The 2008 Mazda3 lasts around 250,000 miles with only some motor mount and minor computer issues. At $4,041 to $5,434, it’s a great value for a dependable small car.
Is the 2008 Mazda3 a Good Used Car?
- Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Mazda3. Owner reviews enjoy the cargo space in the hatchback, responsive driving feel, and dependable engines.
- Interior quality is very nice for a compact car, with durable and comfortable fabrics used. Technology is good for its age, offering an easy-to-use stereo.
- Reliability ratings are great. Models from 2006–2009 are all good choices, with a spike in complaints from owners in 2010.
- Performance is average from the base 4-cylinder engine, but the turbo model offers excellent power.
- The Mazda3 is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash test ratings, with the lowest score being 3 stars in the side barrier test.
- Fuel economy is excellent for a compact car averaging around 27 MPG, owners should expect to get about 390 miles of range out of the 14.5 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2008 Mazda3 rides comfortably and is agile, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2008 Mazda3 4.7/5 and praises the excellent build quality, but doesn’t like the limited rear legroom.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Mazda3 4.6/5 and enjoy the infotainment technology, but owners don’t like the cabin noise.
What Common Problems Does the 2008 Mazda3 Have?
The problems found on the 2008 Mazda3 include broken rear motor mounts, hesitation from the transmission, and worn-out door locks. Overall, the problems are less severe than some other compact cars from 2008, and repair costs are average for a car in its price range.
Broken rear motor mounts are the most widespread issue, showing up at about every 50,000 miles. Replacing them is a fairly simple process costing about $250. Some owners upgrade to third-party mounts, which last longer, and cost about $350.
Hesitation from the transmission is another problem reported by owners at around 70,000 miles. The vehicle hesitates to shift between gears and is usually caused by a problem with the transmission control module. Resetting the computer for $100 usually fixes the problem.
Worn-out door locks show up on some Mazda3 models at around 75,000 miles. The main door lock actuators fail as the car gets older, and replacing them costs about $300 per door where they fail.
There are 3 recalls, which is better than other compact cars from 2008. The most serious recall covers a loss of power steering assist, which can increase the risk of an accident. Other recalls are fairly minor and cover wiper motors and roof-mounted carriers.
How Long Will the 2008 Mazda3 Last?
A well-maintained 2008 Mazda3 should be able to last around 250,000 miles, which is only about 50,000 miles shorter than top competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small vehicles according to Repair Pal, at $446 per year.
Since most 2008 Mazda3 models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the A/C compressor for $800, thermostat costing $450, and the radiator hose which costs around $380.
Yes it is. There have been a few recalls for Mazda 3's. Fortunately those parts weren't defective on my vehicle.
It is somewhat reliable. It has a few issues like needing to be lined up and some other mechanical issues that need to be fixed.
It is very reliable however it does come with its flaws. It doesn't have automatic locks or windows. It also requires a lot of maintenance work.
How Much Is the 2008 Mazda3 Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,041 to $5,434, making it around $1,200 less than a Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra. When new, the price range was $13,895 to $20,845. Depreciation is average for a compact car, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda3?
There are six models of the Mazda3 offered for 2008, which is available as a hatchback and sedan. The first generation of the Mazda3 was introduced in 2004, and was fully redesigned for the 2010 model.
i Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Folding Rear Seats
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX jack
i Touring is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- Keyless Entry
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
s Sport is next in the lineup and adds:
- Upgraded Interior & Exterior Trim
- Larger Engine
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Fog Lights
s Touring offers more features such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Body-Colored Side Sills
- Moonroof
s Grand Touring is the most luxurious model adding:
- Leather Seating
- Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Front Seats
- Xenon Headlights
- In-Dash CD Changer
Mazdaspeed 3 is the high-performance model and has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- High Performance Tires
- Suede & Leather Sport Seats
- Limited-Slip Differential
- Bose Premium Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Mazda3?
- The base engine is an average 2.0L-4-cylinder which makes 148 horsepower and gets up to 27 MPG combined.
- A step up is the slightly more powerful 2.3L 4-cylinder which offers 156 horsepower and gets up to 25 MPG combined.
- Found on the Mazdaspeed 3 is the very strong 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo which makes 263 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is great, taking only 5.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Mazda3 Come In?
How Big Is the Mazda3?
The 2008 Mazda3 is an average sized compact car offered as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback, similar in size to the Volkswagen Jetta and Nissan Sentra. Passenger room is better than average in both models, but the backseats still offer limited legroom for taller adults.
Cargo space is a bit smaller than competitors,with only enough space to fit 2-3 suitcases in the sedan and 4-5 in the hatchback.
How Does the Mazda3 Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Focus is a competitor offered in the same price range. Rear legroom is a bit better in the Ford Focus, but the Mazda3 has a much nicer interior for the money. We recommend the Mazda3 since it will last longer and has fewer serious complaints from owners.
The Honda Civic is another rival, which costs about $1,200 more. Steering feel is more responsive in the Honda Civic, but the Mazda3 offers more powerful engine choices. We recommend the Mazda3 for the 2008 model year, but the competition is closer in other years.
Do Owners Recommend the Mazda3?
Yes. It has been a great car with minimal issues. It is great on gas and it handles well. I have had the car for almost 9 years.
While it is an old model it has proven to be very reliable and have a very long life span. I'm hoping to buy a newer model within the next coming year.
