2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Mazda RX-8 MOT pass rate and common faults

396 MOT tests in 2024. 67.2% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time67.2%
Failed or needed repairs32.8%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 396 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits5.3%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.0%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    16 marked dangerous
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
  10. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks25.0%
  2. Lights & electrics12.6%
  3. Suspension10.6%
  4. Brakes8.8%
  5. Body & chassis5.6%
  6. Tyres5.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  8. Steering2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.6%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.1%

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: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. 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 2008 Mazda RX-8?

In 2024, 67.2% of 2008 Mazda RX-8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 396 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Mazda RX-8?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2008 Mazda RX-8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).