2004 Mazda RX-8 · 1,948 MOT tests
2004 Mazda RX-8 reliability
2004 Mazda RX-8s fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 RX-8 years (1,948 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- 33.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 66,560
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,948
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 13.3% of tests fail here (141% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 46% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mazda RX-8
Fail rate by area
- Suspension14.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks13.3%
- Lights and electrics10.9%
- Brakes8.2%
- Body, chassis and structure6%
- Seat belts and airbags4.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.7%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.62%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.39%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.03%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.77%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.46%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.03%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.85%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.39%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (6.72%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.52%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.16%)
Is a 2004 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
2004 Mazda RX-8s fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 6 RX-8 years (1,948 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mazda RX-8 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.7% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.62% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mazda RX-8 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Mazda RX-8 shows 66,560 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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