Mazda 3 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,608 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1598cc14 years old8,608 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

79% of MOT tests on Mazda 3s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 8,608 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,364 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models401st of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models246th of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+1%(78% avg)

vs Mazda average-2%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,364

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Mazda 3 had 91,364 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 scores 79%. 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

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-3%

Ford Focus

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-1%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-7%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-4%

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About the 2012 Mazda 3

The 2012 Mazda 3 is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,608 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 91,364 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 2012 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 79% 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 2012 Mazda 3

At 14 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 8,608 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

Medium risk

With an average of 91k 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 2012 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(2012)	79%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Ford Focus(2013)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£328

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 2012 Mazda 3

Is the 2012 Mazda 3 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2012 Mazda 3s ended in a pass, from 8,608 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 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 2012 Mazda 3?

79% of 8,608 MOT tests on the 2012 Mazda 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 401st of 650 models first registered in 2012 (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 2012 Mazda 3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Mazda 3 is 91,364 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.