CarCostCheck

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA (2012)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,034 real MOT tests in 2024.

Share:XFacebookWhatsApp

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests (2024)

1,034

Avg Mileage

73,586 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,900

Is the 2012 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 12 years old, 81% of VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,034 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,586 miles.

How does the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA compare?

Rank among all 2012 cars375th out of 685(top 55%)
Rank among all VOLKSWAGEN models739th out of 1,118(top 66%)
vs national average-1% (82% avg)
vs 2012 cars average+3% (78% avg)
vs VOLKSWAGEN average-4% (85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has 73,586 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2012 sits between the two at 81%.

How much does a 2012 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?

Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

The 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA is a large car with a 2460cc diesel engine. 1,034 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 73,586 miles at 12 years old, VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 2012 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 81% 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 2012 VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

At 12 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%.

Alternatives to the 2012 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: