VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 17,841 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
17,841
Avg Mileage
148,772 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 16 years old, 75% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 17,841 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 148,772 miles.
How does the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 148,772 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2008 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 96% | 115 | 28,795 mi |
| 2022 | 95% | 112 | 32,575 mi |
| 2021 | 88% | 2,883 | 48,544 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 3,693 | 51,051 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 10,401 | 64,414 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 17,765 | 78,744 mi |
| 2017 | 87% | 23,604 | 91,978 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 25,422 | 104,333 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 26,110 | 113,668 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 26,568 | 119,255 mi |
| 2013 | 79% | 22,147 | 127,390 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 25,128 | 136,337 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 30,407 | 143,692 mi |
| 2010 | 76% | 21,533 | 142,381 mi |
| 2009 | 77% | 21,442 | 142,464 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 17,841 | 148,772 mi |
| 2007 | 74% | 15,448 | 152,684 mi |
| 2006 | 72% | 10,368 | 152,502 mi |
| 2005 | 74% | 7,453 | 156,295 mi |
| 2004 | 73% | 6,247 | 161,943 mi |
| 2003 | 72% | 5,106 | 162,240 mi |
| 2002 | 72% | 3,237 | 159,288 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 1,897 | 161,435 mi |
| 2000 | 68% | 891 | 164,572 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,147 | 167,995 mi |
| 1998 | 71% | 946 | 154,291 mi |
| 1997 | 77% | 256 | 150,194 mi |
| 1996 | 84% | 142 | 140,487 mi |
| 1995 | 68% | 107 | 149,628 mi |
| 1994 | 73% | 86 | 126,099 mi |
| 1993 | 85% | 94 | 188,041 mi |
| 1992 | 76% | 83 | 145,928 mi |
| 1991 | 73% | 49 | 149,661 mi |
| 1990 | 81% | 54 | 146,491 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a family car with a 1984cc petrol engine. 17,841 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars 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 148,772 miles at 16 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1984cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 16 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 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 96%. With 17,841 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2009) 74% pass rate (-1%) from 105,193 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2010) 67% pass rate (-8%) from 60,994 tests
- MINI MINI (2010) 80% pass rate (+5%) from 59,218 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+5%) from 55,686 tests