Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2018 Mazda Cx 3?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2018 Mazda Cx 3?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2018 Mazda Cx 3?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2018 Mazda Cx 3 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 5,624 vehicles, the 2018 Mazda Cx 3 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 92%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2018 Mazda Cx 3?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

CarHunch

Get Started

Mazda Cx 3 (2018)

5,624 real MOT outcomes analysed • 92% first-time pass rate

2018 Mazda Cx 3

CarHunch analysed 5,624 real MOT records for the 2018 Mazda Cx 3. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2018 Mazda Cx 3 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (92%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

92%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

15.9%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.52

Over 5.6 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

30k

Middle half: 22k–39k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 92% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.6 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 5,624 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 5,624 Mazda Cx 3 cars.

Before you buy a 2018 Mazda Cx 3

Based on MOT data from 5,624 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 15.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (91%)	5,141	92.3%	0.5
Diesel (9%)	483	89.8%	0.68

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Mazda Cx 3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

30,125

typical

22,115

low mileage

39,179

high mileage

Half of all 2018 Mazda Cx 3 vehicles fall between 22,115 and 39,179 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 22,115 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 22,115–39,179 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Mazda Cx 3s sit.

⚠ Over 52,891 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Mazda Cx 3 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 Mazda Cx 3s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 5,460 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

5.6

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.52

Avg failures per vehicle

4.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Mazda Cx 3: All Cx 3 years → Which year to buy? →

2015 2016 2017 2019

Or browse all models: Mazda →

Compare with another model

See how the 2018 Mazda Cx 3 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?