TOYOTA AQUA (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 125 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1490cc Hybrid
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 8 years old, 94% of TOYOTA AQUAs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 46,752 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
46,752
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 TOYOTA AQUA has 46,752 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2018 sits between the two at 94%.
TOYOTA AQUA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 TOYOTA AQUA
The 2018 TOYOTA AQUA is a small family car with a 1490cc hybrid engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 46,752 miles at 8 years old, TOYOTA AQUA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 TOYOTA AQUA Fuel Costs
The 1490cc hybrid 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 hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2018 TOYOTA AQUA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
TOYOTA AQUA Reliability Trend
The TOYOTA AQUA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 TOYOTA AQUA
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 TOYOTA AQUA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 8 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 TOYOTA AQUA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA AQUA(2018) | 94% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1587 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2018) | 91% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1582-£5 |
| MINI COOPER S(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
| AUDI Q3(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£15 |
| TOYOTA C-HR(2018) | 90% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772+£185 |
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 Toyota Models
Explore other Toyota cars or similar models in the same category.
TOYOTA YARIS
2013 · 1330cc Petrol
TOYOTA AYGO
2015 · 998cc Petrol
TOYOTA PRIUS
2019 · 1797cc Petrol
TOYOTA YARIS
2018 · 1349cc Hybrid
MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
AUDI Q3
2016 · 1400cc Hybrid
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