Cars / Mazda Mazda3
Mazda Mazda3 depreciation in USA
A Mazda Mazda3 loses about 12.5% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $24,500 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $16,388 (67% retained); after 5 years, about $12,534 (51%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Mazda Mazda3 depreciates at a moderate, mainstream rate, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $558/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $558/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $20,096 total
| Down payment / cash price | $24,500 |
| Sales tax | $1,715 |
| Insurance | $4,500 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,260 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $2,940 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$15,569 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $15,569 (range $13,730 to $18,209)
If you rent: $24,480 total
| Rental payments | $24,480 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Mazda Mazda3 depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $24,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 12.5% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $21,427 (87% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $18,739 (76% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $16,388 (67% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $12,534 (51% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $14,453 to $19,168 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $558/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 101 data points · R² 0.87 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Mazda Mazda3 depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 12.5% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Mazda Mazda3 be worth after 3 years?
Around 67% of what you paid, about $16,388 on a $24,500 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Mazda Mazda3 in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $558/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 101 · R² = 0.87 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology