Is the 2008 HONDA CIVIC reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of HONDA CIVICs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 40,632 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2008 HONDA CIVIC cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), including £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 HONDA CIVIC?

The 2008 HONDA CIVIC has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 40,632 tests in 2026. This ranks 387 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year HONDA CIVIC is most reliable?

The 2020 HONDA CIVIC has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%. The least reliable year is 2001 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 HONDA CIVIC?

The average mileage for a 2008 HONDA CIVIC is 118,507 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

HONDA CIVIC (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 40,632 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2204cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2204cc18 years old40,632 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2204cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Based on 2204cc

£395

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,195

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.

At 18 years old, 72% of HONDA CIVICs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 40,632 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,507 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars387th of 589(top 66%)

Rank among HONDA models344th of 422(top 82%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

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

vs HONDA average-12%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,507

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 HONDA CIVIC has 118,507 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2008 sits between the two at 72%.

HONDA CIVIC by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	349	26,594 mi
2020	93%	7,003	31,000 mi
2019	92%	24,222	38,422 mi
2018	90%	26,013	46,367 mi
2017	90%	26,452	51,272 mi
2016	89%	26,607	63,520 mi
2015	87%	24,580	73,001 mi
2014	86%	23,400	81,465 mi
2013	85%	24,777	91,361 mi
2012	83%	21,831	94,140 mi
2011	76%	20,167	92,437 mi
2010	75%	31,308	104,886 mi
2009	74%	36,553	111,499 mi
2008	72%	40,632	118,507 mi
2007	72%	45,025	122,456 mi
2006	71%	28,045	126,100 mi
2005	73%	24,685	110,833 mi
2004	72%	20,938	113,431 mi
2003	70%	14,502	108,344 mi
2002	72%	12,455	110,076 mi
2001	70%	8,335	103,354 mi
2000	77%	2,871	96,666 mi
1999	75%	4,540	98,943 mi
1998	73%	3,450	97,935 mi
1997	72%	2,947	98,250 mi
1996	73%	2,065	99,417 mi
1995	80%	1,223	100,022 mi
1994	80%	781	93,399 mi
1993	88%	427	92,937 mi
1992	87%	297	97,411 mi
1991	83%	581	103,278 mi
1990	79%	253	89,385 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

+2%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

77%

+5%

FORD TRANSIT

2010 · 2402cc Diesel

£2,250/year

69%

-3%

AUDI A4

2008 · 1968cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

+6%

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About the 2008 HONDA CIVIC

The 2008 HONDA CIVIC is a large car with a 2204cc diesel engine. 40,632 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 118,507 miles at 18 years old, HONDA CIVIC owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 HONDA CIVIC Fuel Costs

The 2204cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 HONDA CIVIC?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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.

HONDA CIVIC Reliability Trend

Newer HONDA CIVICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 HONDA CIVIC

At 18 years old, the HONDA CIVIC 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 40,632 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 HONDA CIVIC's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 119k 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 HONDA CIVIC stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
HONDA CIVIC(2008)	72%	£1245	£395	Grp 25-38	£2195
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£468
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010)	77%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£468
FORD TRANSIT(2010)	69%	£1245	£250	Grp 25-38	£2250+£55
AUDI A4(2008)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£468

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.