SUZUKI VITARA (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 131 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,625
£135/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1590cc Diesel
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 6 points below average.
Check a specific SUZUKI VITARA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1590cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this SUZUKI VITARA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the SUZUKI brand average of 82%.
At 18 years old, 76% of SUZUKI VITARAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 131 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,249 miles.
Got a SUZUKI VITARA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
99,249
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 SUZUKI VITARA has 99,249 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.
Looking at a specific SUZUKI VITARA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2008 sits between the two at 76%.
SUZUKI VITARA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 100% | 72 | 22,420 mi | |
| 2020 | 95% | 4,235 | 27,215 mi | |
| 2019 | 93% | 20,279 | 34,769 mi | |
| 2018 | 91% | 19,013 | 43,397 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 18,219 | 52,028 mi | |
| 2016 | 89% | 17,560 | 60,293 mi | |
| 2015 | 87% | 8,946 | 67,238 mi | |
| 2012 | 81% | 48 | 79,931 mi | |
| 2011 | 69% | 96 | 79,926 mi | |
| 2010 | 81% | 37 | 73,858 mi | |
| 2009 | 78% | 93 | 90,408 mi | |
| 2008 | 76% | 131 | 99,249 mi | |
| 2007 | 73% | 79 | 86,898 mi | |
| 2006 | 71% | 48 | 100,718 mi | |
| 2005 | 67% | 165 | 105,427 mi | |
| 2004 | 72% | 153 | 104,538 mi | |
| 2003 | 66% | 122 | 97,237 mi | |
| 2002 | 68% | 156 | 104,850 mi | |
| 2001 | 67% | 123 | 99,320 mi | |
| 2000 | 63% | 198 | 81,169 mi | |
| 1999 | 67% | 629 | 87,489 mi | |
| 1998 | 71% | 554 | 96,676 mi | |
| 1997 | 77% | 256 | 78,489 mi | |
| 1996 | 75% | 333 | 91,162 mi | |
| 1995 | 71% | 388 | 87,987 mi | |
| 1994 | 73% | 316 | 70,294 mi | |
| 1993 | 69% | 153 | 49,039 mi | |
| 1992 | 80% | 132 | 52,908 mi | |
| 1991 | 75% | 72 | 59,290 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Suzuki Vitara
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 SUZUKI VITARA
The 2008 SUZUKI VITARA is a small family car with a 1590cc diesel engine. 131 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model 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 99,249 miles at 18 years old, SUZUKI VITARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 SUZUKI VITARA Fuel Costs
The 1590cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 VITARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
SUZUKI VITARA Reliability Trend
Newer SUZUKI VITARAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 SUZUKI VITARA
At 18 years old, the SUZUKI 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 SUZUKI VITARA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 99k 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 VITARA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUZUKI VITARA(2008) | 76% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1625 |
| FORD FIESTA(2009) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£135 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£102 |
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.
Related Suzuki Models
Explore other Suzuki cars or similar models in the same category.
SUZUKI ALTO
2014 · 996cc Petrol
SUZUKI SWIFT
2015 · 1586cc Petrol
SUZUKI CELERIO
2016 · 998cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2009 · 1398cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2010 · 1910cc Diesel
VAUXHALL CORSA
2009 · 1248cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Suzuki Vitara.
Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific SUZUKI VITARA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a SUZUKI VITARA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data