How much does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices are up 4.24% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 563 listings available, which gives you a workable but not oversized pool to compare. If you find a listing below $10,772.23, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Generally — 4.3/5 from owners and 7.83/10 from our experts point to a strong overall showing. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers repeatedly praise the car’s great fuel economy, reliability, and fun driving experience. They also like its attractive design and affordable features compared with competitors.

That lines up with the model’s broader appeal: it’s a compact car that feels lively and rewarding to drive, but it can feel tight inside if you need more passenger or cargo room. If you want a small car that emphasizes driving enjoyment and everyday practicality, this year fits that brief well.

Only 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market still rewards shoppers who move quickly on the right car.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

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

Drivers’ feedback highlights the car’s reliability and dependability, along with the sense that it’s a car you can count on over time. The expert review also describes the Mazda3 as a strong ownership proposition, with a focus on reliability and ownership costs.

The cost-effectiveness notes also point to a practical ownership story: even basic versions can be equipped with useful features without turning the car into an expensive proposition. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by prior use.

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

At 53.3% 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 multiple owners. Focus on condition first: interior wear, electronics, and signs of hard use matter more when you’re shopping a compact car that may have been driven daily for years.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base versions can feel sparse because some safety and convenience features are optional rather than standard. Higher trims add a more upscale look and more equipment.
• Powertrain: The 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder is the efficiency-minded choice, while the 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gives you stronger acceleration at the cost of some fuel economy.
• Safety package: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, optional on Sport. The Technology Package 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, social media access, text-message delivery and reply, and two USB ports. The system also uses a touchscreen that deactivates while driving.
• Fuel efficiency: A Mazda3 i with a 6-speed manual averaged 28.5 mpg, below its combined estimate of 33. A Mazda3 s with an automatic returned 26.7 mpg, 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:

• Base trim: Sport is the entry point, and it can leave you without standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert unless you add the right package.
• Sweet-spot trim: Touring is the best balance if you want the safety upgrade without jumping all the way to the top trim.
• Premium/top trim: Grand Touring brings the most upscale feel, plus access to the Technology Package with more advanced driver assistance and lighting features.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that 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 seller’s market, so you should shop selectively and be ready to move when a strong listing appears.

• Deal availability: 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 563 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 4.24% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 53.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,772.23, 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 $12,109 sits slightly above last year's $11,616.

That price movement suggests the market still sees value in this model year, which can help support resale strength if you buy carefully. A modest year-over-year increase also means sellers may have some pricing power, especially on cleaner examples with desirable equipment.

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?

It 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 car offers access to key safety technologies on all three trim levels. Blind-spot warning 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. The Technology Package adds 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:

• 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 4.24% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 keeps the Mazda3’s engaging driving feel while adding strong safety and tech.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $10,866, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,109 average.
• It feels more upscale than its mainstream positioning suggests.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,421, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,109 average.
• It adds a real update with design changes and G-Vectoring Control.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price, safety, and driving enjoyment, the 2016 is the smart middle ground. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2015 can save you money; if you want the newest update and can spend more, the 2017 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.