Are Mazdas Expensive to Maintain?
Mazda has built a reputation as one of the most successful car brands in the world, offering a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs, to cater to different tastes and needs. As with any vehicle, it's essential to keep in mind the ongoing maintenance and repair expenses.
But is the cost of maintaining a Mazda particularly high?
Although, it is worth noting that like other Japanese automakers, Mazdas are generally considered to be dependable cars. In fact, according to RepairPal, the average repair cost for a Mazda is lower than the industry average of $462.
But remember that regular maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and prolonging its lifespan. With this in mind, let's take a deeper look into the cost of maintaining a Mazda.
Table of Contents
Are Mazdas Expensive to Maintain?
No, they are not. Mazdas are known for being affordable but luxurious cars as well as being easy to maintain and having low maintenance.
Mazda cars are known for being incredibly affordable, and if you've ever owned one, you know why.
Whether it's an oil change or an annual engine tune-up, the expenses don't spiral out of control.
Are Mazdas Reliable?
Yes, Mazdas are reliable. Every Mazda vehicle tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2022 has earned the Top Safety Pick+ Award.
RepairPal regards Mazda as one of the most dependable car brands around, and it has some of the lowest costs for repairs and maintenance with an average cost of $462. This is lower than the costs of other popular car brands such as Chevy, Ford, and Nissan.
The ownership costs vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Even those produced by Mazda can also have varying costs.
To give you an idea of the potential repairs that you might encounter, here is a breakdown of the various maintenance costs for popular Mazda models:
Mazda 3
The popularity of the Mazda 3 has increased significantly over the last few model years.
According to Car and Driver, this versatile vehicle offers a fun and sophisticated driving experience similar to that of the luxury market.
It's also a fairly reliable vehicle with a relatively low maintenance cost of around $433.
Even though regular maintenance is recommended, repairs are unavoidable due to the wear and tear that your vehicle experiences.
Since the first generation of the Mazda 3 was introduced in 2004, the company has issued 13 recalls due to various issues. Some of these include defective windshield wipers and airbags.
Mazda CX-5
Consumer Reports has praised the Mazda CX-5 for its cutting-edge features, good looks, and comfortable ride.
In addition, it has been regarded as one of the most reliable vehicles in its class by RepairPal. This midsize SUV was placed first in the 26 vehicles regarding reliability.
Despite its excellent reliability rating, the Mazda CX-5 still has active recalls. Out of the eight known issues, the most common is the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
In 2021, the company also recalled 120,000 vehicles due to a potential problem with the fuel pump's low-pressure component.
Mazda CX-3
For people looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, the Mazda CX-3 is an excellent choice. This small car can achieve a fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
Its versatile design and class-leading features make it an ideal choice for those looking for a fun and economical vehicle.
In addition to its fuel economy, the Mazda CX-3 is also a great choice for those looking for a fun and economical vehicle.
It has been regarded as one of the most dependable vehicles by experts at RepairPal.
Its smooth ride and good looks are also what have made it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a vehicle that's both reliable and affordable.
Although the average cost of repairs for the Mazda CX-3 is lower than that of other cars, it still comes with regular maintenance. According to RepairPal, owners of this vehicle can expect to receive some repairs.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Despite the company's decision to stop production of the Mazda Miata in 2021, it's still popular among enthusiasts.
The previous generation's retro styling heavily influenced the design of the new generation vehicle.
Despite the company's decision to stop making small cars, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is still popular due to its reliability. This model was ranked eighth out of 21 cars in terms of overall reliability.
Are Mazda Spare Parts and Services Expensive?
It's important to discuss the average cost of various general maintenance tasks. This will allow you to see if the maintenance on your Mazda is more expensive than others.
Brake Pads
The cost of replacing the brake pads on a Mazda typically ranges from $190 to $279. On the other hand, the cost of replacing the pads on an average vehicle is around $150 to $300.
Battery
The average cost of replacing a Mazda battery is between $190 and $327 and costs between $120 to $240 for regular cars.
This means that vehicles made by Mazda are more expensive than average when replacing their batteries. Some of the models include the Mazda 6 and Mazda 3.
Tire Rotation and Replacement
The cost of replacing a set of tires on a Mazda is around $310 to $500. The cheapest model is the Mazda 3, which costs about $300.
On the other hand, the more expensive model is the Mazda CX-9 which costs $500 per set, as its size makes it more costly to replace standard tires.
A single tire costs around $50 on the low end for regular cars and small vehicles, while it can cost up to $500 for SUVs and trucks that require high-quality tires.
This means that Mazdas are generally average when it comes to replacing tires.
Headlight Bulbs
The cost of replacing a set of headlights on a Mazda is typically around $136 to $298. The most expensive model is the Mazda CX-9, which costs about $290 for each set.
The average cost of replacing a set of headlights is around $100 to $150. This means that Mazdas have expensive headlight bulbs.
Spark Plugs
The cost of replacing a set of spark plugs on a Mazda is typically around $114 to $291. The cheapest model is the Mazda 6, while the most expensive is the Mazda CX-9.
The average cost of replacing a set of spark plugs on a regular car is around $75 to $250. This means that, on average, Mazda spark plugs are almost similar to regular cars.
Timing Belt/Chain
When you buy a new car, you'll likely find a replacement for your timing chain. The chains need to be changed around the 100,000 miles mark, and the cost for a Mazda is around $673 to $1,733.
The more expensive model is the Mazda CX-9, which comes with a timing belt that costs about $1,472 to $1,733.
The cost of replacing a timing belt on a standard car is typically around $500 to $1,000. This means that Mazda timing belts/chains are more expensive.
Filters
You'll likely have to replace some of your vehicle's filters regularly. The cost of doing so for a fuel filter in a Mazda is around $195 to $344.
On the other hand, for a cabin air filter, it's about $48 to $94, and $45 to $75 for an air filter.
The cost of replacing a fuel filter in a regular car typically ranges from $80 to $150.
However, Mazda has stated that the fuel filters will last the vehicle's lifetime, which makes the high cost of doing so understandable.
The cost of replacing a cabin air filter in a regular car typically ranges from $60 to $80, which means that Mazda's cost is average for filters.
Oil Change
An oil change on a Mazda typically costs around $118 to $150. They are changing conventional oil costs around $40 to $60, while synthetic oil is around $60 to 120 for cars.
This means that Mazda cars are slightly more expensive regarding oil changes.
Are Mazdas Less Expensive to Maintain Compared to Other Brands?
Mazda has been one of the most affordable brands regarding regular vehicle maintenance.
It's no surprise that most Asian brands make it into the top ten, as most European and American brands end up in the bottom half.
However, Mazda is more affordable than some direct competitors, such as Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Kia.
