VOLKSWAGEN BORA (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 631 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
631
Avg Mileage
129,709 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 25 years old, 66% of VOLKSWAGEN BORAs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 631 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,709 miles.
How does the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA has 129,709 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN BORA?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN BORA by Year
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN BORA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA
The 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA is a family car with a 1984cc petrol engine. 631 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 88% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 129,709 miles at 25 years old, VOLKSWAGEN BORA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA Fuel Costs
The 1984cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN BORA Reliability Trend
The VOLKSWAGEN BORA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA
At 25 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN BORA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.
Alternatives to the 1999 VOLKSWAGEN BORA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2001) 68% pass rate (+2%) from 10,188 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+7%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 8,442 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2001) 70% pass rate (+4%) from 8,335 tests