CITROEN DISPATCH (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,699 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,625
£135/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1600cc Diesel
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1600cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 18 years old, 70% of CITROEN DISPATCHs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,699 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 149,351 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
149,351
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH has 149,351 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 60%. The 2008 sits between the two at 70%.
CITROEN DISPATCH by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78% | 487 | 46,003 mi | |
| 2020 | 81% | 1,018 | 57,700 mi | |
| 2019 | 83% | 6,034 | 72,562 mi | |
| 2018 | 84% | 7,633 | 78,004 mi | |
| 2017 | 83% | 7,938 | 88,873 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 6,820 | 98,413 mi | |
| 2015 | 71% | 7,886 | 108,360 mi | |
| 2014 | 72% | 6,038 | 113,978 mi | |
| 2013 | 71% | 4,831 | 121,259 mi | |
| 2012 | 72% | 3,454 | 131,020 mi | |
| 2011 | 71% | 3,820 | 140,276 mi | |
| 2010 | 71% | 3,948 | 145,681 mi | |
| 2009 | 71% | 3,018 | 144,057 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 3,699 | 149,351 mi | |
| 2007 | 69% | 3,191 | 152,813 mi | |
| 2006 | 66% | 1,932 | 138,439 mi | |
| 2005 | 64% | 1,410 | 127,203 mi | |
| 2004 | 67% | 1,080 | 134,741 mi | |
| 2003 | 64% | 677 | 134,756 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 482 | 125,040 mi | |
| 2001 | 62% | 255 | 134,021 mi | |
| 2000 | 67% | 105 | 175,070 mi | |
| 1999 | 60% | 207 | 148,881 mi | |
| 1998 | 72% | 136 | 143,367 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 107 | 161,054 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH
The 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH is a small family car with a 1600cc diesel engine. 3,699 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 149,351 miles at 18 years old, CITROEN DISPATCH owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 CITROEN DISPATCH Fuel Costs
The 1600cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN DISPATCH Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN DISPATCHs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH
At 18 years old, the CITROEN DISPATCH is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 84%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 149k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 CITROEN DISPATCH stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN DISPATCH(2008) | 70% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1625 |
| FORD FIESTA(2009) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
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