Is a used Mazda CX-5 reliable for high mileage commuting?

> I saw a few threads about cracked cylinder heads Late to the party, but that mainly hits the 2018+ models with cylinder deactivation. In my experience, the 2017 is actually safer. If you want real reliability for a 100-mile daily trek, look for a Toyota RAV4 XLE 2.5L 2016. It lacks the fancy interior but the powertrain is objectively more robust for high-mileage abuse than the newer SkyActiv setups.

> My budget is around 15k so Im seeing cars with already like 90k or 100k miles on them which is scary. Honestly 100k miles isnt the end of the world anymore but for that Austin commute you definitely need something robust. Since you're worried about the Mazda head issue check out the Honda CR-V LX 2.4L i-VTEC 2016. That engine is basically a tank for high mileage and avoids the newer turbo issues but the interior feels a bit dated compared to Mazda. Another pick is the Subaru Forester 2.5i 2018. It has amazing visibility for heavy traffic and is super comfy for long drives, though you gotta be strict with oil changes on those. I'd spend some time on Dashboard Light or CarComplaints... they use real dealer data to show what actually breaks. It really helps filter out the forum noise when you're nervous about mileage. Good luck with the new job!

The CX-5 is a decent option for that Austin drive. I ran a Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2017 past 100k and it mostly just needed basic maintenance. The cylinder head issue is real tho, so you gotta check the VIN for the service bulletin. If it checks out, you'll save a lot of cash compared to a RAV4 or CR-V.

TIL! Thanks for sharing

> My logic was that Mazda is basically the new Toyota for reliability but is that actually true once they hit high mileage? I have been through a lot of cars over the years for my own long commutes and Mazda has definitely stepped up their game lately. They feel way more premium than they used to, but ngl, if your main goal is just survival at high mileage, Toyota is still the gold standard. In my experience, you just cant beat their reliability when you start pushing past that 100k or 150k mark. Mazda is fun to drive tho... just depends if you value the interior vibe over that bulletproof reputation. If I were in your shoes and worried about the commute, I would probably just look for any solid Toyota in your price range. They might be a bit more expensive for what you get, but the peace of mind is worth it when you are driving 500 miles a week. Just my two cents from being in the driver's seat for a long time!