Mazda RX-7 (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 70 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1300cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1300cc21 years old70 tests84k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1300cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/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

86% 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. It also outperforms the Mazda brand average of 81%.

86% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-7s from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 70 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 84,482 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models74th of 504(top 15%)

Rank among Mazda models200th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+14%(72% avg)

vs Mazda average+5%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

84,482

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Mazda RX-7 had 84,482 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2005 scores 86%. 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

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-13%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-6%

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-13%

Peugeot 207

2007 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,353/year

69%

-17%

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About the 2005 Mazda RX-7

The 2005 Mazda RX-7 is a small family car. Our records list a 1300cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 70 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 84,482 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 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 2005 Mazda RX-7?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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.

Buying a Used 2005 Mazda RX-7

At 21 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.

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.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 84k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2005 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(2005)	86%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£225
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£358
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£225
Peugeot 207(2007)	69%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£350

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 2005 Mazda RX-7

Is the 2005 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2005 Mazda RX-7s ended in a pass, from 70 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Mazda RX-7 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 2005 Mazda RX-7?

86% of 70 MOT tests on the 2005 Mazda RX-7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 74th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 15%).

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 2005 Mazda RX-7?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Mazda RX-7 is 84,482 miles, 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.