Volkswagen California (2019)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,834 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,852

£154/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1968cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1,852/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel1968cc7 years old1,834 tests33k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; motorhomes are taxed differently

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,852

Per month£154/mo

Per week£36/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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

90% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Californias from 2019 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 5 years old. That's based on 1,834 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 32,886 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2019 models799th of 1,380(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models438th of 1,086(top half)

vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)

vs 2019 models average+0%(90% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+5%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

32,886

Average miles

37,000

Expected for age

The average 2019 Volkswagen California had 32,886 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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

2017 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,002/year

81%

-9%

Ford Transit Custom

2019 · 2000cc Diesel

£2,002/year

87%

-3%

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About the 2019 Volkswagen California

The 2019 Volkswagen California is a motorhome. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,834 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 32,886 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen California owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2019 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 2019 Volkswagen California?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,852 (£154/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2019 Volkswagen California

At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage.

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

Medium risk

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

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2019 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(2019)	90%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£1,852
Ford Transit(2017)	81%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£2,002+£150
Ford Transit Custom(2019)	87%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£2,002+£150

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 2019 Volkswagen California

Is the 2019 Volkswagen California reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2019 Volkswagen Californias ended in a pass, from 1,834 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2019 Volkswagen California cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,852 a year (£154 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2019 Volkswagen California?

90% of 1,834 MOT tests on the 2019 Volkswagen California ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 799th of 1,380 models first registered in 2019 (bottom 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 2019 Volkswagen California?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2019 Volkswagen California is 32,886 miles, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.