Currently paid off this car with 157K miles. This car has never seen a check engine light so I'm planning to keep it. Everything said here is very true. It's not a quick car but driving the manual helps.
Bought a 2012 Skyactive sedan in Nov. '23 with 100k for $4,600. After new plugs, brake fluid, trans. fluid, oil, belts, cabin filter, battery & 4 new tires I'm $6,800 in. Engine runs great. Quite happy with it.
I bought my 2013 Mazda 3 GS-SKY (sedan) brand new from the dealership. I take it for regular oil changes and maintenance. Never had a problem. Runs smooth, great on gas, and everyone who rides with me is surprised at how modern and sleek the interior is. Bose system has always been more than good for me. Even having a proximity key/PTS ignition are features that some cars don’t even have today. It sounds like a small complaint, but not having to reach in my pocket while juggling groceries, etc. makes daily tasks so much easier.
I was going to college last week and was selling my BMW to get a cheap and fuel efficient beater car. Because the Civics were overpriced on auctions, so I ended up getting a higher mileage Mazda 3 just because it was cheaper. After fixing it all for around 3.5k and driving it, I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually a pretty good car with the newer key, push start, sport drive, etc. I was expecting a beater, but got a decent car. These things are often overlooked in the used sub compact market, and therefore underpriced.
@@RIFATRAHIM I bought it at 95,000 miles. Sold it this summer with around 130,000 miles. The car was good, but I got a sportier car with a manual, since I don’t have a long daily commute any more
@@RIFATRAHIM The newer mazda's tend to last a long time with minor issues. It's not uncommon to find Mazda's with over 200k miles still running clean, I work for a dealership and we've even seen 300k mile Mazda 3's & 6's with no issues still running just fine. If your looking at a Mazda I recommend buying anything 2012 or newer! In the early 2000's Mazda was owned partially by Ford, those Mazda's with Ford parts where alot less reliable. Anything with a "Sky-Active" engine and 6 speed automatic/manual will last FOREVER so long as you take care of it. They are as good as any Toyota and even more reliable then alot of the newer turbo Honda Civics you'll find on used lots.
That's because the general public has a very short attention span and very lazy to do any research. Most people just go on reputation alone and don't find out for themselves. Therefore Mazda fly's under the radar. I've had a decent number of Mazda's and have loved every single one. And by the way, Mazda's are not underpriced. They are plenty expensive on their own, they're just not stupid overpriced like Toyota and Honda.
Great review, straight forward and informative. Always loved the smiley face Mazda 3 from this gen. With the right wheels and front kit, they can look amazing.
Got a 2012 skyactiv hatch a few months back. Almost 10k added to the OD and got it with 107k. Had to replace the master cylinder but dead reliable other than that. Probably also needs valve clean and spark plugs, but such a great little car
I have 2013 mazda 3 hatch 2l skyactive for 9 years and very happy. Steering and handling is great. Didn’t do anything to it besides maintenance until last year and 160000 miles. Very reliable. I decided to keep the car. So I got after market gps system with 9’ screen, rearview camera, change suspension, got new rims w wider and thicker tires for better ride, painted scratches. It cost me 5000. Im happy. It drives better than new corola or civic. Very solid car. Thank you mazda🙏
My first car was this, sedan, and i still have her. She is a beauty to drive and so smooth around corners, my only complaint is when it comes to mods/custom bodykits.. i have no idea if such things are possible for this car.
Hahaha finally a review of my car! (Sort of). I have a 2011 Hatchback with the 2.5 MZR engine and the same color. Lovely car, fun to drive with the manual. Backseat room is ridiculous, I always joke that I own a two-seater lol. There’s a ton of cargo space once you fold the backseats down.
Very reliable car... Mine is a bit underpowered, 1.6litre but l have learnt to leave with it... Have driven 1000 kms in a day and still felt good..car is comfortable
Great vid, thanks. I think I'm going to pick up one of these soon from a private seller, gotta drive over 2 hours for it, but I think it'll be worth it.
