MAZDA RX-7 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 32 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Total Tests (2024)
32
Avg Mileage
69,028 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 1996 MAZDA RX-7 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 28 years old, 100% of MAZDA RX-7s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 32 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,028 miles.
How does the 1996 MAZDA RX-7 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 MAZDA RX-7 has 69,028 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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 1996 sits between the two at 100%.
How much does a 1996 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 1996 MAZDA RX-7
The 1996 MAZDA RX-7 is a large car with a 2616cc petrol engine. 32 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 1996 cars for reliability.
With an average of 69,028 miles at 28 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.
1996 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 1996 MAZDA RX-7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 1996 MAZDA RX-7
At 28 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 32 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 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:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-33%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (-23%) from 8,057 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1997) 79% pass rate (-21%) from 4,853 tests
- MERCEDES SLK (1998) 79% pass rate (-21%) from 3,523 tests