VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,642 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests (2024)
1,642
Avg Mileage
36,156 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,550
Is the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 85% of VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,642 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,156 miles.
How does the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE has 36,156 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85% | 1,642 | 36,156 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 2,903 | 43,575 mi |
| 2016 | 82% | 4,498 | 52,150 mi |
| 2015 | 80% | 6,389 | 58,268 mi |
| 2014 | 79% | 7,334 | 65,889 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 9,521 | 74,053 mi |
| 2012 | 79% | 4,871 | 75,723 mi |
| 2011 | 74% | 1,296 | 77,381 mi |
| 2010 | 72% | 4,069 | 82,153 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 3,732 | 87,937 mi |
| 2008 | 68% | 5,007 | 93,584 mi |
| 2007 | 67% | 6,111 | 96,440 mi |
| 2006 | 67% | 6,520 | 102,252 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 6,429 | 102,064 mi |
| 2004 | 67% | 7,230 | 107,318 mi |
| 2003 | 65% | 5,254 | 108,762 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 2,479 | 106,749 mi |
| 2001 | 66% | 2,142 | 102,524 mi |
| 2000 | 66% | 1,513 | 103,321 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 134 | 78,457 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 70 | 66,190 mi |
| 1997 | 64% | 83 | 46,829 mi |
| 1991 | 47% | 38 | 34,927 mi |
| 1990 | 71% | 38 | 41,089 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE is a city car with a 1197cc petrol engine. 1,642 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 36,156 miles at 6 years old, VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Fuel Costs
The modest 1197cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,550 (£129/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
At 6 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Alternatives to the 2018 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2016) 81% pass rate (-4%) from 205,128 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-4%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (+2%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (+1%) from 100,176 tests