Mazda RX-7 (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 97 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2354cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2354cc36 years old97 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2354cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mazda brand average of 81%.

86% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-7s from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 97 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,348 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models44th of 182(top 25%)

Rank among Mazda models199th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+7%(79% avg)

vs Mazda average+5%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,348

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Mazda RX-7 had 85,348 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 83%. The 1990 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

-2%

Mercedes 190 E

1992 · 1997cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

-7%

Volvo 900 Series

1992 · 1986cc Petrol

£2,561/year

70%

-16%

Saab 900

1992 · 1985cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

-11%

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About the 1990 Mazda RX-7

The 1990 Mazda RX-7 is a large car. Our records list a 2354cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 97 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1990 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 85,348 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1990 Mazda RX-7?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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.

Buying a Used 1990 Mazda RX-7

At 36 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 36 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 85k 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.

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 1990 Mazda RX-7 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 RX-7(1990)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411-£327
Mercedes 190 E(1992)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Volvo 900 Series(1992)	70%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177
Saab 900(1992)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£177

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 1990 Mazda RX-7

Is the 1990 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 1990 Mazda RX-7s ended in a pass, from 97 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Mazda RX-7 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Mazda RX-7?

86% of 97 MOT tests on the 1990 Mazda RX-7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 44th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top 25%).

Which year Mazda RX-7 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Mazda RX-7 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 1993 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Mazda RX-7?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Mazda RX-7 is 85,348 miles, 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.