Mazda RX-8 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 914 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2616cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol2616cc22 years old914 tests68k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2616cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

73% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-8s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 914 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,061 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models239th of 470(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models336th of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-9%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+1%(72% avg)

vs Mazda average-8%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,061

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Mazda RX-8 had 68,061 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. 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

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+5%

Nissan X-Trail

2006 · 2488cc Petrol

£3,158/year

67%

-6%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+5%

Mercedes SLK

2004 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

+5%

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About the 2004 Mazda RX-8

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 is a large car. Our records list a 2616cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 914 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 68,061 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.

2004 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 2004 Mazda RX-8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% 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 2004 Mazda RX-8

At 22 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.

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 22 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 2004 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(2004)	73%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Nissan X-Trail(2006)	67%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£3,158+£200
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Mercedes SLK(2004)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same

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 2004 Mazda RX-8

Is the 2004 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2004 Mazda RX-8s ended in a pass, from 914 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Mazda RX-8 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Mazda RX-8?

73% of 914 MOT tests on the 2004 Mazda RX-8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 239th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom half).

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 2004 Mazda RX-8?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Mazda RX-8 is 68,061 miles, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.