2004 Mazda RX-8 2.6L Petrol · NE04 FEV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a successful MOT test on 22 January 2026 at 131,255 miles. The overall maintenance trend appears stable but requires scrutiny as the car failed a test just six days prior at 131,222 miles. This failure was attributed to high carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon levels during the fast idle test, though the subsequent pass suggests these emissions-related issues were addressed or rectified immediately to bring the vehicle back within legal operating limits. The mileage profile is notably low for a vehicle of 22 years, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per annum. There is a significant temporal gap between the December 2024 test at 126,789 miles and the January 2026 tests, during which only 4,466 miles were covered. While low mileage generally reduces wear on consumable components like brakes and tyres, long periods of inactivity can lead to the degradation of rubber seals, gaskets, and internal fluid integrity within the rotary engine components. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the engine's health, as the recent emissions failure is a common indicator of compression loss or poor combustion efficiency in these rotary powerplants. Given the age of the vehicle, close attention should be paid to structural corrosion on the chassis and rear wheel arches, which are known weak points for this model. Furthermore, the condition of the suspension bushes and bushings should be verified, as low-mileage cars often suffer from age-rating dry rot rather than mechanical wear.