Used 2010 Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
Used 3 for sale
2010 Mazda 3 Sedan. Beware of Transmission!
SYD, Mount Washington, KY, 06/22/2016
Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
19 of 23 people found this review helpful
For the price and class of car, we had been pretty satisfied overall with our 2010 Mazda 3, 2.5L automatic Sport Sedan. It really is zippy..zoom zoom. It was always on the noisy side, but that wasn't a big deal. Why my family and I are breaking up with Mazda...after only 5-6 years, 95,000 miles, the transmission failed. Most cars are lasting well past 140,000 miles before having any serious problems. And if you are wondering, Yes, we followed Mazda's advised servicing/maintenance. As a comparison/data point, I had a 1997 Honda Accord with 165,000 miles that never had a transmission problem or any other significant problem, which we replaced in 2010 for the Mazda 3... We enjoyed the 5-6 years, but paying $3000 - $4000 to replace a transmission after such a short time is completely unacceptable. I do not consider this reliable. So, now we are faced with either buying a new car, or paying for the repair...either way, we are out a lot of money... And i called Mazda Customer Service...they were very polite about letting me know that I would receive NO support from them. We won't be buying a Mazda for a very long time.
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It was good...until it wasn't
Elizabeth Anne, Aurora, CO, 12/08/2016
Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2010 certified pre-owned Mazda 3 in 2012. It was top of the line with blue tooth, Bose audio, sun roof - all the fun gadgets. I had to get new brakes first year - not a big deal. In the Spring of 2016 my GPS screen went blank. Dealership said Mazda had discontinued that specific GPS model and it was going to cost 3k to replace the screen. I decided I could live without the system. Fast forward to December 2016 - I had just replaced my second battery in a year and decided something was majorly wrong with the car and had an electronic specialist car shop look at it. It took 2 weeks just to diagnose the problem because the computer system is so complicated and intertwined. Turns out a small but crucial part of the computer system had a major short and was draining the battery 2 amps - hence the battery replacement twice this year. Turns out the part will cost $3500 plus labor - over 5k to replace. Decided it wasn't worth pouring that kind of money in to a 2010 and will now sell for 3k while still owing 17K on the car. I now hate the car I once loved. Building a car so the electronic system is all one piece and cannot be easily repaired is a real hardship when the thing stops working. I will never buy a Mazda again.
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2010 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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- i Touring SedanMSRP: $7,888125 mi away
- s Grand Touring 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,940120 mi away
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Zoom Zoom 2.5L Style
Evan's Zoom Zoom, 09/18/2010
Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Coming from a mid-size V-6 sedan I was concerned if I would be able to adjust to a smaller car w/ 4-cyl engine. After 7 weeks and 1500 miles I have no more worries about this. The front seats are comfortable and will be fine for most people as long as you're not too tall or heavy. The rear seats are only good for SMALL people or pets. This car has a lot of bang for the buck--tight build quality, well balanced ride, lots of features and good quality materials throughout the vehicle. It looks more expensive than it is--especially the "s" models with the 2.5L engine which have upgraded interior and exterior materials and features.
Economy Car not easy on the Wallet
Liz, Costa Mesa, CA, 11/02/2017
Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I was the second owner of this vehicle. Bought it because my Explorer needed to be replaced after 210,000 miles. At first I really enjoyed the car. It was zippy and handled really well for its economy car roots. Then little things started to happen, strange flicker in the lights, BT connectivity issues. I thought it was just because I was the second owner of the vehicle that these things were happening. Purchased the car with 30,000 miles on it and “new tires!” well, those new tires needed to be replaced after 20,000 miles. Why? Because the camber of the wheels causes intense inside wear. Your tires look great on the outside, plenty of tread, then the inside is worn down to the steel. Did some research and it’s a very common issue. Fixed that concern with an adjustable camber kit to bring the wheels to Zero Degree. About 10,000 miles later, my motor mounts go out and spew fluid all over the engine bay. After that my headlights stopped working because of the wiring. Then, my dashboard started to melt, yes melt. It was sticky and actually forming itself around the A pillar. This was supposed to be covered under a recall, but every time I contacted Mazda about it, they kept saying there were no parts available yet. Next the transmission started to slip gears. That was it for me, traded the car in at 95,000 miles because I didn’t want to deal with it anymore. Little disappointed in the fuel economy too. My V6 Explorer averaged 21 MPG mixed, this little car got 24 MPG mixed. The insurance was more expensive too.
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Truly making it fun to drive again!
Proud Mazda Owner, 08/15/2010
Mazda 3 s Sport 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have to start this review by saying that this car is just plain fun to drive! It will make your morning commute a happy time. The interior is very nice and refined. The lighting on the gauges is, simply put, very cool. For the price of the car it is amazing what you get inside and out. The bluetooth, steering wheel mounted controls, & sound system are a luxury. Above all, the engine rocks! Put your foot to the pedal and you will not believe it is a 4 cyl. Restrain yourself or let it go, it is your choice. It hops off the line and is agile, sporty, and feels like a V6. During my test drive when I hit the gas, I actually said, "that's what I'm talkin' 'bout". Oh yes, Daddy like!