MAZDA 3 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,007 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
5,007
Avg Mileage
107,158 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2005 MAZDA 3 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 19 years old, 67% of MAZDA 3s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,007 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,158 miles.
How does the 2005 MAZDA 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 MAZDA 3 has 107,158 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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%. The 2005 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 2005 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 2005 MAZDA 3
The 2005 MAZDA 3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 5,007 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 107,158 miles at 19 years old, MAZDA 3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 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 2005 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 67% 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 2005 MAZDA 3
At 19 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 5,007 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2005 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 (2007) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 77,121 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+13%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2007) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 53,763 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2007) 68% pass rate (+1%) from 41,223 tests