NISSAN MICRA (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 24,575 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 18 years old, 75% of NISSAN MICRAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 24,575 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,396 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,396
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 NISSAN MICRA has 82,396 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 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2008 sits between the two at 75%.
NISSAN MICRA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 93% | 468 | 16,266 mi | |
| 2021 | 94% | 10,540 | 17,646 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 8,364 | 22,724 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 13,764 | 28,831 mi | |
| 2018 | 84% | 16,905 | 37,762 mi | |
| 2017 | 80% | 21,797 | 41,414 mi | |
| 2016 | 84% | 16,327 | 37,593 mi | |
| 2015 | 83% | 20,028 | 45,113 mi | |
| 2014 | 81% | 22,597 | 50,183 mi | |
| 2013 | 80% | 19,076 | 54,963 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 19,107 | 61,174 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 21,009 | 66,242 mi | |
| 2010 | 77% | 26,270 | 75,332 mi | |
| 2009 | 76% | 26,535 | 78,114 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 24,575 | 82,396 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 23,186 | 82,908 mi | |
| 2006 | 74% | 30,922 | 88,685 mi | |
| 2005 | 72% | 27,370 | 87,328 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 19,303 | 84,423 mi | |
| 2003 | 70% | 17,510 | 80,670 mi | |
| 2002 | 70% | 13,066 | 68,980 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 7,680 | 68,798 mi | |
| 2000 | 68% | 4,949 | 69,584 mi | |
| 1999 | 70% | 6,792 | 71,270 mi | |
| 1998 | 69% | 4,351 | 71,417 mi | |
| 1997 | 70% | 2,273 | 73,070 mi | |
| 1996 | 67% | 1,762 | 71,420 mi | |
| 1995 | 70% | 1,055 | 74,079 mi | |
| 1994 | 73% | 806 | 74,603 mi | |
| 1993 | 71% | 455 | 79,043 mi | |
| 1992 | 79% | 323 | 64,989 mi | |
| 1991 | 72% | 383 | 62,054 mi | |
| 1990 | 70% | 352 | 70,634 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 NISSAN MICRA
The 2008 NISSAN MICRA is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 24,575 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 82,396 miles at 18 years old, NISSAN MICRA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 NISSAN MICRA Fuel Costs
The 1598cc 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 NISSAN MICRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN MICRA Reliability Trend
Newer NISSAN MICRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 NISSAN MICRA
At 18 years old, the NISSAN MICRA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 24,575 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 NISSAN MICRA'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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 82k 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 NISSAN MICRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN MICRA(2008) | 75% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
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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