2008 Mazda RX-8 · 1,541 MOT tests
2008 Mazda RX-8 reliability
2008 Mazda RX-8s fail 31.4% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 6 RX-8 years (1,541 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- 31.4%
- 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 15
- 63,284
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,541
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.1% of tests fail here (169% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 49% 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 RX-8
Fail rate by area
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11.4%
- Suspension9.7%
- Brakes8.6%
- Lights and electrics8.2%
- Tyres5.2%
- Body, chassis and structure3.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.86%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.79%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.79%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Position lamp not working 2.66%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Service brake excessively binding 2.27%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.21%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.88%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.18%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.4%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.75%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (6.1%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.58%)
Is a 2008 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
2008 Mazda RX-8s fail 31.4% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 6 RX-8 years (1,541 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Mazda RX-8 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.86% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (2.79% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (2.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Mazda RX-8 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Mazda RX-8 shows 63,284 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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