There are multiple factors you have to consider when getting your first car. For first-time drivers, you’ll want a car that is affordable and not too expensive on the insurance side. Safety ratings and the car’s mileage are important metrics to look at.
Mazda vehicles were probably on your radar if this is your first time shopping for a car. Mazda cars are known for their longevity. On average, expect your Mazda car model to last for 10-15 years. So is a Mazda a good first car?
Mazdas are great first cars because they combine affordability, reliability, and sportiness into an easily approachable package. Compared to other affordable yet sporty cars, Mazdas are easier to drive, so you won’t have too much trouble getting acclimatized to them.
Throughout this article, we’ll explain if Mazda vehicles are a good choice for first-time drivers. We’ll explain their insurance costs and what features to avoid when buying. That way, you can make a conscious decision when you’re at the car dealership.
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So Why Do Some Mazdas Make Good First Cars?
There are a lot of things to consider when getting your first car. For instance, first-time drivers should look at a car’s quality, reliability, and cost of ownership. You can determine if the Mazda model you’re looking at is suited to your needs through these factors.
In addition, you have to take note of your car’s initial cost. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 costs around $25,270. This is not a bad choice for those wanting a simple car with high-end features.
While Mazda and Dodge cars are highly affordable, their insurance rates can get expensive. Having a Mazda-CX5 will cost around $2,724 a year. This is over $1,724 over the national average, meaning that you’ll have to pay a large fee if you want the best insurance possible.
Mazdas are good SUV vehicles, and a new Mazda 6 Signature will cost around $24,475. In comparison to other car brands, this is not too expensive. Be careful when buying an older model because it might have high repair costs. If this is the case, get the faulty parts fixed by a mechanic before driving.
So why would I say Mazda is a good first car for beginners? Because they offer multiple car models based on skills, performance, and their ability to shift gears (manually or automatically).
The yearly insurance rate for the Mazda-6 costs around $2,200 annually. While these cars are on the expensive side of insurance, you don’t have to worry about paying large sums of money to repair broken tires and window issues.
Which Mazdas Make The Best First Cars?
For first-time car buyers, here are some Mazda models worth looking into:
2015 Mazda 5
First, the 2015 Mazda 5 is a nicely designed car that’s able to fit six people. It has 157 hp, a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. People like this car because it’s spacious, fast, and is easy to operate.
This car is a blend of urban maneuverability and utility. For instance, the car has an EPA rating of 28 mpg (highway) and 21 mpg (city). This gives you enough power to drive on any terrain while still being safe on gas costs.
However, you might want to watch out for the car’s limited safety ratings. While it has an underpowered drivetrain, the car is a good hauler even though it was designed as a family vehicle.
Overall, the 2015 Mazda 5 is suited for adventurous drivers. The average cost for this vehicle is $22,000, making it affordable for drivers on a budget.
2020 Mazda 3
The 2020 Mazda 3 comes in both sedan and hatchback versions. In terms of drivability, this car shines in the sophisticated aspect. For instance, it features a front-wheel-drive and an optional all-wheel-drive capability. As a result, you’ll have multiple choices to choose from depending on your terrain.
When in use, the Mazda 3 drives well on the highway. The car produces minimal noise when driving, and its cruise control features work exactly as advertised.
On the other hand, there are a few glitches on the driver-assist system. In some scenarios, the adaptive cruise feature would detect objects outside of the Mazda 3’s path, resulting in reduced speed. Hopefully, Mazda can solve these issues in their next software update.
2020 Mazda CX5
If you’re looking for a mixture of minimum practicality and a subcompact crossover, the 2020 Mazda CS5 is a great option. The car has a lavish interior and a sharp design, making it good if you need a vehicle for your family.
Underneath the hood is a 146hp 1.6L turbo engine. While the engine sounds off at high speeds, the car has a racy appearance behind it. In fact, the car can go from 0-60 in 80 seconds.
The Worst Mazda Features to Avoid
Low Quality Interior Parts
You’ll want to inspect all components of Mazda and Jeep vehicles before making a purchase. Some cars like the 2010 Mazda 3 suffer from this, as it is known to have clutch failure.
Fortunately, the newer Mazda models have fixed this problem. The 2019 Mazda 3 model received only three consumer complaints. In the 2020 model, there were no complaints about the vehicle’s internal parts.
Expensive Repair Costs
Depending on what Mazda model you buy, you’ll have to consider its repair costs. For example, the 2004 Mazda 6 model received complaints about a faulty engine and expensive repair costs. Check the model of your Mazda to see how much you’ll have to pay for repairs.
Engine Failure
There are some reports about Mazda’s, Nissan, and Toyota’s engine quality. For instance, sometimes, the engine of a Mazda 3 will burn out due to continuous driving. To solve this issue, diagnose what’s the cause of the engine failure and seek a mechanic to fix it.
Conclusion
To conclude, Mazda is a good first car for drivers. Not only is it inexpensive, but the cars perform well when they are on the highway. By inspecting the Mazda’s vehicle model, interior, and exterior parts, you’ll leave the dealership with a fast and reliable car.
