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VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA (2007)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 96 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,045

£170/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2460cc Diesel

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2460cc19 years old96 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2460cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2460cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,045
Per month£170/mo
Per week£39/wk

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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 19 years old, 83% of VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs from 2007 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 96 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,434 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2007 cars138th of 598(top 23%)
Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models691th of 1,118(top 62%)
vs national average+1%(82% avg)
vs 2007 cars average+10%(73% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-2%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,434

Average miles

vs

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2007 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has 115,434 miles on the clock, 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?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2007 sits between the two at 83%.

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202182%3424,384 mi
202089%16325,656 mi
201990%1,83432,886 mi
201889%1,91640,337 mi
201789%2,06948,374 mi
201686%1,49254,415 mi
201585%1,53859,638 mi
201484%1,29365,769 mi
201385%1,01973,000 mi
201281%1,03473,586 mi
201180%66777,345 mi
201081%58980,341 mi
200984%9986,953 mi
200882%11992,350 mi
200783%96115,434 mi
200682%6295,967 mi
200565%31130,050 mi
199168%31181,733 mi

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About the 2007 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

The 2007 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA is a large car with a 2460cc diesel engine. 96 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2007 cars for reliability.

With an average of 115,434 miles at 19 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2007 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 2007 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2007 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 96 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2007 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 115k 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.

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 2007 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA(2007)83%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2045
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£5
AUDI A4(2008)78%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£318
FORD MONDEO(2009)74%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£318

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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