Used 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices are up 4.82% year-over-year — a sign of continued demand for this model year.

There are 662 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory 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. Owners repeatedly praise its great fuel economy, reliability, fun driving experience, attractive design, and affordable features. That lines up with the overview: you get a car that makes commuting more enjoyable, especially if you care about driving feel as much as everyday value. Only 29.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective.

Is the 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. Drivers also describe it as reliable and appreciate its trouble-free, dependable character, along with the sense that it’s a car you can count on over time. The expert review reinforces that with praise for its refined, responsive driving character and a cost-of-ownership outlook that favors buyers who choose the right equipment. If you’re shopping used, the main long-term risk is buying a poorly maintained example with hidden wear or neglected service.

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 multiple owners. Focus on condition details that matter most in a compact car: interior wear, electronics, and signs of uneven maintenance. If you’re considering a higher-trim example, make sure the added equipment actually works as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims differ in equipment, and the base Sport leaves some desirable features for higher trims or options.
• Powertrain: You can choose a 155-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, with manual or automatic transmissions depending on version.
• Safety package: Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, optional on Sport. The Technology Package on Grand Touring automatic models 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, with Bluetooth music streaming, HD Radio, satellite radio, Internet radio, social media access, text-message delivery and reply, and two USB ports.
• Fuel efficiency: The review notes that the car can fall short of its EPA fuel-economy promise, with a 28.5 mpg test result for one 2.0-liter manual example and 26.7 mpg for one 2.5-liter automatic example.

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 feel and standard Mazda Connect without paying for the higher-trim extras. It’s the trim to start with if you care most about keeping the price down while still getting a well-equipped compact car.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds more everyday convenience and makes the safety package standard. If you want a more complete used-car experience without jumping to the top trim, this is the one to focus on.
• Grand Touring: Choose this if you want the most upscale version, with the richest feature content and access to the Technology Package on automatic models. It suits you best if you want the most comfort and the most advanced safety tech available in this lineup.

The safety package is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, and optional on Sport.

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

Act selectively, because this is still a seller’s market and the best examples won’t sit long.

• Deal availability: 29.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 662 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices are up 4.82% 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 $12,122 sits slightly above last year's $11,564.

That upward move suggests the market has stayed supportive of this model year, which is helpful if you plan to sell later. A tighter supply of clean, well-priced examples can also help hold values for the better-maintained cars. If you buy carefully now, you’re more likely to own a version that remains attractive to future shoppers.

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.

Mazda Connect includes an E911 automatic emergency notification system, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Touring and Grand Touring, optional on Sport. The Technology Package on Grand Touring automatic models adds dynamic cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive HID headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and lane-departure warning. If you’re shopping Sport, pay close attention to whether the safety options you want are included.

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:

• 29.6% 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 4.82% year-over-year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It balances fun driving feel with strong safety and technology.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,026, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,122 average.
• It’s a more all-around, refined, practical, and reliability-focused choice.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $13,430, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,122 average.
• It adds a refresh with design updates and G-Vectoring Control.

The bottom line: Buy the 2016 if you want the strongest mix of driving enjoyment, safety, and value in this price band. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2015 is the cheaper path; if you want the newer refresh 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 overall expert score, starting price, and average used price, while the Mazda3 counters with a stronger safety score and a more engaging driving character. If you want the better value on the used market and a car that feels more fun behind the wheel, the Mazda3 makes a strong case. If you want the slightly stronger all-around score and a bit more interior room, the Civic has the advantage.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.