Volkswagen California (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 34 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,002

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific Volkswagen California

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1968cc5 years old34 tests24k 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

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/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

82% 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.

82% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Californias from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 34 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 24,384 miles.

Got a Volkswagen California you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models3231st of 3,336(bottom 4%)

Rank among Volkswagen models717th of 1,086(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average-10%(92% avg)

vs Volkswagen average-3%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

24,384

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 Volkswagen California had 24,384 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific Volkswagen California?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2021 scores 82%. 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 Custom

2019 · 2000cc Diesel

£2,002/year

87%

+5%

Check a Specific Volkswagen California

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2021 Volkswagen California

The 2021 Volkswagen California is a motorhome. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 34 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 4% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 24,384 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen California owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2021 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 2021 Volkswagen California?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2021 Volkswagen California

At 5 years old, the Volkswagen California offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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

Low risk

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 2021 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(2021)	82%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£2,002
Ford Transit Custom(2019)	87%	£1,397	£200	n/a	£2,002same

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 2021 Volkswagen California

Is the 2021 Volkswagen California reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2021 Volkswagen Californias ended in a pass, from 34 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 Volkswagen California cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 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 2021 Volkswagen California?

82% of 34 MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen California ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3231st of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 4%).

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 2021 Volkswagen California?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen California is 24,384 miles, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.