Ford Dorchester (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 102 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4000cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4000cc18 years old102 tests71k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on Ford Dorchesters from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 102 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 70,893 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models108th of 566(top 20%)

Rank among Ford models637th of 1,136(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+13%(73% avg)

vs Ford average+1%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

70,893

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Ford Dorchester had 70,893 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 86%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Dorchester by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2014	86%	87	60,559 mi
2012	88%	34	87,136 mi
2011	88%	77	62,263 mi
2010	95%	87	62,973 mi
2009	74%	58	74,246 mi
2008	86%	102	70,893 mi
2007	92%	132	91,218 mi
2006	89%	44	90,459 mi
2005	64%	33	83,460 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XF

2008 · 4196cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-8%

Land Rover Range Rover

2006 · 4197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-6%

Volvo XC90

2009 · 4414cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-8%

Porsche 911

2006 · 3824cc Petrol

£3,003/year

90%

+4%

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About the 2008 Ford Dorchester

The 2008 Ford Dorchester is a large-engined car. Our records list a 4000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 102 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 70,893 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Dorchester owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 Ford Dorchester Fuel Costs

The 4000cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 Ford Dorchester?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2008 Ford Dorchester

At 18 years old, the Ford Dorchester 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

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 Dorchester 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 Dorchester(2008)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Jaguar XF(2008)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Land Rover Range Rover(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Volvo XC90(2009)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Porsche 911(2006)	90%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£150

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 Dorchester

Is the 2008 Ford Dorchester reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2008 Ford Dorchesters ended in a pass, from 102 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Ford Dorchester cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Ford Dorchester?

86% of 102 MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Dorchester ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 108th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 20%).

Which year Ford Dorchester has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Ford Dorchester has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2008 the lowest at 86%. 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 Dorchester?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Dorchester is 70,893 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.