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Note: The available valuation data aligns with the 2020 Mazda3, which is the most likely model intended here. Current estimates below use published resale/depreciation snapshots and a base-trim MSRP reference.

Value Summary

The 2020 Mazda3 currently carries an estimated market value of $13,800, based on Kelley Blue Book resale data for the model. The base 2020 Mazda3 MSRP was about $22,420 including destination, which puts total depreciation at roughly $8,620 or 38.5% from new. That works out to an average depreciation rate of about 7.7% per year over five years, which is consistent with other five-year Mazda3 depreciation estimates in the high-30% range.

This is a relatively strong result for a compact car. CarEdge’s brand-level data shows 2020 Mazda models retaining about 59.7% of value after five years, while the Mazda3 specifically has been estimated near the low-40% depreciation range depending on trim and body style.

Depreciation Curve Analysis

The 2020 Mazda3’s value loss has not been perfectly linear. Published valuation snapshots show the car holding up better than many compact competitors early on, then flattening as it enters the used-car market. KBB’s depreciation page shows a current resale value of $13,800, with prior annual snapshots around $18,136 in 2023, $13,902 in 2024, and $12,270 in 2025 before the current reading. Those figures suggest the steepest decline occurred in the middle of the ownership cycle, when the car transitioned from late-model used to mainstream used inventory.

That shape is broadly normal. New cars lose value fastest in the first few years, then depreciation slows as the vehicle ages and the market becomes more price-sensitive than feature-sensitive. Mazda’s overall 2020-model retention has been better than average, with CarEdge rating it as “Good” at about 59.7% residual value after five years.

Compared with the segment, the Mazda3’s curve is better than average. Jalopnik’s summary of five-year data indicates the 2020 Mazda3’s base trim depreciated about 39%, while a broader Mazda source places the Mazda3 at roughly 51% five-year depreciation for some body styles and trims. Even the less favorable figure still sits in a competitive range for compact cars, many of which fall closer to 45% to 55% depreciation over five years.

Value Retention Factors

The Mazda3 holds value for several reasons. First, it has a premium-feeling interior and strong design, which broadens buyer appeal on the used market. Second, Mazda has built a reputation for better-than-average resale performance, with the brand ranking among the stronger mainstream marques for five-year value retention.

Mileage has a major effect on the Mazda3’s resale price. A well-maintained, lower-mileage car will usually command a meaningful premium over average-mileage examples because compact sedans and hatchbacks are highly price sensitive. Condition matters just as much: clean service records, no accident history, and original equipment all help preserve value.

Market demand also matters. The Mazda3 competes in a segment where buyers often prioritize affordability, fuel economy, and low insurance costs. That limits upside relative to more enthusiast-oriented cars, but the Mazda3 benefits from solid reputation and upscale perceived quality. Body style can also change outcomes: hatchbacks often depreciate a bit faster than sedans because the market is smaller and trim premiums are harder to recover.

Future Value Projections

Using the current estimated value of $13,800 as a starting point, a reasonable projection is $12,700 in one year, $11,200 in three years, and about $9,900 in five years. These estimates assume normal usage, average mileage accumulation, and no major accidents or mechanical issues.

The best time to sell is usually now through the next 12 months if the vehicle is in above-average condition. That is the period when depreciation has already absorbed the largest early hit, while the car still feels modern enough to attract a wide pool of buyers. Waiting three to five more years will likely push the car deeper into the lower-priced used market, where value loss continues but the dollar amount per year declines.

Comparison to Competitors

Against other compact cars, the Mazda3 generally depreciates more slowly than the average mainstream sedan or hatchback. Brand-level Mazda data shows stronger retention than many mass-market competitors, and the Mazda3’s five-year loss is commonly reported in the high-30% to low-40% range rather than the mid-40s or worse seen in weaker performers.

If value retention is the top priority, a few alternatives tend to compete well: the Mazda CX-5 often posts strong retention in the compact SUV class, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata is consistently one of Mazda’s best hold-value vehicles. Among non-Mazda options, the strongest resale performers in a similar price band are often top-trim Japanese crossovers and certain enthusiast cars with loyal demand.

Overall, the 2020 Mazda3 is a solid depreciation choice for a compact car. It is not class-leading like a niche sports car, but it retains value better than many direct rivals and offers a good balance of refinement, demand, and long-term affordability.