Mazda stands out for engineering choices that are its own: the car make long favoured naturally aspirated engines of larger capacity where its rivals were downsizing with turbochargers.
Second-hand that gives cars with a distinctive character, a linear engine feel and generally simple mechanicals.
The CX-5 dominates the offer among family SUVs, ahead of the CX-3 in an urban format. The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 cover the compact and family segments.
The MX-5 is a case apart: a light rear-drive roadster, with a community of buyers and a used market all of its own.
The market is narrower than the mainstream makes: for a precise specification, the search takes more patience.
Diesel is still well represented on high-mileage CX-5s and Mazda 6s.
In petrol, the naturally aspirated Skyactiv units power most of the range and stand out for their linearity. The manual gearbox dominates the used offer.
On Skyactiv diesels, servicing of the emissions system and a history of sufficiently long journeys are the deciding criteria. Strictly urban use is the worst case.
The dealer network is smaller than the mainstream makes: check you have access to a workshop before buying.
On an MX-5, check the condition of the hood and the absence of any sign of water ingress, as on any convertible.
A used Mazda car suits anyone who appreciates a linear engine feel and simple mechanicals, and accepts a narrower market and network than the mainstream makes.
The links below narrow by model, engine or budget.
