Should I buy this car? Powered by MotorIQ

Should I buy a 2015–2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Petrol Manual?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2015–2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Petrol Manual. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1High Likelihood

Low-pressure fuel pump impeller failure

Long cranking, sudden hesitation, loss of power, or a non-start.

How to check

Check by VIN whether recall R/2021/435 has been completed.

Estimated Repair Cost

£942

2Moderate Likelihood

Manual gearshift stiff or hard to select

The lever feels notchy or resistant, often worst from cold and sometimes still awkward when warm.

How to check

Drive from cold if possible and shift gently through all forward gears at normal road speeds.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

3Moderate Likelihood

Wet boot well from tailgate or rear seal leaks

Condensation, musty smell, damp boot carpet, or water sitting in the spare-wheel well.

How to check

Lift the boot floor and spend a moment around the luggage area after opening the tailgate.

Estimated Repair Cost

£350

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%40%50%0–20,000 miles: 5.6% (1,699 failed / 30,171 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 10.2% (6,131 failed / 60,019 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 13.6% (4,437 failed / 32,634 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 16.8% (2,021 failed / 12,043 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 19.5% (679 failed / 3,491 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 22.2% (207 failed / 933 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 24.1% (51 failed / 212 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 23.4% (11 failed / 47 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 14.3% (2 failed / 14 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 46.2% (6 failed / 13 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2015–2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Petrol Manual

Mazda CX-3 buying questions

Is a 2015–2020 Mazda CX-3 worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2015–2020 Mazda CX-3 2.0 Petrol Manual, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Mazda CX-3 (2015–2020)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Mazda CX-3?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually