Used 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearPalatine, IL

How much does the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 5.27% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 544 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

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.

You get a car that shoppers consistently praise for its stunning design, amazing interior, and enjoyable driving experience. The upscale feel is a major part of the appeal, and the standard advanced safety features add to the sense that you’re getting more refinement than a typical compact car.

The trade-offs are just as clear: it lacks power, and it has limited cargo space. That means it fits you best if you care more about style, a premium atmosphere, and safety than maximum practicality or quick acceleration.

The market also looks reasonably favorable, with 35.3% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2020 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

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

The user feedback points to a car that many drivers feel good about living with over time, especially because it comes across as dependable and enjoyable to own. The expert evaluation also describes the engine as good and predictable, which supports the sense that the car should be easy to count on in everyday use.

Mazda also includes a decent fuel-economy story, which can help keep ownership costs manageable. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the car’s tight packaging and modest power still suit your needs after the novelty wears off.

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

At 70.6% 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 any signs of prior repair. Because this model is valued for its upscale feel, you’ll also want to pay attention to interior condition, trim wear, and whether the cabin still feels tight and well kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Premium Package adds 18-inch alloy wheels and better headlights, while lower trims get less impressive lighting. If you want the more upscale look and equipment, the higher trim is the one to target.
• Powertrain: All versions use a 2.5-liter SkyActiv four-cylinder with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It’s smooth and predictable, but it does not deliver the immediate punch of a turbocharged engine.
• Safety package: Mazda includes forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dynamic brake support. The Premium Package’s LED headlights rate better than the lower-trim headlights.
• Infotainment: The cabin centers on an 8.8-inch display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. Mazda does not use touchscreen functionality here, so you control the system with a rotary dial.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says it returns 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, and the test average was 31 in combined driving.

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 direct upmarket look. It suits you if you care most about style, safety, and a premium-feeling compact car.
• hatchback: This is the more distinctive choice, with the more dramatic shape and the stronger visual personality. It’s the better fit if you want the Mazda3’s design to stand out even more.

The Premium Package is the trim note to keep in mind for safety and lighting, since its LED headlights rate better than the lower-trim headlights.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you have some room to shop carefully without waiting forever for a deal.

• Deal availability: 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 544 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.27% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.6% 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 $18,016 sits slightly below last year's $19,018.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become a little more favorable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to stay realistic on asking price. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later.

The model’s strong styling, premium feel, and broad appeal should help it remain desirable to used shoppers. 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+ from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA.

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. That gives you a broad safety suite for the class, and the Premium Package’s LED headlights score better than the lower-trim headlights.

The main caveat is that lower trim levels receive only an Acceptable score for their headlights, so lighting quality depends on the version you choose.

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:

• 35.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.27% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Mazda’s upscale redesign carries forward with premium styling, standard safety, and a more refined feel.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $16,759, the 2019 costs less than the current year's $18,016 average.
• It emphasizes upscale feel and driving enjoyment in a newly redesigned compact package.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $19,830, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $18,016 average.
• It adds turbocharged power for a more energetic driving experience.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, style, and safety, the 2020 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2019 is the value play; if you want more power and can spend more, the 2021 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.