FOLLOW UP: Buyer beware...every 1st and 2nd generation Mazda 3 I looked at, including the one I referenced, all had leaking trunks or hatches, with several of them having wet cabin carpets. Clearly a defect of the taillight seals, weather stripping, seams, or all of the above. Don't ever buy a car that has any amount of water in it, there could be mold and mildew issues brewing, if not already present. My wife's 08 Fit had a leaky hatch, but by the time I found out about it, the carpets were soaked. I had to pull all the carpeting out, dry them and the car out, clean the car with bleach, baking soda and borax. It was a long grueling process that can't be ignored. Wound up with an 09 Accord, after giving up on the Mazda's, including a Mazda 5 with the same issue.
I'm about to buy one of these (2013 hatchback i Touring 6spd manual) I'm really looking forward to it, seems to be a great car, an excellent daily driver, and I've heard great things about these mazda3 2nd gen
Loved the review! I own one identical to the one on the video. It is my college-age son's daily driver. Communicative and fun to drive? Check Reliable? Check And it still looks really good, IMHO. I think it has aged nicely.😀
The only think I had a problem with was the transmission flush pricing, $250, more than a BMW, from what I was told by my local. You can definitely push these cars on the road, but never the track, can handle windy (snake) roads and long trips, and can be super easy to maintain yourself. Never had a problem until recently, but I can’t say what’s wrong with it until the shops looks at it this week
$250 is NOT more than a BMW. my 07 Volkswagen beetle was $350 at the lowest end for a transmission service. I imagine a BMW transmission service is going to top Volkswagen.
You can definitely push these cars on the road, but never the track ---------------- You can see people pushing the mps (speed3) versions of these hard on the nurburgring track.
Great job as always, Tyler! :) I think that generation of the Mazda3 looks absolutely silly with its clown face, but I have to agree that they are still reliable and pretty fun to drive!
120k on mine. Manual hatchback with the 2.0. Best car i ever owned. Only issue that came up was the shifter cables broke and finding them was near impossible.
Dealership by me selling this for 9k and has 68k miles. Think it’s worth it? This is my first car so if I can get this I’d be so stoked. Need something reliable so taking a chance. Thanks for the advice on here
I have the 2012 hatch version of this car. It's got the skyactiv g. I got the i-touring (I think) new. I got tech package (maybe more) so I have heated leather seats and the bose sound system. I only have 66k miles on it, but the only problem I've ever had a gas tank leak about 3 months ago. I get about 35 mpg without even trying. I have no problem getting on the highway or passing really, although sometimes I can't overtake someone. Anyway, great review and thanks for featuring an old car like this. Just wondering what modern car you'd recommend to replace this?
Love my 2010 Mazda 3 2.0 I sport. The worst thing is the road noise . Peppy around town but slow getting up to high speed . Can't say enough about the handling and feel of driving around corners. Also the dash will melt and become sticky. Random vibrations and some clicks and clanks here in there are common but mostly is a maintenance thing
More reliable is debatable, the first half of this gen with the manual had some severe problems with clutch and stuff. Definitely more fun though. I'll do another video if I can get the manual with the hatch of this gen!
currently shopping for my first mazda -- The happy face front of 12 and 13 are way better than 14 BUT I HATE THE DASH on all of them . MAZDA? what is wrong with you? I want a 2012 hatch but that dashboard makes me want to get a reciprocal saw ** For real! What's with the cones above the tach/speed?? it looks HORRIBLE. I hate it.
Very good review. This model 3 sedan is the worst of the 3 sedans IMO. When sitting in a Mazda you often feel you're in something special. Not this model. The plastics on the dash feel and look dirt cheap and are completely vile. The next series was miles ahead and the current one is sumptuous.
i sell my 2008 mazda 3 this car was amazing i run corolla 2020 hatch c -__- v -__- t and i miss my 2008 5 speed better car better fuel better seat simple engine they have more room better audio ! i look to buy used mazda 2012-2013 i hate 2014 and up this is why me and me wife buy corolla
My 2013 Mazda3, skyactive engine, 6sp manual was at 366,000 miles and still operating PERFECT until, unfortunately, I was involved in a horrific wreck a month ago. She's buried in Detroit now. I have absolutely no doubt it would lasted to at least 700,000. I was clocking 38mpg every night while driving 77mph. At 55mpg I would get a confirmed 50mpg, no joke, no kidding! Great car... would have made 700k, I bet money on in.
