2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Mazda RX-8 MOT pass rate and common faults

380 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 380 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.2%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.2%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.4%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.4%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.1%
  10. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks23.2%
  2. Suspension16.3%
  3. Lights & electrics14.7%
  4. Brakes11.1%
  5. Body & chassis5.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  7. Tyres2.9%
  8. Number plates & VIN1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.7%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Mazda RX-8?

In 2024, 63.2% of 2005 Mazda RX-8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 380 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Mazda RX-8?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2005 Mazda RX-8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).