Used Mazda 3 cars for sale

Looking to buy a used Mazda 3? Get a full car history check

How buying a used car through Carwow works

Find a car

Use Carwow to browse and compare used vehicles, advertised by a network of trusted dealers. You can search by make and model, or apply filters to find the perfect car for you.

Contact the dealer

Once you’ve found a car you’d like to buy, you can contact the dealer to arrange the next steps, whether that’s asking a question or taking it for a test drive.

Buy the car

When you’re happy to buy, you can do so at a fixed price, safe in the knowledge all models sold through carwow are mechanically checked and come with a warranty.

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Used Mazda 3 pros and cons

Fun to drive
Rear space
Interior quality
Awkward boot
Infotainment system
Alternatives are comfier

Is a second hand Mazda 3 a good car?

The Mazda 3 is one of the best-looking family hatches around, with a low-set front, slim lights, clean sides, and a swept-around rear pillar that makes it look really distinctive.

It’s an alternative to conventional family hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf, but it can also trade blows with the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, thanks to high levels of quality and some impressive technology.

It’s in the cabin where the Mazda really sticks one up to the premium boys. The interior has a nicely minimalist look, with subtle dials and a relatively small infotainment screen (8.8 inches originally, 10.3 inches after a 2023 update) that doesn’t dominate the cabin.

There’s great comfort and plenty of space up front, and lots of storage space, especially in the deep box that’s under the front seat armrest. In the back it’s less good, as the roof is relatively low and legroom isn’t great. The Mazda 3’s boot is also slightly smaller than what you’d get in a Golf or Focus, too.

The 3 is a delight to drive, but it does suffer a bit over bumps as the suspension has a bit of a sporty edge. Equally, rear vision in the hatchback isn’t great, although there’s a reversing camera and sensors to help out in tight spaces.

What to look for when buying a used Mazda 3

There are no reported horror stories when it comes to buying a used Mazda 3, and reliability definitely seems to be a strong point. It’s worth noting that the SkyActiv-X engine, with its complex ignition system, should be carefully and regularly serviced, but again there are no major reported issues aside from occasional early clutch replacement. The only potential downside is that Mazda can be more expensive for spare parts, when they’re needed, than some rivals.

The Mazda 3 didn’t feature in the Driver Power Top 50 Cars To Own list (although it’s performed well in previous years, finishing as high as ninth) while Mazda itself finished seventh out of 32 brands in the overall Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. That said, a relatively high 25% of customers reported issues with their cars.

Mazda 3 FAQs

Are used Mazda 3s reliable?

Yes — Mazda has an exceptional reputation for reliability and quality and the 3 backs that reputation up. It’s a solid bet.

Which year is best for the Mazda 3?

It’s always best to buy the most recent Mazda 3 you can afford, as Mazda tends to make small, but useful, improvements in each model year. Post-2023 cars, for example, get a bigger, better infotainment screen.

Do Mazda 3 engines last long?

Yes, they really do. Mazda has an excellent reputation for reliability, and the 2.0-litre engines in the 3 are designed to be big and unstressed, unlike the more highly-strung turbo engines in some alternatives. Keep them serviced and they should last a long, long time.

Is it worth buying a used Mazda 3?

Absolutely. The Mazda 3 mixes VW-like affordability with BMW-like cabin quality, decent (if not exceptional) space, and it’s both reliable and good to drive.

Is the Mazda 3 high maintenance?

Not especially, although Mazda main dealers can be slightly pricier for servicing costs compared to some others, while parts prices are often also higher. Regular annual servicing should be all you need, though.

What is the most common problem with the Mazda 3?

The only common issue seems to be that the clutch can sometimes need replacing earlier than it would do with most other cars you might be considering.