2009 Mazda RX-8 · 1,046 MOT tests
2009 Mazda RX-8 reliability
2009 Mazda RX-8s fail 27.4% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 RX-8 years (1,046 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- 27.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda RX-8s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 63,798
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,046
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.8% of tests fail here (99% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Mazda RX-8
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics9.1%
- Suspension8.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.8%
- Brakes6.5%
- Tyres4.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Body, chassis and structure2.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.87%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.29%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.29%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.1%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.01%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Position lamp not working 1.91%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.9%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.12%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.74%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.64%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (4.59%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (3.82%)
Is a 2009 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
2009 Mazda RX-8s fail 27.4% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 RX-8 years (1,046 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Mazda RX-8 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.87% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (2.29% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.29% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Mazda RX-8 have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Mazda RX-8 shows 63,798 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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