2008 Mazda 2 · 28,487 MOT tests
2008 Mazda 2 reliability
2008 Mazda 2s fail 47.2% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 19 2 years (28,487 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 2s: 30.8%)
- 47.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 2s: 30.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 90,781
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 28,487
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (level)
- Weak spot: steering, 8.7% of tests fail here (181% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Mazda 2
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.5%
- Suspension21.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.5%
- Tyres8.7%
- Steering8.7%
- Brakes7.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.92%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 8.28%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 6.49%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 5.03%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.89%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.45%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.22%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.84%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.25%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.5%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.46%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.06%)
Other years
Every Mazda 2 year
The full picture: Mazda 2 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda 2, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2008 Mazda 2 reliable?
2008 Mazda 2s fail 47.2% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 19 2 years (28,487 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mazda 2 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.92% of tests), position lamp not working (8.28% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (6.49% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mazda 2 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mazda 2 shows 90,781 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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