TOYOTA COROLLA (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,732 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £1857/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1995cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the TOYOTA brand average of 84%.
At 18 years old, 79% of TOYOTA COROLLAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,732 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,408 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
126,408
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA has 126,408 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2008 sits between the two at 79%.
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
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About the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA
The 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA is a family car with a 1995cc diesel engine. 5,732 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight 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 126,408 miles at 18 years old, 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 £1,037 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 TOYOTA COROLLA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
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 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 100%. With 5,732 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 TOYOTA COROLLA'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
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 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 TOYOTA COROLLA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA COROLLA(2008) | 79% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£262 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050+£193 |
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.
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