After I sold my Porsche Boxster, I wanted to replace it with a 2013 Mazda MX-5 Club. However I did not have the money as I spent all of my Porsche money on paying off student loans. Instead, I bought a 2012 Mazda Mazda2 (Yes the U.S. model name is Mazda2) manual transmission with only 32,000 miles for $9,600 out the door. That included taxes, registration and inspection fees. After 5 years and 66,000 miles, I sold the car for $4,600 @ 98,000 miles. My replacement car? A 2013 Volkswagen GTI. The Mazda2 is probably the cheapest running car I will have ever owned in my life. I immediately regretted selling it and tried to buy it back. Unfortunately for me, the new owner fell in love. He said “This car feels quicker than my NA Miata”.
In my time with the Mazda2, I attended 8-10 autocross events each year over 5 years. It was an exhilarating car with a manual transmission and at only 2300 lbs, it weighed about the same as the original Mazda Miata. The Mazda2 was released in the U.S. as a 2011 model, but it was already 4 years old as it was released in 2007 in other markets. That and the fact that it was competing with cheap gas prices, the all around better Honda Fit, and the rise of SUV’s, the Mazda2 was doomed in the U.S. Those who owned the car know that it is one of the most fun and affordable cars you can own. Despite its small size, Its hatchback allows you to fit so many things in the trunk. It’s small size and turning radius allows you to park anywhere and make U-turns with ease. It’s sharp steering and light weight makes it a track weapon when mounted with sticky tires. Not lying, I beat several Ford Mustangs and high end performance cars in the autocross events I attended, surprising all drivers in attendance. The Mazda2 even has a small enthusiast following in the United States with annual meetups at North Carolina’s famous Tail of the Dragon, one of the most engaging roads to drive. Because it is such a light car, the brakes last forever, the tires last a very long time, and the peppy engine is eager and doesn’t work too hard to get the little Mazda2 up to speed. Being such a simple car with little to no features, there is nothing that you would expect to break down. No electrical issues. No mechanical issues. Just reliable, fuel efficient, and practical fun in a tiny package.
Below is my 5 year cost of ownership summary.
Repairs = $0 Total – A super reliable car.
Preventative Maintenance = $725 Total
- $275 oil changes = $25 per oil & filter change x 11 oil changes total.
- $50 air filter changes = Total 3 air filters.
- $25 Cabin Air Filter = Total 2 air filters.
- $20 serpentine belt change @ 60,000 miles.
- $20 coolant flush and replacement @60,000 miles.
- $40 new brake rotors @65,000 miles.
- $25 spark plugs @75,000 miles = total 4 spark plugs.
- $220 for set of Dunlop WinterMaxx winter tires on factory wheels.
- $50 in windshield wiper replacements over 5 years.
Upgrades = $855 Total
- $300 for set of high performance Kumho PS31 summer tires with new wheels and TPMS sensors.
- $50 for K&N performance air filter.
- $150 for DDM Works Rear Torsion Bar, Short Shift Kit, and Short Shift kit Bushings
- $100 for stiffer engine mounts.
- $90 for Touring Trim rear spoiler
- $25 brighter headlight bulbs.
- $90 CorkSport Race Brake pads @ 65k miles. The original brakes were still good.
- $50 eBay front lip spoiler
- $0 Rally Armor MudFlaps – gifted to me.
Total Cost of Ownership = $11,180 – $4600 sale price = $6580
$6580/ 5 years = $1,316 per year, or $0.10 per mile.
Compact crossovers have taken over the world, but keep in mind that compact crossovers are compact hatchbacks with raised suspensions. The Honda HRV is a raised Honda Fit. The Mazda CX-3 is a raised Mazda2. The same goes for nearly every single compact crossover on the market.
