Mazda RX-7 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 110 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,658

£222/month

MOT Pass Rate

97%

Excellent

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2616cc Petrol

Great Choice

97% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 15 points above average.

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Petrol2616cc23 years old110 tests72k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2616cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,658

Per month£222/mo

Per week£51/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

97% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mazda brand average of 81%.

97% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-7s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 110 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 72,480 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models9th of 429(top 3%)

Rank among Mazda models35th of 459(top 8%)

vs average of all models+15%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+25%(72% avg)

vs Mazda average+16%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

72,480

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Mazda RX-7 had 72,480 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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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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%

-20%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-19%

Mercedes SLK

2004 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-19%

Volvo XC90

2005 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,958/year

73%

-24%

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About the 2003 Mazda RX-7

The 2003 Mazda RX-7 is a large car. Our records list a 2616cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 110 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 72,480 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.

2003 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 £1,958 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 2003 Mazda RX-7?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2003 Mazda RX-7

At 23 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.

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 23 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 2003 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(2003)	97%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,658
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£300
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£300
Mercedes SLK(2004)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£300
Volvo XC90(2005)	73%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£300

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 2003 Mazda RX-7

Is the 2003 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 97% of MOT tests on 2003 Mazda RX-7s ended in a pass, from 110 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Mazda RX-7 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mazda RX-7?

97% of 110 MOT tests on the 2003 Mazda RX-7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 9th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 3%).

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 2003 Mazda RX-7?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mazda RX-7 is 72,480 miles, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.