You can buy a double DIN dash kit and a carplay head unit for a few hundred dollars (though i might spend more to get a reputable brand if that's in your budget). Best of luck!
I have been wanting to pick one up in manual but have heard the manual transmission has problems with the clutch wearing out too fast. I don't know if that's true but have read that on multiple forums and would like to know if that actually is the case or not. Thank you.
...0-60 test when there's "alot of rain"...? Probably not the wisest idea. Just glad we didn't see if the traction control was switched off. 😳😂 And yes, Mazda paint is not the best. I've owned 3 Mazda's. Correctly have a 2015 hb and still gotta be extremely careful with it. Also, not as fun to drive as the 2003 Protege'5 I had. Everyone wants luxury and premium these days. Meh.
Currently paid off this car with 157K miles. This car has never seen a check engine light so I'm planning to keep it. Everything said here is very true. It's not a quick car but driving the manual helps.
So even with the 157K miles on it, It still runs smooth and well, no problem? im thinking of getting one myself with 135K miles.
@@vaultofteekieme too!! Did you get it? If so how is it
@@vaultofteekiebuy 6 speed auto or manual , not the 5 speed , thank me later .
@@vaultofteekie Mine has 190K miles on it, and it still pulls like it is almost new.
My 2013 is at 250,000 milage and it is still going
Miles or Km ??
IAM thinking to buy one 2013, I heard that is reliable!! What you think, maybe one manual !!
@@victorvonderkrausse5492 definitely get it
What about now
@@hamsterboi4844 290,000 still going.
Bought a 2012 Skyactive sedan in Nov. '23 with 100k for $4,600. After new plugs, brake fluid, trans. fluid, oil, belts, cabin filter, battery & 4 new tires I'm $6,800 in. Engine runs great. Quite happy with it.
Genuinely the best car reviewer on UA-cam by far. Camerawork, information and presentation is amazing. Keep up the good work!
I bought my 2013 Mazda 3 GS-SKY (sedan) brand new from the dealership. I take it for regular oil changes and maintenance. Never had a problem. Runs smooth, great on gas, and everyone who rides with me is surprised at how modern and sleek the interior is. Bose system has always been more than good for me.
Even having a proximity key/PTS ignition are features that some cars don’t even have today. It sounds like a small complaint, but not having to reach in my pocket while juggling groceries, etc. makes daily tasks so much easier.
How long were you able to drive it before filling up the gas tank?
@@nichelle1999 I never drove it to bone dry. But I did drive it from downtown Toronto, to Brooklyn, NY on a single tank.
@@STKPYL thank you! I’m thinking about purchasing this car
@@nichelle1999 one of the smartest purchases I ever made. Just be sure to rustproof once per year (I use Krown), and do regular oil changes.
@@nichelle1999 mines a 2013 gs . It went 214km with half tank of gas . I have a heavy foot.
I was going to college last week and was selling my BMW to get a cheap and fuel efficient beater car. Because the Civics were overpriced on auctions, so I ended up getting a higher mileage Mazda 3 just because it was cheaper. After fixing it all for around 3.5k and driving it, I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually a pretty good car with the newer key, push start, sport drive, etc. I was expecting a beater, but got a decent car. These things are often overlooked in the used sub compact market, and therefore underpriced.
At what mileage did you buy it? And how’s it going so far?
@@RIFATRAHIM I bought it at 95,000 miles. Sold it this summer with around 130,000 miles. The car was good, but I got a sportier car with a manual, since I don’t have a long daily commute any more
@@RIFATRAHIM The newer mazda's tend to last a long time with minor issues. It's not uncommon to find Mazda's with over 200k miles still running clean, I work for a dealership and we've even seen 300k mile Mazda 3's & 6's with no issues still running just fine.
If your looking at a Mazda I recommend buying anything 2012 or newer! In the early 2000's Mazda was owned partially by Ford, those Mazda's with Ford parts where alot less reliable. Anything with a "Sky-Active" engine and 6 speed automatic/manual will last FOREVER so long as you take care of it. They are as good as any Toyota and even more reliable then alot of the newer turbo Honda Civics you'll find on used lots.
