2012 Mazda3 2.0L 4cyl Automatic - tranmission flush

I also checked the fluid and it looks brown, not orange or dark red.. There are two marks on the stick and the fluid level is in between the two marks.

Don't flush the transmission, just change the fluid and the filter which should be done every 30,000 miles or so. Check your owners manual for the service interval but you also want to keep and eye on the fluid - if it is a healthy red it is OK but pink or brown is bad.

If you have a service book with the car the fluid interval will be in it. Clearly you have waited too long if it is brown.

I am stuck between whether the flush is necessary now since its only at 77k or if I should just do the drain/fill. Would it make more sense to flush it out earlier then next time do a drain/fill? Or just never get the flush done.

Flushes have a bad reputation for damaging transmissions. Since the fluid is brown you may want to change the fluid and filter again after a few months. Keep an eye on the fluid color/level.

Totally agree with FOR. Transmission flushes only cause problems. Only a fluid and filter change.

Start with drain/new filter & refill. 1-3 times a year drain a quart and replace with new quart.