Mazda 6 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 6,498 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,227/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

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

71% of MOT tests on Mazda 6s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 6,498 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,138 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models396th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models358th of 459(bottom 23%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

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

vs Mazda average-10%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,138

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Mazda 6 had 124,138 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 54%. The 2008 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,227/year

74%

+3%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

+6%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

+3%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

+1%

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About the 2008 Mazda 6

The 2008 Mazda 6 is a family car. Our records list a 1998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 6,498 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 124,138 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 18 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda 6(2008)	71%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Golf(2010)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2008 Mazda 6

Is the 2008 Mazda 6 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 2008 Mazda 6s ended in a pass, from 6,498 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Mazda 6 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

71% of 6,498 MOT tests on the 2008 Mazda 6 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 396th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

Which year Mazda 6 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mazda 6 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2002 the lowest at 54%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Mazda 6?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Mazda 6 is 124,138 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.