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.