Mazda 3 (2013)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,703 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,078
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
80% of MOT tests on Mazda 3s from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 8,703 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 81,092 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
81,092
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2013 Mazda 3 had 81,092 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2013 scores 80%. 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
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About the 2013 Mazda 3
The 2013 Mazda 3 is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,703 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 81,092 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2013 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 2013 Mazda 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2013 Mazda 3
At 13 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 8,703 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 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
Medium riskWith an average of 81k 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.
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 2013 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(2013) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2015) | 78% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£75 |
| Ford Focus(2013) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£150 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2015) | 81% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003-£75 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2015) | 82% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,750-£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 2013 Mazda 3
Is the 2013 Mazda 3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2013 Mazda 3s ended in a pass, from 8,703 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2013 Mazda 3 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 Mazda 3?
80% of 8,703 MOT tests on the 2013 Mazda 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 378th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 Mazda 3?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Mazda 3 is 81,092 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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
Vauxhall Corsa
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
2015 · 1400cc Petrol
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