MAZDA 3 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 11,205 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
11,205
Avg Mileage
42,804 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 2018 MAZDA 3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 6 years old, 88% of MAZDA 3s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 11,205 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,804 miles.
How does the 2018 MAZDA 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 MAZDA 3 has 42,804 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 MAZDA 3
The 2018 MAZDA 3 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 11,205 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 42,804 miles at 6 years old, MAZDA 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 MAZDA 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2018 MAZDA 3
At 6 years old, the MAZDA 3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 11,205 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 MAZDA 3
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-1%) from 109,880 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (+4%) from 89,653 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (+2%) from 67,605 tests
- MINI COOPER (2018) 92% pass rate (+4%) from 55,706 tests