Volkswagen California (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,019 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1968cc13 years old1,019 tests73k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/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

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

85% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Californias from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 1,019 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 73,000 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models253rd of 588(top half)

Rank among Volkswagen models630th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+3%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average+5%(80% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+0%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

73,000

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Volkswagen California had 73,000 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2013 scores 85%. 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

Ford Transit

2015 · 2198cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

-7%

Vauxhall Vivaro

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

74%

-11%

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About the 2013 Volkswagen California

The 2013 Volkswagen California is a motorhome. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,019 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 73,000 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen California owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 Volkswagen California Fuel Costs

The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2013 Volkswagen California?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2013 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

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.

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.

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 2013 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(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,077
Ford Transit(2015)	78%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641+£564
Vauxhall Vivaro(2015)	74%	£1,219	£170	n/a	£1,944-£133

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 2013 Volkswagen California

Is the 2013 Volkswagen California reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2013 Volkswagen Californias ended in a pass, from 1,019 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Volkswagen California cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 Volkswagen California?

85% of 1,019 MOT tests on the 2013 Volkswagen California ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 253rd of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top half).

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 2013 Volkswagen California?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Volkswagen California is 73,000 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.