MAZDA 3 (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 13,489 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1927/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 9 years old, 83% of MAZDA 3s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 13,489 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,801 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
51,801
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 MAZDA 3 has 51,801 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2017 sits between the two at 83%.
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 2017 MAZDA 3
The 2017 MAZDA 3 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 13,489 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 81% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 51,801 miles at 9 years old, MAZDA 3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2017 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 2017 MAZDA 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2017 MAZDA 3
At 9 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 13,489 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 MAZDA 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 9 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2017 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(2017) | 83% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1927 |
| FORD FOCUS(2015) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£250 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£345 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£250 |
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.
MAZDA 2
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MAZDA CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
MAZDA MX-5
2007 · 1798cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2015 · 1596cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2019 · 1498cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
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