CarCostCheck

Honda SMX (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

64%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1970cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

64% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 18 points below average.

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Petrol1970cc18 years old36 tests151k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1970cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,711
Per month£226/mo
Per week£52/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

64% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.

64% of MOT tests on Honda SMXs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 36 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 151,064 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models546th of 566(bottom 4%)
Rank among Honda models397th of 402(bottom 2%)
vs average of all models-18%(82% avg)
vs 2008 models average-9%(73% avg)
vs Honda average-20%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

151,064

Average miles

vs

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Honda SMX had 151,064 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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About the 2008 Honda SMX

The 2008 Honda SMX is a family car. Our records list a 1970cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 36 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 4% of 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 151,064 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda SMX owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2008 Honda SMX Fuel Costs

The 1970cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Honda SMX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Buying a Used 2008 Honda SMX

At 18 years old, the Honda SMX 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. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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 151k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 SMX stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Honda SMX(2008)64%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,711
Ford Focus(2009)74%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228-£483
Nissan Qashqai(2010)67%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,428-£283
MINI(2010)80%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,078-£633
BMW 3 Series(2007)80%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,361-£350

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 Honda SMX

Is the 2008 Honda SMX reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 64% of MOT tests on 2008 Honda SMXs ended in a pass, from 36 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Honda SMX cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Honda SMX?

64% of 36 MOT tests on the 2008 Honda SMX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 546th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom 4%).

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Honda SMX?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Honda SMX is 151,064 miles, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Related Honda Models

Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Honda SMX.

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