Nissan Pathfinder (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,050 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,841
£237/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£410
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2488cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 13 points below average.
Check a specific Nissan Pathfinder
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Nissan brand average of 81%.
69% of MOT tests on Nissan Pathfinders from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 1,050 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 127,637 miles.
Got a Nissan Pathfinder you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
127,637
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Nissan Pathfinder had 127,637 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific Nissan Pathfinder?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2008 scores 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Nissan Pathfinder by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Nissan Pathfinder
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is a large car. Our records list a 2488cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,050 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 19% of 2008 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 127,637 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Nissan Pathfinder owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Costs
The 2488cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 Nissan Pathfinder?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Trend
Newer Nissan Pathfinders pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
At 18 years old, the Nissan Pathfinder 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 75%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 128k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% 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 Nissan Pathfinder stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder(2008) | 69% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,841 |
| BMW 3 Series(2008) | 80% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 30-42 | £2,491-£350 |
| Honda Civic(2007) | 72% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 25-38 | £2,641-£200 |
| Ford Mondeo(2010) | 75% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227-£614 |
| Audi A5(2010) | 82% | £1,676 | £410 | Grp 30-42 | £2,491-£350 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
Is the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 69% of MOT tests on 2008 Nissan Pathfinders ended in a pass, from 1,050 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?
69% of 1,050 MOT tests on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 462nd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom 19%).
Which year Nissan Pathfinder has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2007 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is 127,637 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Nissan Models
Explore other Nissan cars or similar models in the same category.
Nissan Qashqai
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
Nissan Juke
2015 · 1461cc Diesel
Nissan Note
2014 · 1461cc Diesel
BMW 3 Series
2008 · 2926cc Diesel
Honda Civic
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
Ford Mondeo
2010 · 1999cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Nissan Pathfinder.
Cheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
ComparisonPetrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
ComparisonKia Sportage vs Nissan Qashqai 2026: Which Is Cheaper to Run?
14 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
Check a specific Nissan Pathfinder
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Nissan Pathfinder? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included