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Mazda 3 Used Car Review

The Mazda 3 is a Japanese small car that has for a long time been one of Australia's most popular vehicles. It is considered one of the most fun cars to drive in its class, with great steering and handling. There have been several generations since the model replaced the 323 in 2004. It continues to be offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles. A 2.2-litre turbo diesel model was introduced in 2014 but axed two years later owing to slow sales, leaving a choice between two smooth and efficient petrol engines in 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre form, with a standard manual gearbox or optional automatic. The first- and second-generation Mazda 3 range featured a performance variant called the MPS.

Pros

Cons

  • Mazda 3 places emphasis on driving enjoyment.
  • Good build quality.
  • Broad model range and prices.
  • Roomy cabin. Hatch body style particularly practical.
  • Road noise has been a constant issue for Mazda 3 generations.
  • Lower trim grades can be missing convenient features.
This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.
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Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at LbMxRZxskM25-03-18 07:33

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18/03/2025

Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at LbMxRZxskM25-03-18 07:33

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West Gosford, NSW

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Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at CtWEvPiYwC25-03-18 07:33

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West Gosford, NSW

18/03/2025

Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at aUrVvtByhh25-03-07 01:32

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Dpyhg95dey6e0ltz3G4utfnggt85e83bi9oTGy4hDCsz1fS0qj7q068U3d6oeY01lU6ZgkM7Zyigs7yaMxLl909KjUxXTBmH9F4im 25-03-07 01:32

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07/03/2025

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07/03/2025

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Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at DflnCSpCff25-03-07 12:42

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Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at yPJhzzPYGT25-02-13 03:55

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Cars, Vans & Utes Ad at lCZhBqvwAu25-02-13 03:55

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West Gosford, NSW

13/02/2025

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Overview of the Mazda Mazda3

Overview of the Mazda Mazda3

The Mazda 3 is a Japanese small car that has for a long time been one of Australia's most popular vehicles. It is considered one of the most fun cars to drive in its class, with great steering and handling. There have been several generations since the model replaced the 323 in 2004.

It continues to be offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles. A 2.2-litre turbo diesel model was introduced in 2014 but axed two years later owing to slow sales, leaving a choice between two smooth and efficient petrol engines in 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre form, with a standard manual gearbox or optional automatic. The first- and second-generation Mazda 3 range featured a performance variant called the MPS.

MAZDA 3 GENERATIONS

2004-2009: 1st generation

2009-2013: 2nd generation

2013-present: 3rd generation

RUNNING COSTS

Fuel Consumption

2.2L Diesel (now discontinued): 5.0 to 5.2 litres per 100km

2.0L Petrol: 5.7 to 5.9 litres per 100km (91 unleaded)

2.5L Petrol: 6.0 to 6.5 litres per 100km (91 unleaded)

= Highly economical.

= Good economy.

= Average fuel use.

= Heavy consumption.

Servicing

SIMILAR MODELS TO MAZDA 3

How Does The Mazda 3 Perform After 5 Years?

A turbo-diesel version of the 3 that has never left the city is the biggest potential problem-child, with the resulting blocked diesel-particulate (soot) filter needing a trip to the dealership to be cleaned out.

In some cases, the on-board computer pumped more fuel into the engine to try to use engine heat to clear the filter. But sometimes that fuel made its way into the engine oil, diluting it. So watch for a rising level on the dipstick over time.

Some independent workshops ignored the particulate filter that could then fail altogether, requiring costly replacement to keep the car legal and roadworthy.

Some 3s suffered from poorly rust-proofed hatchback struts that could fail, spraying fluid everywhere and dropping the hatch on your head. Or fingers.