Is a Mazda 3 a good first car?

My daughter wants to buy her first car, so I thought I’d carry out my parental duty by giving her a helping hand. She has her eye on a Mazda 3, which I’m fairly certain is a good option for a young driver, but I want to make sure. Is the Mazda 3 a solid first car?

Eric Schad · Answered on Dec 13, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Helping your daughter buy her first car is definitely a lovely gesture. Fortunately, the Mazda 3 is a good first car for many reasons and is certainly something you can put on your radar.

Some of the top attributes that make the Mazda 3 a good first car include:

Cheap car insurance, whether you buy a new or used model
Top Safety Pick+ distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Affordable entry price
Cheap to maintain, as most mechanics are familiar with the car and parts are readily available
Around 30 mpg
Available all-wheel drive adds another layer of protection and handling for your daughter

MORE: Mazda 3 insurance costs

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