2010 Mazda RX-8 2.6L Petrol · L18 MKO

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of worsening structural corrosion and mechanical inconsistency. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 100,274 miles passed, it noted minor electrical faults with the registration lamp and a persistent windscreen chip. This follows a volatile period between 2023 and 2024 where the car failed due to significant emissions issues and broken suspension components. The transition from multiple failures to a pass suggests the immediate faults are being addressed, yet the underlying degradation of components persists. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 6,267 miles per year over its sixteen-year life. There is a notable gap in records between 2019 and August 2021, during which the car covered only 8,182 miles. Since 2021, the usage has increased slightly, with over 11,000 miles recorded in the last three years. This recent increase in active miles appears to have coincided with the discovery of more mechanical failures, including high carbon monoxide levels and fractured coil springs. A buyer must perform a rigorous underbody inspection focusing on the rear subframe. The September 2024 test flagged corrosion on the rear subframe, suspension components, and differential, which, while noted as not seriously weakened at the time, represents a known progressive structural risk on this model. The history also shows recurring suspension issues, with fractured rear coil springs recorded in 2021 and 2024, and corroded front springs noted in 2023. The engine health requires close attention due to the failures in 2023 and 2024 related to high carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon levels, which often indicate poor combustion efficiency in rotary engines or a failing catalytic converter. The oil leak noted in 2022 should be physically checked to ensure it has not worsened. Additionally, the persistent windscreen damage and frosted headlamp lenses mentioned across multiple years suggest a reactive approach to minor cosmetic and preventative maintenance by previous owners.