By Josh RosenbergIn today's very high-priced car market, many buyers are looking for "older" vehicles that have aged well as a way to save a chunk of hard earned dollars. Of course, this only has a chance of working out well if the buyer selects a model that has already proven its reliability over the long-term.
And the good news on the 2010 Mazda6 is that it has earned a reputation as one of the more reliable and durable older sedans available. In fact, J.D Power gives it a Quality & Reliability score of 83/100, which is "Great" on their scale.
History has proven that a well-maintained 2010 Mazda6 can be expected to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles, with some even more. But the key is "well-maintained" which makes careful and comprehensive shopping vitally important.
In addition, all vehicles have some reported mechanical issues, including some that may be more specific to a particular model, even those with strong reliability reputations. That's just a natural part of car ownership.
So here, ...
- We'll list the mechanical problems that some owners have experienced which should be checked before buying one today.
- Next, we'll take a look at the overall pros and cons of buying a 2010 Mazda6 all these years later.
- Then we'll review its features as it was originally released in 2010.
- And finally, we'll suggest ways of buying one today at a low price.
But first, two very important tips ...
1. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle:
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the dealer or private seller, it's best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
2. Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2010 Mazda6 Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
The 2010 Mazda6 has generally been regarded as a reliable vehicle, but like any car model, there have been reported issues or common mechanical problems that some owners have faced. Therefore, here are a few potential issues that should be included in an inspection before purchase:
Transmission Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission, such as rough shifting or slipping. This issue might require transmission repairs or, in some cases, a transmission replacement.
Engine Problems: There have been occasional reports of engine-related issues, including rough idling, stalling, or problems with engine mounts.
Suspension and Steering Components: A few owners have reported issues with suspension components or steering, such as noises over bumps, worn-out bushings, or problems with the power steering system.
Electrical Problems: Some drivers have faced electrical issues, such as problems with the power windows, door locks, or occasional glitches in the dashboard display.
Braking System: While not widespread, there have been occasional reports of brake-related issues, including premature wear of brake pads and rotors.
It's important to note that not all 2010 Mazda6s have (or will) experienced these problems, and the severity can vary from one vehicle to another. Regular maintenance, timely servicing, and addressing any issues promptly may have significantly reduced the likelihood of encountering these issues in many cars.
2010 Mazda6 Pros
Lower Purchase Price: Older cars generally have lower purchase prices compared to newer models. With the current high prices of new and recent used cars, a 2010 Mazda6 offers significant savings upfront.
Potentially Lower Insurance Costs: Older cars often come with lower insurance premiums compared to newer models, which can contribute to overall cost savings.
Depreciation: Since the Mazda6 has already undergone most of its depreciation, the rate of depreciation at this stage might be slower compared to a newer car.
Relatively Known Issues: With a car that has been around this long, many common problems and issues are well-documented. This can help in anticipating potential repairs.
Reliability: Mazda, in general, has a reputation for building reliable vehicles. The Mazda6 often holds up well over time with proper maintenance.
Sporty Handling: The Mazda6 is known for its engaging and sporty driving dynamics. It offers responsive steering and good overall handling, making it enjoyable to drive, especially on winding roads.
Attractive Design: The 2010 Mazda6 has a sleek and modern exterior design that stands out in its class. It has a stylish appearance that remains appealing even years after its release.
Spacious Interior: Compared to some competitors, the Mazda6 offers a roomy cabin, providing ample space for passengers both in the front and back seats, and is comfortable for long rides.
Good Fuel Economy: Depending on the engine choice, the Mazda6 can deliver decent fuel efficiency, making it economical for daily commuting and longer drives.
2010 Mazda6 Cons
Maintenance and Repairs: While the initial purchase price might be lower, ongoing maintenance costs could add up. As the car ages, components wear out and might need replacing, impacting the total cost of ownership.
Car Buying Tips:
Do This For The Best Trade-In Price
Outdated Technology: Older vehicles may lack modern features and technology found in newer models. This could include safety features, entertainment systems, connectivity, and fuel efficiency improvements.
Higher Fuel Consumption: Older cars tend to be less fuel-efficient compared to newer models. This could lead to higher fuel costs over time.
