Suzuki Grand Vitara (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,876 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,227
£186/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1870cc Diesel
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.
75% of MOT tests on Suzuki Grand Vitaras from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 3,876 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 96,149 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
96,149
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara had 96,149 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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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2008 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Suzuki Grand Vitara by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 88% | 89 | 56,317 mi | |
| 2014 | 91% | 836 | 59,160 mi | |
| 2013 | 85% | 1,866 | 67,097 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 1,883 | 77,126 mi | |
| 2011 | 79% | 2,520 | 83,839 mi | |
| 2010 | 78% | 3,089 | 86,327 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 3,356 | 91,512 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 3,876 | 96,149 mi | |
| 2007 | 74% | 4,278 | 97,039 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 3,554 | 99,563 mi | |
| 2005 | 71% | 3,969 | 99,232 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 3,670 | 103,262 mi | |
| 2003 | 70% | 2,449 | 103,895 mi | |
| 2002 | 71% | 1,641 | 102,607 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 870 | 100,359 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 376 | 97,031 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 373 | 106,094 mi | |
| 1998 | 74% | 177 | 114,108 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a family car. Our records list a 1870cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,876 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 96,149 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Grand Vitara owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Fuel Costs
The 1870cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Reliability Trend
Newer Suzuki Grand Vitaras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
At 18 years old, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 91%.
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.
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 96k 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Grand Vitara(2008) | 75% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227 |
| Ford Fiesta(2009) | 72% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 8-20 | £1,944-£283 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2010) | 74% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227same |
| Volkswagen Golf(2010) | 77% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227same |
| Volkswagen Polo(2010) | 74% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,944-£283 |
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 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Is the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitaras ended in a pass, from 3,876 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
75% of 3,876 MOT tests on the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 310th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).
Which year Suzuki Grand Vitara has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Suzuki Grand Vitara has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2003 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is 96,149 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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