MAZDA RX-7 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 97 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
97
Avg Mileage
85,348 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1990 MAZDA RX-7 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 34 years old, 86% of MAZDA RX-7s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 97 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,348 miles.
How does the 1990 MAZDA RX-7 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 MAZDA RX-7 has 85,348 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MAZDA RX-7?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 83%. The 1990 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 1990 MAZDA RX-7 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 RX-7 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 95% | 38 | 87,678 mi |
| 2006 | 81% | 36 | 65,339 mi |
| 2005 | 86% | 70 | 84,482 mi |
| 2004 | 96% | 68 | 61,591 mi |
| 2003 | 97% | 110 | 72,480 mi |
| 2000 | 79% | 43 | 64,823 mi |
| 1999 | 84% | 51 | 63,297 mi |
| 1998 | 80% | 44 | 66,278 mi |
| 1996 | 100% | 32 | 69,028 mi |
| 1995 | 96% | 57 | 69,661 mi |
| 1994 | 88% | 33 | 69,342 mi |
| 1993 | 83% | 104 | 84,869 mi |
| 1992 | 89% | 76 | 76,722 mi |
| 1991 | 82% | 34 | 70,478 mi |
| 1990 | 86% | 97 | 85,348 mi |
Checking a specific MAZDA RX-7?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 MAZDA RX-7
The 1990 MAZDA RX-7 is a large car with a 2354cc petrol engine. 97 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 1990 cars for reliability.
With an average of 85,348 miles at 34 years old, MAZDA RX-7 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1990 MAZDA RX-7 Fuel Costs
The 2354cc 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 1990 MAZDA RX-7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA RX-7 Reliability Trend
The MAZDA RX-7 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 MAZDA RX-7
At 34 years old, the MAZDA RX-7 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 97 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 MAZDA RX-7
The MAZDA RX-7 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (1990) 84% pass rate (-2%) from 3,316 tests
- MERCEDES 190 E (1992) 79% pass rate (-7%) from 1,492 tests
- VOLVO 900 SERIES (1992) 70% pass rate (-16%) from 940 tests
- SAAB 900 (1992) 75% pass rate (-11%) from 940 tests