Item: Used Mazda 3 Hatchback 2009-2013
Rating: 3
Author: Steve Huntingford

The obvious alternative to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> 3 is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/used-review/n345">Ford Focus</a>, which is closely related to the 3 under the skin. It’s just as much fun to drive and has a slightly more upmarket interior, but it’s more ubiquitous, which might be a downside if you want to stand out from the crowd.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n776">Volkswagen Golf</a> suffers the same problem, but to make up for it, it enjoys a truly classy interior and smart looks on the outside too. It’s efficient, well-built and enjoyable to drive, too, though it isn’t quite as sharp or as exciting to drive as the Mazda.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/used-review/n898">Honda Civic</a>’s wacky styling is certainly enough to make it different to the norm, and its reputation for reliability is another great attribute. Trouble is, it isn’t all that great to drive, and the fussy interior is tricky to use.

If you really want peace of mind, a good bet is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ceed/hatchback/used-review/n834">Kia Cee’d</a>. Most used examples still have a good chunk of the seven-year manufacturer’s warranty left over, meaning most faults will be fixed for free. That’ll more than make up for its slightly cheap-feeling interior and average driving dynamics for many people.

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They’re few and far between, fortunately, though 1.6-litre diesel models have been known to suffer with injector faults. Symptoms include a loss of power and warning lights on the dashboard, and replacement injectors can be costly.

Yes, on the whole, although some rivals have a better reputation. The 3 gets an above-average score in the What Car? Reliability Index, though it falls short of the lofty standards of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/civic/hatchback/used-review/n898">Honda Civic</a>.

That’s a situation mirrored by Mazda as a whole in the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Survey – it’s above average, but only just, and some manufacturers perform better.

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Hatchback

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

The Mazda 3 isn’t the most comfortable car in the world, but it’s fun to drive and cheap to run

Used Mazda 3 Hatchback 2009-2013

Not much at all. Diesel versions can get as much as 66mpg, while even the 2.0 petrol can achieve 42mpg, which is pretty respectable for a relatively large-engined petrol car of this size, and because carbon dioxide emissions are linked to fuel consumption, your road tax won’t be too expensive either.

Like-for-like, those figures compare pretty well with the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, making the 3 a pretty efficient car. What’s more, it shouldn’t cost the earth to maintain a 3, because Mazda’s servicing deals for older cars are particularly cheap.

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The Mazda 3 isn’t the most comfortable car in the world, but it’s fun to drive and cheap to run

Prices start at around £2500 for the very cheapest, earliest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> 3s. Keep in mind that these will often have high mileages, though, so it’s worth spending a little more to get a better example. Expect to pay at least £4000 for an average-mile car with a full service history; slightly more if you want a diesel.

If you’re after the hot MPS version, meanwhile, you’ll have to pay at least £9000 for a car with reasonable miles, while an ultra-low-mileage example will set you back as much as £16,000.

There are three petrol engines and two diesels to choose between in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> 3 range.. The 1.6 petrol isn’t fast but is just about adequate for the job; the 2.0 petrol is much faster and not all that less economical, making it the best petrol engine, although it’s rare and was only available on top-spec versions.

At the other end of the scale, the 2.3 Turbo in the MPS is very potent indeed. There is also a gutsy 2.2 diesel, but the 1.6 diesel has all the perkiness you need.

At the start of its life the 3 was reasonably well equipped, though with early examples it’s best to aim for the mid-range TS and TS2 models rather than the slightly scrawny-feeling S. Later, a selection of different special edition versions were offered, with the Takuya being a particular highlight, while trim level names changed and equipment was added.

A late Tamura comes with alloys, remote locking, climate control and electric front and rear windows, but it’s Venture trim that provides the best balance of kit and value, with heated sports seats, sat nav, Bluetooth, cruise control and automatic lights and wipers. Sport Nav models add only a heated windscreen and LED rear lights.

Our favourite Mazda 3: 1.6D Venture

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

There isn’t much to worry about. Diesel <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mazda">Mazda</a> 3s have particulate filters, so make sure you steer clear of any warning lights that arouse concern as these can lead to costly repairs. In 1.6-litre versions, the particulate filter is cleaned with an additive called Eolys, and when this runs out it needs topping up, so make sure this has been done on time – usually around the 75,000-mile mark.

If you want a good, dependable family hatchback that isn’t one of the the usual suspects, chances are your search will eventually lead you to the door of a Mazda 3.

When it was new, buyers appreciated the 3’s sporty looks, not to mention the fact that it wasn’t the usual <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/hatchback/used-review/n345">Ford Focus</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/used-review/n776">Volkswagen Golf</a>. As a used buy, it also makes sense as it’s good value, and it doesn’t cost the earth to run, either.

The 3’s low-speed ride is firm, however, and verges on being uncomfortable. As speed increases, things smooth out only slightly, but there is excellent body control, as well as bags of grip, which makes it pretty good fun to drive. The steering is very responsive, too, but it’s also overly light at speed, a combination that makes the car feel twitchy in a bend.

Inside, you get chunky controls for the stereo and heater, both of which come with snazzy flashing lights, and &nbsp;everything you touch feels sturdy. The dashboard isn't all that appealing, though, with hard dashboard plastics letting things down, and it’s a shame there are so many buttons on the dash and steering wheel.

The 3 is roomy enough to seat four six-footers in comfort. Access to the rear can be a little tricky, though – the gap at the bottom of the doors makes it a bit of a squeeze to get your feet inside, and shoulder space is rather tight, too. The good-sized boot is well shaped, though, and the 60/40 split rear seats fold to make an almost flat extended load floor.

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Used Mazda 3 Hatchback 2009-2013 review

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Looking for alternatives to the used Mazda 3 2009 - 2013? The expert What Car? review team guide you through some great options.

The obvious alternative to the Mazda 3 is the Ford Focus, which is closely related to the 3 under the skin. It’s just as much fun to drive and has a slightly more upmarket interior, but it’s more ubiquitous, which might be a downside if you want to stand out from the crowd.,The Volkswagen Golf suffers the same problem, but to make up for it, it enjoys a truly classy interior and smart looks on the outside too. It’s efficient, well-built and enjoyable to drive, too, though it isn’t quite as sharp or as exciting to drive as the Mazda.,The Honda Civic’s wacky styling is certainly enough to make it different to the norm, and its reputation for reliability is another great attribute. Trouble is, it isn’t all that great to drive, and the fussy interior is tricky to use.If you really want peace of mind, a good bet is the Kia Cee’d. Most used examples still have a good chunk of the seven-year manufacturer’s warranty left over, meaning most faults will be fixed for free. That’ll more than make up for its slightly cheap-feeling interior and average driving dynamics for many people.,For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here 

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Used Mazda 3 Hatchback 2009-2013 review

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