How much does a 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), including £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?

The 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has a 72% MOT pass rate based on 3,010 tests in 2026. This ranks 399 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is most reliable?

The 1991 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 62%.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?

The average mileage for a 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is 130,113 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2008)

Q: Is the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 3,010 tests. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,010 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,625

£135/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£165

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £1625/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel1598cc18 years old3,010 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

~55 mpg

£905

Road Tax

Based on 1598cc

£165

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,625

Per month£135/mo

Per week£31/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 18 years old, 72% of VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,010 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 130,113 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars399th of 589(top 68%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models962th of 1,118(top 86%)

vs national average-10%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average-1%(73% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average-13%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

130,113

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA has 130,113 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 1991 model with a 87% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2008 sits between the two at 72%.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	90%	40	62,425 mi
2017	81%	593	59,639 mi
2016	82%	1,321	75,513 mi
2015	80%	2,021	83,208 mi
2014	78%	1,754	96,885 mi
2013	77%	1,876	100,152 mi
2012	78%	2,074	113,174 mi
2011	78%	1,645	116,779 mi
2010	79%	1,138	113,968 mi
2009	77%	1,967	118,308 mi
2008	72%	3,010	130,113 mi
2007	74%	3,885	133,468 mi
2006	74%	3,004	135,613 mi
2005	62%	66	148,664 mi
1991	87%	217	126,890 mi
1990	82%	157	126,764 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2009 · 1398cc Diesel

£1,490/year

72%

same

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

+2%

VAUXHALL CORSA

2009 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,490/year

73%

+1%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

77%

+5%

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About the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

The 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA is a small family car with a 1598cc diesel engine. 3,010 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 falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 130,113 miles at 18 years old, VOLKSWAGEN JETTA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Fuel Costs

The 1598cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,625 (£135/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA Reliability Trend

Newer VOLKSWAGEN JETTAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA

At 18 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 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 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 87%.

Common Issues to Watch For

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

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 130k 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 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA(2008)	72%	£905	£165	Grp 12-25	£1625
FORD FIESTA(2009)	72%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727+£102
VAUXHALL CORSA(2009)	73%	£905	£30	Grp 8-20	£1490-£135
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010)	77%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727+£102

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.