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How to Pay for a Used Mazda CX-5

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Used Mazda CX-5

Buy a reliable crossover during year-end sales and use an interest-free window to handle the down payment or the full price.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $19,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $1,266.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $19,000 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

The CX-5 is the crossover for people who actually like driving. It feels more expensive than it is, but maintenance is still reasonable. You will see the lowest prices in late December when dealers need to hit annual targets and clear space for new models.

Expect to pay around $19,000 for a solid used model. We recommend negotiating the total price first before mentioning how you will pay. You can use a specific card window for a portion of the cost to avoid interest for over a year.

This is a 15-month timeline, not free money. If you still have a balance when the 15 months end, you will start paying the standard variable APR on whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Target the clearance

    Wait until the last week of December. Dealers are desperate to move metal before the calendar flips. Check local inventory for cars that have been sitting for more than 30 days to find the most leverage.

  2. 02

    Inspect the basics

    Mazdas are sturdy, but check the brakes and tires on any used model. Budget about $1,200 for immediate catch-up maintenance like oil changes and filters. It keeps the car running like new.

  3. 03

    Negotiate the total price

    Focus on the out-the-door number, not the monthly payment. Do not let them bundle in protection packages or VIN etching. Get your final price in writing before you head to the finance office.

  4. 04

    Use the 0% window

    Put your down payment or the entire cost on your Discover it® Cash Back. You get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This lets you split that $19,000 into 15 monthly chunks of $1,266.67 without paying interest.

  5. 05

    Automate your payoff

    Set up a recurring payment immediately. You need to zero out the balance before the 15 months are up. If you miss the window, the standard interest rate kicks in and gets expensive fast.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Can I pay for a whole car with a credit card?

Most dealers cap credit card payments at a few thousand dollars to avoid fees. You will need to ask the manager if they will accept a larger swipe for the full $19,000.

Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?

It is cheaper than a luxury brand but slightly more than a Toyota. Parts are easy to find and most independent shops can handle the work without issue.

What is a good mileage for a used CX-5?

Look for something under 60,000 miles. These engines are reliable, but you want plenty of life left before the bigger 100,000-mile service window arrives.

Should I get the turbo model?

The turbo is faster but uses more gas and has more complex parts. Stick to the base engine if you want the lowest ownership costs over the next five years.