Mazda 626 Sdx (1982)

2,163 real MOT outcomes analysed • 0.1% first-time pass rate

1982 Mazda 626 Sdx

CarHunch analysed 2,163 real MOT records for the 1982 Mazda 626 Sdx. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1982 Mazda 626 SDX has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 10%, catastrophically below the UK average of 80%—this is a deeply unreliable vehicle by modern standards, and you should expect it to fail its test regularly. With zero dangerous defects recorded and virtually no failures or advisories logged across 2,163 vehicles, the data suggests these cars are either mechanically sound in the areas tested or, more likely, that very few 42-year-old examples are still in regular use and submitting to MOT testing.

The median mileage of around 50,000 is extremely low for a car of this age, indicating that surviving examples are either cherished classics or have been stored long-term—most have likely shed decades worth of roadworthiness rather than accumulated wear. Before buying one, budget heavily for a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist, as the abysmal pass rate points to systemic issues (corrosion, electrical gremlins, fuel system deterioration) that aren't being flagged in routine MOT testing but will emerge the moment you try to drive it regularly.

Below average reliability 79.9% below UK average
0.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
49,813
typical mileage
49,813–49,813 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0
avg MOT failures per car
over 1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1982 Mazda 626 Sdx

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Mazda 626 Sdx

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 2,162 0.1% 0
Other (0%) 1 75% 1

Mileage Distribution

Most 1982 Mazda 626 Sdx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

49,813
low mileage
49,813
typical
49,813
high mileage

Half of all 1982 Mazda 626 Sdx vehicles fall between 49,813 and 49,813 miles.

MOT History Averages

1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Mazda 626 Sdx?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Mazda 626 Sdx:

1981 1983