Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearOttawa, ON

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 13.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 143 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of choice in the used market.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.33/10 expert rating. 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 fuel efficiency, which fits the Mazda3’s appeal as a compact car that feels more engaging than merely practical. That lines up with the overview’s focus on sharper performance and polished dynamics, especially if you want a car with more character and refinement than the average commuter. With 29.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have some room to shop selectively.

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 that the car is smooth, predictable, and consistent, and that it becomes easy to trust because it “never moves the goalposts on you.” Mazda also positions the turbocharged powertrain as a refined, carefully tuned setup rather than a rough-edged performance upgrade.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the car’s premium ambitions and feature set match your expectations over time.

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 the Premium Package and the 100th Anniversary special edition adding equipment and a more upscale feel. The base specification is lighter on features, while the GT grade brings black or white leather interior finishes in the sedan and more premium presentation overall.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder pairs with a 6-speed automatic and i-Activ AWD. It makes 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on 93-octane fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on 87-octane fuel.
• Safety package: Mazda’s ADAS suite 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 2.5 Turbo averaged 11.5 L/100 km, compared with a Natural Resources Canada estimate of 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, AWD, and the Mazda3’s strongest performance character without chasing the most expensive special touches.
• GT: This is the best-value trim if you want a more premium cabin and the added safety and convenience equipment that make the car feel more complete.
• 100th Anniversary: Choose this if you want the most distinctive appearance and the most special-edition presentation in the lineup.

The GT trim is the one to watch if you want the strongest mix of equipment and everyday usability, while the Premium Package adds several of the most desirable safety and convenience features.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 143 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.47% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $21,086 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 $21,109 CAD sits slightly below last year's $24,395 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can make the car easier to buy now but slightly less favourable for a future seller. If you own one, the softer pricing trend means you may need to be more strategic about timing and condition when it’s time to sell. Strong equipment, desirable trims, and clean history should matter more if you want to protect value.

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 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition from the IIHS and five-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment, including rollover resistance.

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

Mazda’s safety suite is built around driver assistance that supports rather than replaces the driver. Standard and available systems include 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. Mazda notes that Traffic Jam Assist is not Level 2 automation, and the driver remains in control of steering.

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:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The turbocharged powertrain is described as absolutely delightful, with smooth, predictable performance.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,094 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,109 CAD average.
• It adds a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint colour.

The bottom line: Choose the 2021 if you want the better value and the strongest current-market pricing. Consider the 2022 if the newer-year premium is worth paying for a fresh paint option and you prefer shopping one year newer.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.