Used 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearModesto, CA

How much does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices are up 7.52% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 698 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of shopping room.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Generally — 4.3/5 from owners and 7.8/10 from our experts point to a strong overall showing. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10. Drivers consistently praise its fuel economy, reliability, attractive design, and fun driving experience, while the overview frames it as a compact car built around driver enjoyment. That makes it a good fit if you want an engaging daily driver and can live with its smaller interior. With 30.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 the owner summary also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience with strong fuel economy and affordable features. The expert review reinforces that sense of durability by describing the car as refined and mechanically well sorted, with a focus on making driving feel smooth and controlled. If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about the car’s core character and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by hard use.

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

At 52.7% 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 close inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of previous repair. Pay extra attention to the interior condition, since both owners and experts note that cabin layout and space can be a weak point. If you’re considering a hatchback, make sure the enclosed feel and cargo setup work for your needs before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims differ meaningfully in equipment, and the base Sport can leave out some desirable safety and convenience features.
• 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 stronger engine trades a bit of efficiency for quicker acceleration.
• Safety package: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, optional on Sport, while the Technology Package on Grand Touring adds dynamic cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive HID headlights with automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect is standard, with Bluetooth music streaming, HD Radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, selected social media access, text-message delivery and reply, and two USB ports.
• Fuel efficiency: The review notes that the Mazda3 can fall short of its official fuel-economy estimates, especially with the 2.0-liter manual and the 2.5-liter automatic.

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 value play if you want the Mazda3’s core driving character at the lowest entry point, but you may want to add options for more convenience and safety equipment.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a stronger mix of everyday comfort and safety equipment without pushing you into the highest price tier.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most upscale feel and the most available technology, especially if you’re willing to pay extra for the top-end features.

The safety package note is important: blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, but optional on Sport.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can still find good opportunities if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 698 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 7.52% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 52.7% 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 $12,266 sits slightly above last year's $11,408.

That upward move suggests the market has held up reasonably well for this model year, which is a positive sign if you plan to sell later. A stronger current price can help support your resale position, especially if your car has clean history and good maintenance records. Demand should stay healthier for well-kept examples, since owner satisfaction remains solid.

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.

Mazda Connect includes an E911 automatic emergency notification system, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is available across the lineup, standard on Touring and Grand Touring and optional on Sport. The Technology Package on Grand Touring adds dynamic cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive HID headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and lane-departure warning. That said, some of the most advanced safety tech is not standard on the base trim.

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:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 52.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 7.52% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert review says it filters out road harshness while keeping the drive engaging.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,001, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,266 average.
• It feels more upscale than its badge suggests.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,346, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,266 average.
• It adds a meaningful update and new G-Vectoring Control.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, driving enjoyment, and available inventory, the 2016 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2015 is worth a look; if you want the newer update and can pay more, the 2017 is the upgrade path.

How does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 compare to the 2016 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 7.8/10 and the 2016 Honda Civic 8/10. The Civic edges ahead overall, but the Mazda3 still stands out for its engaging driving feel and upscale presentation. The Civic offers a bit more power, slightly better city fuel economy, and a larger used-market footprint, while the Mazda3 counters with a lower average used price and stronger accident-free share. If you want the sharper driver’s car, the Mazda3 is compelling; if you want the slightly stronger all-around package, the Civic has the edge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.