Is the 2008 MAZDA 6 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MAZDA 6s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 6,498 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2008 MAZDA 6 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 MAZDA 6?

The 2008 MAZDA 6 has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 6,498 tests in 2026. This ranks 417 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year MAZDA 6 is most reliable?

The 2020 MAZDA 6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2002 at 54%.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 MAZDA 6?

The average mileage for a 2008 MAZDA 6 is 124,138 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MAZDA 6 (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 6,498 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Diesel1998cc18 years old6,498 tests124k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1998cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 18 years old, 71% of MAZDA 6s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 6,498 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 124,138 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars417th of 589(top 71%)

Rank among MAZDA models366th of 483(top 76%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average-2%(73% avg)

vs MAZDA average-10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,138

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 MAZDA 6 has 124,138 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. The 2008 sits between the two at 71%.

MAZDA 6 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	118	26,540 mi
2020	94%	1,786	31,783 mi
2019	91%	7,381	44,030 mi
2018	89%	5,151	55,840 mi
2017	87%	7,764	68,812 mi
2016	84%	11,771	78,854 mi
2015	82%	11,898	88,374 mi
2014	80%	11,144	97,838 mi
2013	80%	7,682	103,079 mi
2012	75%	5,149	103,925 mi
2011	74%	7,535	117,021 mi
2010	73%	9,673	121,783 mi
2009	73%	7,396	124,353 mi
2008	71%	6,498	124,138 mi
2007	68%	4,401	109,611 mi
2006	69%	2,430	105,119 mi
2005	64%	1,596	100,805 mi
2004	62%	763	99,968 mi
2003	63%	356	98,803 mi
2002	54%	140	98,087 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

+3%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

77%

+6%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

+3%

HONDA CIVIC

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,050/year

72%

+1%

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About the 2008 MAZDA 6

The 2008 MAZDA 6 is a family car with a 1998cc diesel engine. 6,498 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 124,138 miles at 18 years old, MAZDA 6 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 MAZDA 6 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2008 MAZDA 6?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA 6 Reliability Trend

Newer MAZDA 6s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 18 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 MAZDA 6

At 18 years old, the MAZDA 6 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 6,498 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 MAZDA 6's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 124k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2008 MAZDA 6 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA 6(2008)	71%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010)	77%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
HONDA CIVIC(2007)	72%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2050+£193

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.