HYUNDAI SONATA (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 101 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1991cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
67% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 15 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1991cc
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 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HYUNDAI brand average of 83%.
At 18 years old, 67% of HYUNDAI SONATAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 101 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,212 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
107,212
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA has 107,212 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 2004 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 67%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
HYUNDAI SONATA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA
The 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA is a family car with a 1991cc diesel engine. 101 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 107,212 miles at 18 years old, HYUNDAI SONATA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA Fuel Costs
The 1991cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 HYUNDAI SONATA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
HYUNDAI SONATA Reliability Trend
Older HYUNDAI SONATAs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA
At 18 years old, the HYUNDAI SONATA 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
Based on the 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 107k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 67% 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 SONATA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYUNDAI SONATA(2008) | 67% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£462 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£7 |
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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