CarCostCheck

Hyundai i20 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 143 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,153

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£200

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,153/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1248cc18 years old143 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1248cc)

~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

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 Hyundai brand average of 83%.

77% of MOT tests on Hyundai i20s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 143 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,225 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models268th of 566(top half)
Rank among Hyundai models271st of 414(bottom half)
vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)
vs 2008 models average+4%(73% avg)
vs Hyundai average-6%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,225

Average miles

vs

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Hyundai i20 had 83,225 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2008 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Hyundai i20 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202192%22923,504 mi
202094%6,08126,315 mi
201992%11,36732,116 mi
201890%13,33939,854 mi
201789%17,82647,359 mi
201687%21,40353,699 mi
201586%20,28961,089 mi
201481%20,85862,454 mi
201377%21,25567,783 mi
201275%16,57672,704 mi
201175%16,74381,075 mi
201075%16,88782,204 mi
200974%16,23584,733 mi
200877%14383,225 mi

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About the 2008 Hyundai i20

The 2008 Hyundai i20 is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 143 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model 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 83,225 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Hyundai i20 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 Hyundai i20 Fuel Costs

The 1248cc 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 Hyundai i20?

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

Hyundai i20 Reliability Trend

Newer Hyundai i20s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Hyundai i20

At 18 years old, the Hyundai i20 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 94%.

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 83k 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 Hyundai i20 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Hyundai i20(2008)77%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153
Ford Fiesta(2008)72%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153same
Ford Focus(2009)74%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228+£75
Vauxhall Corsa(2010)74%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153same
Nissan Qashqai(2010)67%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,428+£275

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 Hyundai i20

Is the 2008 Hyundai i20 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2008 Hyundai i20s ended in a pass, from 143 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 Hyundai i20 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 Hyundai i20?

77% of 143 MOT tests on the 2008 Hyundai i20 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 268th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top half).

Which year Hyundai i20 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Hyundai i20 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2009 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Hyundai i20?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Hyundai i20 is 83,225 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Hyundai Models

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

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Hyundai i20.

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