MAZDA 3 (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 17,936 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
17,936
Avg Mileage
61,550 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 2016 MAZDA 3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 82% of MAZDA 3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 17,936 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 61,550 miles.
How does the 2016 MAZDA 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 MAZDA 3 has 61,550 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 3?
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%.
How much does a 2016 MAZDA 3 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MAZDA 3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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 2024, 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 8 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 £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. 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.
Alternatives to the 2016 MAZDA 3
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2014) 80% pass rate (-2%) from 131,119 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2014) 78% pass rate (-4%) from 81,095 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (+8%) from 67,605 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2015) 88% pass rate (+6%) from 61,659 tests