Toyota Celica (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 57 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1997cc18 years old57 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Toyota brand average of 84%.

88% of MOT tests on Toyota Celicas from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 57 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 119,491 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models75th of 566(top 14%)

Rank among Toyota models400th of 970(top half)

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

vs 2008 models average+15%(73% avg)

vs Toyota average+4%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,491

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Toyota Celica had 119,491 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 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2008 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Celica by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	88%	57	119,491 mi
2007	73%	137	131,245 mi
2006	75%	1,775	105,306 mi
2005	73%	2,404	115,012 mi
2004	72%	2,740	116,055 mi
2003	72%	2,488	118,340 mi
2002	74%	1,861	118,564 mi
2001	74%	1,589	119,894 mi
2000	71%	916	117,266 mi
1999	72%	894	121,784 mi
1998	71%	1,415	124,348 mi
1997	68%	1,002	133,345 mi
1996	73%	902	127,103 mi
1995	77%	370	123,514 mi
1994	73%	360	123,787 mi
1993	74%	148	126,173 mi
1992	72%	169	116,058 mi
1991	70%	182	122,842 mi
1990	75%	187	118,452 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-14%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-21%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-8%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-8%

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About the 2008 Toyota Celica

The 2008 Toyota Celica is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 57 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 119,491 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Celica owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Toyota Celica Fuel Costs

The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Toyota Celica?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Celica Reliability Trend

The Toyota Celica has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 Toyota Celica

At 18 years old, the Toyota Celica 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 77%. Note: with only 57 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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Watch out

With an average of 119k 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 Toyota Celica 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
Toyota Celica(2008)	88%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£67
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same

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 Toyota Celica

Is the 2008 Toyota Celica reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2008 Toyota Celicas ended in a pass, from 57 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Toyota Celica cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Toyota Celica?

88% of 57 MOT tests on the 2008 Toyota Celica ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 75th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 14%).

Which year Toyota Celica has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Toyota Celica has the highest MOT pass rate at 77% and the 1997 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Toyota Celica?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Toyota Celica is 119,491 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.