2006 Mazda RX-8 MOT pass rate: 71.0% (1,670 tests)
Is the 2006 RX-8 getting worse?
Pass rate of 2006-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 69.9% +5.6 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 70.8% +6.7 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 72.7% +7.8 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2006 RX-8
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 370 | 22.9% |
| 2 | Suspension | 350 | 21.6% |
| 3 | Brakes | 256 | 15.8% |
| 4 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 234 | 14.5% |
| 5 | Body, chassis, structure | 123 | 7.6% |
| 6 | Tyres | 112 | 6.9% |
All RX-8 years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 (this page) | 1,670 | 71.0% | +6.6 pts | 64,221 |
| 2007 | 1,776 | 73.0% | +7.9 pts | 64,159 |
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FAQs
Is a 2006 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
2006-registered examples passed 71.0% of their MOT tests (1,670 tests, 2023–2025), +6.6 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 20 years old with a median 64,221 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2006 RX-8?
The median tested example shows 64,221 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.