The 4 Best Mazdas for New Drivers
The best car for a new driver is generally a used car that is smaller in size but filled with standard safety features––and many used Mazda models fit that description. By buying a used car, you are going to get more value for your dollar, as used cars have already taken the depreciation hit that affects all new cars. By choosing a smaller car, a new driver has a vehicle that is easier to handle yet roomy enough to be comfortable behind the wheel. Finally, certain automakers make you pay a premium for driver assistance features, including them only on their top trims and most expensive models. Fortunately, this is not the case with Mazda, which has included most of its advanced safety systems as standard equipment on its vehicles.
When you are looking for car dealerships in Edmonton, you need to know that the one you choose has an inventory of quality used models so you can find the car that is best for you. You also need to find a car dealership with a reputation for customer support and fair dealing. This is why you should buy your first used car from us. At L.A. Mazda, we carry a full lineup of used cars, trucks, and SUVs, including the finest used Mazda models available in Edmonton. Our friendly sales staff will be happy to guide you through the process, ease your first-time buyer jitters, and make sure you get a used Mazda that is just right for you.
Used Mazda Models
Mazda is one of the top automakers with a well-earned reputation for high-quality and safe vehicles at an affordable price. This is especially true when you buy a used Mazda. Buying used means that you can get a higher trim level for the same money you’d pay for a lower trim level on a new model. Or can decide to buy a lower trim level on your used Mazda and save a few extra dollars for gas. Whichever you choose, you are going to be getting a great Mazda that will hold its value at an affordable price.
As a first-time driver, when you are looking for a used car, you should consider a compact or subcompact Mazda. First, these are easier to handle than larger models as they have a tighter turning radius. This makes parking in Edmonton simpler and also provides for tighter cornering. Second, smaller vehicles are more fuel-efficient than larger models. For example, a 2020 Mazda CX-3 with front-wheel drive will get you up to 6.9 L/100 km in highway driving, which is significantly better than the 10.5 L/100 km on a midsize 2020 Mazda CX-9. Finally, most first-time drivers don’t need as much passenger space. Each of the following four used Mazda models gives you plenty of room for up to five passengers, with the ability to increase cargo space by simply folding down the rear row of seats.
#1 - Mazda CX-3
A used Mazda CX-3 might just be the best choice for your first car. Mazda introduced the CX-3 subcompact SUV in 2016. Aside from its great fuel economy, the CX-3 offers the full complement of Mazda SkyActiv technologies. This not only includes a fun-to-use infotainment system and the use of advanced innovations to provide efficient performance but also the i-ActivSense driver assistance and safety features.
This system utilizes a radar and laser system mounted above the windshield, paired with radars in the rear bumper, to sense the action going on in front of, around, and behind your Mazda CX-3. As a result, you can change lanes and back out of parking spaces safely, with the i-ActivSense system acting as an extra set of eyes around your vehicle. The i-ActivSense even automatically controls the high beam headlights on your CX-3, so you can focus your attention on driving at night.
Your used CX-3 will feature either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive will give you better fuel economy, while all-wheel drive will come in handy when the weather turns rough around this part of Alberta. The engine is a standard Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre I-4 gas engine. It comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, making it capable of 148 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque.
Mazda recently announced that it is discontinuing production of the CX-3. While this was dictated more by the marketplace, with sales of the larger and newer CX-30 outperforming the CX-3, this shouldn’t discourage you. The used Mazda CX-3 is an excellent vehicle that is ideal for a new driver like you.
#2 - Mazda CX-30
Mazda introduced the CX-30 in 2020 as a larger crossover than the CX-3. For example, the CX-30 has 572 litres of cargo space in its trunk, compared to 504 litres in the CX-3’s trunk. The CX-30 also has a roomier cabin as well. The only drawback for you is that a used CX-30 is going to cost a little more money than a used CX-3. This is due in part to the extra size of the model, its higher base MSRP when it was sold new, and the fact that you won’t find one that is more than two years old. Each of these is part of the equation that yields the value for any used car.
Mazda increased the number of engine options on the CX-30. When it was first introduced in 2020, in addition to the 2.0-litre engine shared with the CX-3, it featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre I-4 gas engine. This is capable of 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Mazda added an optional turbocharged version of this engine on the 2021 CX-30, which can provide up to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. These options allow you to find the perfect balance between power and efficiency, although we would recommend new drivers stick to the standard 2.0-litre engine to save money.
No matter which CX-30 you buy, each comes with an amazing array of i-ActivSense standard safety features. This dedication to passenger safety helps set Mazda apart from most of its competitors while giving you peace of mind that you will get wherever you are going safely in a Mazda.
#3 - Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV that is larger than the CX-3 and CX-30 but just as safe and maneuverable as those smaller crossovers. A used CX-5 gives you more passenger and cargo space, but it will probably come at a premium.
Mazda introduced the CX-5 in 2013, and it quickly became one of its most popular models. This sporty and versatile crossover has been offered with the same three different 4-cylinder gas engines found in the CX-30, although the larger size of the Mazda CX-5 makes the 2.5-litre the best option. While the standard I-4 engines come with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the turbocharged model is all-wheel drive standard.
One thing to keep in mind if you are looking at a used CX-5 is that not all come with the standard i-ActivSense standard safety features. For example, Mazda began adding these safety features to the higher trim Touring and Sport models of the CX-5 in 2018. So, if you buy a used CX-5, you need to make sure it has the safety features you desire.
#4 - Mazda3
Some folks prefer sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs. They are more comfortable driving a more traditional vehicle, which is why Mazda is still making the Mazda3 when many other automakers have moved away from sedans and hatchbacks, devoting their full lineups to SUVs and trucks. If this is you, then you should consider a used Mazda3.
The Mazda3 is actually two cars. The Mazda3 sedan has a separate trunk and plenty of room so that your three passengers in the backseat won’t complain. The Mazda3 hatchback has a sportier design and more cargo space. Whichever you choose, you are getting a car with exceptional handling, luxury car details at a budget price, and a very fuel-efficient 4-cylinder gas engine. Mazda even expanded the engine options on this model for the 2021 model year, showing that it has succeeded where other brands have given up.
Mazda introduced the Mazda3 in 2004, with the model undergoing a number of changes over the years. In fact, the model has been in its fourth generation since the 2019 model year. However, just like the CX-5, you should keep in mind that not all models have the full suite of i-ActivSense safety features. Mazda didn’t make these features standard on the Mazda3 until 2020, so if you are looking at an older model, you need to make sure you are getting one with these features.
Mazda Is a Great Place to Start and Stay
Not only is buying a used Mazda an excellent first car, but it is also a brand you can stay with for all of your future automotive needs. This is because Mazda built its reputation on leveraging technology to improve performance and safety. We bet that you are going to love your used Mazda so much that it won’t be the last Mazda you ever drive.
