Where is the best place to buy a used Mazda CX-5?

I'm actually really happy with my decision to go the private route when I grabbed my 2021 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5L i-Activ AWD last fall. Tbh I spent weeks comparing the drivetrain specs and looking at the reliability data for the 6-speed automatic compared to the CVTs you see in most other crossovers. For a $22k budget near Denver, you're gonna struggle to find a CPO 2020+ that isnt high mileage since prices are still kinda sticky.

• Dealer CPO: You get that 12-month/12k limited warranty and the 7-year powertrain coverage. It works well if you can swing the markup, but usually they're pricing these closer to $25k lately.
• Carvana: Id skip it. I looked at their inspection reports during my hunt and they often miss basic stuff like specific tire tread depth or actual fluid conditions.
• FB Marketplace: This is where your $22k budget actually wins. Honestly, I found a guy who kept every single service receipt for his Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 2.5L i-Activsense and I've had zero complaints. If you find a seller who followed the 5k oil change interval instead of the 7.5k manual recommendation, you're golden. The SkyActiv-G engines are absolute tanks but they love clean oil. My CX-5 handles those mountain climbs without breaking a sweat and I'm totally satisfied with the MPG even with the AWD system.

^ This. Also, staying under 22k is totally doable if you skip the CPO markup. I'm very satisfied with my Mazda CX-5 Sport 2020 2.5L i-Activ AWD found through a private listing. If you focus on the base trims, reliability is still top-notch without the premium price tag. My method was simple: find a clean title, pay 150 for a PPI, and save the extra 3k. Works well for the budget.

Honestly, finding a 2020+ for $22k at a dealer is gonna be tough, unfortunately. I had issues finding decent inventory lately and the markups are brutal. Are you looking specifically for the naturally aspirated 2.5L or do you need the extra torque from the turbo engine? Also, is the i-Activ AWD a dealbreaker for your commute or would FWD work tho?