Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearNepean, ON

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 14.59% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 145 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 from owners and an 8.33/10 from our experts. The model scores 10/10 across Look and feel, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its sporty design, high-quality interior, and fun driving experience. They also highlight its stylish appearance and fuel efficiency, which fits a compact car that feels more polished than merely practical. That lines up well with the overview’s focus on a more upscale feel and engaging driving character.

With 35.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still meaningful value in the market for shoppers who want one.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with praise for its fun driving experience, stylish design, and high-quality interior. The expert drive notes also describe the powertrain and chassis tuning as smooth, predictable, and consistent, and say the car is one you can come to know and trust.

Mazda’s emphasis on smooth operation and consistent behaviour supports confidence in day-to-day use. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about basic dependability and more about whether the specific car has the equipment and condition you want.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 2.5 Turbo comes in both body styles, with all-wheel drive standard, or with the Premium Package, or as the 100th Anniversary special edition. The base specification uses black or greige leatherette, while the GT grade adds black or white leather interior finishes, and the 100th Anniversary grade can bring red leather. If you want the most upscale feel, the Premium Package is the key step up.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder makes 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on 87-octane fuel. It uses a 6-speed automatic with Sport and Manual modes, and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system.
• Safety package: Mazda’s driver-assistance suite is designed to support the driver rather than replace them. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, and the GT trim adds an Adaptive Front Lighting System. With the Premium Package, you also get a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.
• Infotainment: Mazda Connect uses an 8.8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. It is not touch-sensitive, and the Premium Package adds an Active Driving Display.
• Fuel efficiency: During testing, the Mazda3 Turbo averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while Natural Resources Canada estimates 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving.

Which 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 3 trim levels: 2.5 Turbo, GT, and 100th Anniversary.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5 Turbo: This is the core choice if you want the turbocharged engine, standard AWD, and the strongest performance story. It suits you best if driving enjoyment matters most and you want the main mechanical upgrade without chasing every luxury feature.
• GT: This is the best-value trim if you want a more complete luxury feel. It adds black or white leather interior finishes and the Adaptive Front Lighting System, making it the smarter pick for shoppers who want more polish and visibility tech.
• 100th Anniversary: Choose this if you want the most distinctive special-edition presentation and the red leather interior option. It is the right fit if style and exclusivity matter more than value.

The Premium Package is the key safety-and-convenience step up, adding the surround-view camera, parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to shop carefully and compare condition, equipment, and price.

• Deal availability: 35.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 145 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.59% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $20,778 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3's resale value?

The current average of $20,778 CAD sits slightly below last year's $24,328 CAD.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favourable point, but it also means future resale upside may depend more on condition, mileage, and equipment than on broad market momentum. If you buy well and keep the car in strong shape, you may be better positioned when it comes time to sell. The turbocharged model’s premium feel and strong owner satisfaction should help keep interest steady.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 safe?

The Mazda3 earns five-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment, including rollover resistance, and it carries the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Mazda’s safety philosophy is to support the driver, not replace them, and the ADAS suite is built around that idea. Standard systems include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, while the GT trim adds an Adaptive Front Lighting System. With the Premium Package, you also get a high-definition surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed reverse automatic braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Traffic Jam Assist is not a Level 2 system, so you remain in control of steering at all times. Even so, the overall safety package is broad and well integrated, and the strong crash-test results reinforce its appeal.

Should I buy a 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 35.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 14.59% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The turbocharged powertrain and expertly tuned ride and handling make this year especially engaging.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $22,919 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $20,778 CAD average.
• It adds a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint colour.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger value case, the 2021 is the better buy because prices are softer and the turbocharged setup delivers the model’s most compelling driving character. If you’re willing to pay more for a newer example and a fresh paint option, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.