The 2009 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles with only some sensor and suspension problems. At $5,052 – 7,662, it’s a good value for a dependable and fun compact car.
Is the 2009 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year. Owner reviews like the compact size, comfortable interior, and affordable ownership costs.
- Reliability ratings are above average. We recommend avoiding the 2010 model year where there are a lot more clutch problems.
- Performance is average from the base engine, but the most powerful motor is fast.
- The Mazda3 is a reasonably safe car, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good, at up to 27 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?
- Consumer Reports says the Mazda3 is one of the most well-rounded compact cars, and has average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Mazda3 a 4.5/5 liking the sporty handling, but disliking the small trunk.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Mazda3 4.6/5, enjoying the performance, but find the noisy cabin annoying.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Mazda3 Have?
Problems found on the 2009 Mazda3 include issues with the mass air flow sensor, worn-out suspension components, and rare transmission failures.
Mass air flow sensor failures are the most common complaint showing up at about 100,000 miles. A failure will cause the check engine light to turn on, and replacing the part costs around $300.
Excessive rear suspension noise is usually a sign of a worn-out control arm at around 50,000 miles. Replacing the control arm assembly costs about $800, depending on local labor rates.
Transmission failures are rare, but something important to mention since they can happen at roughly 100,000 miles. Rebuilding the transmission costs about $1,800, while a whole new unit costs around $3,000.
There are 4 recalls, with the most serious one being for a loss of power steering which can increase the risk of a crash.
How Long Will the 2009 Mazda3 Last?
A properly maintained 2009 Mazda3 should last over 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles more than a Honda Civic from the same year. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals, according to Repair Pal, at $462 per year.
Most 2009 Mazda3s will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the blower motor resistor for $450, heater hoses costing $400, and the rack and pinion which costs $650.
Yes, it is a very reliable car and requires little maintenance to keep it running well. There have been no major issues with the car, just normal wear and tear.
No it sits lower than some cars to keeping your tire pressure at what it should be and it should work great.
The only probably I have had with it so far is my clutch went out in it but other than that it is a really good car.
It does not have major problems at this time. Oil change is required, but other than that nothing major.
Actually for its age it is very reliable with few problems, Just the usual tires, oil change with winter change of all liquids, and general upkeep.
It is very reliable. It has never had any major problems. Routine maintenance keeps it running well. It's a great everyday car.
My Mazda has been extremely reliable. The only repair that I have had to deal with has been a compressor that stopped working. Otherwise, I have had no issues.
How Much Is the 2009 Mazda3 Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,052 – 7,662, making the Mazda3 about $1,000 more than a Ford Focus or Nissan Sentra. When new, the price range was $14,690 to $21,845. Depreciation is similar to rivals losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?
There are six models of the Mazda3 available. Technology was last updated in 2008, with a complete redesign coming for the 2010 model year.
i Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
i Touring Value is a step up adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- 6-Speaker Upgraded Stereo System
s Sport is above it in the lineup and has:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Unique Exterior Trim
- Upgraded Gauge Cluster
s Touring adds features such as:
- Unique 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Body Sill Extensions
s Grand Touring is more luxurious and features:
- Leather Seating
- Xenon Headlights
- Automatic Climate Control
- Power Driver’s Seat
Mazdaspeed3 is the sport model and comes with:
- Larger Engine
- Improved Sport Suspension
- Rear Spoiler
- LED Taillights
- Bose Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Mazda3?
- The base engine is an average 2.0L-4-cylinder which makes 148 horsepower and gets up to 27 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 2.3L 4-cylinder with 156 horsepower, which gets up to 25 MPG combined.
- Found on the Mazdapseed3 is the very powerful 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 263 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is excellent, taking 5.9 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?
How Big Is the Mazda3?
The 2009 Mazda3 is an average sized compact car similar to the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra. It is available as either a 4-door sedan, or 5-door hatchback. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin, but taller adults may feel cramped in the backseats.
Cargo space is a bit smaller than rivals with only 11.4 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which should fit 2-3 suitcases. The hatchback offers 17 cubic feet of room behind the seats, increasing to 31 with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?
The Honda Civic is a popular competitor costing about $200 more. Where the Civic stands out is with better technology, but the Mazda3 offers more powerful engine choices. We recommend the Mazda3 for the 2009 model year since it’s more reliable, but it’s closer in other years.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is another rival costing $1,200 less. Exterior styling is better in the Lancer, but the Mazda3 is more reliable. We recommend going with the Mazda3 since it will last longer and be less of a headache to own.
Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?
Yes, this car is very reliable and requires little maintenance to keep it running well. It's also easy to drive.
Yes I like the fact that it has a rotary engine. The trunk space is great too. I also really like the fuel efficiency.
Yeah it's very reliable and it handles really good. It is good on gas. I fit me and my gf and her daughter and our son in it just fine. It's a little small but not bad. It's a very smooth ride.
It is a very good vehicle, sporty, stylish and compact, I chose it because of its optimum size and sporty look.
It has been one of the best vehicles that we have owned. Very few repairs and is much bigger in the interior than you would think.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is reliable, decent on gas, and attractive. Even though it is 10 years old, it drives very smoothly and rarely needs repairs.
The 2009 Mazda 3 is a great car! It has a great sporty feel and is just fun to drive. The interior dials and dashboard are well paid out.