2005 Mazda 3 · 11,136 MOT tests
2005 Mazda 3 reliability
2005 Mazda 3s fail 51.8% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 18 3 years (11,136 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 51.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 102,399
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,136
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.4% of tests fail here (96% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics29.1%
- Suspension26.3%
- Brakes9.5%
- Tyres9.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.1%
- Body, chassis and structure8.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 8.99%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 6.29%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 5.62%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.23%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.8%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.65%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (13.09%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (12.02%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.47%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.84%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.81%)
Other years
Every Mazda 3 year
The full picture: Mazda 3 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda 3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2005 Mazda 3 reliable?
2005 Mazda 3s fail 51.8% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 18 3 years (11,136 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (8.99% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (6.29% of tests), stop lamp not working (5.62% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Mazda 3 shows 102,399 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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