MAZDA RX-7 (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 34 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2616cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2616cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 35 years old, 82% of MAZDA RX-7s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 34 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 70,478 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
70,478
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 MAZDA RX-7 has 70,478 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-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?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 83%. The 1991 sits between the two at 82%.
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
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About the 1991 MAZDA RX-7
The 1991 MAZDA RX-7 is a large car with a 2616cc petrol engine. 34 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 70,478 miles at 35 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.
1991 MAZDA RX-7 Fuel Costs
The 2616cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 1991 MAZDA RX-7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 1991 MAZDA RX-7
At 35 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 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 MAZDA RX-7's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 1991 MAZDA RX-7 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA RX-7(1991) | 82% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| MERCEDES 300(1992) | 83% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
| PORSCHE 944(1990) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
| VOLVO 700 SERIES(1990) | 75% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
| VOLVO 240(1993) | 68% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£170 |
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.
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MERCEDES 300
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PORSCHE 944
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VOLVO 700 SERIES
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