DS DS3 (2015)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 13,216 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,625
£135/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1560cc Diesel
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1560cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the DS brand average of 88%.
At 11 years old, 76% of DS DS3s from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 13,216 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,351 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
63,351
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2015 DS DS3 has 63,351 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 76%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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 with a 1560cc diesel engine. 13,216 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 2015 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 63,351 miles at 11 years old, DS DS3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2015 DS DS3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS DS3(2015) | 76% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1625 |
| FORD FIESTA(2013) | 77% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£275 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017) | 88% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£125 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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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