MAZDA BT-50 (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 416 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Diesel
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2499cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 18 years old, 74% of MAZDA BT-50s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 416 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,958 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,958
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 MAZDA BT-50 has 115,958 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 2007 model with a 82% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 74%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MAZDA BT-50 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 MAZDA BT-50
The 2008 MAZDA BT-50 is a large car with a 2499cc diesel engine. 416 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 115,958 miles at 18 years old, MAZDA BT-50 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 MAZDA BT-50 Fuel Costs
The 2499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 MAZDA BT-50?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA BT-50 Reliability Trend
Older MAZDA BT-50s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2008 MAZDA BT-50
At 18 years old, the MAZDA BT-50 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 MAZDA BT-50'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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 116k 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.
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 MAZDA BT-50 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA BT-50(2008) | 74% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2008) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£295 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2010) | 69% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2250+£55 |
| FORD MONDEO(2010) | 75% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
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 Mazda Models
Explore other Mazda cars or similar models in the same category.
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BMW 3 SERIES
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HONDA CIVIC
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
FORD TRANSIT
2010 · 2402cc Diesel
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