Vauxhall Vectra (2008)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 18,793 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,511
£209/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1910cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2,511/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.
70% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vectras from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 18,793 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,989 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
117,989
Average miles
118,400
Expected for age
The average 2008 Vauxhall Vectra had 117,989 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 2000 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2008 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Vauxhall Vectra by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 71% | 3,408 | 117,617 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 18,793 | 117,989 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 16,124 | 121,476 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 8,767 | 121,234 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 4,303 | 121,677 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 2,420 | 119,713 mi | |
| 2003 | 70% | 1,288 | 109,896 mi | |
| 2002 | 74% | 1,056 | 110,589 mi | |
| 2001 | 73% | 1,098 | 100,719 mi | |
| 2000 | 75% | 656 | 101,398 mi | |
| 1999 | 73% | 790 | 110,725 mi | |
| 1998 | 70% | 570 | 96,607 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 327 | 108,173 mi | |
| 1996 | 67% | 78 | 86,421 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 Vauxhall Vectra
The 2008 Vauxhall Vectra is a family car. Our records list a 1910cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 18,793 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 117,989 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Vectra owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 Vauxhall Vectra Fuel Costs
The 1910cc 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 Vauxhall Vectra?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,511 (£209/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Vauxhall Vectra Reliability Trend
The Vauxhall Vectra has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 Vauxhall Vectra
At 18 years old, the Vauxhall Vectra 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 2000 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. With 18,793 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
What the 2008 Vauxhall Vectra Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 3,223 MOT tests on the 2008 Vauxhall Vectra that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Suspension44%
Same age: 41%
- Lights and electrics42%
Same age: 48%
- Brakes39%
Same age: 26% (fails on this more often)
- Tyres18%
Same age: 17%
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Vauxhall Vectra reliability, common problems and years to avoid
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 outAt 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 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 118k 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.
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 Vauxhall Vectra 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Vectra(2008) | 70% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,511 |
| Ford Focus(2009) | 74% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£283 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2010) | 67% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,428-£83 |
| MINI(2010) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078-£433 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£150 |
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 Vauxhall Vectra
Is the 2008 Vauxhall Vectra reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2008 Vauxhall Vectras ended in a pass, from 18,793 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2008 Vauxhall Vectra cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,511 a year (£209 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 Vauxhall Vectra?
70% of 18,793 MOT tests on the 2008 Vauxhall Vectra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 420th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (bottom half).
Which year Vauxhall Vectra has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2000 Vauxhall Vectra has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2004 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 Vauxhall Vectra?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Vauxhall Vectra is 117,989 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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