Are Mazdas Expensive to Maintain?

The average annual repair cost is $462, which is lower than most car makes.
Written by Georgina Grant
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Like many Japanese car models, Mazdas are very reliable cars. The average annual repair cost is $462, according to RepairPal, which puts it below the average for all car makes.
Your car’s starting price tag is only the beginning of the total car expenses you will pay over time. Proper maintenance is an important part of keeping your Mazda running smoothly, and some models cost more than others.
To help you understand what to expect in terms of maintenance, the
car insurance
comparison shopping and broker app
Jerry
has gathered everything you need to know about whether Mazdas are expensive to maintain.

How much maintenance does my Mazda require?

Mazdas are considered to be pretty reliable cars. They are less expensive to maintain than many domestic or European brands, although other Japanese makes like Honda and Toyota are less expensive to maintain.

How much does maintenance for a Mazda cost?

On average, a Mazda costs about $462 per year for standard maintenance. This figure varies depending on the model, however. Here are the average annual maintenance costs for a few popular Mazda models.

Budget: CX-3

  • Reliability: 4.5/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $349 (average)
  • Repair frequency: 1.0/y

Mid-range: CX-9

  • Reliability: 4/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $432 (average)
  • Repair frequency: 0.6/y

Splurge: 5

  • Reliability: 4/5 (average)
  • Annual maintenance cost: $546 (average)
  • Repair frequency: 0.4/y

Why you should maintain your Mazda

Regular maintenance on your Mazda is key for the following reasons:
  • Keeps it performing at its best
  • Increases your safety while on the road
  • Keeps the value of your car up
  • Saves you money by preventing costly issues from creeping up
If you don’t keep up with maintenance, you run the risk of a major breakdown and a hefty repair bill.
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How often does a Mazda require maintenance?

Mileage
Service
Average cost
Every 15,000 miles
Oil change, oil filter replacement, tire rotation, safety inspection, engine air filter replacement (if necessary), cabin air filter replacement (if necessary), brake pad replacement (if necessary) basic inspection (brakes, belts, hoses, fluids)
$299 to $352
Every 30,000 miles
Possible fluid replacement (brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid), spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, tire replacement (if necessary)
$373 to $442
Every 60,000 miles
Possible fluid replacement (automatic transmission fluid, engine coolant, differential fluid), timing belt replacement, spark plug replacement
$403 to $479

Oil changes

  • When: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles 
  • Cost: $122 to $137
  • Why: Removes excess dirt that can build up in your engine
  • DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools

Tire replacement

  • When: The NHTSA recommends every six years, regardless of mileage
  • Cost: $150 to $500
  • Why: Worn tires lose their tread and you could risk hydroplaning in poor weather conditions 
  • DIY?: No—let the professionals handle this

Engine replacement

  • When: If your engine gets damaged in an accident, if the engine block cracks, or if your engine just reaches the end of its natural lifespan
  • Cost: $2,500 to $4,000
  • Why: You can’t drive a car without a working engine
  • DIY?: No—let the professionals handle this

Windshield replacement

  • When: Only if it’s been severely cracked
  • Cost: About $350
  • Why: Driving with a damaged windshield obstructs your vision on the road 
  • DIY?: No—let the professionals handle this

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Repairs

  • When: When your check engine light comes on
  • Cost: $990 to $1087
  • Why: Can cause oil leaks or engine failure 
  • DIY?: Maybe—if you have the right tools

Paint

  • When: If the paint on your Mazda has faded, peeled, or suffered serious scratches
  • Cost: $1,000 to $6,000
  • Why: Helps protect your car from corrosion and keeps the car’s value high
  • DIY?: Maybe—but it’s better to leave it to the professionals 

Finding cheap car insurance

Maintaining your Mazda requires more than just regular trips to the mechanic. Choosing the right car insurance will also keep you and your car covered during all kinds of unexpected events.
If you want to save money on car insurance, start with
Jerry
, the insurance comparison app. As a licensed broker, Jerry handles all the hardest parts of shopping for a new policy—from comparing quotes to handling the paperwork once you switch.
To guarantee that you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. 
This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give
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