2005 Mazda RX-8: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mazda RX-8?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mazda RX-8 than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.6× usual
  Mazda RX-8

  8.2% All 2005 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Engine warning light2× usual
  Mazda RX-8

  5.7% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2005 Mazda RX-8 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mazda RX-8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  32% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  30% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  19% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mazda RX-8

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2005 Mazda RX-8 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Mazda RX-8 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?