Ford Kuga (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,250 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 5 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Ford Kuga

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1997cc18 years old5,250 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

77% of MOT tests on Ford Kugas from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 5,250 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 127,415 miles.

Got a Ford Kuga you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models259th of 566(top half)

Rank among Ford models858th of 1,136(bottom 25%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+4%(73% avg)

vs Ford average-8%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

127,415

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Ford Kuga had 127,415 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.

Looking at a specific Ford Kuga?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 77%. 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 Kuga by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	90%	463	27,068 mi
2020	93%	2,350	32,002 mi
2019	91%	72,831	37,992 mi
2018	90%	67,605	47,508 mi
2017	89%	65,391	57,341 mi
2016	88%	57,840	66,680 mi
2015	85%	54,859	75,918 mi
2014	83%	42,904	83,683 mi
2013	83%	23,981	93,347 mi
2012	79%	17,973	102,529 mi
2011	78%	17,950	109,487 mi
2010	77%	18,799	117,792 mi
2009	77%	15,384	123,544 mi
2008	77%	5,250	127,415 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

same

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-3%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-5%

Check a Specific Ford Kuga

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2008 Ford Kuga

The 2008 Ford Kuga is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,250 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 127,415 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Kuga owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Ford Kuga 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 2008 Ford Kuga?

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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Kuga Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Kugas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Ford Kuga

At 18 years old, the Ford Kuga 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. With 5,250 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 127k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 Kuga 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 Kuga(2008)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
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
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414

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 Kuga

Is the 2008 Ford Kuga reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2008 Ford Kugas ended in a pass, from 5,250 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Ford Kuga 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 Kuga?

77% of 5,250 MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Kuga ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 259th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top half).

Which year Ford Kuga has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford Kuga has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2008 the lowest at 77%. 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 Kuga?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Ford Kuga is 127,415 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.