Engine Performance: While the engines in the Mazda6 are adequate for most driving situations, they might feel underpowered compared to some rivals, especially in acceleration or passing power.
Interior Quality: While spacious, some might find the interior materials and build quality to be less premium than some competitors in the same class.
Road Noise: Some owners have reported that road and wind noise can be noticeable inside the cabin, particularly at higher speeds, which may reduce overall comfort.
Resale Value: The Mazda6 might not retain its value as well as some competitors, which could affect resale prices if sold in the future.
2010 Mazda6 Review
With the redesign in the previous year, the 2010 Mazda6 became one of the best family sedans on the market. With its roomy interior, large trunk, smooth transmissions, agile handling and excellent crash test ratings, this Mazda6 has an awful lot going for it.
Becoming roomier in nearly every measurement than its earlier generation, 2010 Mazda6 occupants enjoyed one of the largest cabins available in a midsize sedan. And this increase in size was not at the expense of its previous athleticism.
This Mazda 6 still sports its above-average handling prowess, robust acceleration and strong overall driving performance. It is most definitely a "fun-to-drive" sedan, perhaps second only, at the time, to the much lighter Nissan Altima among its midsize competitors.
Trims, Standard Features And Options:
The 2010 Mazda6 can be found in seven trims: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring, s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring. Four-cylinder engine models are designated with the "i" prefix, while the V6 models have the "s" prefix.
Even the base i SV model comes fairly well-equipped with standard features including full power accessories, air conditioning, 16 inch steel wheels, a manually height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary audio jack.
Moving up to the i Sport model adds keyless entry, cruise control and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
The i Touring model then adds 17 inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, foglights, a trip computer and a 6-disc CD changer.
And new for 2010, the i Touring Plus adds electroluminescent gauges, a sunroof, a blind-spot monitoring system and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.
The i Grand Touring model then adds heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The s Touring Plus model is equipped just like the i Touring Plus, but comes with a different engine, transmission and exterior trim accents.
Lastly, the top-of-the-line s Grand Touring model adds 18 inch alloy wheels.
There's an optional Technology package found on some Grand Touring models that includes driver memory settings, a power passenger seat, keyless ignition/entry, satellite radio, an additional Bluetooth and audio display, automatic xenon headlights and auto-dimming mirrors.
There's also an optional voice-activated navigation system that can also be found on some Grand Touring models.
Stand-alone optional features depend on the trim level and include most of the features above, plus remote ignition, a rear spoiler and a chrome fuel filler door.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering the 2010 Mazda6 i models is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual on the i SV, i Sport and i Touring models.
The i Touring Plus and i Grand Touring models come with a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. The automatic is also an optional feature for i Sport and i Touring models.
Mazda6 s models are outfitted with a strong 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. These models are available with a six-speed automatic transmission only. In performance testing, a V6 Mazda 6 was timed from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, very fast for a family sedan. The four-cylinder automatic Mazda 6 covers the same ground in 9.1 seconds.
The EPA estimated gas mileage for the four-cylinder automatic is 21 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway. Manual transmission models come in at 1 mpg less overall. Gas mileage estimates for the V6 Mazda6 models are 17 mpg city and 25 highway.
Safety:
Standard safety features on all 2010 Mazda 6 models include antilock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
In government crash testing, the Mazda 6 earned perfect five-star ratings for frontal and side impact protection for both the driver and passengers.
Interior:
The cabin of the 2010 Mazda6 is modern, attractive and user-friendly, while consisting of higher quality materials than most class competitors. A well-designed arching center stack, red backlit gauges and a very roomy backseat are other significant strong points. Overall, there is ample head and legroom in all seats.
Another plus is the Mazda6's big trunk which is one of the largest in its class, coming in at 16.6-cubic-feet of cargo space. This space can also be enlarged and made more versatile with the trunk's hinge mechanisms and the 60/40-split-folding rear seats.
Drive:
While not engineered as a performance vehicle, the 2010 Mazda6 has quite a bit of power and agility for a family sedan. In addition to the impressive power offered in V6 versions, the Mazda6 possesses responsive steering and grips well when cornering. The driving experience also remains smooth and quiet.
The 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine will likely satisfy most drivers, but it really doesn't stand out from other four-cylinder rivals.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.