Does a 2004 Mazda 3 use a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain. Unless you plan to drive the car into the ground (with very high mileage) you'll likely never have to worry about changing it. Now, timing belts are usually replaced anywhere from 80K-120K.

Mazda 3 Timing Belt

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RE:

Does a 2004 Mazda 3 use a timing belt or chain?

I am looking at buying one, but this is one of the big pricing questions I have. If it uses a belt, how much should I expect to pay to have it replaced?

That car uses a belt or chain depending on the year and engine size. Chains don't need replacing except in cases of very high mileage. They're designed to last the life of the vehicle. They rarely fail abruptly like belts do. When they wear-out they just start making noise and the engine slowly starts running rougher over time.

I thought they stopped using chains in the early 90s