How Long Do Mazda6s Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan
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For two decades, the Mazda Mazda6 (yes, the name is a bit redundant) served as the Japanese automaker’s answer to the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and other mid-sized cars. Over the years, consumers found the Mazda6 a credible alternative thanks to its distinctive design, thorough engineering, and Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” driving characteristics. And even though the company discontinued U.S. Mazda 6 sales after 2021, the model is still readily available on the used vehicle market. But car shoppers will want to know how long do Mazda6s last.
The first-generation Mazda6 debuted for the 2003 model year with three body styles: a four-door sedan, a five-door liftback, and a station wagon. Assembled in the U.S., the sedan far outsold the other body styles and highlighted Mazda’s “stylish, insightful, and spirited” design philosophy. Mazda pinned the Mazda6’s success on its looks. And it succeeded, selling a respectable (for Mazda) 66,000 units in 2003.
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2009 saw the launch of the redesigned second-generation Mazda6, which carried over some platform components from its predecessor. Although Mazda built all three body styles, the U.S. only got the sedan, which was longer and wider than the previous edition. When equipped with the optional V6, the second-gen Mazda6 could reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds, offering performance approaching that of a sports car (for reference, the 0-60 mph time for a 2009 Ford Mustang GT was 5.1 seconds).
The third-generation Mazda6 hit showrooms for the 2014 model year featuring Mazda’s new “Kodo” design language with sharper, more aggressive looks. This was also when the company began to promote its SkyActiv powertrains for improved driving dynamics. The Kodo and SkyActiv elements are featured prominently in Mazda’s current lineup or crossovers and compact cars.
In the face of much larger competitors (Toyota, Honda, and Nissan), Mazda has sought out buyers wanting to be different but still seeking Japanese engineering. These traits still apply to many used car shoppers, some curious to know how long do Mazda6s last.
150,000 miles is the typical lifespan for modern automobiles, according to Consumer Reports. It’s a vast improvement from the clunky cars of the previous century that often didn’t reach 100,000 miles. But what’s longevity like for the Mazda6? We’ll dive into reliability ratings and other data to provide all the details.
However, we’ll break it down by generation instead of making a generalized lifespan projection covering all Mazda6s.
- First Generation: 2003-2008
- Second Generation: 2009-2013
- Third-Generation: 2014-2021
The results may be similar for each edition, but at least you’ll better understand where to concentrate your shopping efforts. We point this out because while knowing that RepairPal ranks the Mazda6 highly (4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability and sixth among 24 mid-sized cars) is helpful, it’s an average. So, thinking that the 2009 Mazda6 will hold up like the 2020 edition isn’t accurate.
Do Mazda6s Last Long?
To get to the bottom of the “How long do Mazda6s last” inquiry, we’ve analyzed information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Consumer Reports, and carcomplaints.com. In particular, we focused on problems (or lack of) with the Mazda6’s engine and transmission, the most essential elements of a gas-powered car and the most costly to repair. While vehicles can have many issues (like a finicky electrical system or problematic steering), a dead engine or transmission is a leading reason to send a car to the junkyard.
How Many Miles Does A Mazda Mazda6 Last? The Breakdown
2003-2008 Mazda6 Lifespan: 150,000-200,000 miles
While 21st-century Mazdas enjoy an overall solid reputation for reliability, its cars are not immune to the “first-year gremlins.” It’s a situation where the first year (or two) of a new design is prone to faults that get worked out in later years.
NHTSA and carcomplaints.com have numerous reports of engine failure for the 2003 and 2004 model years. These issues arose with mileage in the 100,000-150,000 mile range. So, even though we believe this Mazda6 generation can make it up to 200,000 miles, it’s less likely with the 2003 and 2004 editions. Otherwise, the later years of the first-gen Mazda6 appear less problematic.
We’re also encouraged by a review of online for-sale listings (as of September 30, 2023). Half of the 85 Mazda6s from 2003-2008 have at least 150,000 miles. And more than 20% have 200,000 miles or more. This isn’t a scientific sampling, but the results show that high mileage is possible with this group of Mazda6s.
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2009-2013 Mazda6 Lifespan: 150,000-200,000 miles
We’re reassured by engine and transmission issues not being among the top-ranked complaints submitted by owners of the second-generation Mazda6. A few reports show up for the 2009 model year, but not at a worrisome level (15 with NHTSA, 4 with carcomplaints.com). Still, we’d recommend skipping the 2009 Mazda6 as a precaution (remember the first-year gremlins mentioned earlier).
Otherwise, the 2010-2013 versions sail through with flying colors. In particular, carcomplaints.com gives the 2010-2012 Mazda6 its “Seal of Awesome” reliability rating. The percentage of for-sale 2009-2013 Mazda6 with high mileage declined, but we attribute this to the newness of these cars. In other words, this generation of vehicles is too recent to have yet racked on the miles. That said, 30% of second-generation Mazda6s for sale online have at least 150,000 miles,
2014-2021 Mazda6 Lifespan: 200,000 miles
The projected longevity for the final generation of Mazda6s is stronger thanks to steller reliability scores from Consumer Reports. For the 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 model years, the Mazda6 gets a perfect 5 out of 5. And the 2016 Mazda6 gets a still impressive 4.
NHTSA and carcomplaints.com do reveal several reports for the 2014 model year. So, we’ll repeat our advice about avoiding the first edition of a new design. Apart from that, there’s every confidence that the 2015-2021 Mazda6 model years should reach 200,000 miles, assuming regular maintenance is performed and driving is accident-free.
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Final Thoughts: How Long Do Mazda6s Last?
Whether buying a Mazda6 or another second-hand vehicle, getting a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic before buying a used car is highly recommended. A thorough examination can uncover issues like prior damage, worn components, or problems with the major systems that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Knowing a used vehicle’s condition before purchase provides peace of mind that you are making a wise investment or helps negotiate a fair price for any needed repairs. Spending a little now on an inspection can potentially save thousands in unforeseen maintenance and repairs.
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