That's because the general public has a very short attention span and very lazy to do any research. Most people just go on reputation alone and don't find out for themselves. Therefore Mazda fly's under the radar. I've had a decent number of Mazda's and have loved every single one. And by the way, Mazda's are not underpriced. They are plenty expensive on their own, they're just not stupid overpriced like Toyota and Honda.
Great review, straight forward and informative. Always loved the smiley face Mazda 3 from this gen. With the right wheels and front kit, they can look amazing.
This is my car and I absolutely love it ❤! Got mine in 2014… it’s a 2013 3i and I added fog lights and new sound system myself. My first car!
How mpg and reliability??
Recently came across your channel from old videos and honestly you have gotten me interested in cars.
I'm glad! And that means a lot, thank you.
Got a 2012 skyactiv hatch a few months back. Almost 10k added to the OD and got it with 107k. Had to replace the master cylinder but dead reliable other than that. Probably also needs valve clean and spark plugs, but such a great little car
Definitely a highly overlooked car that’s a decent daily!
I have 2013 mazda 3 hatch 2l skyactive for 9 years and very happy. Steering and handling is great. Didn’t do anything to it besides maintenance until last year and 160000 miles. Very reliable. I decided to keep the car. So I got after market gps system with 9’ screen, rearview camera, change suspension, got new rims w wider and thicker tires for better ride, painted scratches. It cost me 5000. Im happy. It drives better than new corola or civic. Very solid car. Thank you mazda🙏
I like the look of the earlier hatchbacks more. They also seem like they have more visibility in the rear.
My first car was this, sedan, and i still have her. She is a beauty to drive and so smooth around corners, my only complaint is when it comes to mods/custom bodykits.. i have no idea if such things are possible for this car.
U are the best car reviewer GUYS LIKE THERE VIDEOS
Yea
Hahaha finally a review of my car! (Sort of). I have a 2011 Hatchback with the 2.5 MZR engine and the same color. Lovely car, fun to drive with the manual. Backseat room is ridiculous, I always joke that I own a two-seater lol. There’s a ton of cargo space once you fold the backseats down.
Very reliable car... Mine is a bit underpowered, 1.6litre but l have learnt to leave with it... Have driven 1000 kms in a day and still felt good..car is comfortable
Production value and presentation is top notch Tyler, subscribed!
Great vid, thanks. I think I'm going to pick up one of these soon from a private seller, gotta drive over 2 hours for it, but I think it'll be worth it.
FOLLOW UP:
Buyer beware...every 1st and 2nd generation Mazda 3 I looked at, including the one I referenced, all had leaking trunks or hatches, with several of them having wet cabin carpets.
Clearly a defect of the taillight seals, weather stripping, seams, or all of the above.
Don't ever buy a car that has any amount of water in it, there could be mold and mildew issues brewing, if not already present.
My wife's 08 Fit had a leaky hatch, but by the time I found out about it, the carpets were soaked. I had to pull all the carpeting out, dry them and the car out, clean the car with bleach, baking soda and borax. It was a long grueling process that can't be ignored.
Wound up with an 09 Accord, after giving up on the Mazda's, including a Mazda 5 with the same issue.
I'm about to buy one of these (2013 hatchback i Touring 6spd manual) I'm really looking forward to it, seems to be a great car, an excellent daily driver, and I've heard great things about these mazda3 2nd gen
how was it? Looking to get one for my first car..
Might have to go for this for my first car
I got a 2010. My fav car I ever had
Loved the review! I own one identical to the one on the video. It is my college-age son's daily driver. Communicative and fun to drive? Check Reliable? Check And it still looks really good, IMHO. I think it has aged nicely.😀
The only think I had a problem with was the transmission flush pricing, $250, more than a BMW, from what I was told by my local. You can definitely push these cars on the road, but never the track, can handle windy (snake) roads and long trips, and can be super easy to maintain yourself. Never had a problem until recently, but I can’t say what’s wrong with it until the shops looks at it this week
$250 is NOT more than a BMW. my 07 Volkswagen beetle was $350 at the lowest end for a transmission service. I imagine a BMW transmission service is going to top Volkswagen.
