Suzuki Vitara (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 131 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1590cc Diesel

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Diesel1590cc18 years old131 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1590cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/wk

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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Suzuki brand average of 82%.

76% of MOT tests on Suzuki Vitaras from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 131 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,249 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models295th of 566(bottom half)

Rank among Suzuki models191st of 305(bottom half)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+3%(73% avg)

vs Suzuki average-6%(82% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,249

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Suzuki Vitara had 99,249 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2008 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2009 · 1398cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-4%

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-2%

Vauxhall Corsa

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

73%

-3%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

+1%

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About the 2008 Suzuki Vitara

The 2008 Suzuki Vitara is a small family car. Our records list a 1590cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 131 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model 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 99,249 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Suzuki Vitara owners drive about as much as the UK average.

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 £1,219 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 Vitara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

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 out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

With 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Suzuki Vitara(2008)	76%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2009)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Vauxhall Corsa(2009)	73%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Golf(2010)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£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 Vitara

Is the 2008 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2008 Suzuki Vitaras ended in a pass, from 131 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Suzuki Vitara cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 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 Vitara?

76% of 131 MOT tests on the 2008 Suzuki Vitara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 295th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).

Which year Suzuki Vitara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Suzuki Vitara has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2000 the lowest at 63%. 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 Vitara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Suzuki Vitara is 99,249 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.