It’s Possible to Legally Purchase a 2018 Mazda2 If You Live in the United States
The contraction of the subcompact car segment has led to many a vehicle casualty in the United States, but none may be more of a gut-punch than the demise of the Mazda2. Though the Mazda2 was set to receive a next-generation revamp with Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion design language in the United States, it tragically never came to pass.
If you were among those interested in a new Mazda2, there may be hope for you yet. Jalopnik’s Mack Hogan notes that the Mazda2 is indeed available in the United States: It’s sold at seven Mazda dealerships in Puerto Rico, which, contrary to the way it was treated after a natural disaster, is part of the country. But that doesn’t do you much good if you live in the Midwest, right? Actually, it does!
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According to Hogan, there are no legal impediments standing in the way of legally obtaining a 2018 Mazda2. Per NHTSA, vehicles manufactured for sale in Puerto Rico meet federal safety standards for the 50 states (as well as Washington, D.C.; the Northern Mariana Islands; Guam; American Samoa; and the Virgin Islands). Because Puerto Rico is within Customs Territory, the Mazda2 is also not subject to passing through customs.
If you really want a new Mazda2, cost might be the only drawback. The cheapest version of the Mazda2 Hogan was able to find was a bit over $17,000, and higher-level trims exceeded the $20,000 price point. That’s quite a bit more than you’d typically pay for a subcompact hatchback and far closer to the starting price of the larger Mazda3 hatchback.
That’s before you take into account the fact that it will likely cost around $800 to have the Mazda2 shipped to Jacksonville. You’d need to drive the Mazda2 to wherever you call home from there, which would if nothing else be a nice opportunity to get to know your uniquely rare ride.
As for why the Mazda2 made its way to Puerto Rico but not the U.S. mainland, a Mazda spokesman told Hogan, “The conditions for the Puerto Rican market make the Mazda2 make sense, due to market tastes and local market conditions such as taxes. While it may be possible to legally register a Mazda2 in the U.S., the vehicle is best-suited for regions with strong demand for smaller passenger cars.”
So there you have it. You can legally purchase a brand-new 2018 Mazda2 and drive it in the United States. But unless you’re dead set on the 2 in particular, you might just be better off opting for a Mazda3.
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News Source: Jalopnik
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