How much does a 2016 MAZDA 3 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 MAZDA 3?

The 2016 MAZDA 3 has a 82% MOT pass rate based on 17,936 tests in 2026. This ranks 456 out of 586 cars from 2016.

Which year MAZDA 3 is most reliable?

The 2022 MAZDA 3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 65%.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 MAZDA 3?

The average mileage for a 2016 MAZDA 3 is 61,550 miles, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MAZDA 3 (2016)

Q: Is the 2016 MAZDA 3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MAZDA 3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 17,936 tests. That's 0 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 17,936 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,047

£171/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1998cc10 years old17,936 tests62k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,047

Per month£171/mo

Per week£39/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 10 years old, 82% of MAZDA 3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 17,936 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,550 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars456th of 586(top 78%)

Rank among MAZDA models221th of 483(top 46%)

vs national average+0%(82% avg)

vs 2016 cars average-3%(85% avg)

vs MAZDA average+1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

61,550

Average miles

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 MAZDA 3 has 61,550 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 82%.

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 FOCUS

2014 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,677/year

80%

-2%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2014 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

-4%

FORD KUGA

2018 · 1499cc Petrol

£1,582/year

90%

+8%

BMW 3 SERIES

2015 · 1499cc Petrol

£1,677/year

88%

+6%

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About the 2016 MAZDA 3

The 2016 MAZDA 3 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 17,936 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 78% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 61,550 miles at 10 years old, MAZDA 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 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 2016 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 82% 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 2016 MAZDA 3

At 10 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 17,936 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2016 MAZDA 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 10 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 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.

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 2016 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(2016)	82%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2047
FORD FOCUS(2014)	80%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1677-£370
NISSAN QASHQAI(2014)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£220
FORD KUGA(2018)	90%	£1137	£190	Grp 12-25	£1582-£465
BMW 3 SERIES(2015)	88%	£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.