CarCostCheck

TOYOTA STARLET (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 60 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,737

£145/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£195

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 8-20

1330cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1330cc18 years old60 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1330cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137
Road Tax

Based on 1330cc

£195
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,737
Per month£145/mo
Per week£33/wk

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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 18 years old, 85% of TOYOTA STARLETs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 60 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,718 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars125th of 589(top 21%)
Rank among TOYOTA models493th of 996(top 49%)
vs national average+3%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+12%(73% avg)
vs TOYOTA average+1%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,718

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 TOYOTA STARLET has 126,718 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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TOYOTA STARLET by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201786%3760,314 mi
200885%60126,718 mi
200784%62124,435 mi
200683%60128,073 mi
200580%46118,635 mi
200160%35116,855 mi
199976%1,70289,976 mi
199875%3,81993,420 mi
199776%2,54791,040 mi
199677%1,11992,042 mi
199579%8089,571 mi
199482%83102,032 mi
199389%3685,812 mi
199173%3094,320 mi

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About the 2008 TOYOTA STARLET

The 2008 TOYOTA STARLET is a small family car with a 1330cc petrol engine. 60 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2008 cars for reliability.

With an average of 126,718 miles at 18 years old, TOYOTA STARLET owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 TOYOTA STARLET Fuel Costs

The 1330cc petrol 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 petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 TOYOTA STARLET?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

TOYOTA STARLET Reliability Trend

The TOYOTA STARLET has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 TOYOTA STARLET

At 18 years old, the TOYOTA STARLET 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. Note: with only 60 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 TOYOTA STARLET's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 127k 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 STARLET stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
TOYOTA STARLET(2008)85%£1137£195Grp 8-20£1737
FORD FIESTA(2008)72%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£15
FORD FOCUS(2009)74%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827+£90
VAUXHALL CORSA(2010)74%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£15
NISSAN QASHQAI(2010)67%£1137£135Grp 12-25£2027+£290

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.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Toyota Starlet.

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