You can definitely push these cars on the road, but never the track
----------------
You can see people pushing the mps (speed3) versions of these hard on the nurburgring track.
Great job as always, Tyler! :) I think that generation of the Mazda3 looks absolutely silly with its clown face, but I have to agree that they are still reliable and pretty fun to drive!
I disagree it’s just a very happy car
120k on mine. Manual hatchback with the 2.0. Best car i ever owned. Only issue that came up was the shifter cables broke and finding them was near impossible.
I have a 2010 3 2.5 sedan, and have no problems, run smooth and great on gas
Literally just bought one. Never peiced it together that it's just a Mazda Civic/Corolla. But better
My dad got me a Mazda 3 S as my first car ever. I'm pretty convinced it was a good choice now.
and it's also incredibly safe i remember when I crashed, I felt like Mazda was more considered about my safety than myself.
I love when I see one of your videos in my sub box! INB4 you get huge, Tyler :)
Glad to hear! I'm hoping the huge part comes soon😂
Dealership by me selling this for 9k and has 68k miles. Think it’s worth it? This is my first car so if I can get this I’d be so stoked. Need something reliable so taking a chance. Thanks for the advice on here
YES, provided that is the OTD price, and they don't try to tack on all their bullshit fees and such.
this Mazda is really cool nice fun and so many other things I love about this car
the best part of the 2013 Mazda3 is a 14.5 Gallon gas tank with 33 mpg and a right sided gas cap
Like your overachieving kid in high-school analogy 😅, I really like my NC Miata, so much fun!! Like Mazda 3 too.
I have the grand touring hatchback. The only problems I've had are with electronics. That's why I want fewer electronics in my cars.
Looking to get one of these as my first car
Agreed, great vid… buying one for the daughter, so this helped a lot thanks
"Overachieving kid in highschool" line cracked me up 🤣
Great review! Keep it up! :)
I mostly compare the 3 to the Jetta/Golf. Had experience with both cars which had been rather good.
Mum has the standard sedan neo 2013 manual, I have the same but hatch... car is far funnier to drive with hatch as sedan is back heavy :)
I have the 2012 hatch version of this car. It's got the skyactiv g. I got the i-touring (I think) new. I got tech package (maybe more) so I have heated leather seats and the bose sound system. I only have 66k miles on it, but the only problem I've ever had a gas tank leak about 3 months ago. I get about 35 mpg without even trying. I have no problem getting on the highway or passing really, although sometimes I can't overtake someone.
Anyway, great review and thanks for featuring an old car like this. Just wondering what modern car you'd recommend to replace this?
Thanks, Id recommend a new Mazda3 or Honda Civic as a replacement!
@@Realistick Thanks!
Love my 2010 Mazda 3 2.0 I sport. The worst thing is the road noise . Peppy around town but slow getting up to high speed . Can't say enough about the handling and feel of driving around corners. Also the dash will melt and become sticky. Random vibrations and some clicks and clanks here in there are common but mostly is a maintenance thing
if you get one please get the manual it’s more reliable and def fun to drive
More reliable is debatable, the first half of this gen with the manual had some severe problems with clutch and stuff. Definitely more fun though. I'll do another video if I can get the manual with the hatch of this gen!
currently shopping for my first mazda -- The happy face front of 12 and 13 are way better than 14
BUT
I HATE THE DASH on all of them . MAZDA? what is wrong with you? I want a 2012 hatch but that dashboard makes me want to get a reciprocal saw
** For real! What's with the cones above the tach/speed?? it looks HORRIBLE. I hate it.
Mazda is good on gas and have a decent engine but this brand always get rust, which is a downfall
Hey any good reviews on the 2012 hatchback 1.6 models?
I bought a 13 isport brand new. The car was fun to drive. I wish it had Bluetooth though
I thought it did. It's voice activated, no?
Anyone experiencing rust problems with 2016 cx5? Currently owned a 2007 Mazda 3 looking to get one.,but don’t want another rusty…
is the 12' mazda better now with no rust problems? How's the automatic transmission?
My mom had this car, in my opinion it wasn't that bad of a car.
Where is the FM & Sirius antenna located? as I need to replace mine & should be on top roof in rear.
