MAZDA 3 (2007)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 9,747 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 19 years old, 69% of MAZDA 3s from 2007 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 9,747 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,801 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
106,801
Average miles
140,600
Expected for age
The average 2007 MAZDA 3 has 106,801 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.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2007 sits between the two at 69%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2007 MAZDA 3
The 2007 MAZDA 3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 9,747 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2007 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 106,801 miles at 19 years old, MAZDA 3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2007 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 2007 MAZDA 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2007 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 9,747 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2007 MAZDA 3'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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 107k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2007 MAZDA 3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA 3(2007) | 69% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2008) | 73% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| MINI MINI(2009) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
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 Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
MAZDA 2
2010 · 1349cc Petrol
MAZDA CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
2007 · 1798cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2009 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2008 · 1229cc Petrol
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