MAZDA MX-6 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 93 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
93
Avg Mileage
109,958 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 MAZDA MX-6 reliable?
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 27 years old, 76% of MAZDA MX-6s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 93 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,958 miles.
How does the 1997 MAZDA MX-6 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MAZDA MX-6 has 109,958 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MAZDA MX-6?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1997 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1997 MAZDA MX-6 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MAZDA MX-6 by Year
Checking a specific MAZDA MX-6?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1997 MAZDA MX-6
The 1997 MAZDA MX-6 is a large car with a 2497cc petrol engine. 93 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 109,958 miles at 27 years old, MAZDA MX-6 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MAZDA MX-6 Fuel Costs
The 2497cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 MAZDA MX-6?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 MX-6 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA MX-6s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1997 MAZDA MX-6
At 27 years old, the MAZDA MX-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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 93 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MAZDA MX-6
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-9%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (+1%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (+2%) from 7,815 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1999) 79% pass rate (+3%) from 4,295 tests