DS DS3 (2015)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 13,216 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,944
£162/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£170
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1560cc Diesel
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the DS brand average of 88%.
76% of MOT tests on DS DS3s from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 13,216 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 63,351 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
63,351
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2015 DS DS3 had 63,351 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 76%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
DS DS3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2015 DS DS3
The 2015 DS DS3 is a small family car. Our records list a 1560cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 13,216 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 10% of 2015 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 63,351 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, DS DS3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2015 DS DS3 Fuel Costs
The 1560cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2015 DS DS3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
DS DS3 Reliability Trend
Newer DS DS3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2015 DS DS3
At 11 years old, the DS DS3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. With 13,216 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2015 DS DS3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS DS3(2015) | 76% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,944 |
| Ford Fiesta(2013) | 77% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 8-20 | £1,944same |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£270 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2013) | 79% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227+£283 |
| Mercedes A-Class(2017) | 88% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£120 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2015 DS DS3
Is the 2015 DS DS3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2015 DS DS3s ended in a pass, from 13,216 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2015 DS DS3 cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 DS DS3?
76% of 13,216 MOT tests on the 2015 DS DS3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 465th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (bottom 10%).
Which year DS DS3 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 DS DS3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2015 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2015 DS DS3?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 DS DS3 is 63,351 miles, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related DS Models
Explore other DS cars or similar models in the same category.
DS DS4
2016 · 1560cc Diesel
DS DS7
2019 · 1598cc Petrol
DS DS5
2016 · 1600cc Petrol
Ford Fiesta
2013 · 1399cc Diesel
Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Vauxhall Astra
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
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