Is the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport Still Worth Buying in Today's Market?

As I slide behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport, that distinctive scent of well-maintained leather and aged plastics triggers a flood of automotive memories. I've spent nearly fifteen years evaluating used vehicles, from beat-up economy cars to luxury sedans, and this particular model has always held a special place in my professional judgment. When clients ask me today whether the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport remains a sensible purchase, my answer requires peeling back layers of nostalgia to examine cold, hard facts about value, performance, and longevity in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

Let me be perfectly honest - the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport isn't perfect by any stretch, but it embodies what I've come to call "persistent excellence." Much like the basketball coach's observation about players giving their utmost effort even when things aren't falling their way, this sedan delivers consistent performance despite its age. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 184 horsepower, which feels adequate rather than exhilarating, but where this car truly shines is in its chassis tuning and steering feedback. I've driven countless family sedans that feel disconnected from the road, but Mazda's engineering team somehow managed to inject genuine driving pleasure into a practical midsize package. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts with a crispness that modern CVTs simply can't match, though fuel economy suffers slightly at 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway compared to newer competitors.

Stepping inside the cabin reveals both the Mazda 6's strengths and its age-related compromises. The interior materials, while nicely textured, don't match the plushness of newer models. I particularly appreciate the logical control layout - physical knobs for climate control and a central commander dial that reduces distraction compared to touchscreen-heavy modern interfaces. However, the 7-inch infotainment screen feels downright miniature by today's standards, and the absence of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto represents a significant drawback for tech-savvy buyers. During my week with the vehicle, I found myself missing the connected features I've grown accustomed to in newer test cars, though the Bluetooth connectivity worked flawlessly for audio streaming.

The used car market has gone through dramatic shifts since 2017, and pricing reflects this reality. Currently, a well-maintained 2017 Mazda 6 Sport with average mileage around 60,000-70,000 miles typically sells for $16,000 to $19,000 depending on location and condition. That represents approximately 45% depreciation from its original $22,000 starting price, which aligns reasonably well with segment competitors. What surprises me is how well these cars have held their value compared to some rivals - I've seen comparable Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys from the same year selling for only slightly higher prices despite their reputation for bulletproof reliability.

From a maintenance perspective, the 2017 Mazda 6 has proven remarkably robust in my experience. The SkyActiv engines demonstrate excellent longevity with proper care, though I've encountered several units with minor issues like faulty oxygen sensors and occasional infotainment glitches. Repair costs tend to run 10-15% higher than equivalent Japanese competitors, but less frequent service intervals partially offset this difference. Having reviewed maintenance records for over thirty examples of this model year, I can confidently state that owners who followed the factory service schedule rarely reported major mechanical failures before reaching 100,000 miles.

Where the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport truly wins me over is in its driving dynamics. Modern sedans have become increasingly isolated from road feedback, prioritizing comfort over engagement. This generation Mazda 6 strikes what I consider the perfect balance for daily driving - compliant enough for commuting yet responsive enough to make backroad driving genuinely enjoyable. The electric power steering provides better feedback than most systems in this category, and the body control during cornering remains impressive even by today's standards. It's the kind of car that makes ordinary drives feel special, something I can't say about many contemporary vehicles in this segment.

Safety considerations present a mixed picture. While the 2017 Mazda 6 earned top marks in IIHS testing, its standard safety features look sparse compared to current base models. You get stability control, traction control, and the expected airbag array, but advanced driver aids like automatic emergency braking were reserved for higher trims. For families with younger drivers, this represents a meaningful compromise that might steer me toward recommending a newer vehicle with more comprehensive standard safety systems.

After extensive evaluation and comparison with newer alternatives, I've reached a nuanced conclusion about the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport's place in today's market. For driving enthusiasts seeking an engaging daily driver on a budget, it represents an outstanding value that's becoming increasingly rare in the automotive landscape. The combination of responsive handling, attractive styling, and proven reliability creates a compelling package under $20,000. However, for buyers prioritizing technology, latest safety features, or maximum fuel efficiency, newer alternatives likely make more sense despite their higher cost. Like the coach who appreciated his players' effort even when things weren't going perfectly, I appreciate what Mazda achieved with this generation - a family sedan that never forgot to be a driver's car, imperfections and all. In our increasingly homogenized automotive world, that character might just be worth preserving.