The Mazda3 is a compact car that’s popular due to its good looks and smooth driving experience
However, before you go and purchase one, it’s important to know what kind of life expectancy you can get from a Mazda3.
So, how long does a Mazda 3 last?
Like most modern cars, the Mazda 3 should last you at least 150,000 – 200,000 miles if well maintained and regularly serviced. Most Americans drive an average of 13,500 miles per year. Based on this, your Mazda3 should last at least 10-15 years.
Continue reading to find out if the Mazda 3 is expensive to maintain, and how it compares to similar cars.
How Many Miles Do Mazda3s Last?
A new Mazda3 should be able to easily reach 150,000 miles if taken care of.
However, while researching this article, we found many examples of owners of Mazda3’s with well over 200,000 miles on the clock.
For example, one owner has a 2014 Mazda3 with over 220,000 miles on the clock with barely any major repairs.
If you want similar results with your Mazda3, you need to make sure that you regularly change the oil, check tire pressure, change the filters and stick to the recommended servicing periods.
Rough driving styles will also negatively impact the life expectancy of your Mazda3, so take it easy if you want to maximize your Mazda3’s life.
Are Mazda3’s Reliable?
While much older Mazda3 had a few reliability issues, new Mazda3s are considered a very reliable car to drive.
They will run for a very long time with only basic scheduled maintenance, and you can expect very very repairs or issues.
Consumer reports found that most models after 2011 had consistently above-average levels of reliability, and are more reliable than similar cars, such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, or Toyota Corolla.
While conducting research for this article, we found that most Mazda3 owners rave about the reliability of the car.
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Best Mazda3 Years For Reliability
Older models of the Mazda3 were very unreliable and had a poor reputation overall.
Based on consumer reports data any of the models after 2011 get very good reliability scores (with 2019 being the slight exception)
| Mazda3 Year | Reliability Score | Recalls |
| 2021 | 4/5 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5/5 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3/5 | 6 |
| 2018 | 5/5 | 2 |
| 2017 | 5/5 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5/5 | 5 |
| 2015 | 5/5 | 3 |
| 2014 | 5/5 | 3 |
| 2013 | 5/5 | 1 |
| 2012 | 5/5 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3/5 | 2 |
| 2010 | 4/5 | 3 |
With the Mazda 3, it’s best to buy more recent models if reliability is one of your main concerns.
However, avoid the 2019 Mazda 3, as there were a whopping 6 recalls to that model
How Reliable are Mazda 3 Compared To Similar Cars?
Let’s look at how reliable the Mazda 3 is compared to similar cars that you might be considering.
Mazda3 vs Ford Focus
The Mazda3 has a much better history of reliability than the Ford Focus.
According to Consumer Reports, most Ford Focus years get an awful 1/5 for reliability, whereas most Mazda3 years get top marks.
The average annual cost to repair a ford focus is $569, while the average cost to maintain a Mazda3 is $433.
Mazda3 vs Honda Civic
If you’re concerned about reliability, then the Mazda3 beats the Honda Civic hands down.
Although Honda is known for its reliability, the Civic actually has quite a patchy record when it comes to reliability.
However, the Mazda3 will cost an average of about $65 more per year to maintain than the civic. This is due to the parts being much cheaper.
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Mazda3 vs Corolla
The Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla are quite evenly matched when it comes to reliability, with most models and years receiving above-average scores from consumer reports.
However, according to RepairPal, the average cost of repairs for a Corolla is $362, which is $71 cheaper than the Mazda3
Is The Mazda3 Expensive To Maintain?
The average annual cost of maintenance for the Mazda3 is $433, which is slightly less than the $526 average for subcompact cars.
For comparison, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic cost slightly less to maintain each year, at $362 and 4368 respectively.
Additionally, the Mazda3 has a 10% probability of encountering a severe issue, compared to the average for subcompact cars of 11%.
Again, for comparison, the Toyota Corolla has a 10% chance, while the Honda Civic also has a 10% chance.
How Long Will A Mazda 3 Engine Last?
A Mazda 3 engine should last at least 150,000 miles if services properly.
However, there are many reports of Mazda3 engines lasting longer than this. Make sure you change the oil every 3000-5000 miles to keep the engine clean and running well.
How Long Does A Mazda 3 Clutch Last?
The clutch on your Mazda3 should last at least 60,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
However, there are many reports of Mazda3 clutches last well beyond this, up to 150,000 miles.
You can prolong the life of your clutch by trying to use it as little as possible while driving.
IE, no resting your foot on it or holding it down unnecessarily.
How Long Will Mazda 3 Brakes Last?
The brakes on your Mazda3 will last anywhere from 30,000 to 65,000 miles before needing to be replaced.
It’s important to inspect your brake pads and rotators every 15,000 miles.
How Long Will Mazda 3 Batteries Last?
The battery on your Mazda 3 should last anywhere from 3-5 years or around 80,000 miles with proper care and maintenance.
That said, there are many reports of Mazda 3 owners driving cars with batteries well over this number.
How Long Will Mazda 3 Transmission Last?
As long as your Mazda 3 is regularly serviced, your transmission should last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
If you drive 15,000 miles per year, your transmission should be good for at least 10-15 years.
How Long Will Mazda 3 Tires Last?
The stock tires that come with your Mazda 3 will last on average 20,000 miles.
The distance you get from them really depends on your driving habits and the environment you drive in.
Hot climates and winding roads will mean that you get less distance from your tires, whereas straight roads and careful driving mean you get more.
It’s important to rotate your tires and check them regularly.
The manual that comes with your Mazda 3 will tell you how often you should do this.
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How To Make Your Mazda3 Last Longer
If you want to get the most mileage out of your Mazda3, there are several things you can do to make it last longer.
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
- Don’t drive too aggressively
- Always keep your tires properly inflated
- Change your car’s oil regularly.
Final Thoughts – Mazda 3 Life Expectancy
There’s no doubt that the Mazda 3 is a car worth buying if a long life expectancy is one of your key requirements.
Most years after 2011 should give you at least 200,000 miles before requiring major replacements, and there are many examples of Mazda3 owners getting more than this.
The Mazda3 regularly gets top marks for reliability on consumer reports and would be my number one choice if I was comparing it to the Corolla or Civic.