Used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 4.23% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 541 listings available, which gives you a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stunning design, amazing interior, and enjoyable driving experience. The upscale feel and advanced safety features also come up repeatedly, which fits a car aimed at shoppers who want a more premium small-car experience.

The main trade-offs are limited cargo space and a lack of power. That means you should think of it as a strong fit if you value style, refinement, and safety more than maximum practicality or quick acceleration.

The model’s appeal is strongest if you want a compact car that feels more premium than basic, rather than a pure value play. With 30.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

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

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers highlighting the car’s quality feel and confidence-inspiring character. The expert evaluation also describes the Mazda3 as a bargain relative to entry-level luxury brands, which supports the idea that it can deliver a satisfying long-term ownership experience if you buy the right example.

The cost-effectiveness notes also mention decent fuel economy and position the car as a value-conscious choice for shoppers who want style and safety without stepping into luxury-brand pricing. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the car’s premium ambitions were matched by careful maintenance and condition.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?

At 71.3% 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 close inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and interior wear. Because this model is valued for its premium feel, condition matters a lot: a clean, well-kept car will usually be a much better buy than one with visible wear or prior damage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car misses some of the visual polish you get higher up, including the 18-inch alloy wheels that come standard on all but the base-trim-level vehicle. The Premium Package also adds a more upscale presentation.
• Powertrain: All 2020 Mazda3s use a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It is predictable and refined, but it does not deliver the immediate punch of a turbocharged setup.
• Safety package: Mazda’s driver-assistance suite includes forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. Lower trims get less impressive headlights than the Premium Package.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the system is controlled by a rotary dial rather than touch input. Mazda’s software is also described as noticeably faster than past versions.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it returns 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Which 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 2 trim levels: sedan and hatchback.

Here's the short version:

• sedan: This is the better pick if you want the more traditional body style and a model that competes more directly with other compact sedans. It still delivers the Mazda3’s upscale design, strong safety equipment, and premium-feeling cabin.
• hatchback: This is the more distinctive choice if you want the body style Mazda leans into most heavily in its styling and marketing. It suits you best if you value personality and a more unique look over conventional sedan proportions.

The safety package is a major part of the Mazda3’s appeal, but lower trims do give up the better headlight rating that comes with the Premium Package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop carefully and be ready to move when you find a strong example.

• Deal availability: 30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 541 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.23% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,071, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3's resale value?

The current average of $18,206 sits slightly below last year's $19,010.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become a little more favorable for buyers, which can make resale a bit more competitive for future sellers. If you buy well now, you may benefit from the lower entry point, but you should still expect the car’s value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment.

Because this model has strong appeal on style, safety, and owner satisfaction, well-kept examples should remain easier to sell than more ordinary compact cars. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 safe?

The 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 is a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS and earns five-star ratings from NHTSA in all crash tests.

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

Mazda equips the car with a broad driver-assistance suite that includes forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. Lower trims do give up the better headlight rating that comes with the Premium Package, which is worth keeping in mind if safety is a top priority.

Should I buy a 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 30.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.23% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines upscale styling, standard advanced safety features, and a premium-feeling cabin.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,688, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $18,206 average.
• It feels upscale, refined, and genuinely athletic.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,709, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $18,206 average.
• Turbo power adds boosted performance with a more refined personality.

The bottom line: The 2020 is the right pick if you want the best balance of style, safety, and current-market value. If you are price-sensitive, the 2019 is the cheaper route into the same basic formula, while the 2021 makes sense if you want to pay more for added power.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.