1989 Mazda Rx7 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Rx7 models manufactured in 1989, based on 478 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Rx7 cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 Mazda Rx7 vintage page → (73.0% current pass rate)1989 Mazda Rx7 MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mazda Rx7 has an MOT pass rate of 61.7% based on 478 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 98,144 miles on the odometer. With a 38.3% failure rate, the 1989 Rx7 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mazda Rx7 is Suspension, responsible for 0.4% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Visibility is the second most common issue at 0.2%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall Rx7 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 0.4% | 2 |
| 2 | Visibility | 0.2% | 1 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 98,144 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.04 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mazda Rx7 has an MOT pass rate of 61.7% based on 478 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 98,144 miles on the odometer. With a 38.3% failure rate, the 1989 Rx7 is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mazda Rx7, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 98,144 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 0.4% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda Rx7 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Visibility — 0.2% of failures
Visibility issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda Rx7 models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.2% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda Rx7 models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.