Mazda CX-3 (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 9,124 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,852

£154/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1798cc Diesel

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Diesel1798cc8 years old9,124 tests39k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1798cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,852

Per month£154/mo

Per week£36/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mazda brand average of 81%.

92% of MOT tests on Mazda CX-3s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 9,124 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 39,264 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models204th of 607(top half)

Rank among Mazda models142nd of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average+3%(89% avg)

vs Mazda average+11%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

39,264

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 Mazda CX-3 had 39,264 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 85%. The 2018 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda CX-3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	83%	30	25,685 mi
2019	93%	11,421	31,849 mi
2018	92%	9,124	39,264 mi
2017	90%	7,863	47,343 mi
2016	86%	8,421	56,358 mi
2015	85%	4,191	61,842 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

-1%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-3%

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

-1%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

-4%

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About the 2018 Mazda CX-3

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is a family car. Our records list a 1798cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 9,124 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 39,264 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda CX-3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2018 Mazda CX-3 Fuel Costs

The 1798cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2018 Mazda CX-3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Mazda CX-3 Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda CX-3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2018 Mazda CX-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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 9,124 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock 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 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 2018 Mazda CX-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 CX-3(2018)	92%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£178
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£28
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£178
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£28

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 2018 Mazda CX-3

Is the 2018 Mazda CX-3 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2018 Mazda CX-3s ended in a pass, from 9,124 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 Mazda CX-3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Mazda CX-3?

92% of 9,124 MOT tests on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 204th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (top half).

Which year Mazda CX-3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2015 the lowest at 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2018 Mazda CX-3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 is 39,264 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.