MAZDA RX-8 (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 530 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1308cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1308cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 17 years old, 81% of MAZDA RX-8s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 530 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 66,357 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
66,357
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 MAZDA RX-8 has 66,357 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2009 sits between the two at 81%.
MAZDA RX-8 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 MAZDA RX-8
The 2009 MAZDA RX-8 is a small family car with a 1308cc petrol engine. 530 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 66,357 miles at 17 years old, MAZDA RX-8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 MAZDA RX-8 Fuel Costs
The 1308cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 MAZDA RX-8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 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.
MAZDA RX-8 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA RX-8s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 MAZDA RX-8
At 17 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
Based on the 2009 MAZDA RX-8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2009 MAZDA RX-8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA RX-8(2009) | 81% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£197 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
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2019 · 2000cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2011 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2011 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
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