MAZDA E SERIES (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 51 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,077
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2077/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 8 years old, 76% of MAZDA E SERIESs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 51 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,371 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
92,371
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 MAZDA E SERIES has 92,371 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 79% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2018 sits between the two at 76%.
MAZDA E SERIES by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76% | 51 | 92,371 mi | |
| 2017 | 77% | 227 | 109,478 mi | |
| 2015 | 70% | 341 | 118,471 mi | |
| 2014 | 74% | 86 | 124,774 mi | |
| 2013 | 69% | 71 | 132,287 mi | |
| 2011 | 57% | 37 | 130,980 mi | |
| 2010 | 76% | 33 | 143,721 mi | |
| 2004 | 79% | 92 | 128,761 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 36 | 129,916 mi | |
| 2002 | 72% | 116 | 111,263 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 159 | 113,168 mi | |
| 2000 | 69% | 163 | 113,518 mi | |
| 1999 | 75% | 84 | 134,044 mi | |
| 1998 | 63% | 49 | 114,463 mi | |
| 1996 | 69% | 42 | 90,740 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 MAZDA E SERIES
The 2018 MAZDA E SERIES is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 51 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 92,371 miles at 8 years old, MAZDA E SERIES owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2018 MAZDA E SERIES Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 MAZDA E SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA E SERIES Reliability Trend
The MAZDA E SERIES has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 MAZDA E SERIES
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 79%. Note: with only 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 MAZDA E SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 92k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2018 MAZDA E SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA E SERIES(2018) | 76% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £2077 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£400 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£495 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£495 |
| MINI COOPER(2018) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£495 |
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.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
MAZDA 2
2010 · 1349cc Petrol
MAZDA 3
2015 · 1998cc Petrol
MAZDA CX-5
2019 · 2000cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2016 · 1596cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2019 · 1498cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
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