Affordable performance sedans are rare these days, but in the used market, one Japanese sports sedan stands out as a genuinely compelling bargain. For less than $20,000, you can step into a vehicle that delivers not just spirited driving dynamics but also a plush, refined cabin, something many buyers assume only comes with a luxury badge and a hefty price tag.
What makes this sedan special is how well it balances everyday comfort with performance. Its chassis feels engaging on twisty roads, yet the ride remains composed and comfortable for daily commuting. Inside, you’ll find quality materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and technology that still feels up to date, making it a surprisingly polished package for the money.
We take a look at why this used Japanese sports sedan offers such compelling value. From performance credentials to interior refinement and long-term ownership considerations, we’ll show how you can enjoy a fun, comfortable, and affordable ride without stretching your budget.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Edmunds, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, and RepairPal.
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The average five-year-old Mazda 6 lists for just under $20,000
Mazda has been one of the most underrated automotive brands on the market for some time now. They deliver upscale interiors that feel much more premium than you’d expect, incredibly engaging driving dynamics, and affordable price tags. While the Mazda 3 is currently their only sedan, they used to offer a bigger and more comfortable model, the Mazda 6, and used models have become exceptionally affordable.
2021 Mazda 6 average used pricing
Model
Starting MSRP
Sport
$17,752
Touring
$18,558
Grand Touring
$21,421
Grand Touring Reserve
$21,775
Carbon Edition
$21,367
Signature
$22,834
It has now been five years since Mazda discontinued the Mazda 6. This mid-size sedan went up against the like of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. While it may not have been popular enough for Mazda to continue justifying its existence, we think it is one of the most interesting and enjoyable cars in its segment.
We think that if you’re looking for a used model, the Grand Touring Reserve or the Carbon Edition are the way to go. The Grand Touring Reserve comes with the more powerful turbocharged four-pot that makes the 6 feel like a real sports sedan. It also comes with leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and paddle shifters. The Carbon Edition is essentially an aesthetic package which features Polymetal Gray paint, black exterior accents, and red leather upholstery on the inside.
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With its turbocharged four-cylinder, the Mazda 6 is grin-inducing
Credit: Mazda
Something that Mazda has become somewhat renowned for is the agility and engagement of their cars. Everything from the small Mazda 3 to the large CX-90 SUV is more fun to drive than just about anything in their segments. The Mazda 6 was no exception, delivering a driving experience that you would expect from a much more expensive sedan.
2021 Mazda 6 performance
Engine
2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four
2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Horsepower
187 HP
250 HP
Torque
186 LB-FT
320 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD
FWD
0-60 MPH
7.1 seconds
6.1 seconds
Top speed
132 MPH
149 MPH
The most affordable Mazda 6 trims, the Sport and the Touring, come equipped with the naturally aspirated version of Mazda’s four-banger. Grand Touring models and above instead get the turbocharged engine. While the base powertrain is pretty reasonable for something in this segment, the turbocharged models are downright impressive. Every model gets a finely tuned six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
While the acceleration of the turbocharged Mazda 6 is definitely impressive for a mainstream sedan, what is more impressive is how it drives. The agility and responsiveness that it delivers is excellent, regardless of which price point you’re shopping at. It balances this performance with a ride quality that is impressively comfortable and a cabin that remains surprisingly quiet. This is easily the most engaging and rewarding mainstream mid-size sedan, without question.
Fuel economy
Model
City
Highway
Combined
Non-turbo
26 MPG
35 MPG
29 MPG
Turbocharged
23 MPG
31 MPG
26 MPG
The base powertrain is reasonably efficient in the Mazda 6. According to the EPA, it is about on par with other mid-size SUVs at this price point. Opting for the turbocharged model results in a pretty significant dip in efficiency, but we think that it is well worth the performance that you gain.
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You’ll find the cabin much more plush than you’d expect
Credit: Mazda
As well as being more enjoyable to drive than you’d expect, the Mazda 6 is pretty upscale on the inside. Mazda might not lean into the gimmicks that many other automakers do, but they deliver a sleek interior packed with premium materials and modern features. It is also a versatile sedan, offering a pretty high level of every-day practicality.
Interior dimensions and comfort
Front row headroom
38.4 inches
Front row legroom
42.2 inches
Second row headroom
37.1 inches
Second row legroom
38.7 inches
Cargo capacity (behind third row)
14.7 cubic feet
Usually, one of the downsides to opting for a Mazda is that interior space is on the low side. However, the Mazda 6 is pretty spacious, offering more than enough room for passengers and cargo. Even tall adults will feel pretty happy in the back row of seats, with more than enough legroom on offer. The trunk isn’t anything to write home about, but it matches its mid-size rivals. The only downside here is that the rear seats don’t fold down.
Mazda has achieved a more premium look on the inside than prices might suggest. The 6 features a sleek cabin with soft-touch materials used throughout, and the plastics don’t feel cheap. There are also more standard features on offer than you’d think, including things like dual-zone automatic climate control. Top trims come equipped like luxury cars, with power-operated seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a power-operated moonroof. Upholstery can range from leatherette to fully-fledged Nappa leather. The Signature model even features wood trim.
Infotainment and technology
An eight-inch infotainment screen is standard on every model. It is operated using rotary controller found on the center console, similar to what you’d find in a BMW or Audi. There are also a number of physical buttons around the dial that act as shortcuts for the system. The gauge display is mostly analog, but there is a small seven-inch digital screen on some models.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard features, with the Grand Touring model and up offering wireless connectivity. The standard sound system is somewhat dull, but a lot of the top trims come with an 11-speaker Bose system instead. Other optional features include a 360-degree camera and ambient interior lighting.
