Is it more expensive to maintain a larger car than a smaller one?

toyotapilot

Please redirect me if I'm in the wrong forum. Isn't a bigger car more expensive to own—more for insurance, higher tax, more gas, more expensive to repair? My daughter is considering a Mazda CX-5. I think it's too big a car for a single person needing basic transportation to work and local errands. I am suggesting a CX-3.

stever

Insurance may or may not be higher, have to ask your agent. We don't have True Cost to Own info for the CX-3 yet. Comparing the Mazda to the comparable Honda CR-V (and Fit), the insurance on the Mazdas is generally higher.

The CX-3 does get a bit better gas mileage - 31 mpg combined vs 29 for the CX-5.

Annual taxes and registration fees depend on your state. Some charge by value, some don't.

Repairs over 5 years for the CX-3 will be a tad higher than the CR-V but the estimates are ~$800 vs $700. Doubt that there will be much difference between the CX-3 and CX-5.

I've driven both in recent months and like 'em both. The CX-5 would be a better fit for us since we have more junk to tote around. I don't think your daughter would go wrong with either one.

texases

I'd prefer my daughter got the CX-5. It's far from 'big', but is almost certainly safer in a collision, where bigger is better. That's much more important than the slight difference in cost, to me.

carboy21

CX-3 is a brand new model introduced this year ., its pricing is on the expensive side, $25k and $27k for the touring and Grand Touring version.

stever

New review posted by editorial today:

"The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is currently one of Edmunds' highest-rated compact crossovers. Refined suspension tuning, a new infotainment interface and modest styling changes for 2016 give it an even stronger foothold. Its value is combined with excellent fuel economy and noticeably better performance, keeping it among the best offerings in the class."

2016 Mazda CX-5 Touring Road Test