MAZDA MX-3 (1998)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 86 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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 28 years old, 81% of MAZDA MX-3s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 86 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,900 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
77,900
Average miles
207,200
Expected for age
The average 1998 MAZDA MX-3 has 77,900 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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MAZDA MX-3 by Year
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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 2026, 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 28 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 £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 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 28 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1998 MAZDA MX-3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 1998 MAZDA MX-3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA MX-3(1998) | 81% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£20 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017+£210 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(1999) | 89% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£417 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1999) | 70% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
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.
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MAZDA MX-5
1999 · 1600cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1999 · 1781cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
1999 · 1199cc Petrol
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