VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 31 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Total Tests (2024)
31
Avg Mileage
130,050 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,250
Is the 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 19 years old, 65% of VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 130,050 miles.
How does the 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has 130,050 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2005 sits between the two at 65%.
How much does a 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA 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 CALIFORNIA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82% | 34 | 24,384 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 163 | 25,656 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 1,834 | 32,886 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 1,916 | 40,337 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 2,069 | 48,374 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 1,492 | 54,415 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 1,538 | 59,638 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 1,293 | 65,769 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 1,019 | 73,000 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 1,034 | 73,586 mi |
| 2011 | 80% | 667 | 77,345 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 589 | 80,341 mi |
| 2009 | 84% | 99 | 86,953 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 119 | 92,350 mi |
| 2007 | 83% | 96 | 115,434 mi |
| 2006 | 82% | 62 | 95,967 mi |
| 2005 | 65% | 31 | 130,050 mi |
| 1991 | 68% | 31 | 181,733 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA
The 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA is a large car with a 2460cc diesel engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 93% of 2005 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 130,050 miles at 19 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Fuel Costs
The 2460cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,250 (£188/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA
At 19 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2005 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- HONDA CIVIC (2007) 72% pass rate (+7%) from 45,025 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2007) 75% pass rate (+10%) from 27,476 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2005) 78% pass rate (+13%) from 24,924 tests
- FORD MONDEO (2007) 71% pass rate (+6%) from 22,117 tests