2012 Mazda 3 Sedan
If you’re in the market for an affordable used car, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan could be the vehicle for you.
Written by Jennifer Justice
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
The 2012 Mazda3 sedan gives you a lot of bang for your buck if you want a sporty car with great handling and fuel efficiency. And if you’re looking for a reliable used vehicle that won’t ruin your budget, the Mazda3 checks those boxes too.
If you’re looking for a used vehicle that can last well over 200,000 miles on average, you’ll want more info on the 2012 Mazda3 sedan. Here, we have the lowdown on the good and not-so-good of the 2012 Mazda3 to help you decide if it’s a good option for you.
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How much is a 2012 Mazda3 sedan?
When the 2012 Mazda3 first came out, it ran from $15,200 to $24,200 MSRP, but you can score one for much less now. As a used car, Kelley Blue Book gives the fair market value as $6,276 to $7,514 for a sedan (without options).
The i Sport Sedan 4D trim is the cheapest version of the Mazda3, while the i Grand Touring Sedan 4D is on the opposite end of the scale as the most expensive version.
However, specific prices will depend on the seller, where you purchase it, and whether optional features are added, among other things. The Kelley Blue Book is an estimate based on the average, but don’t be surprised if you see a higher or lower price when you look for a 2012 sedan.
This is when doing your research and having the car checked by a mechanic will give you a better idea of whether paying higher than the fair market value is worth it.
Is a 2012 Mazda3 a good buy?
The 2012 Mazda3 gives you a solid car for everyday use without costing a lot of green—but is the low price worth it?
The sedan gets solid reviews from drivers, with minimal complaints when it comes to repairs. You can get a good ride that can take you well past 200,000 miles without worrying about major recalls or repairs.
Overall, the 2012 Mazda3 is a solid choice, whether you’re looking for a starter car or need a reliable vehicle for commuting and errands.
Reliability
Mazdas are known for being reliable
, and they consistently get higher-than-average ratings. RepairPal reports a 4.0/5.0 rating and places it in 9th place out of 36 compact cars. Consumer Reports also puts the Mazda at the top of the reliability list.The most common repair complaint for the 2012 Mazda3 was that the airbag warning light would stay on due to damaged wiring in the seatbelt tension sensor. In addition, one official recall is tied to the Mazda 3, a potential problem with the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
In general, however, the 2012 Mazda3 costs about 25% less than the average for repairs over the first ten years of the vehicle, and many of the reported repairs from existing owners were relatively minor issues.
Speed and performance
The 2012 Mazda3 has the same basic engine regardless of trim: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque. While front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, you can choose between automatic or manual transmission.
Overall, reviews give the 2012 good marks for handling and acceleration on the road, while the engine has enough power to make the Mazda3 feel on the sporty side. The steering also responds well and takes curves or other sharp turns smoothly.
Fuel economy
This sedan model gets good fuel economy, especially for an older model. The automatic version gets 28 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, while the manual is slightly lower at 27 mpg city/39 mpg highway/31 mpg combined.
That fuel economy keeps up with some of the more efficient models of today despite how changing regulations have pushed for better gas mileage. Edmunds estimates an average monthly fuel cost of $115 for the 2012 Mazda3, compared to other sedans' estimated $160 price tag. Good news: you’ll save money on fuel with a 2012 Mazda3.
Interior and comfort
In general, reviewers gave the overall feel and look of the interior good marks for comfort and design. Depending on the version you’re looking at, the higher-end models included leather trim, heated front seats, and even a moonroof.
Space-wise, reviewers generally felt they had enough room in the 2012 Mazda3 sedan, though the back seats can be a tight fit for someone tall. Drivers also had enough space in the driver’s seat and felt comfortable overall with the fit and seating.
The 2012 Mazda3 has 94.1 cubic feet for passengers, just shy of the 100 cubic feet of more modern sedans. You get 11.8 cubic feet of storage for the trunk, enough space for four medium-sized suitcases, though the back seats can be lowered to give you added room.
Reviewers liked the overall layout and design of the controls, though most commented that the navigation system was too fussy. The standard audio setup includes four speakers, though the audio system could be upgraded to ten speakers, so what you get depends on whether the original buyer went all out on the sound system.
Safety
The 2012 Mazda 3 sedan gets a range of safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with a 3/5 for side crash tests and a 4/5 for other safety tests. In addition, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gave mostly “good” ratings, the highest rating.
The sedan has multiple safety features, such as stability and traction control and emergency braking assistance coming standard. The original buyer could have added optional blind-spot monitoring. One review tested the Mazda3 on snow-covered roads and liked how the car maneuvered under those conditions, while the steering and traction felt stable throughout the test.
Key Takeaway The 2012 Mazda3 gives you a great option for an everyday, reliable vehicle. It benefits from Mazda’s low repair and fuel costs, though the engine only offers modest performance regardless of trim level.
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