2008 Toyota Vitz: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Toyota Vitz first registered in 2008: we looked at the 115 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 115 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2008 Toyota Vitz MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Toyota Vitz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension28% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres19% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes15% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints9% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Toyota Vitz
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Toyota Vitz?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota Vitz compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2019 | 124 | Lights and electrics 23% |
| 2018 | 314 | Tyres 11% |
| 2017 | 221 | Tyres 13% |
| 2015 | 127 | Tyres 17% |
| 2014 | 358 | Suspension 9% |
| 2013 | 897 | Suspension 15% |
| 2012 | 1,215 | Lights and electrics 17% |
| 2011 | 826 | Tyres 20% |
| 2010 | 194 | Lights and electrics 27% |
| 2009 | 229 | Lights and electrics 26% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Toyota Vitz cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score