HYUNDAI MATRIX (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 860 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1599cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1599cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 18 years old, 68% of HYUNDAI MATRIXs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 860 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 79,049 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
79,049
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX has 79,049 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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?
The most reliable year is the 2004 model with a 75% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2008 sits between the two at 68%.
HYUNDAI MATRIX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX
The 2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX is a small family car with a 1599cc petrol engine. 860 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 87% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 79,049 miles at 18 years old, HYUNDAI MATRIX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX Fuel Costs
The 1599cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI MATRIX Reliability Trend
The HYUNDAI MATRIX has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX
At 18 years old, the HYUNDAI MATRIX 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 2004 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 HYUNDAI MATRIX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 MATRIX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI MATRIX(2008) | 68% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
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.
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