2006 Mazda RX8 1.3L Petrol · W21 TON

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, though the maintenance trend shows a persistent pattern of escalating environmental degradation. The most recent test in February 2026 at 43,562 miles passed despite recurring defects in headlamp lenses and general corrosion across the front and rear suspension. While the car has avoided major mechanical failures, the consistency of the corrosion advisories suggests that the structural integrity is under constant environmental stress which has not been proactively addressed. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a twenty-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 2,178 miles per year. There is a notable gap in usage between November 2024 at 37,810 miles and November 2025 at 43,024 miles, representing over 5,000 miles in a single year. This low mileage, combined with the vehicle's age, explains the recurring physical deterioration of rubber components. The tester noted cracking and perishing on the front tyres in both 2024 and 2025, a common symptom of long periods spent stationary. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underbody to ensure the general corrosion flagged in the last three tests has not progressed to structural failure. Specific attention should be paid to the suspension mounting points and wish arms where the RX8 is prone to rust. Given the repeated reports of defective headlamp lenses and perished tyres, the vehicle should be checked for age-related dry rot regardless of tread depth. The low mileage does not mask the reality of aging seals and bushings that suffer from time rather than use.