2008 Mazda 3 · 23,126 MOT tests
2008 Mazda 3 reliability
2008 Mazda 3s fail 48.4% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 18 3 years (23,126 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 48.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 95,604
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 23,126
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 25.1% of tests fail here (53% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension25.1%
- Lights and electrics25%
- Brakes10.1%
- Tyres8.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.8%
- Body, chassis and structure5.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 8.7%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 6.83%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.22%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.85%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.14%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.87%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.04%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (13.53%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.75%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.54%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.52%)
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 2008 Mazda 3 reliable?
2008 Mazda 3s fail 48.4% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 18 3 years (23,126 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (8.7% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (6.83% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mazda 3 shows 95,604 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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