Used 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 for Sale nearWaterloo, ON

How much does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 cost?

Prices have softened 9.37% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 157 listings available, which suggests you have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8.3/10 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. The overview also points to a more distinctive compact car that blends style, engaging road manners, and a premium feel, which fits shoppers who want something more upscale than a typical compact sedan or hatchback. Deal availability is solid, with 38.2% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 reliable?

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

The owner feedback highlights a car that feels dependable in daily use, with praise centred on its fun driving experience, stylish design, and fuel efficiency. The expert assessment also describes the car as smooth, predictable, and consistent, which reinforces the sense that you can count on it to behave the same way from drive to drive. Mazda’s safety systems are also presented as smooth and sophisticated, which adds to the impression of a well-sorted ownership experience.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about core dependability and more about whether the specific car has been maintained well and equipped to your liking.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The turbo model sits at the top of the lineup and adds a more premium feel, while the GT trim brings extra convenience and lighting upgrades. The base versions are more likely to leave you wanting more equipment, especially if you value features like ventilated heated seats or more passenger-seat adjustment.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder delivers strong performance with a 6-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Non-turbo Mazda3s can be had with AWD or FWD, so you should decide whether you want the extra power or a simpler setup.
• Safety package: Mazda’s ADAS 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, so you should make sure you are comfortable using the centre-console controller instead.
• Fuel efficiency: During testing, the turbo model averaged 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres, while the Natural Resources Canada estimate was 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving.

Which 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 trim should I buy?

The 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 is offered in 1 trim level: 2.5 Turbo.

Here's the short version:

The 2.5 Turbo is the one to buy if you want the strongest performance, AWD, and the most upscale feel in the lineup. It adds the turbocharged engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium driving character, while the Premium Package layers in useful extras like the head-up display and surround-view camera. If you want the best-value path, this is the trim that most clearly delivers the model’s core appeal.

The safety package is especially strong here, with adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go capability, and available GT-exclusive features through the Premium Package.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough deal activity to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 38.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 157 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.37% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $20,921 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 $21,494 CAD sits slightly below last year's $23,715 CAD.

That softer pricing can help you as a buyer today, but it also means a future seller may need to be realistic about expectations if the market stays competitive. The current trend suggests the model is holding value reasonably well, but not strongly enough to support aggressive asking prices. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation later.

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 Mazda MAZDA3 earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and top 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 advanced driver assistance systems that are meant to support the driver, not take over. Standard features 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.

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:

• 38.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.37% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds a turbocharged, more performance-focused character.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $22,450 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,494 CAD average.
• It adds a new Platinum Quartz Metallic paint colour.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest value and the most compelling mix of price, satisfaction, and performance, the 2021 is the better buy. If you are willing to pay more for a newer model year and a small styling update, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative for price-insensitive shoppers.

How does the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 compare to the 2021 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 8.3/10 and the 2021 Honda Civic 7.2/10. The Mazda comes across as the more distinctive and upscale choice, while the Civic offers a slightly stronger efficiency and value case on paper. You also get a much larger used inventory with the Civic, but the Mazda’s stronger expert score and higher deal share make it the more appealing pick if you prioritise style and driving enjoyment.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.