Mazda 3 2013 lo mejor en marca japones
6 speed is fun to drive
Much better to get the sport versions too
The 1st gen Mazda 3s look nicer fight me.
I'd personally agree, however, the second generation looks better after age since they don't rust like the 1st gens😂
@@Realistick Maybe the earlier 1st gens rust more? I still have a 2007 without rust :P
@@duncandonuts5268 I see it on all of the years here but I also live in Indiana! That's great that yours is still pretty sharp
Very good review. This model 3 sedan is the worst of the 3 sedans IMO. When sitting in a Mazda you often feel you're in something special. Not this model. The plastics on the dash feel and look dirt cheap and are completely vile. The next series was miles ahead and the current one is sumptuous.
i sell my 2008 mazda 3 this car was amazing i run corolla 2020 hatch c -__- v -__- t and i miss my 2008 5 speed better car better fuel better seat simple engine they have more room better audio ! i look to buy used mazda 2012-2013 i hate 2014 and up this is why me and me wife buy corolla
How does it handle rough roads and steep inclines?
Is this good with 150,000 miles? Want to pick one up for the kid. My buddy has a really clean one. How is insurance?
My 2013 Mazda3, skyactive engine, 6sp manual was at 366,000 miles and still operating PERFECT until, unfortunately, I was involved in a horrific wreck a month ago. She's buried in Detroit now. I have absolutely no doubt it would lasted to at least 700,000. I was clocking 38mpg every night while driving 77mph. At 55mpg I would get a confirmed 50mpg, no joke, no kidding! Great car... would have made 700k, I bet money on in.
I bought one of these from Facebook marketplace for my first car, does anyone know if I can install Apple CarPlay or something similar?
You can buy a double DIN dash kit and a carplay head unit for a few hundred dollars (though i might spend more to get a reputable brand if that's in your budget). Best of luck!
Why does nobody talk about the S Sport? Like bro it’s literally the best model tf
#HonorMagic5
Motion capture every day of the week.
Does it have aux court ? Or Bluetooth ?
Both if I remember correctly, all will have Aux at least, Bluetooth might be an option but this one definitely had it
Hi lads, should i go for the mazda 3 2012 HB 2.0, Forte koup 2.0, or elentra 2014 1.8?
The mazda for sure, usually they are a decent amount more expensive than those other two but it's worth it.
@@Realistick the mazda it is then, love a hatchback as well
@@Realistick thanks btw, loved your review, earned a subscriber
@@funnyyoutubeclips2141 thank you, I wish you the best of luck with finding/buying one!
@@funnyyoutubeclips2141 What you got ?
Is it aux court or Bluetooth for músic
Bluetooth
I have been wanting to pick one up in manual but have heard the manual transmission has problems with the clutch wearing out too fast. I don't know if that's true but have read that on multiple forums and would like to know if that actually is the case or not. Thank you.
In the first couple of model years for this, yes, they fixed it for 2012 and 2013 I believe, id check carcomplaints.com for that one!
@@Realistick Based on my research I concur. The 2010-2011 3's had several issues that seemed to have been rectified by 2012.
Mine is a 2010 version and the original clutch was replaced at 175,000 miles!
HEY! How can I buy THIS car, Im in SERBIA ???~!!!!
my dad has this car.. idk if he likes it or not
...0-60 test when there's "alot of rain"...? Probably not the wisest idea. Just glad we didn't see if the traction control was switched off. 😳😂
And yes, Mazda paint is not the best. I've owned 3 Mazda's. Correctly have a 2015 hb and still gotta be extremely careful with it. Also, not as fun to drive as the 2003 Protege'5 I had. Everyone wants luxury and premium these days. Meh.
God bless everyone. Give your life unto Jesus follow God
Amen to that!
@NATHAN...in a Mazda 3?
Amen
Uhm I don't mean to interuppted your moment but ppl have different religions pls don't force yourself onto them
Aight
I heard there is a heck of a lot of road noise on those things
Not anymore than what you would get from a similar year corolla. I think the Civic was actually noisier
You’re wearing a mask alone in a car.
how many ho
hp*
You could probably get 3 in there fo sho
You can fit 3 in the back
@@josephcazzuto7198lol
Don't talk about my Mazda Miata ✋
Joker face always