Honda Civic vs Mazda 3: Compare by Reg (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, covering MOT pass rates, estimated running costs, typical issues, and overall reliability. Based on 696,276 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
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Quick Verdict
This is a very close comparison. The Honda Civic and Mazda 3 both have a 79% MOT pass rate, so they are evenly matched on MOT results. Your decision should come down to the condition of the actual car, running costs, and which feels better to drive.
Honda Civic
79%
MOT pass rate
507,314 tests
Mazda 3
79%
MOT pass rate
188,962 tests
Full Comparison: Honda Civic vs Mazda 3
| Category | Honda Civic | Mazda 3 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT Pass Rate | 79% | 79% |
| MOT Fail Rate | 21% | 21% |
| vs All-Model Avg | -3 pts | -3 pts |
| Est. Fuel Cost (petrol, 8,000 mi/yr) | £1,814 | £1,814 |
| Est. Insurance Group | 10-20 | 15-25 |
| Est. Depreciation/yr | £1,200-£2,200 | £1,500-£3,000 |
| Engine Size | 1.7L | 1.8L |
| Fuel Type(s) | Diesel, Petrol | Petrol, Diesel |
| Segment | Family car | Family car |
| Avg Mileage | 90,210 mi | 73,906 miWinner |
| MOT Tests Analysed | 507,314 | 188,962 |
| Model Years | 32 years | 19 years |
| Best Year | 2020 (93%) | 2020 (94%)Winner |
| Worst Year | 2001 (70%)Winner | 2004 (65%) |
| Reliability Trend | Improving | Improving |
Pass rates are the share of MOT tests that ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), across all years of each model. Best and worst years need at least 100 tests. Fuel cost, insurance group and depreciation are our rough estimates from engine size and make, not official figures.
Common Problems Comparison
Typical issues to check on cars of this type and age, not faults measured for these models.
Honda Civic: Typical Issues to Check
- •DPF and emissions issues (diesel models)
- •Suspension wear on older models
- •Lighting defects (common on all cars)
Mazda 3: Typical Issues to Check
- •DPF and emissions issues (diesel models)
- •Suspension wear on older models
- •Lighting defects (common on all cars)
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Honda Civic vs Mazda 3 FAQ
Can I compare a Honda Civic and Mazda 3 by registration plate?
Yes. Enter each car's UK registration plate on this page or use our free compare tool at carcostcheck.co.uk/compare to see MOT history, mileage, health scores and running costs for the exact vehicles you are considering, not just model averages.
Which is more reliable, the Honda Civic or Mazda 3?
They are level on MOT data: the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 both have a 79% MOT pass rate (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
Which is cheaper to run, the Honda Civic or Mazda 3?
At 8,000 miles per year, the Honda Civic costs around £1,814 in fuel, while the Mazda 3 costs around £1,814 (our estimates for petrol versions from average engine size, with fuel at GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026). On these estimates they cost the same in fuel. Insurance, depreciation, and repair costs also factor into total running costs.
Should I buy a Honda Civic or Mazda 3?
This is a very close comparison. The Honda Civic and Mazda 3 both have a 79% MOT pass rate, so they are evenly matched on MOT results. Your decision should come down to the condition of the actual car, running costs, and which feels better to drive.
Honda Civic Running Costs
Full breakdown of annual costs, reliability, and MOT data
Mazda 3 Running Costs
Full breakdown of annual costs, reliability, and MOT data
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