By Josh RosenbergExtremely high new and used car prices have many carbuyers now looking for older vehicles that have aged well as a way to save significant dollars.
And the 2013 Mazda6 has proven to be a generally reliable vehicle over the longer-term. In fact, when properly cared for, one is expected to cover as much as 200,000 to 250,000 miles during its lifetime.
But there are no guarantees, of course. A lot of it comes down to a specific vehicle's maintenance regularity, it's driving conditions and the driving habits of previous owners.
So here, we'll take a look at its pros and cons, and specific possible mechanical issues that previous owners have reported that should be checked before purchase. No matter how reliable, all cars have issues over time.
But first, two very important suggestions ...
1. Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Mazda6:
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.
2013 Mazda6 Pros
Athletic Handling: A central theme in Mazda's overall position in the car market is to provide vehicles with a higher degree of engagement and handling ability. The Mazda6 certainly lives up to these expectations thanks to its lively engines and sportier-tuned underpinnings.
It also offers excellent outward visibility with one of the better driving positions in its class thanks to its comparatively higher seat.
The result is road performance that is superior to almost all of its competitors (perhaps second only to the Nissan Altima) when it comes to handling agility and "fun-to-drive" factors. In fact, its overall ride quality (the balance between ride comfort and handling) seems a lot closer to a European feel than one might expect from its Japanese roots.
Spacious Cabin: While the interior is well-designed, well-equipped and attractive, its best quality is the abundance of space. This is a very passenger-friendly vehicle with plenty of legroom and headroom both upfront and in the rear.
Actually, the rear quarters are particularly roomy and can even accommodate most very tall occupants. And with seats that are both comfortable and supportive, long trips are a lot easier to weather for all concerned.
Large Trunk: Also a plus on long trips is one of the largest trunks in this class. Measuring 16.6 cubic feet, the Mazda 6 offers a level of cargo capacity few can match. Utilizing its 60/40-split-folding rear seats can boost its storage abilities still more, while the trunk's fairly tucked away hinge mechanism makes for easier loading as well.
Stylish Design: The Mazda6 was praised for its sleek and sporty exterior design. The car's aesthetics appealed to many buyers.
Well-Designed Interior: The interior of the Mazda6 received positive feedback for its well-thought-out design, comfortable seats, and user-friendly controls.
Good Safety Features: The car was equipped with a range of safety features, including antilock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags.
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2013 Mazda6 Cons
Mediocre Fuel Economy: Under the hood of the Mazda6 i versions is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. Powering the s Grand Touring is a 3.7-liter V6 that pumps out a healthy 272 horsepower and 269 pound-feet.
In performance tests, the s Grand Touring has been timed from zero to 60 mph in a very quick-for-its-class 6.5 seconds, while the four-cylinder does the same sprint in a more average 9.1 seconds.
Gas mileage for the i models, whether manual or automatic, is an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway, not a particularly impressive number for a four-cylinder sedan. Fuel economy for the V6 comes in at 18 mpg city and 27 highway, again on the lower end for this class.
Some Lower-Quality Interior Materials: While the 6's cabin is spacious, comfortable and attractive, it is unfortunate that there are some lower-grade plastics and hard surfaces. And while it is subjective, not everyone is on board with the black-and-silver trim accents on the upper models.
Outdated Infotainment System: The infotainment system in the 2013 Mazda6 was criticized for being outdated and less advanced compared to some of its competitors. It lacked some of the modern connectivity features found in newer models.
Road Noise: While the Mazda6 provided a sporty and responsive ride, some drivers and reviewers mentioned that road noise could be more noticeable compared to rival models.
Overall:
The 2013 Mazda6 is a solid family sedan choice, particularly for those looking for more engaging driving dynamics. Potential buyers should also keep in mind that this is a segment loaded with strong choices and we always recommend considering top rivals as well before making a final decision.
Others worthy of consideration would include the Hyundai Sonata and its sibling the Kia Optima, both with strong performance and long feature lists for the money. The Toyota Camry is a well-rounded choice with better fuel economy, while the Volkswagen Passat offers European refinement and style.
Other strong handling choices would include the Ford Fusion as well as the aforementioned Nissan Altima.
2013 Mazda6 Reliability
Mazda has gained a reputation for producing vehicles that are generally considered reliable. Several factors contribute to this perception:
Build Quality: Mazdas are often praised for their solid build quality. The materials used in manufacturing and assembly processes contribute to the overall durability of the vehicles.
Efficient SkyActiv Technology: Mazda's SkyActiv technology focuses on optimizing the efficiency of the engine, transmission, chassis, and body to improve fuel economy and overall performance. This technology has been well-received and contributes to the overall reliability of Mazda vehicles.
Reasonable Maintenance Costs: Mazda vehicles are often considered to have reasonable maintenance costs compared to some competitors. This can make ownership more affordable over the long term, as routine maintenance is crucial for ensuring the reliability of any car.
Again, it's important to note that factors such as regular maintenance and prompt repairs, driving conditions, and previous owner driving habits play a significant role in a vehicle's long-term reliability.
2013 Mazda6 Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
While generally considered above-average for reliability, all cars have maintenance issues as they age. While not widespread, the following are issues which were reported by some owners and which should be checked prior to purchase:
Transmission Issues: Some owners reported problems with the automatic transmission, including rough shifting or slipping. Transmission issues can be costly to repair, so it's important to address them promptly.
Electrical System Problems: Complaints related to the electrical system included issues with the infotainment system, power windows, and various sensors. These problems may range from minor inconveniences to more significant electrical issues.
Engine Problems: While not extremely widespread, some owners reported engine-related issues, such as oil leaks. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent such problems, and addressing them promptly is essential to avoid further damage.
Suspension and Steering Concerns: Some owners mentioned problems with the suspension and steering components, including issues with shocks and struts. These can affect the vehicle's ride quality and handling.