I am looking at a Mazda and was waiting to know how reliable are they should I even be looking at them?
To all those answering, OP is looking at a 2012 Mazda Mazda3 i Touring with 94,000 miles.
I'd look at the transmission. If its a 5 speed automatic, don't buy it. If it a 6 speed automatic, I'd consider it. That trim had the option of both. They are pretty good not like a Toyota but probably 3rd in terms of reliability. The 6 speed automatic is a AISIN (toyota) transmission so you want that one, or just get a manual.
For the 2012 MY and the particular Mazda3 that OP is looking at (I.e. the Mazda3 i Touring), it was offered with only the 6-speed SKYACTIV-manual or 6-speed SKYACTIV-drive automatic.
https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/brochures/mazda/2012-mazda3.pdf
@daywalker
Here was why I said there is both 5 and 6 speed auto option: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1CAPPDO_enUS861&sxsrf=ALeKk01bERCVfe98l5cog9Ae2c5O0O3u6Q:1612569124436&q=2012+mazda+mazda3+i+touring+transmission&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkqtmO-NPuAhXSKs0KHb9DArUQBSgAegQIGBA1&biw=1300&bih=580
But I guess not AISIN
Newer Mazdas have been pretty reliable as far as I know. Which Mazda are you looking at?
Yes, Mazda has made great strides over the last 10 years and their reliability is much better now than it used to be. It’s not quite on the level of a Toyota/Honda but it’s still up there. Let us know which year and model so we can help you better.
I was looking a Used 2012 Mazda Mazda3 i Touring with 94,000 miles
Ever since Mazda slowly but surely cut ties with Ford, their quality has gotten better.
The process started around 2008 with most ties cut around 2011.
I own a 2012 Mazda3i Touring. 168k of rough driving and dedicated oil changes have it running like a clock. Check and see what transmission it has. If it has a Ford transmission, walk. If it's a manual or the Aisin AWTF-80 6speed automatic. Buy it.
They have risen on the board in terms of quality. A Mazda3 would be a good car.
