2020 Mazda null

Because the model name was not provided, this analysis uses the 2020 Mazda3 as the closest match in current pricing data. A 2020 Mazda3 with the base MSRP of $22,420 has a current resale value around $13,650, which puts total depreciation at about $8,770, or roughly 39% from new.

Value Summary

The 2020 Mazda3’s current estimated retail value is $13,650, while trade-in value is about $10,250. Against the original $22,420 MSRP, that means the car has lost roughly two-fifths of its original value, which is better than many mainstream sedans but still a meaningful decline. Spread across five model years, that works out to an average depreciation rate of about 7.8% per year, although the actual curve is not linear.

Depreciation Curve Analysis

Current KBB data shows the 2020 Mazda3 was worth about $17,510 in 2023, $16,058 in 2024, $12,735 in 2025, and $13,650 now. That pattern shows a mild decline early on, followed by a steeper drop between 2024 and 2025, which was the sharpest recent depreciation period in the available data. Edmunds’ five-year appraisal model places the Mazda3’s total depreciation at $9,821 and notes that new cars typically lose about 60% of MSRP within five years, so the Mazda3 is performing better than the broad market average. CarEdge’s Mazda brand page shows a 2020 Mazda average depreciation of 40.3%, which also suggests the Mazda3 is near the brand’s typical retention level rather than far above it.

For a simplified year-by-year view, the Mazda3’s value path can be summarized as follows: roughly $17.5K in 2023, $16.1K in 2024, $12.7K in 2025, and $13.7K now. The main takeaway is that this model held value reasonably well through the mid-life stage, then saw a larger correction as age and mileage began to matter more.

Value Retention Factors

The Mazda3 usually holds value better than many non-luxury compact cars because it has a more upscale interior, strong safety credentials, and a reputation for durable engineering. That said, compact sedans still face heavy competition, so value depends heavily on mileage, trim, and condition. Lower-mileage examples with clean history reports and regular maintenance will command a premium, while high-mileage cars, prior accidents, overdue maintenance, or cosmetic wear can reduce value quickly.

Market demand also matters. The Mazda3 appeals to buyers who want a refined compact car rather than the cheapest transportation available, which supports resale value, but it does not have the same resale strength as a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic in most markets. All-wheel-drive or higher-trim examples may retain value slightly better, while base cars typically depreciate faster because they compete more directly on price.

Future Value Projections

Assuming normal wear, stable used-car demand, and average mileage accumulation, a reasonable 1-year projection is about $12,000 to $12,500. A 3-year projection is about $10,000 to $10,800, and a 5-year projection is about $8,000 to $9,000 if the car is kept in good condition and not driven excessively.

The best time to sell is usually now through the next 12 months, before the vehicle moves deeper into the higher-mileage, lower-demand part of the depreciation curve. Waiting too long can push the car into a slower but still steady decline, especially if repairs, tires, brakes, or cosmetic issues begin to stack up.

Comparison to Competitors

Compared with the average Mazda-brand depreciation rate of 40.3%, the 2020 Mazda3 is broadly in line and slightly better than average for the brand. Compared with the general five-year norm of around 60% loss for new cars, it clearly outperforms the market average. If value retention is the top priority, alternatives such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or even certain trim levels of the Mazda CX-5 usually offer stronger long-term resale performance in the compact and crossover segments.

Overall, the 2020 Mazda3 is a solid value-retention choice if bought used at the right price, but it is not a top-tier depreciation leader. Its best strength is balanced ownership value: good driving feel, respectable resale, and lower-than-average depreciation compared with the broader new-car market.