Mazda 3 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 17,936 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1998cc10 years old17,936 tests62k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

82% of MOT tests on Mazda 3s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 17,936 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 61,550 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models411th of 539(bottom 24%)

Rank among Mazda models220th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

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

vs Mazda average+1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

61,550

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Mazda 3 had 61,550 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 82%. 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 Focus

2014 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-2%

Nissan Qashqai

2014 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

78%

-4%

Ford Kuga

2018 · 1499cc Petrol

£1,853/year

90%

+8%

BMW 3 Series

2015 · 1499cc Petrol

£2,078/year

88%

+6%

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About the 2016 Mazda 3

The 2016 Mazda 3 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 17,936 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 24% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 61,550 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 2016 Mazda 3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 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 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 17,936 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.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 3(2016)	82%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2014)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
Nissan Qashqai(2014)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Ford Kuga(2018)	90%	£1,398	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,853-£508
BMW 3 Series(2015)	88%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283

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 2016 Mazda 3

Is the 2016 Mazda 3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2016 Mazda 3s ended in a pass, from 17,936 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Mazda 3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2016 Mazda 3?

82% of 17,936 MOT tests on the 2016 Mazda 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 411th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 24%).

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 2016 Mazda 3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Mazda 3 is 61,550 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.