Why choose a Mazda RX-8?
If you’re looking for a stylish sports car at an attainable price, the Mazda RX-8 might be on your radar. The RX-8 is a mid-sized coupe with sleek, modern looks and a unique, high-revving rotary engine.
Mazda’s RX-8 may not offer the torque or turbo-charged speeds of other sports cars, but it’s still thrilling to drive. It’s light and compact, with sharp steering and comfy suspension.
For a coupe, the RX-8 offers relatively decent-sized back seats and reasonable legroom. And passengers won’t have to squeeze in behind the driver’s door thanks to the RX-8’s iconic rear-hinged back door design.
Japanese car brand Mazda first launched the RX-8 in 2003, but it was withdrawn from the European market in 2010 after failing to meet Euro V emissions standards.
Used models of the RX-8 can be an absolute bargain, but beware of offers that seem too good to be true: the RX-8 is known for having issues with reliability and longevity.
What insurance group is my Mazda RX-8 in?
The insurance group of your RX-8 depends on the model you own. The insurance group is based on factors including engine size, trim, safety features, the value of the car and the cost of repairs.
Multiple versions of the Mazda RX-8 were launched during the seven years it was in production, all with different specs. However, RX-8s typically cost above average to insure and tend to fall in insurance groups from the high-20s through to the mid-30s:
| Model | Insurance group |
|---|---|
| Mazda RX-8 Nemesis Coupe | 27 |
| Mazda RX-8 Evolve Coupe | 30 |
| Mazda RX-8 40th Anniversary Coupe | 34 |
Use our car insurance group checker to find out what insurance group your RX-8 is in.
What affects the cost of my Mazda RX-8 insurance?
As well as the model of RX-8 you drive, car insurance providers will look at factors like your age, postcode, driving history and annual mileage when calculating the cost of your premiums.
To find the right car insurance at an affordable price, it’s a good idea to shop around. Use our comparison service to see a range of personalised quotes for you and your Mazda RX-8.
Get a quoteWhat cover do I need for my Mazda RX-8?
You can choose from three levels of car insurance cover for your Mazda RX-8:
- Third party – is the minimum level of car insurance cover you’ll need to legally drive on UK roads. It covers you for any injury or damage you cause to people or their property.
- Third-party, fire and theft – as well as covering you for third-party damage or injury, this level of cover also offers financial protection in case your RX-8 is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive – offers the most thorough protection for your RX-8, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most expensive. On top of the cover offered by third-party, fire and theft, it also covers any damage caused to your own car in an accident – regardless of whose fault it was.
What extras can I add to my Mazda RX-8 car insurance policy?
You can usually choose to add on extra cover to your Mazda RX-8 car insurance policy, for an extra cost. Depending on the policy, the optional cover on offer could include:
Breakdown cover
Breakdown cover includes roadside assistance to help you continue your journey or recovery to a local garage for more extensive repairs. You may also want to add on European breakdown cover if you’ll be driving your RX-8 on the continent.
Courtesy car cover
Courtesy car insurance includes a replacement car to drive while yours is being repaired after an accident. Look for ‘like for like’ cover if it’s important to you to have a sporty car that’s similar to your RX-8.
Personal belongings cover
Personal belongings cover means you won’t be left out of pocket if expensive belongings, like a laptop or golfclubs, are stolen from your RX-8 or damaged in a fire or accident.
Motor legal protection
Motor legal protection could help pay your legal expenses if another driver brings a claim against you or you decide to pursue a claim after a car accident.
Windscreen cover
Windscreen insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing a chipped or broken windscreen.
Wrong fuel cover
Misfuelling cover protects you from a potentially massive repair bill if you accidently put the wrong fuel in your RX-8.
No claims discount protection
Can be useful if you’ve built up a considerable no claims bonus over several years. It lets you keep your discount, even if you need to make a claim.
Lost keys cover
Lost keys cover means your insurance provider will foot the bill if your RX-8 keys are stolen or lost and need to be replaced.
Personal accident cover
Personal accident insurance can provide financial compensation if you or your partner are seriously injured or killed in a car accident.
It’s worth noting that some of these optional extras may be included as standard in comprehensive car insurance policies. So if you’re looking for broader protection for your RX-8, it’s worth comparing different levels of cover to check you’re getting a good deal for the cover you want.
Why compare Mazda RX-8 car insurance with Compare the Market?
Sporty cars like the Mazda RX-8 can be more expensive to insure, so it makes sense to explore your options and make sure you’re getting a competitive deal.
We can help you save money on the cover you need. 51% of Compare the Market customers could save up to £461[1] on their car insurance.
Simply tell us a few details about you and your RX-8 and, in a matter of minutes, we can compare prices from 58 car insurance providers[2].
Start a quote[1] Based on Online independent research by Consumer Intelligence during September 2024, 51% of customers could achieve this saving on their car insurance through Compare the Market.
[2] Correct as of September 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mazda RX-8 fuel efficient?
No, like many other sports cars, the Mazda RX-8 is not very fuel efficient. Depending on the model and driving conditions, you can typically expect to get around 20-25mpg.
Is the Mazda RX-8 a safe car?
The Mazda RX-8 doesn’t have a safety rating from independent experts Euro NCAP. However, all models of the RX-8 do have some standard safety features including side and front airbags, traction and stability control.
Is the Mazda RX-8 expensive to maintain?
You’ll need to check and top up the oil levels of your RX-8 regularly, as its unique rotary engine requires more oil than a conventional engine.
RX-8s also have some known longevity issues that make buying an older used model a seriously risky prospect. Critics note that even with proper maintenance, the RX-8s engine tends to wear out relatively quickly. Many RX-8s need major work or even a full rebuild after clocking up 60,000-80,000 miles.
If you’re in the market for a used RX-8, look for a seller with a good record of proper maintenance and a full-service history. If possible, buy from a specialist dealer who can provide a warranty.
