CarCostCheck

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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Petrol2616cc35 years old34 tests70k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2616cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2616cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 1991 cars81th of 179(top 45%)
Rank among MAZDA models226th of 483(top 47%)
vs national average+0%(82% avg)
vs 1991 cars average+4%(78% avg)
vs MAZDA average+1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

70,478

Average miles

vs

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200795%3887,678 mi
200681%3665,339 mi
200586%7084,482 mi
200496%6861,591 mi
200397%11072,480 mi
200079%4364,823 mi
199984%5163,297 mi
199880%4466,278 mi
1996100%3269,028 mi
199596%5769,661 mi
199488%3369,342 mi
199383%10484,869 mi
199289%7676,722 mi
199182%3470,478 mi
199086%9785,348 mi

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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 out

At 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 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.

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 1991 MAZDA RX-7 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MAZDA RX-7(1991)82%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2427
MERCEDES 300(1992)83%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£180
PORSCHE 944(1990)85%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£180
VOLVO 700 SERIES(1990)75%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£30
VOLVO 240(1993)68%£1592£250Grp 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.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Mazda Rx-7.

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