VOLKSWAGEN BORA (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 434 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1896cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1896cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 20 years old, 69% of VOLKSWAGEN BORAs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 434 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 136,602 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
136,602
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA has 136,602 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2006 sits between the two at 69%.
VOLKSWAGEN BORA by Year
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About the 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA
The 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA is a family car with a 1896cc diesel engine. 434 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 79% of 2006 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 136,602 miles at 20 years old, VOLKSWAGEN BORA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA Fuel Costs
The 1896cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA
At 20 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 137k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2006 VOLKSWAGEN BORA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN BORA(2006) | 69% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| FORD FIESTA(2007) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£567 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2007) | 71% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2008) | 70% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£567 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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