Mazda RX-8 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 169 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2616cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2616cc23 years old169 tests70k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2616cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/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

82% 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.

82% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-8s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 169 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 70,074 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models74th of 429(top 18%)

Rank among Mazda models224th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+10%(72% avg)

vs Mazda average+1%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

70,074

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Mazda RX-8 had 70,074 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2003 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mazda RX-8 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	85%	169	63,729 mi
2009	81%	530	66,357 mi
2008	75%	816	66,277 mi
2007	77%	1,083	64,619 mi
2006	76%	999	66,411 mi
2005	74%	682	66,967 mi
2004	73%	914	68,061 mi
2003	82%	169	70,074 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-5%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-4%

Mercedes SLK

2004 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-4%

Volvo XC90

2005 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,958/year

73%

-9%

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About the 2003 Mazda RX-8

The 2003 Mazda RX-8 is a large car. Our records list a 2616cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 169 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 70,074 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda RX-8 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-8 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-8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mazda RX-8 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.

Buying a Used 2003 Mazda RX-8

At 23 years old, the Mazda RX-8 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 85%.

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-8 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-8(2003)	82%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Mercedes SLK(2004)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£150
Volvo XC90(2005)	73%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150

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-8

Is the 2003 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2003 Mazda RX-8s ended in a pass, from 169 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Mazda RX-8 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2003 Mazda RX-8?

82% of 169 MOT tests on the 2003 Mazda RX-8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 74th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 18%).

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% and the 2004 the lowest at 73%. 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-8?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mazda RX-8 is 70,074 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.