OPEL ASTRA (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 49 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the OPEL brand average of 72%.
At 18 years old, 65% of OPEL ASTRAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,892 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
129,892
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 OPEL ASTRA has 129,892 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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OPEL ASTRA by Year
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About the 2008 OPEL ASTRA
The 2008 OPEL ASTRA is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 2008 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 129,892 miles at 18 years old, OPEL ASTRA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 OPEL ASTRA 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 OPEL ASTRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2008 OPEL ASTRA
At 18 years old, the OPEL ASTRA 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. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 OPEL ASTRA'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
Watch outWith an average of 130k 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 65% 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 OPEL ASTRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPEL ASTRA(2008) | 65% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
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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