Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 1.14% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 471 listings available, which gives you a workable amount of inventory to compare before you commit.

If you find a listing below $18,454.72, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 10/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the sporty design, high-quality interior, and fun driving experience. The car also stands out for its stylish appearance and fuel efficiency.

The trade-offs are clear: the manual transmission is not available, visibility is poor, and the technology is outdated. That makes it a stronger fit if you value driving feel and cabin polish more than maximum practicality or the latest interface tech.

For shoppers who want a compact car that feels more refined than most mainstream rivals, the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 fits that brief well. With 25.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviews also point to a car that feels dependable and fun to live with, with owners highlighting its sporty design, high-quality interior, and enjoyable driving experience.

The expert test-drive notes reinforce that sense of consistency, describing the car as smooth, predictable, and trustworthy in how it responds. That kind of behavior matters for long-term ownership because it reduces the chance that the car will feel unpredictable or tiring over time.

If you’re buying used, the main risk is less about outright drama and more about whether the car has been maintained and preserved well enough to match its strong reputation.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

At 73.2% 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 interior wear that doesn’t match the mileage. Focus on condition first, because the Mazda3’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The standard specification uses black or greige leatherette, while Premium Plus upgrades to supple Nappa leather. The Premium Plus cabin also adds a more upscale feel with higher-end materials and a more premium presentation.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. It pairs with a six-speed automatic and AWD, and the tuning is aimed at smooth, predictable response rather than frenetic speed.
• Safety package: The i-ActiveSense suite includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and automatic high-beam LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System. Premium Plus adds a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect uses an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. It is not touch-sensitive, which is worth checking if you prefer a touchscreen interface.
• Fuel efficiency: During testing, the car averaged 20.4 mpg, while the EPA estimate was 27 mpg in combined driving. The expert notes also suggest you may see about 24 mpg in the real world.

Which 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 2 trim levels: standard and Premium Plus.

Here's the short version:

• standard: This is the better fit if you want the Mazda3 Turbo experience at the lower entry point. You still get the turbocharged powertrain, AWD, and the car’s core upscale design and driving character, so it covers the essentials without stepping up to the more expensive equipment.
• Premium Plus: This is the best-value trim if you want the most complete version of the car. It adds Nappa leather, a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist, making it the trim that most fully matches the Mazda3’s premium ambitions.

The safety package is strongest on Premium Plus, where the extra driver-assistance and parking features are exclusive to that trim.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 25.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 471 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.14% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $18,454.72, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's resale value?

The current average of $19,567 sits slightly below last year's $19,793.

That softer pricing suggests the model is holding value reasonably well, but not aggressively appreciating. For a future seller, that means your return will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car is equipped.

The good news is that buyer interest should remain solid if your car presents well, especially because the Mazda3 has strong owner satisfaction and a premium-feeling cabin. Well-kept examples should continue to attract shoppers who want style and driving enjoyment in a compact package.

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 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 safe?

The Mazda3 earns top five-star ratings in every assessment including rollover resistance from NHTSA, and the IIHS had not carried over its “Top Safety Pick+” rating from 2020 at the time of publication.

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

Mazda’s i-ActiveSense suite is the core driver-assistance package, and it is designed to support the driver rather than replace them. Standard features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and automatic high-beam LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System.

Premium Plus adds a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. That means the most complete safety setup is reserved for the higher trim.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 25.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.14% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds turbocharged power with smooth, predictable response and a more mature premium feel.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $17,993, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $19,567 average.
• It emphasizes premium style, safety, and everyday value.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $21,216, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $19,567 average.
• It adds Carbon Edition styling and a few upscale equipment updates.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest blend of style, turbo performance, and premium feel, the 2021 is the best all-around pick. If your budget matters most, the 2020 is the value path; if you want the newest updates and can pay more, the 2022 is the upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.