Used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 2.85% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 599 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory for shoppers to compare.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10. Drivers consistently praise its stunning design, amazing interior, and enjoyable driving experience, and they also appreciate the luxurious feel and advanced safety features. The main trade-offs are a lack of power and limited cargo space, which matter most if you want stronger acceleration or more utility. Based on the overview, this is a compact car that fits you best if you value style, refinement, and safety more than maximum roominess. With 37.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still attractive options 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 lasting appeal and the confidence it inspires over time. The expert review also describes the engine as good and predictable, which supports the sense that the car should be easy to live with day to day. Mazda’s first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house, which helps early ownership costs. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright failure and more about choosing a well-kept example that still feels tight and complete.

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

At 67.3% 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 signs of prior repair. Pay extra attention to the cabin and cargo area, since this model’s practicality is a known compromise. A thorough test drive should confirm that the car still feels composed, quiet enough, and free of warning lights or unusual noises.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim leaves out the 18-inch alloy wheels that come standard on all but the base-trim-level vehicle, and the Premium Package 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; the engine is predictable, but it lacks the immediate punch of turbocharged rivals.
• Safety package: The car 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 receive an Acceptable score for their headlights.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8.8-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the interface is controlled by a rotary dial rather than touch input.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it gets 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: Choose this if you want the cleaner traditional body style and a more direct upmarket feel; it’s the better fit if you value the Mazda3’s premium design language over maximum cargo flexibility.
• hatchback: Choose this if you want the more distinctive shape and the more practical cargo opening; it’s the better-value pick for shoppers who want the Mazda3’s style with a bit more everyday versatility.

The Premium Package is the trim-level safety note to keep in mind, since its LED headlights earned a Good rating while lower trims received an Acceptable score.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 599 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.85% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.3% 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 $17,619 sits slightly below last year's $18,135.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than broad market momentum. Well-kept examples with desirable features should hold buyer interest better than rougher cars, especially because this model still has strong appeal on style and safety.

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 earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with five-star ratings in all crash tests. It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Mazda equips the car with 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, so trim choice matters if you want the strongest safety setup.

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:

• 37.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.85% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 stands out for premium styling, easy-to-use technology, and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,840, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $17,619 average.
• It makes a small car feel upscale, refined, and genuinely athletic.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,118, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $17,619 average.
• It adds a more upscale, refined character with a delightful turbocharged version.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of style, safety, and current pricing, the 2020 is the primary pick. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2019 is the value path, while the 2021 makes sense if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling, more refined setup.

How does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 compare to the 2020 Honda Civic?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2020 Mazda MAZDA3:

• Pros: Stylish design, Easy-to-use technology, Standard advanced safety features.
• Cons: Cramped back seat, Not much cargo space.

2020 Honda Civic:

• Pros: Excellent value for money, Multiple body styles, Multiple powertrain options.
• Cons: Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 7.8/10 and the 2020 Honda Civic 8.2/10. The Mazda3 is the better choice if you care most about styling, safety, and a more premium-feeling cabin. The Civic has the edge if you want more value, more body-style choice, and more powertrain variety. If you prioritize tech simplicity and upscale presentation, the Mazda3 fits better; if you want broader practicality and lower cost, the Civic is the safer bet.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

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