2005 Mazda RX-8 · 1,513 MOT tests
2005 Mazda RX-8 reliability
2005 Mazda RX-8s fail 35% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 RX-8 years (1,513 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- 35%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 64,408
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,513
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- 2006 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 14.1% of tests fail here (169% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 49% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Mazda RX-8
Fail rate by area
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks14.1%
- Suspension12.6%
- Lights and electrics12%
- Brakes8.5%
- Body, chassis and structure4.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
- Tyres3.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.29%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.9%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.5%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.11%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.11%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Service brake excessively binding 2.45%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.18%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.12%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.59%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.4%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.95%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (5.88%)
Is a 2005 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
2005 Mazda RX-8s fail 35% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 RX-8 years (1,513 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Mazda RX-8 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.29% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.9% of tests), position lamp not working (3.5% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Mazda RX-8 have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Mazda RX-8 shows 64,408 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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