Hey Scotty,
I recently bought a 2018 Mazda3 Hatchback that was made in Mexico for 15k dollars and I live in Kansas City, MO. I've needed a new car for a long time now, and this deal seemed too good to be true. It wasn't until after I got the car home when I realized it was MIM and started to have doubts. I was lead to believe that all Mazda's were either made in Japan or the US and combined with the fact that Mazda designs and manufactures their own parts it seemed like a no brainer decision for a cheap, reliable, long term car. I tried to take the car back to the dealer within 24 hours of owning it and told them I was interested in something with more longevity and they basically said I was now the owner and they couldn't do anything about it (untrue, to my knowledge.) So I quit arguing with them and decided I would cut my losses after a year or so. My biggest question is did I make a good decision? I feel as if I was cheated but if this is a rare case of a good car being produced in Mexico I would feel a little bit better. Thank you!
So the only "issue" that you are asking about is that it was made in Mexico? The price does not seem "to good to be true" at all in fact you payed more I see 2015 2016 ones go for 9 10 grand here in California. If you like the car and there is no mechanical issue I don't see why you should get rid of it. It also is only 3 years old I would keep it for another 5 6 7 years at least.
Tacomas are also MIM btw.
Also newer Mazdas are not bad cars Scotty's opinion on them according to his 2020/2021 videos is that they "have more to do with Toyota" and are "excellent." You decide now.
If it helps, I have a 2012 Mazda3 and it's been a magnificent, reliable car. She's got 167k miles on her and she starts right up without a problem. I occasionally think about getting a better ride, but when I hop in and crank up the 3 I just get a big smile on my face. My best guess is you got a great car that'll easily last you 10 years.
I wouldn't worry about it being built in Mexico. If you were shopping for the car then a Mazda 3 made in Japan would be ideal, but if you already bought it chances are your Mazda 3 that was made in Mexico is still going to be a good car that will last you.
