MAZDA 3 (2015)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 19,839 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 11 years old, 81% of MAZDA 3s from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 19,839 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,981 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,981
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2015 MAZDA 3 has 70,981 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2015 sits between the two at 81%.
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 2015 MAZDA 3
The 2015 MAZDA 3 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 19,839 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 70,981 miles at 11 years old, MAZDA 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2015 MAZDA 3 Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2015 MAZDA 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2015 MAZDA 3
At 11 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 19,839 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2015 MAZDA 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 11 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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.
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 2015 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(2015) | 81% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| MERCEDES C(2014) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
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.
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MAZDA MX-5
2007 · 1798cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2013 · 1600cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2015 · 1499cc Petrol
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