A red 2019 Mazda CX-3 is shown from the front after leaving a used Mazda dealership.

Why a Used Mazda Is Ideal: The 5 Best Models to Snatch Now

Want a sporty yet affordable car? Then you may want to visit your local used Mazda dealership. Whether you want a sedan, an SUV, or a sports car, you can easily find something within your price range. This brand has been around since 1920, building their first 3-wheeled truck in 1931. Shifting their focus to cars and SUVs, Mazda has obviously expanded throughout the years, focusing mostly on fuel-efficient, sporty commuter vehicles. Here, we’ll tell you about some of the best used Mazda models on the market.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5

Are you looking for a compact SUV? The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is the model for you. This fuel-efficient SUV can get up to 31 MPG on the highway with a combined mileage score of 27 MPG. It offers 103.6 cubic feet of passenger space with room for up to five people, and despite its small size, it can tow up to 2,000 pounds. This means that you can easily haul a four-wheeler or a small cargo trailer with ease.

There are several available trims, but buying used means upgrading isn’t as expensive, so we’re going luxurious here. The Grand Select is the Mazda CX-5’s highest trim, so it comes with heated seats, dual-zone air conditioning, and a leather steering wheel. As far as safety features go, it comes with rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring to help navigate traffic and even has an available emergency SOS system. Plus, you’ll get standard deep-tinted glass and a power liftgate for easy rear cargo access. Oh, and speaking of cargo space, when the seats are down, the 2017 CX-5 offers 59.6 cubic feet of cargo room.

In addition to the obvious neutral paint color options, you’ll get to choose from Deep Crystal Blue, Eternal Blue, and Mazda’s incredible Soul Red Metallic exterior shades. This SUV puts off a stylish air, looking much more like a car than a truck. It has a long, slim hood and grille area, adding definition that matches Mazda’s sporty vibe. Overall, this is a great used Mazda SUV option, especially if you’re looking for a good commuter model.

The 2016 Mazda3 Hatchback

Want to have a small monthly payment while looking sporty and getting up to 39 MPG? Then the 2016 Mazda3 Hatchback is for you. You can also get this model in sedan form if you prefer, but we’re looking at the sporty and practical five-door version. This 2016 Mazda3 offers seating for five passengers, and it has 116.6 cubic feet of passenger room despite its compact size. Open up the back and fold down the rear seats, and you can enjoy an equally impressive 47.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

When it comes to trims, we suggest looking for the middle-of-the-road model – the Mazda3 Touring. You’ll get standard blind-spot monitoring on this model, along with rear collision warning, which notifies you when you’re backing up too close to an object. These features are part of the reason the 2016 Mazda3 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, keeping you safe and secure on the road. It offers the same exterior color options that the 2017 CX-5 does, too, so there’s plenty of room to spice up your aesthetic. When you want a compact yet spacious model, the used 2017 Mazda 3 Touring is a great option.

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Those who prefer two-seater sports cars will love the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Despite its sporty status, this model still gets up to 29 MPG combined. Unlike many temperamental performance cars, you can also count on this model for years and years. According to Kelly Blue Book, this car has a 4.8-star reliability score, but the main reason you’ll want this model is for the driving experience. Weighing in at just 2,332 pounds, this car is built to tackle curvy back roads with ease. The Miata is the ultimate expression of Mazda’s philosophy of “Jinba Ittai,” or the car and driver acting in perfect harmony.

To maximize the Miata experience, we would look for the Club trim, which comes with some extra performance goodies – particularly if you find a model with the optional Brembo brakes and BBS forged wheels. The soft top and six-speed manual transmission are also must-haves for anyone looking for a traditional roadster. But while the Miata Club is performance-oriented, it still comes with a luxurious interior that includes a leather gear shifter, a leather steering wheel, and a Bose audio system.

The 2018 Mazda CX-3

Let’s take a look at another Mazda SUV option. This time, we’re looking at the 2018 CX-3, which is a bit more affordable than a CX-5 of the same year. It’s similar in size to the Mazda3 Hatchback but has a taller ride height and available all-wheel drive. The CX-3 can get up to 31 MPG combined, and it offers 56.7 cubic feet of cargo space, so it’s definitely a commuter-friendly model, but it can also take bad weather and dirt roads in stride. This is a great choice if you want SUV performance in a sedan-sized package. Plus, you’re driving a Mazda, so you can rest assured that this model is stylish to boot.

Again, we’d suggest the middle-of-the-road Touring trim. This one comes with some great safety features as well, such as Blind Spot Monitoring, which notifies drivers if a vehicle appears in their blind spot, and Smart City Brake Support with Collision Warning. The latter feature is made to help prevent rear-end collisions, which actually make up for the highest percentage of car accidents. It does this by using advanced sensors and automatic braking. In addition to these driver-assist features, you’ll also get a standard rear backup camera, and you can feel safe knowing that this model has a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Considering this model’s low price tag, these features are an absolute steal.

The 2019 Mazda CX-9

Are you looking to live in the lap of luxury? Our last used Mazda SUV model may be for you, then. The CX-9 is Mazda’s fanciest SUV, with a slew of premium features designed to keep you comfortable, safe, and entertained on the road. Plus, it’s larger than Mazda’s other SUV models, offering three rows of seats and up to 84.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The best part about this model is that it can even tow up to 3,500 pounds if needed! But with a turbocharged engine and Mazda’s attention to crisp handling, the CX-9 drives more like a sedan than a large SUV.

Since this is Mazda’s most luxurious option, we think the top Signature trim is the best option. As you probably expect, this model is luxurious, and it offers tons of tech and safety features. These include a heated steering wheel and a head-up display that projects useful information onto the front windshield. You’ll also get features such as Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and cameras on every side! Not only will you never experience unintentional lane drift again, but you can also make sure you did a perfect parking job without exiting your vehicle multiple times to get it right. This incredibly safe and luxurious model is affordable, too, especially when compared with others in its class.

Why Choose Mazda?

More like, why not? Mazda models offer a one-of-a-kind blend of sporty performance, good looks, and premium features while remaining incredibly affordable – especially if you buy used. They’re also incredibly safe models with excellent crash test scores and tons of driver-assist technology that often come standard. From the agile MX-5 Miata roadster to the luxurious CX-9 midsize SUV, there is a used Mazda model that is sure to be perfect for you. Used models come at a discount, and with Mazda’s stellar reputation for reliability, they’re often just as good as buying a brand new model. This is especially true when you’re buying from a trusty used Mazda dealership.