Which Years of Used Mazda CX-7s Are Most Reliable?
Mazda CX-7 by Tennen-Gas - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Mazda CX-7 is a small, highly fuel-efficient SUV originally manufactured from 2007 to 2012. During its manufacturing lifespan, it was very popular and rated highly for its performance, affordable price, and overall safety. If you’re in the market for a used car, you might wonder what the most reliable Mazda CX-7 year is and whether you can acquire it. Let’s take a closer look.
Most Reliable Years for the Mazda CX-7
There were only a handful of manufacturing years for the Mazda CX-7. However, some of those years stand out for their excellent user reviews, reputations for reliability, and overall driving performance. The most reliable Mazda CX-7 years include:
- 2012 Mazda CX-7, which is known for its steering, handling, cargo space, and all-wheel-drive capability
- 2009 Mazda CX-7, which was universally praised for safety ratings, good build quality, and excellent engine power
- 2011 Mazda CX-7, which was also commended for reliability, performance, safety, and cost
In general, if you purchase a used Mazda CX-7 from any of these model years, you should be in safe hands.
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Are Mazda CX-7s Generally Reliable?
Buying a used Mazda CX-7 is a big decision, so many used car shoppers want to know whether the vehicles can generally be relied upon. Many of the best model years for the Mazda CX-7 indicate that this is indeed the case. Enginepatrol.com indicates that used Mazda CX-7s have good consumer ratings and reviews, usually over 4.0 out of 5.0 or over 75 out of 100.
Similarly, according to fourwheeltrends.com, the Mazda CX-7 has been consistently highly rated on US News and World Report, plus has had many reliable years since its inception. That’s pretty impressive, considering that the vehicle was only manufactured between 2007 and 2012 – that gave the automaker only a few years to work out any kinks and eliminate the most common initial problems uncovered by drivers.
Which Mazda CX-7s Are the Least Reliable?
Like many cars, there were also some less-than-stellar Mazda CX-7 model years that you should avoid, especially when buying used. Those years include:
- 2007 Mazda CX-7, arguably considered to be the worst in the manufacturing lineup overall. It has lots of issues, primarily because it was the first of this vehicle type
- 2008 Mazda CX-7
- 2010 Mazda CX-7
Both the 2008 and 2010 Mazda CX-7s had problems with turbo failure and premature engine breakage. These can be potentially dangerous or deadly issues on the road.
In addition, note that while the 2011 Mazda CX-7 is generally known to be reliable, some users did have issues with transmission problems. If you buy a used 2011 Mazda CX-7, be sure to ask for a vehicle history report to determine whether it’s really worth your time and money.
THE MAZDA CX-7 YEARS TO AVOID
We highlight the worst Mazda CX-7 years to avoid as a used car buyer. Plus, we offer insights into why these models aren’t worth your time and money.
Are Mazda CX-7s Expensive to Maintain?
Even if you purchase one of the most reliable Mazda CX-7 years, you’ll still have to take it in for regular maintenance. On the plus side, those regular maintenance fees shouldn’t be overly expensive. According to repairpal.com, the average annual maintenance cost of a Mazda CX-7 is just $470: fairly average considering the size and type of vehicle the Mazda CX-7 is.
Naturally, your actual maintenance costs will depend on what needs to be done to your used car. Some repairs or fixes are very expensive, like oil pump replacements and radiator fan motor replacements. On the other hand, more common maintenance issues, like battery tests and spark plug replacements, will not overly strain your bank account in all likelihood.
Which Mazda CX-7 is Most Reliable?
To get the most bang for your buck, try to look for the most reliable Mazda CX-7 year overall: the 2009 Mazda CX-7. This is, overall, the best Mazda CX-7 you can purchase in used condition, which surprised many because it came after a few years of rather lackluster Mazda CX-7 models.
According to motorbiscuit.com, the 2009 Mazda CX-7 is the best overall because it has very good scores for reliability and safety while also retaining its initial sleek aesthetic and exterior look. On top of that, the 2009 Mazda CX-7 has superior build quality compared to earlier models, a 2.3 L four-cylinder engine, and all-wheel-drive capabilities. All in all, it’s a stellar car from start to finish that feels as good to drive as it looks.
What Are the Most Common Mazda CX-7 Problems?
What if you purchase a used Mazda CX-7 and end up having some maintenance concerns? Odds are you’ll encounter some of the most common Mazda CX-7. According to wvdot.com, those common problems are:
- Airbag issues, which caused recalls from some of the earlier model years for the Mazda CX-7
- TMPS valve stem corrosion, which can damage your vehicle’s sensors
- Variable valve timing, which can limit your emissions and lead to a worse fuel economy
- Engine issues, like the turbocharger blowing up at low mileages
- Interior issues like failing door seals
If you see any of these problems in your used Mazda CX-7, get the vehicle checked out at the earliest opportunity.
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Is the Mazda CX-7 Worth It?
When you consider all the evidence, it’s clear that a used Mazda CX-7 is very much worth it for its engine power, maneuverability, and performance. Just be sure to purchase a used Mazda CX-7 from one of the two or three most reliable model years available. Not only will you save a lot of money in aggregate, but you also won’t run into car failure as often or at all. In the long run, you’ll enjoy the vehicle for 100,000 miles or more before having to purchase a new car.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the most reliable Mazda CX-7 years include the 2009, 2011, and 2012 Mazda CX-7s. As you search for the perfect used car for your needs, try to find these model years and stay away from 2007 Mazda CX-7s. Those initial vehicles will be old and much more prone to mechanical troubles, causing a headache and tons of hassle if and when you encounter a major maintenance issue.
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