2004 Mazda RX-8 2.6L Petrol · EO54 XNP

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 12 May 2026 at 24,052 miles with zero defects recorded. That result marks three consecutive advisory-free tests following a minor suspension flag in December 2022, suggesting the previous owner addressed the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage bush and has since kept the car in sound mechanical order. For a rotary-engined vehicle of this age, a streak of three fault-free MOTs is a positive indicator of consistent upkeep rather than neglect. The mileage profile tells a clear story of very light use. Across roughly 22 years the car has covered approximately 24,052 miles, averaging just under 1,100 miles per year. The annual increments between tests are modest and fairly consistent: 434 miles between April 2025 and May 2026, 735 miles between March 2024 and April 2025, and 705 miles between December 2022 and March 2024. There are no sudden jumps in recorded distance that would suggest a period of heavy use followed by dormancy, nor any gaps in the test record that raise mileage tampering concerns. The vehicle appears to have been driven gently and stored for extended periods, which carries its own implications for rubber components and fluid condition. Despite the clean recent record, a buyer should treat this RX-8 as a low-mileage, ageing sports car rather than a high-use commuter. Extended periods standing can perish suspension bushes, brake seals, and tyre sidewalls regardless of tread depth. The 2022 advisory for the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, though minor, warrants a physical check of all rear suspension bushes, drop links, and subframe mounting points for dry cracking or perished rubber. Front suspension arms, track rod ends, and lower ball joints should be inspected with the weight off the wheels, as low-mileage cars often develop surface corrosion on unladen contact points rather than classic wear patterns. The rotary engine demands particular attention. Low annual mileage is hard on apex seals, rotor housings, and coolant seals due to incomplete warm-up cycles and fuel dilution of oil. A compression test is essential, along with a check for coolant loss, oil weeping from the rotor housing seams, and smooth cold-start behaviour. Brake calipers and discs should be examined for surface corrosion from standing, especially on the rear axle where the handbrake mechanism can seize. Tyre date codes matter more than tread depth here; original or aged rubber older than six years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread.