
Vehicle price comparison
Mazda 3 vs Kia Optima Tail Light prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Market analysis
Why does the Mazda 3 tail light cost more?
A used Mazda 3 tail light carries a median asking price of $195, which is 57% higher than the Kia Optima at $124. Supply also plays a role: Mazda 3 has 4,905 priced listings versus 4,806 for Kia Optima, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Mazda 3 average ($225) runs 15% above its median ($195), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Our guide covers 11 model years for the Mazda 3 (2015–2025) but only 6 for the Kia Optima (2015–2020), so the Mazda 3 data reflects a broader range of generations.
The Mazda 3 tail light is interchangeable across 12 model years versus just 8 for the Kia Optima — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used tail light
- Look for cracks in the lens — even hairline cracks let in moisture and will eventually fog the housing.
- Confirm the assembly matches your trim level. Base and higher trims often use different tail light designs.
- Check that the wiring harness connector and all bulb sockets are intact.
- Verify inner vs outer — many vehicles use separate inner (trunk lid) and outer (quarter panel) tail lights.
Full price guide
Mazda 3 Tail Light
$34 – $821 · 4,905 listings
Full price guide
Kia Optima Tail Light
$26 – $400 · 4,806 listings
Common questions
Mazda 3 vs Kia Optima tail light FAQ
Is a used Mazda 3 tail light cheaper than a Kia Optima?
Kia Optima has the lower median by $71 (57%). The Kia Optima tail light ranges from $26 to $400 across 4,806 listings, while the Mazda 3 ranges from $34 to $821 across 4,905 listings.
Can I use a Mazda 3 tail light in a Kia Optima?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 4,905 priced Mazda 3 listings and 4,806 priced Kia Optima listings — 9,711 in total.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Mazda 3 tail light has 2 trim variants and the Kia Optima has 8. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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