Mazda RX-8 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 816 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2616cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol2616cc18 years old816 tests66k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2616cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mazda brand average of 81%.

75% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-8s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 816 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,277 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models315th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Mazda models303rd of 459(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+2%(73% avg)

vs Mazda average-6%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

66,277

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Mazda RX-8 had 66,277 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2008 scores 75%. 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

Land Rover Freelander

2010 · 2179cc Petrol

£2,958/year

79%

+4%

Vauxhall Insignia

2010 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

75%

same

Audi TT

2007 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

80%

+5%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

+1%

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About the 2008 Mazda RX-8

The 2008 Mazda RX-8 is a large car. Our records list a 2616cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 816 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 66,277 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mazda RX-8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 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 2008 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 75% 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 2008 Mazda RX-8

At 18 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 18 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 2008 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(2008)	75%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958
Land Rover Freelander(2010)	79%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958same
Vauxhall Insignia(2010)	75%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958same
Audi TT(2007)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808-£150
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£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 2008 Mazda RX-8

Is the 2008 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2008 Mazda RX-8s ended in a pass, from 816 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8?

75% of 816 MOT tests on the 2008 Mazda RX-8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 315th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (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 2008 Mazda RX-8?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Mazda RX-8 is 66,277 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.