MAZDA 3 (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,514 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
1,514
Avg Mileage
98,523 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2004 MAZDA 3 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 20 years old, 65% of MAZDA 3s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,514 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,523 miles.
How does the 2004 MAZDA 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MAZDA 3 has 98,523 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 3?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2004 MAZDA 3 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA 3 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 98% | 243 | 21,571 mi |
| 2021 | 94% | 6,556 | 23,403 mi |
| 2020 | 94% | 6,787 | 28,046 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 7,145 | 34,301 mi |
| 2018 | 88% | 11,205 | 42,804 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 13,489 | 51,801 mi |
| 2016 | 82% | 17,936 | 61,550 mi |
| 2015 | 81% | 19,839 | 70,981 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 14,280 | 76,594 mi |
| 2013 | 80% | 8,703 | 81,092 mi |
| 2012 | 79% | 8,608 | 91,364 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 9,731 | 95,384 mi |
| 2010 | 74% | 15,144 | 101,714 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 14,024 | 101,557 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 11,826 | 101,647 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 9,747 | 106,801 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 7,178 | 107,923 mi |
| 2005 | 67% | 5,007 | 107,158 mi |
| 2004 | 65% | 1,514 | 98,523 mi |
Checking a specific MAZDA 3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 MAZDA 3
The 2004 MAZDA 3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 1,514 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 98,523 miles at 20 years old, MAZDA 3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MAZDA 3 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 2004 MAZDA 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MAZDA 3 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA 3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 MAZDA 3
At 20 years old, the MAZDA 3 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.
Alternatives to the 2004 MAZDA 3
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+8%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+15%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 35,054 tests