CarCostCheck

KIA SPORTAGE (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,910 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1991cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1991cc18 years old2,910 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1991cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037
Road Tax

Based on 1991cc

£265
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£1,857
Per month£155/mo
Per week£36/wk

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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the KIA brand average of 86%.

At 18 years old, 70% of KIA SPORTAGEs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,910 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,403 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars456th of 589(top 77%)
Rank among KIA models420th of 472(top 89%)
vs national average-12%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average-3%(73% avg)
vs KIA average-16%(86% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,403

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 KIA SPORTAGE has 106,403 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 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2008 sits between the two at 70%.

KIA SPORTAGE by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202292%1,08224,731 mi
202191%31,54224,767 mi
202090%21,47930,287 mi
201989%58,31939,545 mi
201888%60,31448,804 mi
201786%65,44159,147 mi
201685%66,04867,665 mi
201582%37,01774,778 mi
201481%34,49583,477 mi
201376%34,98091,808 mi
201275%24,90899,218 mi
201174%15,295106,602 mi
201073%7,894103,955 mi
200970%4,499103,156 mi
200870%2,910106,403 mi
200765%2,676109,553 mi
200666%2,245112,934 mi
200566%2,354112,304 mi
200497%31123,135 mi
200374%5070,392 mi

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About the 2008 KIA SPORTAGE

The 2008 KIA SPORTAGE is a family car with a 1991cc diesel engine. 2,910 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 106,403 miles at 18 years old, KIA SPORTAGE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 KIA SPORTAGE 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 KIA SPORTAGE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

KIA SPORTAGE Reliability Trend

Newer KIA SPORTAGEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 KIA SPORTAGE

At 18 years old, the KIA SPORTAGE 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 KIA SPORTAGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 106k 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 KIA SPORTAGE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
KIA SPORTAGE(2008)70%£1037£265Grp 18-32£1857
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)74%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010)77%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)74%£905£135Grp 12-25£1595-£262
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£193

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.

Related Kia Models

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

Related Guides

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