Ford C-Max (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 20,644 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1753cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1753cc18 years old20,644 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1753cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

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.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

70% of MOT tests on Ford C-Maxs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 20,644 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,918 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models418th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models1015th of 1,136(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average-3%(73% avg)

vs Ford average-15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,918

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Ford C-Max had 106,918 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2008 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford C-Max by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	89%	4,088	29,407 mi
2018	88%	7,473	38,716 mi
2017	89%	12,205	49,310 mi
2016	87%	16,187	57,178 mi
2015	84%	18,133	67,354 mi
2014	81%	20,906	75,455 mi
2013	81%	22,772	83,990 mi
2012	78%	18,606	90,312 mi
2011	77%	18,422	97,077 mi
2010	73%	10,975	99,038 mi
2009	73%	10,153	102,785 mi
2008	70%	20,644	106,918 mi
2007	70%	9,390	109,991 mi
2006	68%	556	121,707 mi
2005	75%	59	114,897 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2009 · 1398cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+2%

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

+4%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

+7%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

+4%

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About the 2008 Ford C-Max

The 2008 Ford C-Max is a family car. Our records list a 1753cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 20,644 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,918 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford C-Max owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Ford C-Max Fuel Costs

The 1753cc 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 2008 Ford C-Max?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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.

Ford C-Max Reliability Trend

Newer Ford C-Maxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Ford C-Max

At 18 years old, the Ford C-Max 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 20,644 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 107k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 Ford C-Max 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
Ford C-Max(2008)	70%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Ford Fiesta(2009)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£283
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Golf(2010)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Volkswagen Polo(2010)	74%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

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 2008 Ford C-Max

Is the 2008 Ford C-Max reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2008 Ford C-Maxs ended in a pass, from 20,644 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Ford C-Max cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Ford C-Max?

70% of 20,644 MOT tests on the 2008 Ford C-Max ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 418th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

Which year Ford C-Max has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Ford C-Max has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2006 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Ford C-Max?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Ford C-Max is 106,918 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.