How Well Do Mazdas Hold Their Value?

One of the most unfortunate parts of buying a new car is how quickly the value of that new car declines. The old saying that you lose value as soon as you drive off the lot is true and can also really cost drivers who choose certain brands. Luckily, Mazda is not one of the brands that loses the most value. In fact, Mazdas hold their value better than average, and drivers can even take additional steps to increase their Mazdas’ trade-in values over time.

Factors That Affect Mazda’s Resale Value

Over the years, Mazda has consistently been named one of the top brands in terms of trade-in value. Mazdas make good resale investments for several reasons.

Model Popularity

One of the primary reasons that Mazdas hold their value is the sheer popularity of the brand, especially its most favored models. Top choices like the Mazda CX-5 and Mazda MX-5 Miata have broken records with their market popularity. People simply love to drive Mazda models. That means that the demand remains high for Mazdas, whether they are new or used, which helps the vehicles maintain their value.

Maintenance and Service History

Another key feature of Mazda vehicles is their low maintenance needs. In fact, according to GoodCar.com, on average, Mazdas need fewer repairs than most other brands. In other words, Mazdas are made to be durable, and they typically last longer and retain their value better than other vehicles in their model classes.

Market Demand

When it comes down to it, regardless of the brand, used cars are only as popular as the market allows them to be. In 2024, the demand is high for used cars. This is partly due to ongoing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected auto production and led manufacturers to produce approximately 16 million fewer cars than they planned to produce in 2021 and 2022. As a result, fewer vehicles are available on used car lots, which drives up the resale and trade-in value of all types of Mazda vehicles.

Tips to Increase the Value and Longevity of Your Mazda

In general, the Mazda brand offers drivers a high trade-in value, but the final amount offered will always depend on the condition and demand for your individual vehicle. Therefore, it is important to take steps while still enjoying your current Mazda to ensure that it retains the highest trade-in value possible.

Regular Maintenance

The number one way to maintain your Mazda’s value is to make sure you take care of regular preventative maintenance, including oil changes and other standard replacements. This also means flushing transmission and brake fluids and replacing filters as needed. Failure to maintain your vehicle not only decreases its value, but it may also lead to more serious and expensive problems in the future.

Proper Storage

Although it can be tempting to use a garage to store excess items or expand the area of your home, it was built for your vehicle, which is why storing your vehicle in a garage is the best way to keep it safe and maintain its value. This is especially true if you live in a very cold or very hot climate where snow and sun damage can cause damage to the car’s exterior, including fading paint and causing rust.

Upkeep of Interior and Exterior

The look of your car matters, especially when you want to trade it in for a newer model. Therefore, make sure you are maintaining the exterior (and interior) of your Mazda by cleaning it regularly and using protective products when you do. For example, high-quality car waxes and sealants help maintain the exterior of your car and add a layer of UV protection. Inside, use a conditioner to protect the plastic, leather, and vinyl surfaces of your vehicle and prevent them from cracking or chipping.

Popular Mazda Models and Their Resale Value

With an average value retention rate after five years of 76.98%, it is clear that all Mazdas hold their value well. However, among the brand’s most popular models, some come in even higher than average, which is worth noting when you are trying to decide which Mazda model to buy.

Mazda3

Because it is one of Mazda’s most affordable vehicles to begin with, the Mazda3 sedan enjoys high demand as a pre-owned vehicle, especially in the short term (within 5 years of purchase.) In fact, Mazda3 depreciates only about 37% in its first five years, resulting in an average resale value of around $18,189.

Mazda CX-5

Historically speaking, the Mazda CX-5 SUV is the brand’s most popular vehicle ever sold. In fact, since 2014, the CX-5 has been Mazda’s worldwide top selling model every year, with more than 3.5 million CX-5s sold globally as of 2022. This intense popularity means that the CX-5 is always in high demand, helping it maintain its value over time.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Finally, when it comes to maintaining value and popularity, you cannot go wrong with the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This is the bestselling two-seat convertible in history for a reason. People want it, which is why the vehicle retains value at over 80% over time, putting it among the top resale vehicles in all classes and sizes.

Trade-In Options at DePaula Mazda

If you are ready to trade in your Mazda (or any other vehicle), come talk to us at DePaula Mazda and learn more about our Mazda dealership. Family-owned and locally focused, DePaula Mazda is the premier Mazda dealer in Albany, NY, and the Capital District, offering drivers the opportunity to buy or lease all the top Mazda models with lucrative trade-in options. Call or visit us today to explore the available Mazda vehicles.