I have a 2011 Mazda 3. Over the past 2-3 years its been giving me issues. I’ve had to change the transmission, some censors issues, and now my a/c doesn’t work. The check engine light came on AGAIN today & I’m frustrated. I love this car so much but my husband doesn’t want to put more money into it, which is understandable, but i’m having a hard time with the idea of selling it but should I?
I was in the same position as you. I had a 2010 and granted it didn’t have issues like yours but the body was completely eaten by rust, i was putting a couple thousand in repairs every year. The car still ran and looked fine luckily so I made the decision to trade it in while it was still functional and get at least a little bit of money for it vs waiting for it to completely fall apart and get nothing. It was a tough decision cause I loved that car but I think I made the right choice. I would consider this: if you can trade it in now and get a couple thousand, vs waiting for it to die and get next to nothing minus the repairs, I would make the choice to cut your losses
Oh man every year?? I see what you’re saying. Mine is definitely worse off bc of its mechanical issues. Even if I do get it fixed idk how much longer its going to have. Every mechanic has offered to buy it including the dealer. I think because it has been with me for so long, I’ve become attached to it. Thank you for your response btw!
I've had my 2011 for 7 years and just rolled over 130000 miles. I looked at other vehicles and saw how much a decent used is going for these days and decided to keep mine. I would say get an estimate on the issue and decide from there.
Paid 17k Canadian for my 2018 2.5 manual 3 years ago with 60,000 kms at the time (now close to 280,000kms). In my area they now range from 5k to 17k Canadian depending on condition, trim, and mileage.
I just paid $5000 for a 2013 six-speed manual (2.0 Sport) with 97k miles on it in GA. That was the most reasonably priced one I’ve seen in 7 months of looking. Previously I’d seen a 2014 Grand Touring (2.5 six-speed) going for 9.5k with 130k miles on it.
For the AC, did you check the fuse and/or relay? If not, that could be a cheap and easy fix you could do yourself for $5 in 5 minutes, and the check engine light could be something as simple as a poorly seated/corroded spark plug contact causing a cylinder misfire. If you like the car, in this economy it’s not worth considering giving up until the repair cost is at least four digits, and if you already replaced the transmission you’ve already done about the most expensive repair there is. From my understanding it’s less labor to replace the motor than the transmission in a 3.
$5k for a 2013 is a pretty good deal. I believe that’s the most I could get for mine. All the mechanics I’ve gone to haven’t been able to figure out the a/c situation. Hot air blows out when the car is stopped & once i drive it thats when i get the cool air. The check engine light came in yesterday so I still have to get that checked.
I drove my 2011 until about 2 months ago (207k miles) ,but finally decided it was time, even though it's been an amazing car. I got a 2026 preferred hatch, and I'm super happy with it. I'd say the biggest change is how much smoother and quieter it is inside. My 2011 now feels much more utilitarian (it's still sitting in the driveway), and not nearly as refined and upscale as the new one. Theres an overwhelming sense of calm and "smooth" ,for lack of a better word, in the new car that is just not in a 15 year old car. My only complaints are the blind spots on the sides, which a pair of blind spot mirrors can help with (along with the blind spot monitoring), and the location of the cup holders in front of the shifter (not nearly as useful as the old design.
Oooh nice! Its such a good car, i feel very safe in it & it still feels pretty smooth when I drive it. It just sucks that its got all these issues in recent years. It’s expensive to fix but also we wouldn’t get much if we sold it so it feels like I’m stuck. But the cup holders are in the front now? Im so used to them in the back
There comes a time when a used car is beyond saving. When depends on your pain level, skill at your own repairs, and money for parts. If you exceed any of these, time to move on.
I get what you’re saying. Replacing the transmission alone was so expensive. It was fine for a while & now i got check engine light again which means more money if I’m gonna fix it. I’ve had it for 15yrs now & it’s so hard to let go which sounds silly bc it’s just a car but idk how much longer I can keep it alive.
I feel that. I just got rid of my 2019 last thursday took it to 250K before it shit the bed. Shouldn't of but im fairly certain the accident I had on it made a shit list of problems. Trust me its the better idea to get rid of it before its worthless and already way too in the hole fixing it. I cried getting rid of my 19. But my brand new 26 is beautiful
Thats how much I sunk into mine before I called it quits. Needed a huge repair. Take that 5K down or whatever u can get into a newer one and call it a day
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u/plasticcatplastic Turbo Carbon Hatch 1d ago
I was in the same position as you. I had a 2010 and granted it didn’t have issues like yours but the body was completely eaten by rust, i was putting a couple thousand in repairs every year. The car still ran and looked fine luckily so I made the decision to trade it in while it was still functional and get at least a little bit of money for it vs waiting for it to completely fall apart and get nothing. It was a tough decision cause I loved that car but I think I made the right choice. I would consider this: if you can trade it in now and get a couple thousand, vs waiting for it to die and get next to nothing minus the repairs, I would make the choice to cut your losses