Mazda RX-8
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 5,362 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests
5,362
Highest Pass Rate
2010 (85%)
Years Covered
8
About the Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 was MOT tested 5,362 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (2003 to 2010), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 85% from 169 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 73%. The 12 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
Newer Mazda RX-8s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2003) averages 70,074 miles, while the newest (2010) averages 63,729 miles.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2010 detailsHow reliable is the Mazda RX-8?
Mazda RX-8 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Mazda RX-8
Is the Mazda RX-8 reliable?
Across its 8 model years in our data (2003 to 2010), the Mazda RX-8 averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 5,362 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2010 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 85%.
Which year Mazda RX-8 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Mazda RX-8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 73%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Mazda RX-8s more reliable?
Newer Mazda RX-8s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
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