CarCostCheck

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA (2011)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 667 real MOT tests in 2024.

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests (2024)

667

Avg Mileage

77,345 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,900

Is the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.

At 13 years old, 80% of VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 667 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,345 miles.

How does the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA compare?

Rank among all 2011 cars325th out of 615(top 53%)
Rank among all VOLKSWAGEN models767th out of 1,118(top 69%)
vs national average-2% (82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average+3% (77% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-5% (85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has 77,345 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

How much does a 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA cost to run?

Fuel (Diesel, 2460cc)
£1,245
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,900
Per month£158/mo

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

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

Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?

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About the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

The 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA is a large car with a 2460cc diesel engine. 667 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 77,345 miles at 13 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,900 158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

At 13 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.

Alternatives to the 2011 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines: