Honda Insight (2009)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,644 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1339cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1339cc17 years old3,644 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1339cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£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

79% 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 Honda brand average of 84%.

79% of MOT tests on Honda Insights from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 3,644 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 114,225 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 models215th of 555(top half)

Rank among Honda models273rd of 402(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2009 models average+5%(74% avg)

vs Honda average-5%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

114,225

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2009 Honda Insight had 114,225 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 79%. 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.

Honda Insight by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	82%	44	59,333 mi
2020	83%	47	90,604 mi
2019	79%	38	90,855 mi
2015	85%	34	141,698 mi
2014	88%	429	115,510 mi
2013	86%	764	109,556 mi
2012	83%	2,062	126,604 mi
2011	85%	2,989	125,994 mi
2010	81%	4,967	116,746 mi
2009	79%	3,644	114,225 mi
2002	80%	44	153,038 mi
2001	75%	92	153,355 mi
2000	91%	44	135,277 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2011 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

75%

-4%

Vauxhall Corsa

2011 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

75%

-4%

Ford Fiesta

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-7%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-4%

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About the 2009 Honda Insight

The 2009 Honda Insight is a small family car. Our records list a 1339cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,644 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 74%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 114,225 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Insight owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 Honda Insight Fuel Costs

The 1339cc 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 2009 Honda Insight?

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 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Insight Reliability Trend

Newer Honda Insights pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2009 Honda Insight

At 17 years old, the Honda Insight 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.

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 114k 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 2009 Honda Insight 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
Honda Insight(2009)	79%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153
Ford Focus(2011)	75%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£75
Vauxhall Corsa(2011)	75%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153same
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£253

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 2009 Honda Insight

Is the 2009 Honda Insight reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2009 Honda Insights ended in a pass, from 3,644 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2009 Honda Insight 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 2009 Honda Insight?

79% of 3,644 MOT tests on the 2009 Honda Insight ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 215th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top half).

Which year Honda Insight has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Honda Insight has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2009 the lowest at 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 Honda Insight?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Honda Insight is 114,225 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.