Are Mazda’s as reliable as Honda’s?

I was surprised to find Mazda’s are very similar in reliability to Honda’s when reviewing my tracking numbers. We specialize in Honda at our shop in Layton, Utah, so I have a lot more data on Honda but here is what the numbers show:

We have 844 Honda clients compared to 231 Mazda clients. Over the last 5 years, Honda clients have spent an average of $815.39 each visit, compared to Mazda clients spending an average of $896.09. So, our Mazda clients spend about 10% more on each visit for repairs and maintenance.

Unfortunately, our management system doesn’t have the ability for me to view the frequency of visits based on vehicle makes or the severity of repairs each visit. At our shop, we do everything for our clients. Whether it be a simple oil service and tire rotation or a complete engine repair, we set all of our clients on a 5,000-mile interval for an oil service and vehicle health inspection, and our clients drive an average of 13,000 miles. So we typically see our clients’ vehicles between 2 and 3 times a year. I don’t have any data to show me if Mazda owners have more breakdowns than our Honda owners.

An interesting number I could pull out of my management is part tracking by vehicle make. The average part installed on our Mazda clients’ vehicles costs them $55.97 compared to $62.22 for Honda owners. So, Mazda parts cost an average of 11% less than Honda parts. Even though Mazda parts cost 11% less, the overall cost per visit is 10% more than Honda’s. Mazda’s are not any more labor intensive to work on than Honda’s, so I believe that Mazda just needs a couple more parts during an average repair than Honda’s.

Are Mazda’s as reliable as Toyota’s?

In the last five years, our Mazda clients spent an average of $896.09, compared to an average of $850.51 for our Toyota clients.

We specialize in Toyota, so we have a lot more data on Toyota than we do on Mazda. We have 1084 Toyota clients in comparison to only 231 Mazda clients. That being said, I do not see any major differences in the frequency of visits or severity of repairs. One interesting statistic I found in my management system was the average cost of parts. Over the past 5 years, the average part installed on our Toyota clients’ vehicles was $70.90 compared to only $55.97 for the average part installed on a Mazda. Even though Toyota parts cost our clients 27% more than Mazda parts, their average repair visit was still 5% less. That means Mazda owners needed more parts on average per visit than Toyota owners.

Here is the last 5 years of average parts cost for the top 5 Japanese makes:

• Mazda – $55.97
• Nissan – $58.48
• Honda – $62.22
• Toyota – $70.90
• Subaru – $73.83

Here is the last 5 years of average repair cost for the Top 5 Japanese Makes:

• Honda – $815.39
• Toyota – $850.51
• Mazda – $896.09
• Nissan – $909.86
• Subaru – $1,006.22

My personal opinion comparing Mazda to Honda and Toyota:

I have been doing Auto Repair for 30 years now. There was a solid time frame when I was not a Mazda fan. For most of the 2000s and into the 2010s, we were seeing a lot of engine failures. They were also known for engine mount issues, interior rattles, and a few other things that just made them not feel very solid on the road. Over the last 5 to 10 years, they have turned things around.

Now, Honda and Toyota have had a few models here and there that had some common issues. Honda recently, with their 1.5l turbo, has been causing some real problems, but that being said, Honda and Toyota have led the field in reliability across the board for as long as I have been doing this. I am personally not a fan of the design and the way Mazdas drive, but they have become pretty good vehicles. I just bought four newer vehicles to loan out to our customers. I bought two Honda Civics and two Toyota Camry’s.

When the fuel tank gauge is hovering near “empty” and you pull up to the gas station to refuel, you’re faced with an important decision: Should you choose regular, mid-grade, or premium gas? Most drivers assume that premium gas is reserved for high-end, luxury vehicles, while regular gas is suitable for everyday, run-of-the-mill cars, and mid-grade is for everything in between. But is this assumption accurate, or is it just a widespread misconception? 

At Shadetree Automotive, we strive to educate our customers on proper vehicle care and maintenance to ensure their travels are smooth and uninterrupted. Just like our bodies need proper fuel to perform at their best, our cars do, as well. If you’re not sure what kind of gasoline to choose for your vehicle, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the world of gasoline grades to understand whether you should splurge on premium gas. 

What Is Premium Gas?

First, let’s discuss what sets premium gas apart from regular and mid-grade fuel options. It all depends on the octane rating, which measures the fuel’s stability and ability to resist pinging or knocking during combustion. Basically, these ratings are based on the level of pressure at which the fuel will spontaneously combust in an engine.

Some companies have different names for different grades, such as “unleaded,” “super,” or “super premium,” but they all refer to the same octane standards. Regular gasoline generally has an octane rating of 87, mid-grade is from 89 to 90, and premium falls between 91 and 94. These ratings should be displayed on the pump (usually on a yellow square) to help you differentiate between the different grades.

Premium Gas for High-Performance Engines

The higher octane level of premium gasoline is achieved by putting it through additional refining processes that make it more resistant to pre-ignition under high pressure, which is common in high-performance engines often found in luxury cars. So, does this mean that only luxury cars benefit from a few extra bucks at the gas pump?

Not necessarily. While it’s true that many high-end vehicles have high-performance engines, not all of them require or recommend premium fuel. Plus, many non-luxury cars, such as some SUVs and family sedans, come with engines designed to perform optimally with premium gasoline.

The key factor in determining whether you should opt for premium gas is your vehicle’s engine compression ratio. High-performance engines typically have higher compression ratios, regardless of whether they’re found in a luxury model. These engines compress the air-fuel mixture to a greater degree prior to ignition, which can lead to increased pressure within the combustion chamber. Premium gas, with its higher octane rating, works to prevent premature ignition in these engines, ensuring your vehicle performs smoothly and efficiently.

Stick to Manufacturer Recommendations

Not all high-compression engines require premium fuel, though. Many modern engines come equipped with engine control units and knock sensors that can adjust certain parameters to accommodate different fuel grades. These smart systems allow some vehicles to run on regular gasoline despite the higher compression ratios. 

It’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to fuel. If they recommend premium gas, it’s crucial to stick to these guidelines for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. If you 

On the other hand, if the manufacturer specifies regular gasoline, using premium fuel probably won’t provide any significant advantages. While it won’t harm your car, you’re unlikely to see any tangible performance improvements. Don’t waste your money — if your car runs perfectly fine on regular gas, there’s no need to spend a few extra bucks on premium fuel. The increased cost may not seem significant at first, but over time, it definitely adds up.

Making the Right Choice

So, is premium gas only for luxury cars? No. While high-performance engines often benefit from fuel with a higher octane rating, not all luxury vehicles require it. If you’re unsure about what type of gas would be best for your car, consult the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. By understanding your engine’s requirements, you can ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. 

At Shadetree Automotive, we are experts in engine care and maintenance. In addition to providing top-notch service and repairs, our highly trained mechanics would love to help you come up with strategies to keep your vehicle in great condition for years to come. If you have questions about the potential benefits of premium fuel, feel free to contact us today. Together, we can get you where you need to go.