MAZDA RX-8 (2010)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 169 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2616cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2616cc
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%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 16 years old, 85% of MAZDA RX-8s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 169 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 63,729 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
63,729
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2010 MAZDA RX-8 has 63,729 miles on the clock, 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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MAZDA RX-8 by Year
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About the 2010 MAZDA RX-8
The 2010 MAZDA RX-8 is a large car with a 2616cc petrol engine. 169 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 63,729 miles at 16 years old, MAZDA RX-8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2010 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2010 MAZDA RX-8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2010 MAZDA RX-8
At 16 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
Based on the 2010 MAZDA RX-8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 16 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 riskLarger 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 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 2010 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(2010) | 85% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
| MERCEDES E(2012) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£180 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2010) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£30 |
| AUDI TT(2011) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£180 |
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
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