Mazda MX-3 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 86 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1598cc28 years old86 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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.

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

81% of MOT tests on Mazda MX-3s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 86 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 77,900 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models83rd of 325(top half)

Rank among Mazda models231st of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average+6%(75% avg)

vs Mazda average+0%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

77,900

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mazda MX-3 had 77,900 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 71%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1998 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda MX-3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1998	81%	86	77,900 mi
1997	71%	181	79,927 mi
1996	65%	109	93,478 mi
1995	80%	46	63,071 mi
1994	77%	61	90,059 mi
1993	85%	41	82,927 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-8%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-10%

Vauxhall Corsa

1999 · 1199cc Petrol

£1,810/year

89%

+8%

Nissan Micra

1999 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,183/year

70%

-11%

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About the 1998 Mazda MX-3

The 1998 Mazda MX-3 is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 86 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 77,900 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Mazda MX-3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 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.

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. If you're flexible on year, the 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 71%. Note: with only 86 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 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 1998 Mazda MX-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 MX-3(1998)	81%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£150
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£383
Vauxhall Corsa(1999)	89%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810-£368
Nissan Micra(1999)	70%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£5

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 1998 Mazda MX-3

Is the 1998 Mazda MX-3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 1998 Mazda MX-3s ended in a pass, from 86 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mazda MX-3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mazda MX-3?

81% of 86 MOT tests on the 1998 Mazda MX-3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 83rd of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top half).

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

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Mazda MX-3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 71% and the 1996 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mazda MX-3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mazda MX-3 is 77,900 miles, 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.