Toyota

Toyota Verso (2008)

130 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.9% first-time pass rate

2008 Toyota Verso

CarHunch analysed 130 real MOT records for the 2008 Toyota Verso. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 2008 Toyota Verso has a 77.3% first-time pass rate, slightly below the UK average of 80%, which is a modest concern—but the real red flag is that 41.5% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above typical levels and suggesting buyers need to inspect carefully before purchase. This seven-year-old family MPV is averaging around 90,600 miles, which is reasonable for age, but each vehicle typically racks up 3.7 failures and 23.5 advisories per test, pointing to wear accumulating faster than average.

The high advisory count reflects the reality of an ageing seven-seater: suspension, lighting, and trim issues mount steadily as these vehicles mature. Before buying, insist on a full independent inspection focusing on braking systems, steering components, and seatbelt functionality—the dangerous-defect rate suggests these are the weak points on this generation.

We have limited data for the 2008 Toyota Verso — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
77.9%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
41.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
3.68
Over 16.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
91k
Middle half: 73k–107k
For context

These stats describe 130 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 130 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 79.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Tyre wear 49.1%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 36.7%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · …
Suspension & steering 27.8%
Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded · Offside Rear Coil spring corroded
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 130 Toyota Verso cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2008 Toyota Verso

Based on MOT data from 130 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 41.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (60%) 78 77.6% 3.68
Petrol (40%) 52 78.4% 3.69

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Toyota Verso vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

90,602
typical
73,232
low mileage
107,426
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Toyota Verso vehicles fall between 73,232 and 107,426 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 73,232 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
73,232–107,426 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Toyota Versos sit.
Over 145,025 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Toyota Verso — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 53% of 2008 Toyota Versos are still active.

63 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 53% of the peak remain.

118 63 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

16.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.68
Avg failures per vehicle
23.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Toyota Verso: All Verso years → Which year to buy? →
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Or browse all models: Toyota →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Toyota Verso stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing