MAZDA RX-7 (1994)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 33 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1299cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1737/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1299cc
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 6 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 32 years old, 88% of MAZDA RX-7s from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,342 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,342
Average miles
236,800
Expected for age
The average 1994 MAZDA RX-7 has 69,342 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-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 1994 sits between the two at 88%.
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 1994 MAZDA RX-7
The 1994 MAZDA RX-7 is a small family car with a 1299cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 1994 cars for reliability.
With an average of 69,342 miles at 32 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.
1994 MAZDA RX-7 Fuel Costs
The 1299cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1994 MAZDA RX-7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 1994 MAZDA RX-7
At 32 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 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1994 MAZDA RX-7's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 1994 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(1994) | 88% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| ROVER MINI(1993) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| HONDA CIVIC(1996) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| FORD ESCORT(1996) | 77% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| NISSAN MICRA(1996) | 67% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1740+£3 |
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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FORD ESCORT
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