Mazda RX-7 (2006)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,003
£167/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1300cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
81% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-7s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 36 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 65,339 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
65,339
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2006 Mazda RX-7 had 65,339 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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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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 2006 scores 81%. 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
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About the 2006 Mazda RX-7
The 2006 Mazda RX-7 is a small family car. Our records list a 1300cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 36 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 65,339 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.
2006 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 2006 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 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2006 Mazda RX-7
At 20 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 36 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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 2006 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(2006) | 81% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£150 |
| Ford Focus(2008) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£225 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2008) | 73% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£150 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361+£358 |
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 2006 Mazda RX-7
Is the 2006 Mazda RX-7 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2006 Mazda RX-7s ended in a pass, from 36 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-7?
81% of 36 MOT tests on the 2006 Mazda RX-7 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 148th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top half).
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 2006 Mazda RX-7?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Mazda RX-7 is 65,339 miles, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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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