Mazda RX-7 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 51 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3200cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Mazda RX-7

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol3200cc27 years old51 tests63k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3200cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

84% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-7s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 51 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 63,297 miles.

Got a Mazda RX-7 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models69th of 361(top 20%)

Rank among Mazda models211th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+9%(75% avg)

vs Mazda average+3%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

63,297

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Mazda RX-7 had 63,297 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Looking at a specific Mazda RX-7?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 83%. The 1999 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-7%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-6%

Porsche Boxster

2001 · 3200cc Petrol

£3,153/year

83%

-1%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+3%

Check a Specific Mazda RX-7

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1999 Mazda RX-7

The 1999 Mazda RX-7 is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3200cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 51 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 63,297 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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.

1999 Mazda RX-7 Fuel Costs

The 3200cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 Mazda RX-7?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1999 Mazda RX-7

At 27 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 51 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 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 1999 Mazda RX-7 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mazda RX-7(1999)	84%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£220
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche Boxster(2001)	83%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£415
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Mazda RX-7

Is the 1999 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 1999 Mazda RX-7s ended in a pass, from 51 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Mazda RX-7 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mazda RX-7?

84% of 51 MOT tests on the 1999 Mazda RX-7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 69th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 20%).

Which year Mazda RX-7 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Mazda RX-7 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 1993 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Mazda RX-7?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Mazda RX-7 is 63,297 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.