Mazda RX-8 (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 530 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1308cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1308cc17 years old530 tests66k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1308cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/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

81% 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.

81% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-8s from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 530 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,357 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models183rd of 555(top half)

Rank among Mazda models229th of 459(top half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2009 models average+7%(74% avg)

vs Mazda average+0%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

66,357

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 Mazda RX-8 had 66,357 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-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 2009 scores 81%. 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

Ford Focus

2011 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

75%

-6%

Vauxhall Corsa

2011 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

75%

-6%

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-9%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-6%

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About the 2009 Mazda RX-8

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a small family car. Our records list a 1308cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 530 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 66,357 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 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 2009 Mazda RX-8?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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 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 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

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.

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 2009 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(2009)	81%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,003
Ford Focus(2011)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£225
Vauxhall Corsa(2011)	75%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£150
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£103

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 2009 Mazda RX-8

Is the 2009 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2009 Mazda RX-8s ended in a pass, from 530 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 Mazda RX-8 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 2009 Mazda RX-8?

81% of 530 MOT tests on the 2009 Mazda RX-8 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 183rd of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top 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 2009 Mazda RX-8?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Mazda RX-8 is 66,357 miles, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.