Ford Fiesta (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 109,443 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1388cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1388cc18 years old109,443 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1388cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,153

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

72% of MOT tests on Ford Fiestas from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 109,443 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 95,143 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models364th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models962nd of 1,136(bottom 16%)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average-1%(73% avg)

vs Ford average-13%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,143

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Ford Fiesta had 95,143 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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2008 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Fiesta by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	93%	404	18,726 mi
2021	94%	6,234	22,177 mi
2020	91%	34,173	29,611 mi
2019	91%	124,950	34,738 mi
2018	90%	157,746	42,265 mi
2017	85%	154,616	48,995 mi
2016	81%	205,128	56,940 mi
2015	81%	225,575	63,696 mi
2014	79%	224,536	71,010 mi
2013	77%	211,536	77,629 mi
2012	75%	185,847	83,104 mi
2011	75%	161,778	90,389 mi
2010	73%	165,879	95,140 mi
2009	72%	180,029	96,775 mi
2008	72%	109,443	95,143 mi
2007	72%	99,442	96,164 mi
2006	70%	81,463	97,129 mi
2005	70%	48,429	97,715 mi
2004	71%	39,183	97,910 mi
2003	71%	29,898	96,816 mi
2002	70%	14,118	88,471 mi
2001	68%	4,970	72,535 mi
2000	67%	2,809	71,739 mi
1999	67%	4,854	66,066 mi
1998	65%	4,382	56,318 mi
1997	66%	1,926	57,252 mi
1996	71%	1,061	51,823 mi
1995	74%	859	53,478 mi
1994	77%	616	50,884 mi
1993	69%	565	50,329 mi
1992	76%	545	53,988 mi
1991	84%	854	51,137 mi
1990	83%	479	53,299 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

+2%

Vauxhall Corsa

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

74%

+2%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-5%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

+8%

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About the 2008 Ford Fiesta

The 2008 Ford Fiesta is a small family car. Our records list a 1388cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 109,443 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 95,143 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Fiesta owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Ford Fiesta Fuel Costs

The 1388cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 Fiesta?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,153 (£179/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Fiesta Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Fiestas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Ford Fiesta

At 18 years old, the Ford Fiesta 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 109,443 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2008 Ford Fiesta Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 22,787 MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Fiesta that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics55%
Same age: 48%
Suspension39%
Same age: 41%
Brakes25%
Same age: 26%
Tyres17%
Same age: 17%

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Ford Fiesta reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 95k 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 Fiesta 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 Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)	74%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£275
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£75

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 Fiesta

Is the 2008 Ford Fiesta reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 2008 Ford Fiestas ended in a pass, from 109,443 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Ford Fiesta cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,153 a year (£179 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 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 Fiesta?

72% of 109,443 MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Fiesta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 364th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Fiesta has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Fiesta has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. 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 Fiesta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Fiesta is 95,143 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.