MAZDA MX-3 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 86 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Total Tests (2024)
86
Avg Mileage
77,900 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,677
Is the 1998 MAZDA MX-3 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 81% of MAZDA MX-3s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 86 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,900 miles.
How does the 1998 MAZDA MX-3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MAZDA MX-3 has 77,900 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 MAZDA MX-3
The 1998 MAZDA MX-3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 86 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 77,900 miles at 26 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.
1998 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 1998 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 81% 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 1998 MAZDA MX-3
At 26 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. Note: with only 86 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 MAZDA MX-3
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-8%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-10%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+8%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-11%) from 6,792 tests