2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Volkswagen Fox MOT pass rate and common faults

4,208 MOT tests in 2024. 49.5% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time49.5%
Failed or needed repairs50.4%
Typical mileage at test83,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,208 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.2%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.2%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.6%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.4%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.1%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.9%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8%
  10. Stop lamp: not working3.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics37.6%
  2. Suspension27.0%
  3. Body & chassis18.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks17.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)16.3%
  6. Brakes14.6%
  7. Tyres8.2%
  8. Steering4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.8%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.4%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened10.3%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.3%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2008 Volkswagen Fox cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 15)49.3%4,702 tests
2024 pass rate (age 16)49.5%4,208 tests
Change in one year+0.2 pointsaverage car: −0.5 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2008 Volkswagen Fox is ageing about the same as an average car.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Volkswagen Fox?

In 2024, 49.5% of 2008 Volkswagen Fox cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,208 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Volkswagen Fox?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Fox reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2008 Volkswagen Fox getting worse with age?

In 2023, 49.3% passed first time. In 2024, 49.5% passed (+0.2 points). An average car that age changed by −0.5 points, so the 2008 Volkswagen Fox is ageing about the same as average.