DS DS5 (2018)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 314 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,852
£154/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Diesel
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the DS brand average of 88%.
94% of MOT tests on DS DS5s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 314 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 46,736 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,736
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2018 DS DS5 had 46,736 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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DS DS5 by Year
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About the 2018 DS DS5
The 2018 DS DS5 is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 314 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2018 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 46,736 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, DS DS5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 DS DS5 Fuel Costs
The 1997cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2018 DS DS5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
DS DS5 Reliability Trend
Newer DS DS5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2018 DS DS5
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 DS DS5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS DS5(2018) | 94% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£178 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2018) | 84% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£28 |
| Audi A3(2016) | 90% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,644-£208 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2018 DS DS5
Is the 2018 DS DS5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2018 DS DS5s ended in a pass, from 314 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2018 DS DS5 cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 DS DS5?
94% of 314 MOT tests on the 2018 DS DS5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 129th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (top 22%).
Which year DS DS5 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 DS DS5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2015 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2018 DS DS5?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 DS DS5 is 46,736 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related DS Models
Explore other DS cars or similar models in the same category.
DS DS3
2016 · 1598cc Petrol
DS DS4
2016 · 1560cc Diesel
DS DS7
2019 · 1598cc Petrol
Volkswagen Golf
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
Volkswagen Polo
2018 · 1598cc Diesel
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