What should I check when buying a used Mazda?

Question

What are the specific red flags I should watch for on a used Mazda3? Ive owned a few older ones before but looking at a 2018 model this weekend with 70k miles in the city. Mostly worried about the transmission shifting lag and common rust spots. Budget is around 15k, just need a reliable commuter. Anything else?

jeihsiinqz · Accepted Answer

Honestly, the 2018 model is a super solid pick. Since you're looking at city miles, definitely check the motor mounts. They tend to wear out around 70k and cause a weird vibration at idle or when you first shift into drive. It feels kinda like a rough engine, but it's just a simple swap. Also, keep an eye on the interior trim. Some folks complain about rattling near the door panels, so maybe keep a roll of 3M Automotive Acrylic Plus Attachment Tape handy if you decide to buy. It works well for quieting down those little interior squeaks. If the transmission feels weird, check the fluid condition too. Most owners ignore it, but a quick flush can make a world of difference. You're gonna love how it handles though, seriously.

ejyhipnrko · Answer

Honestly, 70k city miles makes me nervous. My last one unfortunately had major electrical gremlins that cost a fortune. Before buying, definitely look for these:

Suspension bushings, they crack easily

Any signs of oil leaks around the valve cover

Battery health, get a NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter just in case If the car feels sluggish, save your cash for repairs. It is not always worth the risk if the maintenance records look sketchy.

ErieEcho · Answer

TL;DR: The 2018 is a solid year, but watch for the infotainment screen issues and brake wear! Honestly, that generation is fantastic and I love how they drive. Youre right to be cautious about the transmission, but Mazda really smoothed those out by 2018 so it should feel snappy if it was maintained well. Forget about rust if you live anywhere not prone to salt, but definitely check the door sills and the underside just in case. Since you are looking for a reliable commuter, have you checked if the previous owner had the infotainment system updated or if the screen has that nasty ghosting/delamination issue? It is a super common thing to see on these. Also, are you looking strictly at the sedan model or are you considering the hatch version for that extra storage space? Check the service history for fluid changes specifically. If they havent changed the transmission fluid by 70k, that is basically your first job. They are amazing cars, but they definitely want you to keep up with the basic maintenance or you will feel it. Let me know which trim level you are looking at too, because the features change quite a bit between the base sport and the higher trims.