MAZDA RX-7 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
84,482 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,572
Is the 2005 MAZDA RX-7 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 19 years old, 86% of MAZDA RX-7s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 84,482 miles.
How does the 2005 MAZDA RX-7 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 MAZDA RX-7 has 84,482 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2005 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 2005 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 2005 MAZDA RX-7
The 2005 MAZDA RX-7 is a small family car with a 1300cc petrol engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 84,482 miles at 19 years old, MAZDA RX-7 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 MAZDA RX-7 Fuel Costs
The 1300cc 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 2005 MAZDA RX-7?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,572 (£131/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2005 MAZDA RX-7
At 19 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 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2005 MAZDA RX-7
The MAZDA RX-7 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol small family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2007) 73% pass rate (-13%) from 77,121 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (-6%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2007) 73% pass rate (-13%) from 53,763 tests
- PEUGEOT 207 (2007) 69% pass rate (-17%) from 37,862 tests