Is a used Mazda CX-3 a good buy?

The Mazda CX-3 is a small SUV that we think is one of the best around. The Mazda CX-3 is nimble and pretty fun to drive, for instance and the mildly loftier driving position makes it even easier to thread the car down narrow roads and into tight parking spots.

Since it’s a small car, the Mazda CX-3 won’t be setting any awards for space - there are roomier alternatives to the Mazda, namely cars like the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.

However, where it misses out on outright space, the Mazda CX-3 claws some ground back with equipment – regardless of the age of the car you’re looking at, it will have air-conditioning, electric windows, alloy wheels, cruise control and split-folding rear seats.

A majority of the Mazda CX-3s that you’ll find listed for sale on places such as BuyaCar will typically be front-wheel drive petrol models with manual gearboxes – which makes sense, given this layout works well in the sort of urban driving conditions the Mazda CX-3 excels in.

However, there are a few different versions if you’d prefer something a bit different – for example, there were models with automatic gearboxes and four-wheel drive. If you’re downsizing from a bigger car and will be doing lots of motorway miles, the diesel versions of the Mazda CX-3 are also worth considering.

Read our full Mazda CX-3 review

Which used Mazda CX-3 should you buy?

If you’d prefer the most stylish-possible Mazda CX-3, you may want to instead focus on a model from 2018 onwards, as these versions featured revised styling as part of that year’s mid-life refresh. These models have a redesigned interior over the original spec, too, though other than small features like an electronic parking brake the equipment levels remained mostly the same between pre and post-facelift cars.

What used Mazda CX-3 trim levels are available?

The trim levels in the Mazda CX-3 line-up echo other Mazda models with SE, SE-L and Sport the main specifications.

Mazda CX-3 SE

As standard, this entry-level SE version of the Mazda CX-3 came with air-conditioning, cruise control, all-around electric windows, Bluetooth and a seven-inch touchscreen on the centre console. 16-inch alloy wheels, split-folding rear seats and cloth upholstery were also included as standard. When the car was facelifted in 2018, heated door mirrors and an electronic parking brake joined the spec sheet.

This entry-level Mazda CX-3 also came as a Mazda CX-3 SE Nav derivative, which came with the same features as the regular SE model, albeit with the addition of a built-in sat-nav on the seven-inch touchscreen.

Mazda CX-3 SE-L

SE-L models further fleshed out the Mazda CX-3’s features set with automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors, climate control and heated seats in the front. A few additional safety features came as standard on this spec, too, such as low-speed autonomous emergency braking and a lane departure warning system.

Like the entry-level SE trim, the Mazda CX-3 also had a Mazda CX-3 SE-L Nav derivative, which came as standard with a built-in sat-nav system.

Mazda CX-3 Sport

While it’s debateable as to whether this version of the Mazda lives up to its name, the Sport model is at least worth considering if you want a CX-3 that’s loaded with kit. In addition to the features you’ll find on the SE and SE-L grades, the Sport spec has keyless entry, front parking sensors, LED headlights, a premium sound system, a reversing camera and a head-up display. Unlike the previous trims, sat-nav was a standard feature on all Mazda CX-3 Sport models.

Mazda CX-3 Sport Black

The Mazda CX-3 Sport Black is a limited-edition model that’s based on the Sport spec, so like that car it gets as standard adaptive LED headlights, a reversing camera, keyless entry and a head-up display unit. Befitting this spec’s name, there are plenty of monochrome embellishments on the car. The seats are trimmed in black leather and the car comes as standard in metallic black paint.

Mazda CX-3 GT Sport

In 2015, Mazda introduced a GT Sport special edition model. The GT Sport spec was ostensibly based on the flagship Sport trim, and could be distinguished from its donor model by its new 18-inch alloy wheel design, black roof spoiler, Nappa leather upholstery and silver accents on the bumpers and side skirts.

If the GT Sport trim sounds like the Mazda CX-3 spec for you, do be aware it was only available in front-wheel drive and with the 120hp petrol engine. If you’d prefer a brawnier engine, diesel power or all-wheel drive, this won’t be the spec for you.