Mazda 3 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 11,826 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc18 years old11,826 tests102k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

70% of MOT tests on Mazda 3s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 11,826 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 101,647 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models422nd of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models380th of 459(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average-3%(73% avg)

vs Mazda average-11%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,647

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Mazda 3 had 101,647 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2008 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

+2%

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

+4%

Vauxhall Corsa

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

74%

+4%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-3%

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About the 2008 Mazda 3

The 2008 Mazda 3 is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 11,826 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 101,647 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 Mazda 3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mazda 3 Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda 3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Mazda 3

At 18 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 11,826 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 102k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2008 Mazda 3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 3(2008)	70%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)	74%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2008 Mazda 3

Is the 2008 Mazda 3 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2008 Mazda 3s ended in a pass, from 11,826 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Mazda 3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Mazda 3?

70% of 11,826 MOT tests on the 2008 Mazda 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 422nd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

Which year Mazda 3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mazda 3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2004 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Mazda 3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Mazda 3 is 101,647 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.