner of two Mazdas, the 1988 Mazda 323 and the 2005 Mazda MX-6, I can confidently state that Mazda has provided our family with utmost reliability for over 400,000 kilometers on varied roads in Central and Southern Africa. I would give both Mazdas an 'A Plus.'
First Mazda Experience: 1988 Mazda 323
My first Mazda was the 1988 Mazda 323, a white four-door sedan. Despite its robust body and spartan interior, it served us reliably for many years, even requiring a gasket replacement around 90,000 miles. This experience reinforced my loyalty to the brand.
Second Mazda Experience: 2005 Mazda 3
The second Mazda in my collection was a 2005 Mazda 3, which I owned for seven years. Though the engine failed just above 125,000 miles due to a worn bolt, this experience taught me the importance of regular maintenance. I learned to trust Jiffy Lube for servicing, only to be foiled by the dealership’s claim that the bolt was not securely fastened. This incident highlighted the need for thorough checks during motor oil changes and timely repairs.
Third Mazda Experience: 2014 Mazda 3 Skyactiv
The 2014 Mazda 3 Skyactiv 2.0-liter engine delivered impressive handling. I found it to be so slow that it couldn’t get out of its own way, yet it hugged corners effortlessly without tapping the brakes. Sadly, this car was totaled in a rear-end collision, likely due to its lightweight and impractical design.
Fourth Mazda Experience: 2017 Mazda 3
The fourth Mazda in my collection was a 2017 Mazda 3, where the leather steering wheel showed signs of wear after over 80,000 miles. However, it remained an affordable and reliable vehicle, costing less to maintain than its predecessors.
Fifth Mazda Experience: 2018 and 2019 Mazdas
The 2018 Mazda 6 turbo is still performing strongly with less than 40,000 miles, while my daughter and I own a 2019 Mazda 3 hatch in candy apple red with 19-inch wheels. She has driven it less than 5,000 miles so far. Additionally, we have a 2016 Mazda CX-5 with over 100,000 miles, which remains in good condition, further validating the brand's reliability.
Value and Safety Features
My experience with Mazdas has shown that the brand offers excellent safety features and crash protection. Two Mazdas were totaled in accidents, yet we walked away unhurt, leading me to trust the car’s ability to protect its occupants. Given my background as a past owner, I do not prioritize resale value when purchasing a vehicle. However, if you are asking about resale value, it is essential to recognize that most mass-produced vehicles struggle with it. Neither can I afford a brand that offers a positive resale value.
Challenges with Mazda
My biggest gripe with Mazda is the quality of the paint. It appears too thin, resulting in nicks and chips even on the front sections of the car. While you can apply a color wax and polish to mitigate this issue, it is a problem nonetheless. Moreover, the batteries have been less reliable, with the 2005 Mazda 3 battery lasting seven years, while others lasted only three years at best.
Final Thoughts
Based on my extensive experience, I can characterize Mazdas as a sturdy brand that is roadworthy in bad weather and dependable. Their simple mechanics, affordable purchase and maintenance, and excellent handling make them stand out. When it comes to resale, the best return for resale will be to purchase another Mazda, given the consistent value the brand provides.