Used 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices are up 6.94% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 688 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used examples to compare.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its fun driving experience, great fuel economy, and reliability, while also liking its attractive design and affordable features. The overview also frames it as a compact car built around driver enjoyment, which fits the recurring feedback about its engaging feel and everyday practicality.

With a moderate market verdict and 30.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop carefully and find value.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

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

User feedback repeatedly points to reliability, and the expert commentary also describes the car as a strong ownership proposition. The performance write-up emphasizes a refined, responsive driving character, while the cost-effectiveness section notes that the brand’s ownership-cost research is favorable.

If you buy used, the main long-term risk is choosing a car that has been neglected or driven hard, so condition and maintenance history matter more than the badge.

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

At 53.2% 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 paint mismatch. Focus on the cabin and controls too, since owner feedback and expert commentary both point to interior layout and space as common concerns.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims differ meaningfully in equipment, and the base setup can leave out features that matter to you. The higher trims add more upscale touches, while the Grand Touring brings the most premium feel.
• Powertrain: The 155-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder is the efficiency-oriented choice, while the 184-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder adds 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-beam operation, and lane-departure warning.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect is standard and includes Bluetooth with music streaming, HD Radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, social media access, text-message delivery and reply, and two USB ports. The system uses a touchscreen, steering-wheel controls, voice commands, and a Commander Control knob.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine is described as fine on performance, but the expert review says fuel economy can fall short of official ratings. The 2.5-liter engine brings better acceleration in exchange for a slight penalty at the gas pump.

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 without paying for the upper-trim extras. It can be a smart pick if you plan to add the right options and want the lowest entry point.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday convenience and includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. It strikes a strong balance between price and equipment.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most upscale version of the car, with the richest feature set and access to the Technology Package on automatic models. It suits you best if you want the fullest safety and comfort content.

The safety package is strongest on Touring and Grand Touring, while Sport leaves some of those features optional.

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

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you should shop with a clear target and be ready to move when a strong listing appears.

• Deal availability: 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 688 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 6.94% year-over-year.
• Clean inventory: 53.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,770, 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 $12,298 sits slightly above last year's $11,500.

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 trade-in or private-party value, especially if your car is clean and well maintained.

Demand should stay healthier for examples with good condition, strong service records, and the features shoppers want most. Cars that present well and avoid accident history are likely to be easier to move when it is your turn to sell.

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 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 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, optional on Sport. 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:

• 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices are up 6.94% 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 content.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,095, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,298 average.
• It emphasizes refinement, practicality, and a strong all-rounder character.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,243, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,298 average.
• It adds a first major update with design changes and new G-Vectoring Control.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and driving enjoyment, the 2016 is the primary path to consider. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2015 can make sense; if you want the newer update and can spend 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 on expert score, starting price, and average used price, while the Mazda3 counters with a stronger accident-free share and a slightly better good-and-great-deal share. You should lean Mazda if you value the more engaging driving character and stronger safety emphasis, and lean Civic if you want the slightly newer-market value proposition and broader inventory.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.