Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps (2004)
2004 Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps
CarHunch analysed 109 real MOT records for the 2004 Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2004 Mazda RX-8 231 PS is a genuinely problematic buy: just 25.2% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, meaning three-quarters of these cars fail their MOT on first attempt. While the dangerous defect rate is mercifully low at 0.9%, the sheer scale of failures indicates serious underlying issues that will cost money to fix.
At 50,500 miles median, these cars show relatively low mileage for their age, yet still accumulate an average of 0.38 failures and 0.3 advisories per test, suggesting the RX-8's rotary engine and mechanical complexity are catching up with age regardless of how little they've been driven. If you're considering one, budget for significant repairs before or immediately after purchase, and have a pre-buy inspection by a specialist familiar with rotary engines.
What to check before buying a 2004 Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps
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 Rx 8 231 Ps
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (79%) | 86 | 12.5% | 0.19 |
| Other (21%) | 23 | 72.6% | 1.09 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps 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.
Half of all 2004 Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps vehicles fall between 30,803 and 60,603 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mazda Rx 8 231 Ps?
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