MAZDA MX-3 (1993)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 41 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
41
Avg Mileage
82,927 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 1993 MAZDA MX-3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 31 years old, 85% of MAZDA MX-3s from 1993 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 41 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,927 miles.
How does the 1993 MAZDA MX-3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1993 MAZDA MX-3 has 82,927 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MAZDA MX-3?
The most reliable year is the 1998 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1993 sits between the two at 85%.
How much does a 1993 MAZDA MX-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 MX-3 by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA MX-3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1993 MAZDA MX-3
The 1993 MAZDA MX-3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 41 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 1993 cars for reliability.
With an average of 82,927 miles at 31 years old, MAZDA MX-3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1993 MAZDA MX-3 Fuel Costs
The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1993 MAZDA MX-3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,677 (£140/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA MX-3 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA MX-3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1993 MAZDA MX-3
At 31 years old, the MAZDA MX-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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 81%. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1993 MAZDA MX-3
The MAZDA MX-3 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (-5%) from 5,191 tests
- ROVER MINI (1993) 74% pass rate (-11%) from 2,855 tests
- PEUGEOT BOXER (1995) 68% pass rate (-17%) from 2,767 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1995) 74% pass rate (-11%) from 2,206 tests