MAZDA RX-7 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 44 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
44
Avg Mileage
66,278 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 1998 MAZDA RX-7 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 26 years old, 80% of MAZDA RX-7s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 66,278 miles.
How does the 1998 MAZDA RX-7 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MAZDA RX-7 has 66,278 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 MAZDA RX-7
The 1998 MAZDA RX-7 is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 66,278 miles at 26 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.
1998 MAZDA RX-7 Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 MAZDA RX-7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 1998 MAZDA RX-7
At 26 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 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 MAZDA RX-7
The MAZDA RX-7 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-13%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-7%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-9%) from 8,442 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (-2%) from 7,815 tests