One of the most frequent questions at Marin Mazda is whether Mazdas cost more to repair than other mainstream brands. The short answer: Mazda is affordable to maintain and compares favorably with Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. Here’s a detailed comparison:
1. Annual Repair Costs by Brand
According to RepairPal, average yearly repair costs are:
- Honda: $428
- Toyota: $441
- Mazda: $462
- Subaru: $607
- Industry average: $652
Mazda’s ownership costs are well below the overall average and only slightly higher than Toyota and Honda—still keeping Mazda firmly in the low-cost maintenance category.
2. Mazda Model-Specific Repair Insights
- Mazda3 averages $433/year in unscheduled repairs, with just 0.33 visits per year and only a 10% chance of a major repair.
- Mazda CX‑5 stands out as the most reliable midsize SUV, costing $447 per year on average, with infrequent visits and minor service needs.
3. How Mazda vs Competitors Compare
| Brand | Annual Repair Cost | Reliability Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda | $462 | 4.0 / 5 (5th of 32) |
| Toyota | $441 | 4.0 / 5 (3rd of 26 in RAV4 segment) |
| Honda | $428 | 3.5–4.0 / 5 (Honda Civic/RAV4 segment) |
| Subaru | $607 | 3.5 / 5 (higher frequency and cost) |
Mazda’s average cost is only about $20 more per year than Toyota and Honda—insignificant in long-term ownership. Subaru, by contrast, costs around $145 more annually.
4. Owner Community Insights
Reddit discussions consistently highlight Mazda’s reliability:
“Mazda is… right ahead of Honda… top‑5 brand in the world in reliability.”
Even with minor complaints about certain parts, Mazdas are praised for their long-lasting engines and transmissions, with repairs generally affordable.
5. Why Mazda Repairs Stay Affordable
- Simple, durable engineering with fewer complex systems
- SKYACTIV technology prioritizes dependable mechanical components
- Strong reliability scores with minimal major failures reported
Final Verdict for Bay Area Drivers
Mazda is neither expensive nor cheap—it lands in the reliable, low-maintenance sweet spot. Only marginally higher than Honda and Toyota, with much lower costs than Subaru and well under the industry average. Pair that with Mazda’s sporty driving and premium feel, and you have a very attractive package.
Need peace of mind combined with fun driving?
Visit Marin Mazda to explore our inventory, get a reliability breakdown, or book personalized service for your current Mazda.
Marin Mazda
807 Francisco Blvd E, San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 454‑7000
Explore your options at www.marinmazda.net
Reliable, fun, and affordable—Mazda delivers the best of all worlds.
