Used Mazda Mazda3 for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 500
Average Price: Around £12,000

Mazda3 (2013-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Handsome styling really stands out	The saloon is less practical than the hatch
Offers both sporty handling and a comfortable ride	Rear headroom could be more generous
Roomy for people and luggage	The materials in the cabin look low-rent

Quick Summary

The Mazda3 (2013-2018), the third generation of Mazda's mainstream family hatchback, is available in both five-door hatchback and four-door saloon (fastback) forms. Mazda's design philosophy, 'KODO: Soul of Motion', results in a car that stands out visually in a class often dominated by conservative styling. With a spacious cabin and generous equipment levels, the Mazda3 offers more than many rivals. The 364-litre boot provides decent storage, though the hatchback's space is more accessible than the saloon's. Whilst rear headroom is tight due to the rakish roofline, front occupants enjoy plenty of space with excellent legroom and shoulder room.

Mazda bucked the trend for smaller turbocharged engines, instead applying SkyActiv technologies to reduce consumption, increase power, and reduce weight. The result is engaging, enjoyable engines and a chassis that's surefooted and agile, with a supple ride. All models came with air conditioning, alloy wheels, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel achieves around 45mpg in real-world driving, whilst petrol engines typically return 30-35mpg. Mazda's strong reliability record and distinctive design make the Mazda3 an excellent used purchase that stands out from more predictable rivals.

Best for: Drivers seeking stylish design, engaging handling combined with comfort, spacious interiors, and strong reliability in a family hatchback that stands out from the crowd.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising maximum rear headroom, buyers wanting premium cabin materials, or those requiring maximum boot practicality (saloon buyers).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Mazda3 if: You value distinctive styling, engaging handling combined with comfort, spacious interiors, and strong reliability in a family hatchback that stands out from mainstream rivals.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise maximum rear headroom, premium cabin materials, or require maximum boot practicality, particularly in saloon form.

Competitive Position: The Mazda3 (2013-2018) is a standout choice in the family hatchback market, offering exceptional design, engaging driving dynamics, and strong reliability. Whilst the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 commands a premium badge appeal and the Ford Focus Mk3 offers sharp handling, the Mazda3 delivers a compelling balance of style, comfort, and performance at a competitive price point. Its distinctive design and engaging character make it an excellent alternative to more predictable rivals, offering genuine value for discerning used car buyers seeking something different.

Read our full Mazda3 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.