Used Mazdas Under $9,000 with Great Gas Mileage

If you’re on a $9,000 budget in 2025 and want something fuel-efficient, fun to drive, and still reliable, Mazda has a few strong contenders. What makes Mazda different is how they prioritize driving feel and engineering—even in their more affordable models. I’ve rounded up the best used Mazdas under nine grand that offer impressive real-world MPG without sacrificing too much on features or comfort.

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🚗 1. 2014–2016 Mazda3 (i Sport or Touring)

• MPG: Up to 30 city / 41 highway
• Why It’s a Great Buy: The Mazda3 is one of the best-driving compact cars in its class. The Skyactiv engine tech really shines in these years, offering efficiency without feeling underpowered. The 5-door hatchback is especially versatile.
• Common Price (2025): $7,000–$9,000
• Things to Check: Some infotainment systems freeze up—check software version.

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🚗 2. 2012–2015 Mazda2 (Scion iA)

• MPG: 29 city / 35 highway
• Why It’s a Great Buy: The Mazda2 is super basic but lightweight and extremely efficient. It’s a throwback to the small hatchbacks of the early 2000s—fun, nimble, and reliable. Manual transmission models get the most mileage and are more fun to drive.
• Common Price (2025): $4,500–$7,000
• Things to Check: Not ideal for highway comfort. Watch for worn clutches on manuals.

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🚗 3. 2010–2013 Mazda3 (2.0L base models)

• MPG: 25 city / 33 highway
• Why It’s a Great Buy: While not as efficient as the newer Skyactiv engines, the older Mazda3 still delivers solid mileage and is built like a tank. Many have been well maintained since this generation was super popular.
• Common Price (2025): $4,000–$6,500
• Things to Check: Rust on wheel wells (especially in cold-weather states), and suspension wear on higher mileage cars.

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🚗 4. 2016 Mazda CX-3 (High Mileage Units)

• MPG: 29 city / 35 highway
• Why It’s a Great Buy: The CX-3 is a subcompact SUV built on the Mazda2 platform but with more style and tech. If you can find one near the top of your budget, it’s a great daily driver for folks who want a higher seating position without giving up fuel efficiency.
• Common Price (2025): $8,500–$9,000 (usually 100k+ miles)
• Things to Check: Transmission service history and brake wear.

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🚗 5. 2011–2014 Mazda6 (2.5L i Sport)

• MPG: 22 city / 31 highway
• Why It’s a Great Buy: While it’s not the most MPG-efficient in this group, the Mazda6 gives you a more spacious ride and a smoother highway experience. It’s still fun to drive for a midsize sedan, and higher trims feel almost luxurious.
• Common Price (2025): $5,000–$8,000
• Things to Check: Look out for leaking valve cover gaskets and noisy suspension components.

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📊 Comparison Table: Used Mazdas Under $9k with Great MPG

Model	MPG (City/Hwy)	Type	Price Range	Pros	Cons
Mazda3 (2014–2016)	30 / 41	Compact	$7k–$9k	Sporty, efficient, modern tech	Infotainment quirks
Mazda2 (2012–2015)	29 / 35	Subcompact	$4.5k–$7k	Nimble, reliable, manual fun	Very basic, not great on freeway
Mazda3 (2010–2013)	25 / 33	Compact	$4k–$6.5k	Built tough, cheap parts	Rust and wear on older units
Mazda CX-3 (2016)	29 / 35	Subcompact SUV	$8.5k–$9k	Great style, efficient SUV	High mileage at this price point
Mazda6 (2011–2014)	22 / 31	Midsize sedan	$5k–$8k	Roomy, smooth ride	Slightly lower MPG

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🧠 Buying Tips

• Skyactiv = Better MPG: Look for the Skyactiv badge—those engines are the real deal for efficiency.
• Manual vs Auto: Manuals often get better mileage and lower prices, but make sure the clutch feels healthy.
• Inspect for Rust: Older Mazdas, especially pre-2013, can rust on the rear wheel arches.

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🧭 You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Used cars with 35+ MPG highway under $9,000
• Top fuel savers that aren’t hybrids under $10k
• Best stick shift cars with great MPG under $7,500
• Fuel-efficient cars under $15,000 with lowest insurance rates

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Mazdas have this underrated balance of efficiency, reliability, and fun that a lot of people overlook in favor of Toyota or Honda. But if you’re into driving something with a little soul and want to stick to your $9,000 budget, any of these used Mazda options can deliver solid MPGs without making your commute feel like a chore.