Which Years Of Used Mazda3s Are Most Reliable?


in Reliability

We've rounded up 11 of the most reliable Mazda3 years. See which ones (and which Mazda3 years to subsequently avoid) so you can make an informed decision when used car shopping.

Grey Mazda3
Source: Pixabay

The Mazda3 is a sleek vehicle and an excellent choice for those who don’t want giant selections on the road. It drives well. Although there is minimal space inside, it’s fun behind the wheel. If you want a used version, it’s critical to be careful with your selected year. What is the most reliable Mazda3 year on the market?

If you’re considering purchasing the used version of the Mazda3, it’s vital to get the most out of your money. One of the best things you can do is ensure you’re picking a reliable year for the Mazda3. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Mazda3 year, the general reliability of the Mazda3 across the board, and other valuable information.

THE MAZDA3 YEARS TO AVOID

You should expect a safe, reliable subcompact car out of a Mazda3. CoPilot is here to help you buy the right vehicle and make sure you know which Mazda3 model years to avoid.

Most Reliable Years For The Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a reach towards fancier vehicles, and although this model doesn’t quite get there, it resembles its nicer competition in many ways. Many reliable years for the Mazda3 will make you feel like you are behind the wheel of a much fancier vehicle than you are. We’ve narrowed down a few of the best picks.

Here are the most reliable selections for the Mazda3:

  • 2005 Mazda3
  • 2006 Mazda3
  • 2007 Mazda3
  • 2008 Mazda3
  • 2009 Mazda3
  • 2015 Mazda3
  • 2016 Mazda3
  • 2017 Mazda3
  • 2018 Mazda3
  • 2019 Mazda3
  • 2020 Mazda3

If you’re hunting for the most reliable Mazda3 year, these are the best choices for your needs.

The more modern, the better with the Mazda3. These years have the fewest complaints, especially in the areas like the engine and the transmission. The few complaints that did emerge in these years were minimal and did not make a massive impact on the time or money of the drivers. These are the best of the best.

These years are top-notch when considering the available used selections for the Mazda3. However, they don’t speak for the entire model and reliability of the Mazda3.

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Are Mazda3s Generally Reliable?

There are issues with the Mazda3, but it’s generally a decent vehicle when considering reliability. According to jdpower.com, the Mazda3 scores 74⁄100 when considering reliability. Although this score isn’t the best, it’s decent and contributes to the overall JD Power score of 80.

Let’s examine a second site for another opinion on the Mazda3’s dependability. According to repairpal.com, the Mazda3 scores a 4⁄5, placing it 9th out of 26 similar compact vehicles. It isn’t at the top, but it’s certainly far from the bottom.

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The annual repair cost of the Mazda3 is $433, which is much cheaper than the average cost of $526 for similar compact vehicles. If repairs are necessary, there is a 10% chance they will be severe, compared to 11% for compact cars.

Those who drive the Mazda3 report bringing them to the repair shop an average of .3 times a year, the same as the average of similar vehicles. However, there are fewer chances repairs will be severe than in other compact cars.

Which Mazda3 Years Are The Least Reliable?

Most people pick used vehicles because they want to save money. However, selecting one of the least reliable years for a used car may cost you more at the end of the day than picking a new version. It’s vital to steer clear of the least reliable years.

If you’re investing in a Mazda3, stay away from these years for the best results:

  • 2004 Mazda3
  • 2010 Mazda3
  • 2011 Mazda3
  • 2012 Mazda3
  • 2013 Mazda3
  • 2014 Mazda3

Those looking for the most reliable Mazda3 year should not pick one of those listed above.

These Mazda3 years have the worst complaints of the bunch. A few of the worst include a struggling transmission, melted dashboards, breaking seat brackets, a clutch that gave out on the road, and more. These faults warrant a trip to the repair shop and could be dangerous.

The years we talked about are easily the worst for the Mazda3. However, there are some troubles that stretch across the board and occur in all models, reliable or unreliable.

What Reddit Says About the Best Year of the Mazda3:

With its refined driving and stylish looks, the Mazda3 grew to become one of the most popular compact cars, but how is it in terms of reliability? Some owners from Reddit have weighed in:

A quick breakdown of Mazda3 years and their issues:

Comment
byu/Puzzleheaded-Love226 from discussion
inmazda3

On why you should avoid first production years of any new model or gen:

Comment
byu/SamooraiSoldia from discussion
inmazda

On the best handling and most reliable Mazda3 generations:

Comment
byu/Pugsies from discussion
inmazda3

An older Mazda3 with impressive mileage:

Comment
byu/patrick401ca from discussion
inmazda3

Overall, many owners have only good things to say about their Mazda3. This is especially true for model years that were made after the company’s partnership with Ford.

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What Are The Most Common Issues With A Mazda3?

One of the best ways to prepare for potential reliability issues in a vehicle is to examine online customer complaints. There were quite a few that traversed throughout the Mazda3 years, no matter their reliability score.

Here are a few of the most common troubles across the board for the Mazda3:

  • Interior accessory issues
  • Clutch failure
  • Rear suspension rattling
  • Excessive vibrations

These may force you to pay out of pocket at random times of the year.

No matter which year you select for your used Mazda3, it’s possible one of these will occur. However, they are most likely in the worst years for reliability.

We’ve touched on many areas concerning the dependability of the Mazda3. Now - is the Mazda3 worth it?

Is The Mazda3 Worth It?

If you want the sleek enjoyment of the Mazda3 but don’t want to spend excessive money, the used version is worth it. It’s fast, compact, and will provide an excellent experience behind the wheel. The Mazda3 is worth every penny and every saved dollar by going used for your model.

Although there are issues with the Mazda3, they aren’t so drastic that they lower the reliability dramatically. If you want a compact and luxurious-feeling vehicle, go with this option for your next ride.

Final Thoughts

The Mazda3 is a decent compact car with plenty of features and decent reliability. Although there are better vehicles when considering dependability, the Mazda3 puts up a decent fight in its class. The most reliable years won’t cost you an excessive amount in repairs and it offers a fun ride. It’s reliable for interested drivers.

We hope this information was valuable! There are many years to pick from with the Mazda3, but our analysis should help guide you to the best used options for your money. The more you know about the reliability of this vehicle, the easier it will be to land on your final selection.

Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You

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