Opel Astra (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,428
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2,428/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Opel brand average of 72%.
65% of MOT tests on Opel Astras from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,892 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
129,892
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Opel Astra had 129,892 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.
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About the 2008 Opel Astra
The 2008 Opel Astra is a small family car. Our records list a 1598cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 6% of 2008 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 129,892 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 Opel Astra?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,428 (£202/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 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
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.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opel Astra(2008) | 65% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428 |
| Ford Fiesta(2008) | 72% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£275 |
| Ford Focus(2009) | 74% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£200 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2010) | 74% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153-£275 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2010) | 67% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428same |
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 Opel Astra
Is the 2008 Opel Astra reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2008 Opel Astras ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Opel Astra cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,428 a year (£202 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 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 Opel Astra?
65% of 49 MOT tests on the 2008 Opel Astra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 537th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom 6%).
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Opel Astra?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Opel Astra is 129,892 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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