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Is a 2021 Mazda Cx 3 Worth Buying?

Full decision report — reliability data, walk-away price, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK verdict. Enter your deal below for a personalized analysis.

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Mazda Cx 3 2021

Full Decision Report · 55,000 mi · Asking $22,000

🚗
Mazda Cx 3
NEGOTIATE

Good vehicle — but don't pay the asking price.

Walk-away price: $14,000 · Risk score: 57/100 · Confidence: Medium (76%)

What people say about this car

Analysis Summary
Moderate Risk
Walk-away Price
$14,000
Risk Score
57/100
Confidence
Medium (76%)
Input Summary
VehicleMazda Cx 3 2021
Mileage55,000 miles
Asking Price$22,000
Ownership Years5 years
Driving Profilenormal
Risk Tolerancemedium
Risk Score Breakdown
Base Risk39
Mileage Modifier0
Price Modifier+12
Ownership Modifier+6
Driving Modifier0
Risk Tolerance Modifier0
Final Risk Score57/100
Cost of Ownership Over 5 Years
Risk Score Breakdown
Final Risk Score: 57/100
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Maintenance$2,950
Repairs$3,520
Insurance$6,825
Fuel$9,750
Depreciation$13,175
Total Estimated Cost$36,220
Range: $33,787 - $39,464
5-Year Cost Breakdown
$36,220
Total Estimated Cost
Assumptions:
• Model-based estimates; not VIN-specific.
• Actual costs vary widely by use and maintenance.
• Fuel cost from EPA fueleconomy.gov (15k mi/yr baseline, scaled by your driving profile).
Vehicle Specifications
Engine2.5L I4
Horsepower185 HP
DrivetrainFWD
TransmissionAutomatic
Body StyleSedan
Seating5 seats
Fuel Economy
City28 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined31 MPG
Standard Features
  • ✓Rearview Camera (federally mandated)
  • ✓Bluetooth Connectivity
  • ✓USB / Aux Input
  • ✓Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • ✓Keyless Entry
  • ✓Cruise Control
  • ✓Lane Keep Assist (most trims)
Vehicle Quirks & Notes
  • •Regular fuel (87 octane) recommended
NHTSA Safety Signals
Live federal data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Open & Past Recalls1
Owner Complaints6
NHTSA Crash Rating★★★★★(5/5)
EPA Combined MPG31· $1,950/yr fuel
Reliability Metrics
Overall Reliability91/100
Avg Annual Maintenance$590
Avg Repair Cost$880
Data confidence: 90% (estimated data)
Key Considerations

Price Analysis

• Listed Price: $22,000
• Market Median: $15,500
• Price Difference: 41.9% above market average
• Recommended Maximum: $14,000 (based on risk factors)

Risk Assessment

• Overall Risk Score: 57/100 (Moderate risk)
• Confidence Level: Medium (76%)

Cost Considerations

• Estimated 5-year ownership cost: $36,220
• Range: $33,787 - $39,464
• Depreciation: $13,175 over 5 years

Recommended Next Steps

  • Get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic
  • Review maintenance history and service records
  • Negotiate to $14,000 or below based on risk factors
  • Compare with similar vehicles in your area before committing
  • Factor total 5-year ownership cost into your budget
💬 Negotiation Script

Use these lines word-for-word with the seller. They are grounded in real data.

1.

"Based on current market data, comparable 2021 Mazda Cx 3s with similar mileage are selling for $15,500. The asking price is 42% above that."

2.

"Given the reliability data on this car, my walk-away number is $14,000. Can you come down to that?"

3.

"I'm a cash buyer and ready to close today if we can agree on $14,000."

4.

"I'm happy to make a decision today, but only at a number that makes sense given the data."

Target price: $14,000. If the seller won't move to this range, use your walk-away number — the data supports it.

🔧 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
☐Engine oil — color, level, any milky residue (head gasket)
☐Transmission fluid — color and smell (dark = overheated)
☐Coolant — level and color (no oil sheen)
☐Under-car rust — frame rails, subframe, floor pans
☐Tire wear — even wear across all 4 (alignment/suspension)
☐Brake pad depth — look through wheel spokes
☐All electrical — windows, locks, AC/heat, infotainment
☐VIN check — frame VIN vs. door VIN vs. title
☐Test drive — cold start, highway acceleration, hard braking
☐OBD-II scan — check for any stored or pending fault codes
🔍 Compare 2021 Mazda Cx 3 prices before you negotiate
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