Brake pads Carbotech or OEM Mazda

Reviewing the Carfax, it was a rental car for about 50k and then it was a personal car for the next 53k. Both seem to have kept up with maintenance decently as far as oil and filter changes go, but not much else. I didn't see any rust on the bottom, it drives smooth, suspension still seems good, and the dealership replaced the brakes (and put nitrogen in tires so the car goes 1000000x faster).

I do my own work at times and replaced brakes and rotors on my car for less than $200 in parts in about three hours of work. if I’d worked smarter it would’ve been two.

I love my 2017 Yaris IA, really a Mazda 2 made in Mexico, now at 180k miles and still purring like a kitten. No part failures, just front brake pads

OEM ceramic brake pads can last 60k to 90k miles.. But they're not that expensive if you change them yourself. Very easy on Mazda, best changed at about 50k miles of normal driving, before they wear too much more, to keep quality OEM rotors for longer.

I bought a well maintained 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback with 60k miles two years ago for $8500. I’ve done rear and front brakes, as well as a rear wheel bearing in that time.

9 years working at Mazda and also a master tech, to me always oem fluid. No matter what, I for everything matter in fact. Seen lots of after makers stuff and even brake pads.

I bought my car in 2020, its a 2015 Mazda. Bought it with 92,000 miles currently has 118,000. At this point I have had break pads replaced twice [last time in the beginning of 2024] and rotors replaced once [in 2022]. I took my car to a mechanic in December 2024 and he said breaks looked fine [took it in for another issue]. In May 2025 the car started making a squeaking noise when breaking. I know I should have brought it in then but I am flat broke, I had no money to spend. I have been driving it like that since then. The car runs fine otherwise, I have no problem with breaking [no input lag] and no vibrations on the break pedal.

Could be the brakes. My wife's CX-5 smells like that, too. I think one of her slide pins probably seized and needs to be lubricated. Full brake job will be done in the spring. 35K miles or so. I've found that the road salt here just murders Mazda OEM brakes. We've had the same experience with Honda, as well.

Cx5 2024, one year old and the brakes are completely shot and need to be replaced. I was quoted like 1.5k and the manufacturer only offered $500 discount on the new brakes. I’m honestly appalled.

How about my 2021 Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve with a measly 14,000 miles and the dealer says the rear brakes are rusted and grooved with photo evidence.