If you are shopping for a new compact car and you want a lot for your money, the Mazda 3 may be a great fit for your needs. It also comes as a fun little hatchback with an available manual transmission. A compact sedan that was entirely new for the 2019 model year, this Mazda is fully updated. If you want a fresh generation Mazda 3 but like saving money, you’ll probably want to check out the Mazda 3 from the 2019 model year.

It’s a great used car. Low mileage examples abound and US News and World Report posts the starting price range for a used 2019 Mazda 3 as $21,000 – $28,900, but that is for a new one. It’s extremely easy to find loads of them out there used with less than 30,000 miles and for under $15,000.

The 2019 Mazda 3

In 2019, the Mazda 3 received a complete redesign. For the newly updated model, Mazda implemented the addition of an 8.8-inch display screen for its new infotainment system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard on each Mazda3 trim, excluding only the base sedan. Other available features for 2019 are keyless entry, zoned automatic climate control, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.

One engine option was available for the Mazda 3: a 2.5 liter four cylinder that generates 186 horsepower with 186 pound-feet of torque. It delivers every bit of power you could ever need or expect from a car like this. Additionally, there is an available 6-speed manual transmission. If you’re into that sort of thing, it’s a pretty cool feature –– especially if you opt for the hatchback. US News and World Report says: “For a fun-to-drive, well-rounded small car, you don’t need to look much further than the Mazda3.”

Is the Mazda 3 for families?

For bigger kids, it may not be the best family car. The Mazda 3 has one main downside according to both Consumer Reports and US News and World Report: cramped rear seating. However, the 2019 Mazda 3 earned extra points for child safety seat installment. So you still have a child or two in a car seat, the 2019 Mazda will work well.

“The Mazda3 has two sets of rear LATCH connections for installing child safety seats. For ease of use, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this Mazda’s LATCH system a Good+ rating, an accolade few vehicles earn.”

US News and World Report

Additionally, the Mazda is great for families and commuting because –– though it demonstrates a sporty performance –– it boasts great fuel economy. The 2019 Mazda 3 gets 20 miles per gallon in the city, 44 on the highway, and 30 miles per gallon overall. If you are looking to load up and cover some ground, this 2019 used compact car will do the trick and keep some of that fuel money in your pocket.

Is it a good used car?

We have to say, yes. The 2019 Mazda 3 is a great used car. You get almost the exact same car as the 2020 model year for thousands less. The only features you’ll miss out on are some new available safety features.

But, the 2019 Mazda compact car was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, as well as earning the highest rating of Good after six crash tests. Additionally, the Mazda3 got the second-highest rating of “acceptable” for how well the headlights illuminate the road, and a rating of “superior” for crash prevention technology. So, while you may miss out on a few safety upgrades, you’ll still end up with a safe used sedan.

The final verdict is that the 2019 Mazda 3 is a great used car. You can save a ton of money while still getting what you like about the new model. If you want a new generation Mazda 3, the 2019 is a practical, value-packed way to go.