Volkswagen California (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 31 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,841

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2460cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Diesel2460cc21 years old31 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2460cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,841

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

65% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Californias from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 31 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 130,050 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models469th of 504(bottom 8%)

Rank among Volkswagen models1055th of 1,086(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average-7%(72% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-20%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

130,050

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Volkswagen California had 130,050 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2005 scores 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

2007 · 2370cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+10%

Ford Transit

2007 · 2402cc Diesel

£2,641/year

70%

+5%

Vauxhall Vivaro

2007 · 1998cc Diesel

£2,427/year

68%

+3%

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About the 2005 Volkswagen California

The 2005 Volkswagen California is a motorhome. Our records list a 2460cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 31 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 8% of 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 130,050 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2005 Volkswagen California

At 21 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 130k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2005 Volkswagen California stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen California(2005)	65%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,841
Volkswagen Transporter(2007)	75%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200
Ford Transit(2007)	70%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200
Vauxhall Vivaro(2007)	68%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427-£414

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2005 Volkswagen California

Is the 2005 Volkswagen California reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2005 Volkswagen Californias ended in a pass, from 31 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Volkswagen California cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Volkswagen California?

65% of 31 MOT tests on the 2005 Volkswagen California ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 469th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 8%).

Which year Volkswagen California has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen California has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2011 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Volkswagen California?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Volkswagen California is 130,050 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.