Vauxhall Combo (2008)
2008 Vauxhall Combo
CarHunch analysed 15,608 real MOT records for the 2008 Vauxhall Combo. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2008 Vauxhall Combo's first-time MOT pass rate of 71.8% sits noticeably below the UK average of 80%, signalling below-average reliability for its age. More concerning, nearly half of these vehicles (46.4%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a serious red flag for buyers considering one of these vans.
With a median mileage of 88,034 miles, these Combos are running at typical wear for their age, yet they're averaging 4.57 failures and a hefty 23.6 advisories per test—suggesting structural or component weakness rather than exceptional abuse. Before purchasing, insist on a full service history and a pre-buy inspection focusing on the cooling system, suspension, and brakes, where serious faults cluster on this model.
What to check before buying a 2008 Vauxhall Combo
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 46.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Vauxhall Combo
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 15,388 | 71.9% | 4.57 |
| Petrol (1%) | 179 | 69.7% | 4.84 |
| LPG (0%) | 41 | 72.5% | 4.34 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Vauxhall Combo vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2008 Vauxhall Combo vehicles fall between 68,631 and 112,203 miles.
2008 Vauxhall Combo — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 3,969 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (28% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 Vauxhall Combo
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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74%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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51.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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50.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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43.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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40.1%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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39.4%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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36%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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29.7%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Vauxhall Combo?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.