Volkswagen Bora
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 8 model years from 11,129 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
73%
Total Tests
11,129
Highest Pass Rate
2003 (76%)
Years Covered
8
About the Volkswagen Bora
The Volkswagen Bora was MOT tested 11,129 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 8 model years (1999 to 2006), with an average pass rate of 73%. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 1,989 tests. The 1999 model has the lowest at 66%. The 10 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Volkswagen Bora has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1999) averages 129,709 miles, while the newest (2006) averages 136,602 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Bora is 12 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2006 detailsHow reliable is the Volkswagen Bora?
Volkswagen Bora by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volkswagen Bora
Is the Volkswagen Bora reliable?
Across its 8 model years in our data (1999 to 2006), the Volkswagen Bora averages a 73% MOT pass rate, from 11,129 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2003 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.
Which year Volkswagen Bora has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2003 Volkswagen Bora has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 66%, a 10 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Volkswagen Boras more reliable?
The Volkswagen Bora has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
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