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Official DVLA Record

2008 Toyota Corolla 2.2L Diesel · KW08 ACJ

KW08 ACJ

2008 Toyota Corolla (2.2L, diesel). First registered 25 Aug 2008. Recorded mileage 139,872 miles. MOT expired on 29 Sept 2025.

Make & Model
TOYOTA COROLLA
Year / Origin
2008 · Northampton
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 29 Sept 2025
Road Tax
Untaxed (10 Oct 2025)
Recorded Mileage
139,872 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.2L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 29 Sept 2025
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 10 Oct 2025
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2008
Engine
2231cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The 2008 Toyota Corolla shows a history of recurring mechanical wear consistent with a vehicle of its age. The most recent MOT test in September 2024 at 139,872 miles passed, following a failure just one mile prior. While the vehicle remains roadworthy, the record reveals a persistent trend of exhaust emissions and suspension degradation. Specifically, the exhaust has flagged for excessive smoke or vapour in 2019, 2022, and 2024, suggesting a long-term engine management-related issue that has not been fully addressed. At 139,872 miles over 18 years, the car averages approximately 7,700 miles per year, which is typical for a domestic vehicle. However, the data indicates periods of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. Between 2019 and 2024, the vehicle failed multiple tests due to avoidable items like blown bulbs, inoperative plate lamps, and de-regulated tyres with exposed cords. The presence of a child seat during several tests also caused inspection failures by preventing a full check of the adult belt, indicating a lack of preparation for the testing. The suspension and braking components require close attention. The tester noted oil misting on the nearside front shock absorbers in 2022 and 2023, and the offside front wheel bearing developed slight play by late 2024. While corrosion is present on the front and rear suspension components as of 2024, it was described as not seriously weakened. The rear sub-frame pins and bushes showed wear in 2022, indicating the rubber components are beginning to perish. A buyer should verify if the perishing rear tyres and the wheel bearing have been replaced since the 2024 advisory.
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KW08 ACJ Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 04/09/2024
  • 139,872 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

KW08 ACJ MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 16 Oct 2026, 20:15
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Toyota Corolla (KW08 ACJ) between September 2022 and September 2024.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 04 September 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Lighting (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 29 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps both (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

KW08 ACJ Mileage History

  1. 21/09/2022116,529 mi
  2. 22/09/2022116,530 mi+1 mi
  3. 26/09/2023130,505 mi+13,975 mi
  4. 04/09/2024139,871 mi+9,366 mi
  5. 04/09/2024139,872 mi+1 mi

Average of roughly 11,939 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
50
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
✓ Taxed
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
! Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
42/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 139,872 is signi...

Our Verdict

Exercise caution before purchasing this

When inspecting this vehicle, prioritise a thorough check of the exhaust system and emissions, as 'excessive smoke or vapour' has appeared in multiple MOT tests (2022 and 2024). You should also ask for evidence of recent work regarding the suspension, specifically addressing the corrosion noted on both front and rear components in the 2024 record.

Negotiate based on the documented advisories, such as the perishing rear tyre and the wheel bearing play. Ensure that the 'child seat' issue mentioned in every MOT record does not prevent a full inspection of the seatbelts and interior safety components during your viewing. Finally, verify if the oil leak noted in 2023 has been addressed, as recurring leaks can lead to more significant mechanical issues.

As a 2231cc diesel, this Corolla will likely sit in a mid-to-high insurance group and tax band compared to smaller petrol variants. Fuel economy should be reasonable for long-distance driving, but maintenance costs may be higher due to the age and the specific issues noted in the MOT history, such as shock absorbers and suspension bushes.

Expect typical maintenance costs for a diesel of this age, with particular attention needed for the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) or similar emissions systems given the recorded smoke issues. Annual running costs will be influenced heavily by your annual mileage and insurance profile.

A critical area of inspection is the underside of the vehicle. The MOT history shows a pattern of 'corroded' suspension components (front and rear) and a 'worn rear sub-frame pin or bush' in 2022. Check for significant structural rust that goes beyond the 'not seriously weakened' status noted in recent tests.

Additionally, inspect the suspension for signs of leaking oil, as 'misting' shock absorbers were flagged in 2022 and 2023. Check the tyres for cracking or perishing, as well as the wheel bearings, specifically the offside front, which was noted to have 'slight play' in September 2024. Finally, verify all exterior lighting, including the registration plate and position lamps, which have failed in previous tests.

This 2.2L diesel Toyota Corolla has covered 139,872 miles since its first registration in August 2008, which is significantly higher than the model average of 6,800 miles per year. The MOT history reveals a history of failures related to exhaust smoke, suspension components, and lighting. While it passed its most recent test in September 2024, the record shows several advisories regarding corrosion and tyre condition that require attention.

While the Toyota Corolla is generally reliable, aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 79.4%, with common failures involving headlamps, exhausts, and brakes.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns