Mazda 3 (2007)
2007 Mazda 3
CarHunch analysed 12,520 real MOT records for the 2007 Mazda 3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2007 Mazda 3's first-time pass rate of 76.2% sits 3.8 points below the UK average, which isn't catastrophic but signals slightly higher maintenance needs than average. More concerning is that 44.9% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above what you'd want to see—so structural, brake, or steering issues are genuinely common in this cohort.
These cars are averaging around 70,000 miles, which is reasonable for a 17-year-old model, but they're racking up 4.11 failures per test and 26.6 advisories, pointing to gradual wear rather than sudden catastrophic breakdown. If you're considering one, factor in ongoing maintenance costs and insist on a pre-purchase inspection focused on brakes, suspension, and steering components before committing.
What to check before buying a 2007 Mazda 3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 44.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mazda 3
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (89%) | 11,153 | 76.3% | 4.18 |
| Diesel (11%) | 1,359 | 74.9% | 3.53 |
| LPG (0%) | 7 | 75.9% | 3.71 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 54.6% | 5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2007 Mazda 3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2007 Mazda 3 vehicles fall between 53,606 and 83,670 miles.
2007 Mazda 3 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 4,014 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (34% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2007 Mazda 3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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63.3%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened
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54.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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49.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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45.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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43.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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37.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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36.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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35.9%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2007. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mazda 3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.