DS DS3 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 22,600 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1957/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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 close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the DS brand average of 88%.
At 10 years old, 79% of DS DS3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 22,600 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 57,124 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,124
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 DS DS3 has 57,124 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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%. The 2016 sits between the two at 79%.
DS DS3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 DS DS3
The 2016 DS DS3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 22,600 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 88% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 57,124 miles at 10 years old, DS DS3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 DS DS3 Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 DS DS3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2016 DS DS3
At 10 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 22,600 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 DS DS3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2016 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(2016) | 79% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£280 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£407 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£567 |
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
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
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