Mazda RX-8 231 Ps Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Mazda RX-8 231 Ps car check
Is the Mazda RX-8 231 Ps reliable? We analysed 342 real MOT tests across 135 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Mazda RX-8 231 Ps? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Mazda RX-8 231 Ps is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick and anti-roll bar linkage fractured. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Mazda RX-8 231 Ps.
Mazda RX-8 231 Ps Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Mazda RX-8 231 Ps. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Mazda RX-8 231 Ps MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Mazda RX-8 231 Ps to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Mazda RX-8 231 Ps Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Mazda RX-8 231 Ps fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Mazda RX-8 231 Ps Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Mazda RX-8 231 Ps owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Mazda RX-8 231 Ps MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Mazda RX-8 231 Ps year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 63 | 74.6% | 32,466 | 46,304 | 65,804 |
Mazda RX-8 231 Ps Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Mazda RX-8 231 Ps MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Mazda RX-8 231 Ps
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
74.6% MOT pass rate from 63 tests
The best year to buy a used Mazda RX-8 231 Ps is 2004, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 74.6% across 63 tests.
How Does the Mazda RX-8 231 Ps Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda RX-8 231 Ps THIS CAR | 72.2% | 342 | 55,501 mi | 22 yrs |
| Mazda MX-5 | 76.5% | 2,502,760 | 63,190 mi | 36 yrs |
| Mazda 3 | 77.5% | 2,040,939 | 61,041 mi | 22 yrs |
| Mazda 6 | 75.4% | 1,904,140 | 77,387 mi | 24 yrs |
| Honda Nss 350 A-n | 94% | 653 | 6,309 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Mazda MX-5 (76.5% pass rate) and the Mazda 3 (77.5% pass rate), the Mazda RX-8 231 Ps trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Mazda RX-8 231 Ps you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Mazda RX-8 231 PsShould you buy a used Mazda RX-8 231 Ps?
The Mazda RX-8 231 Ps has an overall MOT pass rate of 72.2% across 342 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Mazda RX-8 231 Ps are tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (16 recorded failures), brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (10), and anti-roll bar linkage fractured (8). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Mazda RX-8 231 Ps owner drives around 2,806 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Mazda RX-8 231 Ps models stay on UK roads for around 22 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.