Used 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices are up 5.72% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 652 listings available, which gives you a modest pool to compare before you buy.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its great fuel economy, reliability, and fun driving experience. They also like its attractive design and affordable features compared with competitors. For you, that means this is a strong fit if you want a compact car that emphasizes driving enjoyment and value more than maximum cabin space. Good and great deals account for 33.9% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as reliable and appreciate its dependable, trouble-free character, along with its strong long-term appeal. The expert review also points to a car that feels refined and well sorted, with a driving experience that emphasizes precision and responsiveness. Mazda Connect-equipped models also include an E911 automatic emergency notification system, and the cost-effectiveness review notes that Consumer Reports is bullish on the Mazda3’s reliability and ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the car’s condition and maintenance history match its reputation.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

At 50.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has had bodywork or shows uneven panel gaps, tire wear, or interior wear that doesn’t match the mileage. Focus on how the car has been maintained and whether any prior damage affected safety systems or drivability. If you’re comparing multiple listings, condition should matter as much as price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims differ meaningfully in equipment, and the base Sport leaves some desirable safety tech as an option rather than standard. The Touring and Grand Touring add more convenience and safety content, so they are the better fit if you want a more complete daily driver.
• Powertrain: You can choose a 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder in the Mazda3 i or a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder in the Mazda3 s. The smaller engine is the efficiency-minded choice, while the larger one gives you stronger acceleration.
• Safety package: A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, and optional on Sport. The Technology Package on Grand Touring automatic models adds dynamic cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive HID headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and lane-departure warning.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect is standard and includes Bluetooth with music streaming, HD Radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, selected social media access, text-message delivery and reply, and two USB ports. It does not support wireless smartphone integration, and the touchscreen is deactivated while driving.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine is described as averaging 28.5 mpg in testing, below its combined rating of 33. The 2.5-liter automatic returned 26.7 mpg in testing, below its combined estimate of 32.

Which 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 3 trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Mazda3’s driving character. It can be equipped with useful safety tech, but some of the better convenience and driver-assistance features are reserved for higher trims or packages.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more standard safety equipment while staying below the top trim’s price. If you want a balanced mix of features and value, this is the one to focus on first.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most upscale version of the Mazda3, with the richest feature set and access to the Technology Package on automatic models. It suits you best if you want the most complete equipment list and are willing to pay more for it.

For safety-minded shoppers, the blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, and optional on Sport.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Mazda MAZDA3?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 652 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 5.72% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 50.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,769, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3's resale value?

The current average of $12,135 sits slightly above last year's $11,479.

That upward move suggests the market still sees value in this model year, which can help support resale strength if you buy well and keep the car in good condition. The year-over-year increase also tells you that clean, well-priced examples are still getting attention from shoppers. If you plan to sell later, a car with strong maintenance records and desirable equipment should be easier to move.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 safe?

The 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 earns top crash-test ratings from the federal government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

The Mazda3 offers access to key safety technologies on all three trim levels. A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, and optional on Sport. Mazda Connect also includes an E911 automatic emergency notification system. If you choose a Grand Touring model with the automatic transmission and Technology Package, you also get dynamic cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive HID headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and lane-departure warning.

Should I buy a 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 50.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 5.72% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert review says it is small inside, but rewarding if cabin space is not your priority.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,140, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,135 average.
• It balances refinement, practicality, safety, reliability, and fun.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,426, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,135 average.
• It adds a refresh with design updates and G-Vectoring Control.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of price, safety, and driving enjoyment, the 2016 is the primary year to target. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2015 is the better value play, while the 2017 makes sense if you want the refresh and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.