Toyota Corolla (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,732 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1995cc18 years old5,732 tests126k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Toyota brand average of 84%.

79% of MOT tests on Toyota Corollas from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 5,732 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 126,408 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models223rd of 566(top half)

Rank among Toyota models613th of 970(bottom half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+6%(73% avg)

vs Toyota average-5%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,408

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Toyota Corolla had 126,408 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 1995 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2008 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Toyota Corolla by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	100%	75	18,202 mi
2022	94%	401	42,043 mi
2021	94%	1,308	39,747 mi
2020	95%	2,524	57,912 mi
2019	93%	24,005	58,242 mi
2018	95%	86	48,003 mi
2017	93%	57	61,135 mi
2016	94%	79	90,072 mi
2015	89%	76	90,127 mi
2014	88%	122	71,225 mi
2012	78%	32	128,314 mi
2011	80%	40	100,568 mi
2010	80%	170	112,661 mi
2009	79%	2,149	118,336 mi
2008	79%	5,732	126,408 mi
2007	77%	7,949	119,960 mi
2006	77%	21,442	106,653 mi
2005	76%	19,418	108,282 mi
2004	73%	13,180	106,596 mi
2003	72%	9,687	104,448 mi
2002	74%	6,605	104,736 mi
2001	76%	3,343	97,253 mi
2000	75%	2,046	97,694 mi
1999	73%	3,483	102,510 mi
1998	72%	3,048	101,653 mi
1997	76%	1,582	102,772 mi
1996	80%	528	100,779 mi
1995	67%	522	98,779 mi
1994	76%	533	104,731 mi
1993	78%	469	107,208 mi
1992	81%	414	101,100 mi
1991	84%	180	81,805 mi
1990	81%	209	88,425 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-5%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

-2%

Volkswagen Polo

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-5%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-7%

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About the 2008 Toyota Corolla

The 2008 Toyota Corolla is a family car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,732 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 126,408 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Toyota Corolla owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Toyota Corolla Fuel Costs

The 1995cc 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 Toyota Corolla?

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 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Toyota Corolla Reliability Trend

Newer Toyota Corollas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Toyota Corolla

At 18 years old, the Toyota Corolla 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%. With 5,732 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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

Watch out

With an average of 126k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 Corolla 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 Corolla(2008)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
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
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414

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 Corolla

Is the 2008 Toyota Corolla reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2008 Toyota Corollas ended in a pass, from 5,732 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla?

79% of 5,732 MOT tests on the 2008 Toyota Corolla ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 223rd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top half).

Which year Toyota Corolla has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Toyota Corolla has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 1995 the lowest at 67%. 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 Corolla?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Toyota Corolla is 126,408 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.